>>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

[komey1]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Trying to put the championship game close to who you think will win the league is crazy unless you outright let the highest seed standing in the AHA final 4 host it. Do you think it would draw better numbers in Buffalo or Erie? I'm not so sure. Of course, if the BCA doesn't want the AHA Frozen Four after 2 (presuming RIT doesn't go on a great run) years then it would be interesting to see what the league does.

As for this year's playoffs - right now I predict RIT will be somewhere between 7-8, but they really need these points against Holy Cross. I think Holy Cross, AIC, and Sacred Heart will probably beat each other enough so one team doesn't get too far ahead, and Bentley and UConn take care of business against those teams.

 

[MattS]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

I can corroborate that I haven't seen much in the way of direct appeals. I won't say they've done nothing, however; they did have the text-to-donate options for the first year of the campaign, as well as the Take A Seat drive. But neither seems to have captured much interest. I've been assuming their focus was on major (rich) donors, efforts which would obviously be out of public view, but maybe that's incorrect. And it certainly seems like they could have done more to harness the enthusiasm of 2010-12 and translate it into dollars for the arena.


Powers &8^]

I didn't mean to imply RIT had done nothing. I was stating that what they did do was lacking IMO. And I wasn't just meaning with the capital funds for the arena (an easy example to use) but overall fund raising for the hockey programs.

 

[Tom Naeger]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

At least is looks like maybe Rotolo is back in as the starter...his play as been one of few bright spots on the season.

He will have a shot, but people forget what happen on the road. Rotolo last 3 starts he is posting a 4 Goals Against Average with a .867 Save Percentage. That make Ruby ugly overall stats look good, but it's all ugly.

This weekend may actually be a first round match up preview. The only good news is at least it seems likely that the last game at the Ritter will be a first round playoff win, but anything is possible with this team.

Wayne and his coaching staff has ear some mulligans with what they have done at RIT. Given Wilson track record, I am more critical of the players. As I said before some times you bring a guy in and he just doesn't work out. We got a few of those going on, but if you want quick coach turn around I suggest you give up college hockey and watch the NHL...

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

He will have a shot, but people forget what happen on the road. Rotolo last 3 starts he is posting a 4 Goals Against Average with a .867 Save Percentage. That make Ruby ugly overall stats look good, but it's all ugly.

The fact that those 4 starts were that bad and STILL fairly close to Ruby's full body of work this season says a lot. Ruby is a .88% career goalie at this level. He's the Jan Ropponen of this team.

 

[Tom Naeger]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

The fact that those 4 starts were that bad and STILL fairly close to Ruby's full body of work this season says a lot. Ruby is a .88% career goalie at this level. He's the Jan Ropponen of this team.

Ropponen didn't allow that many Soft Goals in the Games I recall

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Ropponen didn't allow that many Soft Goals in the Games I recall

My comparison actually ended up being more accurate than I thought.

Jan's most active season he played 8 games: 3.42 GAA / 0.895

Ruby this season (16 games): 3.62 GAA / 0.896

 

[LtPowers]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

The fact that those 4 starts were that bad and STILL fairly close to Ruby's full body of work this season says a lot. Ruby is a .88% career goalie at this level. He's the Jan Ropponen of this team.

Wouldn't that be Ken MacLean?


Powers &8^]

 

[blazer777]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

My comparison actually ended up being more accurate than I thought.

Jan's most active season he played 8 games: 3.42 GAA / 0.895

Ruby this season (16 games): 3.62 GAA / 0.896

Not sure you can compare 8 games versus 16 games.

You'd also have to take into account the level of the teams both goalies played against and the defense that was playing in front of each.

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Wouldn't that be Ken MacLean?Powers &8^]

Who knows? The guy played 1 game against a good team and got shelled....but it was his first D1 game ever. Madolora didn't have a stellar debut in 2011, either. I assume he's been the worst in practice because otherwise, with Wilson rotating goalies as much as he does, you'd assume he would be a low risk start for some night, just trying to mix it up. As I recall he had better numbers in juniors than Rotolo did..and is a year older.

Not sure you can compare 8 games versus 16 games.

You'd also have to take into account the level of the teams both goalies played against and the defense that was playing in front of each.

Admittedly, doing that makes Ropponen look worse, as he played for a better team against a weaker AHA. My comparison was more anecdotal than truly analytically. The point is Ruby is not a D1 starter.

 

[TigerFan86-87]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Trying to put the championship game close to who you think will win the league is crazy unless you outright let the highest seed standing in the AHA final 4 host it. Do you think it would draw better numbers in Buffalo or Erie? I'm not so sure.

I didn't say that with the intent that the league try to follow around the teams they think might be there. I was just positing that the selection of Rochester as the site for the championships was obviously in part due to the fan base size AND likelihood of contention by RIT. The fan base is still here, but the likelihood of championship participation by RIT is a huge question mark. If it stays that way for an extended time (obviously two years isn't enough to panic), there is little motivation to leave the tournament here. Of course if they were to look for other neutral sites, those criteria would eliminate most Eastern pod sites (no sizeable fan bases). Clearly they aren't going to Colorado. That pretty much leaves the space between Buffalo (NU, CC) and Pittsburgh (MU, RMU) for potential candidates. Since Niagara and Mercyhurst have been and look to remain contenders most seasons while Canisius and Robert Morris certainly could make a run at it on occasion, if there were a viable arena in that area of Western NY/PA (I have no idea if there is), maybe they might look that way. If, however as we all hope, RIT comes back to being what they were for their first five seasons in AHA, Rochester would almost have to remain the odds-on choice to retain the championships. It's just that the fact is no matter where this championship is held the attendance will be negligible and will lose lots of money unless there is a local flavor to it and that local flavor is a team with a reasonable sized following.

 

[LtPowers]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

That pretty much leaves the space between Buffalo (NU, CC) and Pittsburgh (MU, RMU) for potential candidates. Since Niagara and Mercyhurst have been and look to remain contenders most seasons while Canisius and Robert Morris certainly could make a run at it on occasion, if there were a viable arena in that area of Western NY/PA (I have no idea if there is), maybe they might look that way.

I believe the only options would be Erie Insurance Arena (6,500 seats) and Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena (1,500 seats with rumored expansion to 3,000). Jamestown is an obvious no-go; it's too small and too hard for Air Force to get to (they'd have to fly into Erie or Buffalo). Erie might work in both size and accessibility, but would Mercyhurst fans show up in big enough numbers? And would Niagara/Canisius/RoMo fans travel?


Powers &8^]

 

[blazer777]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

I didn't say that with the intent that the league try to follow around the teams they think might be there. I was just positing that the selection of Rochester as the site for the championships was obviously in part due to the fan base size AND likelihood of contention by RIT. The fan base is still here, but the likelihood of championship participation by RIT is a huge question mark. If it stays that way for an extended time (obviously two years isn't enough to panic), there is little motivation to leave the tournament here. Of course if they were to look for other neutral sites, those criteria would eliminate most Eastern pod sites (no sizeable fan bases). Clearly they aren't going to Colorado. That pretty much leaves the space between Buffalo (NU, CC) and Pittsburgh (MU, RMU) for potential candidates. Since Niagara and Mercyhurst have been and look to remain contenders most seasons while Canisius and Robert Morris certainly could make a run at it on occasion, if there were a viable arena in that area of Western NY/PA (I have no idea if there is), maybe they might look that way. If, however as we all hope, RIT comes back to being what they were for their first five seasons in AHA, Rochester would almost have to remain the odds-on choice to retain the championships. It's just that the fact is no matter where this championship is held the attendance will be negligible and will lose lots of money unless there is a local flavor to it and that local flavor is a team with a reasonable sized following.

Wasn't it Robert Morris and Niagara looking to bolt for another conference? That would make putting it in Buffalo even less appealing as far as fan base. I think if you look at the attendance numbers for each of the teams, Rochester makes the most sense as to where to hold your tournament. It tends to pull in hockey fans and if RIT is playing, that's a bonus.

Has anybody looked at the 1st or 2nd year RIT was in D1 but couldn't play in the post-season due to restrictions, what were the attendance numbers for that tourney with a non-RIT fan base?

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

I believe the only options would be Erie Insurance Arena (6,500 seats) and Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena (1,500 seats with rumored expansion to 3,000). Jamestown is an obvious no-go; it's too small and too hard for Air Force to get to (they'd have to fly into Erie or Buffalo). Erie might work in both size and accessibility, but would Mercyhurst fans show up in big enough numbers? And would Niagara/Canisius/RoMo fans travel?


Powers &8^]

Exactly. TigerFan is missing the important fact that Blue Cross wasn't chosen because of RIT....it was chosen because it's the biggest/best neutral site that is close to the Western pod and, well, closer to the Eastern pod than any of the other options would be. Erie Insurance Arena is another 2.5 hours West of Blue Cross...so effectively 33% further for the New England teams.

Rochester also is a larger metropolitan area than many of those occupied by other AHA schools, which means that we have greater potential for casual hockey fans to come down for the games. Does that actually happen? Not really...but it could. Teams like Air Force and (if they ever make it) Army draw pretty decently in Rochester.

 

[lmg6841]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

I remember the huge swarming mob of Golden Griff fans at BCA last year after they won the championship.

And would Niagara/Canisius/RoMo fans travel?

Powers &8^]

 

[Downstate_RIT_Fan]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Since we're speculating...what happens if RIT would move to the ECAC? Then where would the AHA Championships be held? BCA is still a good choice because of it's location and all of the reasons previously stated. I think however the AHA would find another location. While the ECAC might sound like a dream, RIT will have a new rink that will accommodate ECAC size crowds plus we have the BCA which could host the ECAC tournament. Certainly better than Atlantic City although not as nice as Lake Placid. Better competition would help the team and the school too.

In other news, I read that Chris Tanev was injured, hopefully it's not that bad. Get well soon Chris. I thought it was interesting that one of the three comments in the below article mentioned that RIT could use him back (it wasn't me).

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/...-fractured-thumb-out-til-after-olympic-break/

 

[ritBLKnORGsuit]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Since we're speculating...what happens if RIT would move to the ECAC? Then where would the AHA Championships be held? BCA is still a good choice because of it's location and all of the reasons previously stated. I think however the AHA would find another location. While the ECAC might sound like a dream, RIT will have a new rink that will accommodate ECAC size crowds plus we have the BCA which could host the ECAC tournament. Certainly better than Atlantic City although not as nice as Lake Placid. Better competition would help the team and the school too.

Lake Placid is much closer to most of the current ECAC members and Rochester would be forcing those teams to travel to the home town of the school farthest west in the entire conference if we were to join. So I couldn't see ECAC doing that at all. The AHA would probably look to Binghamton or Albany just to try and split the travel distance.

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Lake Placid is much closer to most of the current ECAC members and Rochester would be forcing those teams to travel to the home town of the school farthest west in the entire conference if we were to join. So I couldn't see ECAC doing that at all. The AHA would probably look to Binghamton or Albany just to try and split the travel distance.

The AHA would be very stupid to move it to a city that doesn't have a team. AHA attendance across the board is pretty abyssmal, if you think that Binghamton or Albany are going to contribute any amount of fans to a championship game featuring these teams...there's just no way.

Hell, the arena in Binghamton is only slightly bigger than the Polisseni Center is going to be, and they don't sell out their AHL games often.

 

[blazer777]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Here are the attendance numbers for the last few years at the AHA tourney:

2008 Semi-Final with RIT = 3933, Final non-RIT = 1468
2009 Semi-Final with RIT = 2,555, Final non-RIT = 827
2010 Semi-Final with RIT = 1,803, Final RIT = 3,298
2011 Semi-Final with RIT = 2,230, Final RIT = 3,400
2012 Semi-Final with RIT = 3,287, Final RIT = 2,433
2013 Semi-Final with non-RIT = 1,095, Final non-RIT = 887

With RIT playing, the numbers are okay but when they are out of the tournament, the numbers are cut in half or more. Depends if the teams are within easy reach or not, weather too.

 

[lmg6841]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Maybe the AHA could get rid of neutral sites all together?

The AHA would be very stupid to move it to a city that doesn't have a team. AHA attendance across the board is pretty abyssmal, if you think that Binghamton or Albany are going to contribute any amount of fans to a championship game featuring these teams...there's just no way.

Hell, the arena in Binghamton is only slightly bigger than the Polisseni Center is going to be, and they don't sell out their AHL games often.

 

[MattS]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

The AHA would be very stupid to move it to a city that doesn't have a team. AHA attendance across the board is pretty abyssmal, if you think that Binghamton or Albany are going to contribute any amount of fans to a championship game featuring these teams...there's just no way.

Hell, the arena in Binghamton is only slightly bigger than the Polisseni Center is going to be, and they don't sell out their AHL games often.

I've got to agree with you on this. Albany was a horrible place for the ECAC tourney and I don't think it would be any better for the AHA. While Binghamton is a decent hockey city and kind of centrally located, I doubt it would be a good place for the AHA. People there just don't associate with college sports outside of Syracuse so I don't think there would be too many locals willing to come unless tickets were free.

Going to a non-neutral site is a bad, bad, bad idea. It smacks of second rate conference desperation.

I really don't think that there is any place better than Rochester for the AHA tourney right now.