And Boom Goes the Dynamite!!!
Pgb, enjoying your top ten from the Frozen Four, keep those coming!
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Ohio State Buckeyes 2023-24 The Muzzinator Gonna Muzzinate!!
- Thread starter Hockeybuckeye
- Start date
And Boom Goes the Dynamite!!!
Pgb, enjoying your top ten from the Frozen Four, keep those coming!
Will do.
I have had some trouble with the "busy server" this week. I've also spent more than a little time watching the Men's Hockey Regionals. But I'll persevere and complete the full list as planned.
Thanks for reading!
Top 10 Memories
of the
2024 Frozen Four
#4 My 10 Seconds With The Trophy
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2024 Frozen Four
#4 My 10 Seconds With The Trophy
While meaningful to me, this one probably shouldn't be so high on the list. But here goes. Focus on the end of the evening, on Championship Sunday.
We had just finished our Victory Meal at Clark's American Bistro. (See Memory #8) The restaurant is located in the middle of the Main Street Business District. I volunteered to retrieve the car, which was parked back at The Whitt. Good choice. Sometimes good deeds get rewarded. Like this time.
My expectation? A routine walk. But guess who I met coming from the opposite direction? Our favorite team, all wearing their jerseys, brandishing the National Championship Trophy. I had the presence of mind to request a cell phone photo. The players generously insisted that I join the photo. Multiple pictures were taken. They turned out well. Now that's a World Class Keepsake!
Confidential to Jenn & Delaney: Thank you so much for the photo op. It meant a lot.
I'm not sure if the players were on their way to an organized celebration, or were staging a Victory Parade down Main Street. Or both. Anyhow, the moment was passing quickly. It occurred to me that I had about 50 things to thank this group for; it truly was a season for the ages. All I managed to blurt out was: "Hadley, Get Well Soon." (from the knee injury) She seemed to appreciate it. But then the parade -- which included the injured Ms. Hartmetz -- marched on.
Brief Moment; Meaningful Memory.
Top 10 Memories
of the
2024 Frozen Four
#3 The Most Outstanding Player Of The 2024 Frozen Four Is Raygan Kirk!
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2024 Frozen Four
#3 The Most Outstanding Player Of The 2024 Frozen Four Is Raygan Kirk!
All of the goalies at the Frozen Four were great. But Who's The Greatest Of Them All? Raygan Kirk!!
Kirk certainly has the stats to back up my claim. Against Wisconsin, Raygan was a perfect 26 for 26. For the three NCAA games, she had 58 Saves on 59 Shots. That's a Save Percentage of 98.3%. I could almost stop there. But there's a richer story to tell. You need to hear about all of the dynamic Wisconsin shooters Kirk faced down, prevailing every time.
1st Period Highlights:
Early on, Marianne Picard had a nice opportunity from mid-range. But the ultra-focused Kirk made a calm, easy save.
The always dangerous KK Harvey got off a close range shot. Result? Save, no rebound.
2nd Period Highlights:
Badger Captain Britta Curl lauched a rocket; Raygan simply turned it aside.
Sharpshooters Kirsten Simms and KK Harvey each took shots from the point that somehow navigated the traffic, and made it all the way to the net. Tricky shots to handle? Oh yeah. But nothing doing for the shooters.
Perhaps the best Badger scoring chance came late in the second period, on a Casey O'Brien breakaway. Casey was thinking 5 Hole. Raygan slammed her left pad to the ice. 5 Hole? What 5 Hole? And with her pad flush to the ice, she also took away the lower right hand corner. Kirk was truly in the zone.
3rd Period Highlights:
Sarah Wozniewicz thought she'd try the 7 Hole. But there was no space to be found. The only thing under the arm was armour.
Picard tried a different tactic, playing for a wrap-around. No dice.
O'Brien came charging up the left wing, and got off a medium range blast. Kirk completely smothered the left post, totally taking away the short side option. Great read and a dominating save.
As time was winding down, Vivian Jungels sent a missile to the Buckeye net. You might say that Raygan was an anti-ballistic missile system on that one.
That accounts for 10 of the saves. I believe I've made my point. Kirk confronted a veritable murderer's row of offensive talent, yet came away with a clean scoresheet.
Top 10 Memories
of the
2024 Frozen Four
#2 Celebration and Redemption
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2024 Frozen Four
#2 Celebration and Redemption
Celebration
When the National Title was won, we had ourselves a party. Let me count the ways:
1. Final Horn Yard Sale
2. Hug Pile On The Goalie
3. Hoisting The Trophy
4. Countless Hugs
5. More Than A Few Tears Of Joy
6. On-Ice Luminaries
7. Multiple Team Pictures
8. Hockey Vultures Picking A Goal Cage Clean
9. The Ceremonial Dousing Of The Head Coach
10. Sticks & Pucks Shared With Grateful Buckeye Fans At The Exit Tunnel
That's a Top 10 List all its own! Not that any of this is especially original. But I do believe we checked all of the boxes.
I would be remiss if I didn't give kudos and thanks to the UNH Arena Staff. They tolerated a very LONG on-ice celebration. They could have said: "We're tired, we want to go home, get off the ice." Instead, they let the celebration be. Just one more example of good hosting.
First Redemption
The 2018 Frozen Four featured the same four teams, and the same semi-final match-ups. Lots of parity that year; any of the four teams could have won that tournament. The Buckeyes came close to prevailing in the semi.
If OSU Women's Hockey had a Mt. Rushmore, Jincy Dunne would be on it. That night in 2018, a majestic Jincy shot found the twine. But there was no goal. Now I have ZERO interest in re-litigating "The Call." But any fair-minded person can understand that when that shot didn't count, it was crushingly disappointing.
Eventually Clarkson won in OT, and deservedly so. Nevertheless, reversing the 2018 result at the same stage of the tournament meant something. The fact that a Dunne Sister put the explanation point on the win is a thing of literary beauty.
Redemption.
Second Redemption
Playing for 2024 WCHA Final Face-Off Title, the Buckeyes played one of their worst games of the season. Obviously an outstanding Badger effort had a lot to do with that. But for us, the question became, how would the players respond? The answer? With three of their very best games.
More Redemption.
Third Redemption
I've been involved in sports all my life. But very few experiences have been as painful as losing the 2023 National Championship Game. And I was just a fan in the stands.
The 2024 Title Game gave Ohio State a remarkable opportunity for redemption. Same Stakes; Same Match-Up. The two teams that were the very best -- all year long.
The downside risk wasn't lost of me. Lose again, and it would have been an extraordinarily long trip back to Columbus. For all of us. But the chance to win was tantalizing. And the possibility of perfect symmetry; winning 1-0? Perhaps the most intoxicating prospect of all. It happened.
Redemption To The Max.
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Good catch by you.
Like '86, I didn't see the deflection live. It wasn't even clear on the first video replay. But watching my recording in slow motion, viewing the second replay, you can tell the puck ramps up Wheeler's stick.
There was a lot of pace on that shot. And on that kind of deflection, the pace can actually increase off the tip. Making it virtually impossible for the keeper to react in time. And virtually impossible for those of us in the stands to detect it at all.
I'm not going to 100% endorse the phrase "tough bounces." In this day and age, players are taught to block every shot, all the time, no matter what. Playing it that way means that you're taking a calculated risk when blocking a shot. The smart money does indeed indicate that the block should be attempted. But in this case, that calculated risk backfired. Joy put up a stiff shot. The defense responded normally. The normal defense didn't work out. But it's not like the puck hit a bad spot in the boards.
Again, you've made a very nice contribution to the conversation. Welcome to the Board!
Top 10 Memories
of the
2024 Frozen Four
#1 Great Joy In The Championship Game
This isn't any great mystery. You've already figured out that the most memorable goal of the title game was the only goal in the title game. As one of the great moments in Ohio State Hockey History, this one is worth remembering in detail, in all its glory.of the
2024 Frozen Four
#1 Great Joy In The Championship Game
With 7:31 left in the 3rd Period, the Badgers iced the puck. Timeout, Wisconsin. It's my belief -- and only my belief -- that during the stoppage. the Badger Coaches called for a stretch pass play to Britta Curl.
OSU won the ensuing face-off, but UW quickly regained possession. There was Lacey Eden with the puck, in the corner, on the end line. With precision suggesting a set play, Eden rifled a long range pass to Curl, who received it in stride. I distinctly recall thinking: "This is trouble."
Cayla Barnes to the rescue. Swooping in like a superhero, Cayla curled around Curl, stole the puck, and departed on a counter-attack. All in one fluid motion.
Brilliant, Brilliant Read by Cayla -- who had skated all the way from right point on offense to a left 'D' position, in order to make the play.
Next came the head man pass to Hannah Bilka. Hannah carried the puck into the zone, drifting toward the right wing boards. That had the desired effect of pulling one of the Badger defenders in same direction.
Meanwhile, Joy Dunne was criss-crossing behind Bilka. Joy received Hannah's pass near the top of the right wing face-off circle. Remember that Dunne shoots left-handed, thus giving her a better angle on the net. Before Joy got to the face-off dot, she released the blazing shot. Courtesy of benchwarmer5, we know Dunne's shot was deflected by a Badger defender, turning the puck into blazing magic. Buckeye Goal. BUCKEYE GOAL!!
My reaction? An explosion of ecstasy & relief. A Buckeye Battle Cry that I save for the biggest games. Granted, closing out the game was no gimme. But the moment I'll always remember most is Joy Dunne's goal.
Top 10 Memories
of the
2024 Frozen Four
Epilogue
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2024 Frozen Four
Epilogue
If you made it through all 10 Memories, sincere thanks for your perseverance. I know these posts took too long. Guess I had a lot to say.
Is Ohio State Women's Hockey Now A Dynasty? Geez, I don't know. That's a little bold for my taste.
Then again, ESPN broadcast a Britta Curl comment claiming that since the Badgers have made 3 Title Games in 5 Years, they're a dynasty. She was actually being a little modest. It was actually 3 Title Games in 4 Years. The cancelled covid tournament in 2020 doesn't count against anyone. With 2024 now complete, it's 4 of 5, of course.
But you know what? The Buckeyes have now met the 3 title games in 4 years standard. Heck, if you start in 2022, it's actually 3 of 3. So according to the Curl Doctrine, both the Buckeyes and the Badgers are dynasties. Who am I to disagree?
Obviously the Badgers have a longer legacy than we do. Work will continue on closing that gap. The Journey's been a lot of fun so far. The one thing I am prepared to guarantee is that the fun will continue. Go Bucks!
robertearle
Well-known member
Championships in two out of three years is good, but if you look at the history of NCAA championships, it's actually the "minimum" or "least" that has been done; when teams have gotten good, they've stayed good for a while.
Three in a row (Duluth), followed by two in a row (Minnesota), followed by three out of four and four out of six (Wisconsin), overlapping with two out of three (Duluth), followed by four out of five (Minnesota), overlapping with three out of five (Clarkson), followed by three out of four (Wisconsin), overlapping with OSU's current two out of three.
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Muzzy's coaching performance this year was outstanding - not just in transfer portal recruiting. A ridiculous collection of recruited talent, but getting a roster of first-liners from various schools to buy in and embrace their roles is tough to do.
Next year is a very different coaching challenge. Before any transfers, her roster will be significantly weaker than this year's and will require first-year players to play big minutes (some of whom, in my opinion, are not ready for WCHA play). I'm guessing she will strengthen the roster via the portal, but there is nowhere near the same level of talent available. If she continues the run and wins next year, she has my vote for coach of the decade.
Next year is a very different coaching challenge. Before any transfers, her roster will be significantly weaker than this year's and will require first-year players to play big minutes (some of whom, in my opinion, are not ready for WCHA play). I'm guessing she will strengthen the roster via the portal, but there is nowhere near the same level of talent available. If she continues the run and wins next year, she has my vote for coach of the decade.
is there someone you think is a favorite to win it all next year, based on current rosters and assuming (correctly or not) osu will get best portal talent?
Wisconsin
Hockeybuckeye
Well-known member
I know who we have coming in and what gaps needs filled yet. Wisconsin will have a tough time getting past us and I'm reasonable certain we won't lose a single game on home ice.
Every example you cite is relevant and reasonable. That is, if I were seriously claiming that the current Buckeye run qualifies as a dynasty. Speaking only for myself, I'm really not. I overtly said that word was a little too bold. I suppose your summary is as good a way as any to put the current collection of Buckeye achievements into historical context.
Let me offer this translation of my original post:
Hey, here's what Britta Curl said! Turns out we Buckeyes can feel good about ourselves after all!
The "Dynasty Debate" was intentionally omitted from my Top 10 List. I can I honestly say it wouldn't make my current Top 25 List either. (Don't worry, I'm not going there.) Using an afterword, I was just trying to nudge aside what I regard as nothing more than a discordant note.
My bad for trying to harmonize.
Well, that's an appealing dream. I expect a successful 2024-25. But I'd be shocked if "undefeated at home" came true.
Eddie Schorr
Member
If Ohio State wins it next year, I'll be ready to throw the dynasty word around. That will be two straight, three out of four, four straight championship game appearances and five frozen fours in a row along with long stretches of being atop the polls over that period.
robertearle
Well-known member
Maybe you guys can help me out with something:
I see Quinn Kuntz listed in the portal, with one year eligibility remaining. But looking at stat pages at the Ohio State web site, I don't see how she has any eligibility remaining. The web site shows her as having played minutes in 2019-20, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24. That is, four years when she did not red-shirt. And they show her as NOT having played at all in 2020-21 - the "year that doesn't count". To get a COVID year, one had to be on the active roster in 2020-21, so she might have "been on the roster"; but if she was, she's still used the other four years. So, did she get injured in any of those years such that one of them turned into a 'medical hardship" year? If not, I don't see how she has eligibility remaining.
TIA
I see Quinn Kuntz listed in the portal, with one year eligibility remaining. But looking at stat pages at the Ohio State web site, I don't see how she has any eligibility remaining. The web site shows her as having played minutes in 2019-20, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24. That is, four years when she did not red-shirt. And they show her as NOT having played at all in 2020-21 - the "year that doesn't count". To get a COVID year, one had to be on the active roster in 2020-21, so she might have "been on the roster"; but if she was, she's still used the other four years. So, did she get injured in any of those years such that one of them turned into a 'medical hardship" year? If not, I don't see how she has eligibility remaining.
TIA
Interesting.
First, let me say I'm reading the stats pages they same way you are. I went a little further and looked at the number of minutes played. In three of the four years, Quinn played less than 60:00 minutes for the season. In two of the three, it was less than 20:00 minutes for the season. She played more in 2022-23, getting five games.
From there, all I've got is questions. I don't really follow the portal; don't know the eligibility requirements. You have expertise in this area, and might be able to educate me on the rules.
1. Is there a number of minutes played that's so low it doesn't count as a year against? Perhaps a special rule for goalies?
2. Even if there's no explicit exception in the rules, is it possible to petition for an extra year under these circumstances? Rounding, Quinn played a total of 100 minutes over the course of three seasons. If petitions are considered at all, she would seem to have a very sympathetic case.
3. Is it possible that she did use a red-shirt year, and the website just doesn't mention it? In other sports you can participate in multiple games and still redshirt; even without an injury involved. Is that true for Ice Hockey? If there is any non-zero number of minutes that can be played while retaining the redshirt option, Quinn would have to qualify for that in at least 3 of her 4 seasons.
Sorry I don't have the actual explanation. While I pay rapt attention to the players when they're on the ice, I leave the networking and investigative reporting to others. (winking emoji here) If you have a moment to provide some rules info, I'd be much obliged.
I'll sign up for that. I think.
Plus six Frozen Fours over the course of seven tournaments. All of that might even satisfy robertearle. (smiling emoji here)
I truly don't want to spoil anyone's fun. But I'm with you on this issue. Your Redhawk reference from a previous post is well taken.
The word dynasty just makes me queasy. That kind of chest-thumping just isn't how I roll.
robertearle
Well-known member
A couple years ago, they changed the redshirt rules for football such that a player can play in three (?) games and still "redshirt". There was talk about doing something similar for basketball, but as far as I know, they have not.
Other than that one exception, as far as I know, redshirt is an absolute; step on the field, or the ice, and the redshirt is gone. That's why the only thing I can think is if one of those years she played an early game and then was injured the rest of the year, such that she could have applied and gotten a medical hardship year.