Ohio state " buckeyes " 2011 / 2012 season.

[THE OHIO STATE]

Re: Ohio state " buckeyes " 2011 / 2012 season.

Heeter gave up two soft goals today and that put the game out of reach. Hjelle looked solid. It does make you wonder if maybe Heeter needs a break. We really need to get this ship righted and get back to the way we were playing before the break. I am also seeing a disturbing trend on offense where we are not passing the puck. We had guys going down on odd man rushes and holding onto the puck all the way instead of passing to an open man for shots. We don't seem to be playing together on that end of the ice. I also didn't see guys crashing the net to get those greasy goals that we were getting earlier this season. We need to get things figured out. We've had too good a season to throw it away with a second half meltdown. We closed the break on an 11-1-1 streak. We need to start another run like that this half of the season.

I hear ya and that's what I saw also. Both Friday & Sundays game attack plan was not working against Michigan. I knew Michigan and most of the other teams we played in the first half would be alot better in the second half because we won alot of them games with mostly Freshmen & Seniors. You can't beat most teams in the second half of the season just on playing alot of Freshmen.

It's great to see that we have a very good backup Goalie in Brady Hjelle as he should be the main goalie next year. It doesn't hurt to give him a start a few time this year also. I would like to see him get more starts this year to see how good he really is. This also would start a fire under Goalie Cal Heeters butt to push him.

Like I said after the Christmas break , we need to prove that were a #2 team now in the second half when other teams have improved. You want that hot winning streak like we had in the first half after the Christmas break and toward the end of the season and heading into the playoffs. Did we PEAK to early? " GO BUCKS GO. "

 

[THE OHIO STATE]

Re: Ohio state " buckeyes " 2011 / 2012 season.

Anyone know what attendance was?

25,865 according to the Cleveland ,OH paper. I talked to the ticket sales on Saturday at fan fest & they said that as of 3pm there was about 32,000 tickets sold. The Baseball stadium holds about 43 ,000 seats. What a BEAUTIFUL day & night it was. I would rather have the cold than the snow on a outdoor hockey game. It was AWESOME as I remember playing outdoor hockey as a youth player.

The only BUMMER was the wrong team won this weekend. LOL.

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/index.ssf/2012/01/michigan_defeats_ohio_state_4-.html

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Ohio state " buckeyes " 2011 / 2012 season.

But Ohio has great coaching and solid young talent too. You will be just fine.

How gracious. Let me be the first to say that Eastern Michigan also has outstanding coaching and talent.

Now, we better stop teasing each other before teacher takes away our sippy cups.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Future Outdoor Games

Future Outdoor Games

We may not have liked the final score, but as an event the Frozen Diamond Classic seemed to be very successful. What outdoor door games would you like to see in the future?

A conversation along these lines started on the Michigan thread, but I thought the subject would be best discussed here. From the other thread: Hockeye Buckeye proposed an Ohio State/Michigan Hockey game in the Horseshoe. alfablue suggested several possibilities, including a BG/Ohio State match-up at Progressive Field. Personally I opined that I'd like to play someone other than Michigan in the next outdoor game. My wish list would include Michigan State, Notre Dame or Penn State. Note that it would be very helpful if the opponent could bring along a good number of fans. There would be a lot of tickets to sell in either Cleveland or Columbus.

Your thoughts?

 

[Hockeybuckeye]

Re: Future Outdoor Games

Re: Future Outdoor Games

We may not have liked the final score, but as an event the Frozen Diamond Classic seemed to be very successful. What outdoor door games would you like to see in the future?

A conversation along these lines started on the Michigan thread, but I thought the subject would be best discussed here. From the other thread: Hockeye Buckeye proposed an Ohio State/Michigan Hockey game in the Horseshoe. alfablue suggested several possibilities, including a BG/Ohio State match-up at Progressive Field. Personally I opined that I'd like to play someone other than Michigan in the next outdoor game. My wish list would include Michigan State, Notre Dame or Penn State. Note that it would be very helpful if the opponent could bring along a good number of fans. There would be a lot of tickets to sell in either Cleveland or Columbus.

Your thoughts?

As I mentioned in the other thread OSU seems not to be against another outdoor game but there needs to be a way to cover costs if we host it. TV coverage and sponsorship accomplish this but we don't have the program where it needs to be yet to have it in as large a venue as the horseshoe so where else would be possible? Perhaps for us to participate in the near future we may need to be invited to play in someone elses outdoor game. If we do ever play one in the horseshoe I think the only logical opponent to get the number of spectators we need and media coverage has to be Michigan. Miami is a good in state rival but I just don't think you'll get the numbers playing them outdoors, however if Miami put a rink on their football field for us to play them I'd probably go watch but I doubt they have the money for it as it's not cheap. The projected cost for us to host a hockey game in the shoe is one million dollars!! Gene Smith makes that in a year so maybe we could swing it if we trim his salary back? lol!

 

[alfablue]

Re: Future Outdoor Games

Re: Future Outdoor Games

Just to clarify "in a month or so" comment on our thread.

What that means is more if whatever funk that may start or was exposed during this past weekend- good coaches seem to fix it well in about a month of play. (Unless it's really bad, like our general defensive zone play- that's taken all season to get better so far).

Michigan exposed some weaknesses that I think your coach is capable of fixing. You didn't get to lead the CCHA by a fluke.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Ohio state " buckeyes " 2011 / 2012 season.

OK, I see what you're saying. But the Buckeyes don't need a complete overhaul. By overhaul I mean new systems, dramatically different line combinations and the like.

My take on the series is that the Buckeyes met a very focused Wolverine team firing on all cylinders. In particular, the Michigan 'D' took away a lot of time and space. Yes, we got a good number of shots. But many of those shots were of the low percentage variety, coming from long range. In addition, we didn't do a very good job of creating traffic in front of the net. So while Hunwick was outstanding, a significant number of his saves were rather routine.

The lesson I take from the series is that if the Buckeyes want to win the biggest games on the biggest stages, we need to step things up a level across the board: focus, intensity, execution. The desire was there, yet we were a bit tentative all weekend long. But do we need to tear things down and go back to square one? I really don't think so.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Future Outdoor Games

Re: Future Outdoor Games

As I mentioned in the other thread OSU seems not to be against another outdoor game but there needs to be a way to cover costs if we host it. TV coverage and sponsorship accomplish this but we don't have the program where it needs to be yet to have it in as large a venue as the horseshoe so where else would be possible? Perhaps for us to participate in the near future we may need to be invited to play in someone elses outdoor game.

Whether the Indians want to sponsor another Frozen Diamond Classic is their call, of course. But if so, I'm all in favor of participating again. In a way, it's the best of both worlds. Someone else is taking most of the financial risk, yet it's a home game in many respects. Don't forget that OSU Athletics has many fans in NE Ohio, and giving them a Buckeye event close to home is definitely a good thing.

As for the possibility of another school hosting on-campus, that's pretty much out of our control. But if we get such an invite, sure -- let's jump at it!

If we do ever play one in the horseshoe I think the only logical opponent to get the number of spectators we need and media coverage has to be Michigan. Miami is a good in state rival but I just don't think you'll get the numbers playing them outdoors, however if Miami put a rink on their football field for us to play them I'd probably go watch but I doubt they have the money for it as it's not cheap. The projected cost for us to host a hockey game in the shoe is one million dollars!! Gene Smith makes that in a year so maybe we could swing it if we trim his salary back? lol!

An outdoor game in Ohio Stadium would be awesome, but I agree that it's a ways off. If and when it happens, it does makes sense for Michigan to be the "first choice" opponent. But I wouldn't go so far as to say that Michigan is the only possible visiting team. I think Michigan State would work very nicely; other schools might too.

Another option would be to play a double-header. Four schools could participate. Costs might be split among 4 schools instead of 2, and you'd have 4 fanbases to help fill the seats. The extra overhead would be small, and the potential for increased revenue is definitely there. You're probably correct that a Miami/OSU outdoor game, by itself, isn't financially viable. But add a couple more teams to the event and maybe the numbers work.

 

[MGoBlueHockey]

Re: Ohio state " buckeyes " 2011 / 2012 season.

Your dreaming if you think Michigan sweeps that series next month. See you in a month's time.

Dreams do come true I called it.

Michigan is a completely different team with Merrill back, and I couldn't be more happy to welcome him back home to Ann Arbor.

Seriously though, don't be discouraged and think your team is bad. I'm sure the players on ohio really appreciate that the friday game in columbus was practically sold out, which I don't ever remember that arena selling out for hockey. It could be that your boys just don't know how to handle the big stage or having all of the pressure on them to win.

I respect the ohio hockey fans on here because you guys didn't let the first place lead in the conference go to your heads for the most part. I'm really starting to get irritated with the western idiots throwing their dicks around because they are one point away from the lead. Also I never hear the end of Michigan losing to them in the conference tournament semis last season. They get so much mileage out of ONE win. At least you guys seem down to earth.

Good luck against them next month. For anyone going to Lawson, if they talk trash, just remind them that they got rejected from Michigan AND state. That seems to work usually and makes them pipe down.

 

[osualum86]

Re: Ohio state " buckeyes " 2011 / 2012 season.

OK, I see what you're saying. But the Buckeyes don't need a complete overhaul. By overhaul I mean new systems, dramatically different line combinations and the like.

My take on the series is that the Buckeyes met a very focused Wolverine team firing on all cylinders. In particular, the Michigan 'D' took away a lot of time and space. Yes, we got a good number of shots. But many of those shots were of the low percentage variety, coming from long range. In addition, we didn't do a very good job of creating traffic in front of the net. So while Hunwick was outstanding, a significant number of his saves were rather routine.

The lesson I take from the series is that if the Buckeyes want to win the biggest games on the biggest stages, we need to step things up a level across the board: focus, intensity, execution. The desire was there, yet we were a bit tentative all weekend long. But do we need to tear things down and go back to square one? I really don't think so.

Your last paragraph basically sums up what I took away from this past weekend. Yes, our coaching staff needs to tweak some things, but it's not completely broken. Everything is correctable.

 

[osualum86]

Re: Ohio state " buckeyes " 2011 / 2012 season.

Dreams do come true I called it.

Michigan is a completely different team with Merrill back, and I couldn't be more happy to welcome him back home to Ann Arbor.

Seriously though, don't be discouraged and think your team is bad. I'm sure the players on ohio really appreciate that the friday game in columbus was practically sold out, which I don't ever remember that arena selling out for hockey. It could be that your boys just don't know how to handle the big stage or having all of the pressure on them to win.

I respect the ohio hockey fans on here because you guys didn't let the first place lead in the conference go to your heads for the most part. I'm really starting to get irritated with the western idiots throwing their dicks around because they are one point away from the lead. Also I never hear the end of Michigan losing to them in the conference tournament semis last season. They get so much mileage out of ONE win. At least you guys seem down to earth.

Good luck against them next month. For anyone going to Lawson, if they talk trash, just remind them that they got rejected from Michigan AND state. That seems to work usually and makes them pipe down.

Did the Bobcats start a varsity hockey program? I thought they were still just a club team. Seriously, the reason we're down to earth about our team and its accomplishments so far is we got off to a decent start last season, then had a second-half meltdown. Right now we're all holding our breaths, hoping it's not Groundhog Day. In regard to the Friday attendance, the game wasn't really "practically soldout" as the Schott holds 17,500 for hockey. It was the biggest crowd this season, though, and as you said, I am sure the guys were appreciative. As far as our guys not knowing how to win on the big stage, I'll probably have to agree to disagree with you on that as we swept UM earlier this season at Yost Ice Arena, which I consider a big stage in college hockey. We also swept a couple of other teams that are ranked. We definitely need to get out of this funk that we're in. It's a short drop from the penthouse to the outhouse!

 

[----]

Re: Ohio state " buckeyes " 2011 / 2012 season.

Well.... got back to KC late last night... boy that was a sh*t show! I would have atleast taken some competitive hockey!

 

[Hockeybuckeye]

Re: Future Outdoor Games

Re: Future Outdoor Games

Another option would be to play a double-header. Four schools could participate. Costs might be split among 4 schools instead of 2, and you'd have 4 fanbases to help fill the seats. The extra overhead would be small, and the potential for increased revenue is definitely there. You're probably correct that a Miami/OSU outdoor game, by itself, isn't financially viable. But add a couple more teams to the event and maybe the numbers work.

You'd need some military grade longjohns to be able to sit through back to back outdoor games. Brrrr!

 

[MUhawks628]

Re: Future Outdoor Games

Re: Future Outdoor Games

Miami is a good in state rival but I just don't think you'll get the numbers playing them outdoors, however if Miami put a rink on their football field for us to play them I'd probably go watch but I doubt they have the money for it as it's not cheap. The projected cost for us to host a hockey game in the shoe is one million dollars!! Gene Smith makes that in a year so maybe we could swing it if we trim his salary back? lol!

I've always thought Miami/OSU at Yager would be a great time, but realistically they would have to charge everyone (students included) $60-$70 a piece to make it worthwhile and as you mentioned, we don't have the cash to risk the event not selling out at those prices.

Apparently we are on the short list with Notre Dame to be the sideshow for Wisconsin/Minnesota at Solider Field next year. That's going to be cold...

 

[Hockeybuckeye]

Re: Future Outdoor Games

Re: Future Outdoor Games

I've always thought Miami/OSU at Yager would be a great time, but realistically they would have to charge everyone (students included) $60-$70 a piece to make it worthwhile and as you mentioned, we don't have the cash to risk the event not selling out at those prices.

Apparently we are on the short list with Notre Dame to be the sideshow for Wisconsin/Minnesota at Solider Field next year. That's going to be cold...

If Miami did want to host a Miami-OSU outdoor game TV coverage would certainly defer much of the cost if you could get a good contract with whatever network that broadcasts it.

 

[MUhawks628]

Re: Future Outdoor Games

Re: Future Outdoor Games

If Miami did want to host a Miami-OSU outdoor game TV coverage would certainly defer much of the cost if you could get a good contract with whatever network that broadcasts it.

ONN?

 

[Hockeybuckeye]

Re: Future Outdoor Games

Re: Future Outdoor Games

ONN?

lol! I'd need to wear my reading glasses!

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Future Outdoor Games

Re: Future Outdoor Games

You'd need some military grade longjohns to be able to sit through back to back outdoor games. Brrrr!

Top-of-the-line longjohns are appropriate apparel for the single game format as well.

I'd expect that many fans, if not most, would attend one game or the other as opposed to both. Others might come early or stay late to catch a bit of the "other" game. The true diehards would attend both games and get a great value. The rest at least have the freedom to choose. But note that all of this also describes the NCAA Regional Semi-Finals when the stakes are higher and the games are indoors.

Again, the reason for scheduling 2 games is to increase ticket sales without significantly increasing costs. If you're really worried about fans being out in the cold too long, the games could be scheduled on two consecutive days. That probably wouldn't have a big payoff financially. Fans unwillingly sit in the cold and take in a second game for free probably wouldn't stay overnight and buy additional tickets. But perhaps a two day format would make for a better event.

 

[THE OHIO STATE]

Re: Future Outdoor Games

Re: Future Outdoor Games

The BUCKS need to get pumped up for this weekend games and forget the past. They need to start thinking about getting all the points they can from now until the playoffs. " GO BUCKEYES GO. "

 

[MGoBlueHockey]

Re: Ohio state " buckeyes " 2011 / 2012 season.

Did the Bobcats start a varsity hockey program? I thought they were still just a club team. Seriously, the reason we're down to earth about our team and its accomplishments so far is we got off to a decent start last season, then had a second-half meltdown. Right now we're all holding our breaths, hoping it's not Groundhog Day. In regard to the Friday attendance, the game wasn't really "practically soldout" as the Schott holds 17,500 for hockey. It was the biggest crowd this season, though, and as you said, I am sure the guys were appreciative. As far as our guys not knowing how to win on the big stage, I'll probably have to agree to disagree with you on that as we swept UM earlier this season at Yost Ice Arena, which I consider a big stage in college hockey. We also swept a couple of other teams that are ranked. We definitely need to get out of this funk that we're in. It's a short drop from the penthouse to the outhouse!

I meant big stage as in being ranked #2 in the country, playing in front of a large crowd at home. I had full confidence in Michigan winning the outdoor game, simply because the guys have experience in them and don't (shouldn't at least) have first time jitters unless they're freshman.

IMO, ferris state is a sacrificial lamb. I learned awhile ago to never buy into the ferris hype because they NEVER come through. So I think ohio will sweep this weekend.