>>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

[RITProf]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Well we're now off to our worst start in, what, 25 years? And we suffered our first AHA sweep. So much for improving every season.

So would you have been happy had the goal "with no time left" been waved off and RIT got a point?

That would not have been a significantly different result in terms of the quality of the current team. It's much too early to throw them under the bus! At least wait until RIT doesn't have home ice in the playoffs ... probably the most important requirement for the regular season. Then getting over the hump in the playoffs could make everyone forget 0-5-0.

Or is somebody going to start a "Fire Wayne Wilson" thread already???!!!

 

[AFHockeyFan]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Personally, I thought the teams were pretty evenly matched all weekend. As best as I could tell, Air Force's 4th line was a little better than RIT's fourth. Hardly an accurate measure of relative merit. Last year Air Force started to run off with the conference, and RIT reeled them in. I have no doubt the series there in February will mean something for home ice, and maybe even the conference title again.
Lots of hockey left to be played. RIT is a solid team. No telling how this series would have gone at the Ritter.

 

[Tom Naeger]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

My starting to see more bandwagon fans here than I am used to seeing in Buffalo.

When I looked at the schudule this year I said they may start 0-5, it was brutal. Remember though this team did beat York. It is dissapointing to see this team let games slip away.

Last season after the STL game at Blue Cross I made a coment I was criticized for making. "They need to learn how to win these kinds of games"...

If you played a sport at a high enough level you should know what that mean, if not, maybe I can try to explain later, to tired at the moment.

Point is last years team pulled together later in the season and was just fine, as will this years team be. No one fingure should be anywhere near the panic button.

But I will say this, 0-5 makes the UCONN weekend a most sweep next weekend!

 

[Tom Naeger]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Or is somebody going to start a "Fire Wayne Wilson" thread already???!!!

I was actually thinking about that just for fun

 

[CCTiger]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Hats off to RIT for two well-played games. They definitely deserved a better fate than being swept. I had a good view of the OT goal and I think it was legit (but just barely). I really enjoy watching these two teams play. It seems like every game is a dead-even battle. Air Force's freshmen really stepped it up this weekend and that was probably the difference. Anyhow I have no doubt that RIT will be there in the end despite their rough start.

 

[d4rksabre]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Hats off to RIT for two well-played games. They definitely deserved a better fate than being swept. I had a good view of the OT goal and I think it was legit (but just barely). I really enjoy watching these two teams play. It seems like every game is a dead-even battle. Air Force's freshmen really stepped it up this weekend and that was probably the difference. Anyhow I have no doubt that RIT will be there in the end despite their rough start.

Best post on the topic. I think there are a lot of good things for this team this year, and starting off the season against Air Force is no easy task. I think we as fans know that Air Force is a team to be respected and losing to them is nothing to laugh at.

We lost tonight in a heart breaker, but I think what this team needs is a little more discipline. Bad penalties at bad times seem to be the MO so far this season. I'm sure Coach will skate them hard on Monday.

One thing I like though is Burt's game so far this season. The guy is really doing his best to be a leader on this team. The points will come, but I have to say I like him even more than I did last year.

Also, are DeMike's days as starter numbered? He just has not looked good side to side so far this season. He needs to step his game up to try and steal us some points. The offense is contributing, at least at a level that is capable of winning close games. But we need those big saves. So far Jared hasn't shown me he'll be that guy, and quite frankly I don't think Jan can do it either. Could we see Madolora step into the game and surprise everyone? I have a gut feeling that maybe, just maybe, it will happen. Especially if Jared doesn't play better. We don't need another George Eliopoulos here.

I still have high hopes for the Tigers this season, I just hope I don't have to witness a sub-par season in my senior year here.

A nice rout of Uconn would more than make up for the results thus far.

 

[LtPowers]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Best post on the topic. I think there are a lot of good things for this team this year, and starting off the season against Air Force is no easy task. I think we as fans know that Air Force is a team to be respected and losing to them is nothing to laugh at.

All I want is for Air Force to feel the same way about RIT, instead of seeming embarrassed when they're losing to us. Besides, "Air Force is a good team" is no excuse for not banging home some of those juicy rebounds Volkening gives up.

I thought we joined the AHA to be competing for an NCAA spot every year, but so far it's been Air Force, Air Force, and more Air Force. Someone needs to find a way to beat them when they bring their A game, but despite four games every year, RIT hasn't yet.


Powers &8^]

 

[MattS]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

I think some of you are being way to easy on the program. Maybe I am being to harsh but definitely some of you are full of, IMO, BS excuses. Maybe I have too high expectations. 0-5 is not a good start no matter how some try to spin it. I don't care who the team is playing. And to write it off as "well they played tough teams" is crap. Isn't RIT supposed to be one of the tough teams??? Bottom line is that the team isn't getting appreciably better at winning the tough games. Still consistently losing to the top AHA programs and the bottom team ECAC programs. Same as 4 years ago.

 

[RITProf]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Same as 4 years ago.

Perhaps ....

4 years ago ... less talent, more heart, grit, and determination.
Now ... more talent, less heart, grit, and determination (which is harder to have when one has more talent).

What's needed to get that NCAA berth ... BOTH!

 

[RITShockSquad]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Mercyhurst was 0-6 last year and 0-5-1 to start the year before. Both years they made it to the AHA championship game. In a one bid league, it's all about how hot you get during conference play and down the stretch.

I understand the concern about the slow start. 0-5 isn't good. But I was much more concerned the past two years when they've struggled with Holy Cross in the first playoff round. It's far more frustrating to see a team with all the tools to win, not figure out a way to allow less than 4 goals a game in the playoffs. For all I know, this team can find their identity soon and put it all together to be a major factor in the AHA.

 

[komey1]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

I think some of you are being way to easy on the program. Maybe I am being to harsh but definitely some of you are full of, IMO, BS excuses. Maybe I have too high expectations. 0-5 is not a good start no matter how some try to spin it. I don't care who the team is playing. And to write it off as "well they played tough teams" is crap. Isn't RIT supposed to be one of the tough teams??? Bottom line is that the team isn't getting appreciably better at winning the tough games. Still consistently losing to the top AHA programs and the bottom team ECAC programs. Same as 4 years ago.

First off, I think you have too high of expectations. RIT was #3 in the AHA Coach's poll. I think that's about right with the losses on offense from last year. I'm not saying we shouldn't be able to compete for NCAA tournament berth's, but expecting to beat middle of the road ECAC teams on a consistant basis is a bit much for this team right now. The ECAC does not have a lot of differance between the 7-10 spots.

That said, you are correct that 0-5 is not a good start. But for the way they have played, you would have expected that they would have won a couple, except for probably the Clarkson game (don't know - couldn't listen to that game due to a wedding I attended). But the team has made a couple mistakes that have cost them games. As has been said many times - make a mistake and it will cost you. There has been a few mistakes that have cost them games.

I will say this, this is not like 4 years ago. That team was severely undermatched in every game and were lucky to win games that they won. This year, they have shown that they a lot closer to the level of ECAC teams. RIT will win it's share of games and will be in the hunt for that elusive berth.

And for the guy who said RIT can't beat the best AHA teams:
Last year - RIT 6-2 against teams that went to Blue Cross in the regular season.
The year before that: 4-3-3 against teams that went to Blue Cross.

They can beat them and they can beat RIT - that's why they are one of the best teams in the conference as well.

 

[WestsideTigersFan]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Look, anyway you cut it, 0-5 is a dismal start. There's an expression: "winning becomes a habit, so does losing". There is no solace is going on the road and getting swept, no matter how tight the games were. And Tom is right, they need to learn how to win the tight ones. And until they do, its not going to be particularly pretty, in fact it might be downright ugly.

Another person commented about lack of discipline and bad penalties. That's not a new thing. It's been a constant for long time now and if there is anything I'd knock Wayne Wilson about is that his teams have had a very bad problem with penalties that at best can be described as undisciplined and at worst described as just plain stupid and that goes all the way back to the DIII days. I have no explanation for why this is a constant problem but it is. Maybe its a flaw in the type of player we recruit and target in the recruiting process, maybe its just something that doesn't get enough attention in the coaching process, or maybe its some other factor. But the problem has existed for far too long to be just a fluke.

This team is a long way from where I thought it would be to open the season and it needs to get better soon.

 

[d4rksabre]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Look, anyway you cut it, 0-5 is a dismal start. There's an expression: "winning becomes a habit, so does losing". There is no solace is going on the road and getting swept, no matter how tight the games were. And Tom is right, they need to learn how to win the tight ones. And until they do, its not going to be particularly pretty, in fact it might be downright ugly.

Another person commented about lack of discipline and bad penalties. That's not a new thing. It's been a constant for long time now and if there is anything I'd knock Wayne Wilson about is that his teams have had a very bad problem with penalties that at best can be described as undisciplined and at worst described as just plain stupid and that goes all the way back to the DIII days. I have no explanation for why this is a constant problem but it is. Maybe its a flaw in the type of player we recruit and target in the recruiting process, maybe its just something that doesn't get enough attention in the coaching process, or maybe its some other factor. But the problem has existed for far too long to be just a fluke.

This team is a long way from where I thought it would be to open the season and it needs to get better soon.

Honestly, if you look back at the stats over the last few seasons, our numbers really aren't bad in the penalty and PK departments. In fact, our PK is well above average compared with our opponents. The problem we have, especially against Air Force, is converting on our own PP opportunities. Over the last couple seasons in games against Air Force we've taken similar numbers of penalties per game, but the games Air Force wins are the games where they hold us to very few, if any at all, shots on goal on the PP. We can take penalties, but our Power Play needs to come through when good teams like Air Force take penalties. We can pad our PP stats all season long against teams like AIC, but it needs to show up in the big games too.

 

[WestsideTigersFan]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Honestly, if you look back at the stats over the last few seasons, our numbers really aren't bad in the penalty and PK departments. In fact, our PK is well above average compared with our opponents. The problem we have, especially against Air Force, is converting on our own PP opportunities. Over the last couple seasons in games against Air Force we've taken similar numbers of penalties per game, but the games Air Force wins are the games where they hold us to very few, if any at all, shots on goal on the PP. We can take penalties, but our Power Play needs to come through when good teams like Air Force take penalties. We can pad our PP stats all season long against teams like AIC, but it needs to show up in the big games too.

I am not saying the PK hasn't been good, it has. The problem is we spend far too much time (much of it that isn't neccessary) on it and that eventually becomes a problem when you have to start juggling lines to get guys a breath or 2 or dealing with guys getting worn out from too much PK action that it starts to impact their play at even strength. Ask any coach, they will tell you its great to be good at the PK but you always want a minimal amount of action for your PK and when you look at it, we have to have a good PK given the style of play and disposition to taking penalties. Without a good PK we'd be in big trouble quite often. I am grateful we kill penatlies well, but I'd much rather see it less often.

As for the power play, it hasn't evolved much over the years. Same PP, just plug in different guys. Good coaches and good talent sniff that out eventually. Might be time to freshen up the look a bit.

 

[cplinford]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Unless we get swept at home by UConn I think its premature to hit the panic button. However if we lay the goose egg this weekend I'll probably be one of the first people here yelling the sky is falling

 

[Ed Trefzger]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

I am not saying the PK hasn't been good, it has. The problem is we spend far too much time (much of it that isn't neccessary) on it and that eventually becomes a problem when you have to start juggling lines to get guys a breath or 2 or dealing with guys getting worn out from too much PK action that it starts to impact their play at even strength.

In five games this season, RIT is averaging 8.8 penalty minutes per game. Only one team has had fewer.

 

[d4rksabre]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

I am not saying the PK hasn't been good, it has. The problem is we spend far too much time (much of it that isn't neccessary) on it and that eventually becomes a problem when you have to start juggling lines to get guys a breath or 2 or dealing with guys getting worn out from too much PK action that it starts to impact their play at even strength. Ask any coach, they will tell you its great to be good at the PK but you always want a minimal amount of action for your PK and when you look at it, we have to have a good PK given the style of play and disposition to taking penalties. Without a good PK we'd be in big trouble quite often. I am grateful we kill penatlies well, but I'd much rather see it less often.

As for the power play, it hasn't evolved much over the years. Same PP, just plug in different guys. Good coaches and good talent sniff that out eventually. Might be time to freshen up the look a bit.

You're missing the point, which is that we aren't spending any more time on the PK than other teams. Case in point being Ed's post. I think on average if we can keep it around 6-8 penalties per game we're doing alright. Naturally we're going to take more penalties against better teams. The fact that we're second lowest after having played Clarkson, SLU and two games against Air Force actually sounds pretty good to me.

Also, I think you're focusing on the wrong aspect of penalties. It's not the amount of penalties we take that is a problem, it's the timing. I think we have a habit of taking penalties at bad times. One thing I've noticed looking over the stats is that most of our penalties come in the 2nd period. As we know, our 2nd periods have been weak for a long time, and it leaves us trying to win games in the 3rd. If this team can play a more disciplined game in the 2nd period, it might mean not only less penalties overall, but less untimely penalties and not having to fight for wins in the 3rd. A more disciplined 2nd can mean a more defensive minded 3rd, and maybe some better wins against teams that stack up well against us on a regular basis.

In five games this season, RIT is averaging 8.8 penalty minutes per game. Only one team has had fewer.

 

[MattS]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

I think on average if we can keep it around 6-8 penalties per game we're doing alright. Naturally we're going to take more penalties against better teams. The fact that we're second lowest after having played Clarkson, SLU and two games against Air Force actually sounds pretty good to me.

I think your correct about the 6 - 8 penalties a game being an acceptable goal.

But I disagree with your second part where you ascertain that RIT's average penalties is ever more acceptable since they "played Clarkson, SLU and two games against Air Force". I disagree because I don't think that any special consideration should be given to those three teams. It's not like those teams are the best in the nation. In my mind RIT should be on par with those teams. RIT should be able to beat Air Force since they are in the same conference and Clarkson and SLU are bottom half teams in the easiest of the "Big Four" conferences. Let's stop with the inferiority complex when comparing RIT to the rest of the AHA and the ECAC. Heck even the bottom two - three teams in the CCHA, HE and WCHA. In my mind to move the program forward from where it stands now, a belief that they can beat and have the results that they can beat anyone anywhere in the AHA and bottom teams of ECAC. Be highly competitive with the middle of the pack ECAC teams and lower CCHA, WCHA, and HE teams.

 

[XCTiger]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

With everone seeming to be crowed around the panic button, I'll change directions for a minute.

The Tigers may have some help coming for next year. Heisenberg has the first RIT recruit for 2010-2011 listed.

Adam Mitchell - RW - Crofton, MD, 6'2" 210lbs
DOB: 5/9/1990

2009 - 13gm - 12g (5ppg) - 7a - 19pts - 8pim
2008 - 41gm - 20g (6ppg) - 21a - 41pts - 34pim

I'll try to dig up some more information on him, but with that size and the numbers he's posted sounds like he might be a keeper. Let's just hope he has some speed and hands to go with that size.

OK, you can all return to our regularly schedule panic session.

 

[cplinford]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

With everone seeming to be crowed around the panic button, I'll change directions for a minute.

The Tigers may have some help coming for next year. Heisenberg has the first RIT recruit for 2010-2011 listed.

Adam Mitchell - RW - Crofton, MD, 6'2" 210lbs
DOB: 5/9/1990

2009 - 13gm - 12g (5ppg) - 7a - 19pts - 8pim
2008 - 41gm - 20g (6ppg) - 21a - 41pts - 34pim

I'll try to dig up some more information on him, but with that size and the numbers he's posted sounds like he might be a keeper. Let's just hope he has some speed and hands to go with that size.

OK, you can all return to our regularly schedule panic session.

Wilson needs to offer him big signing bonus and get him in the line up ASAP. Maybe he can put away a couple on the power play