>> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

[MattS]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Players need to get game experience. The OOC games are the best place to do that.

Imagine the uproar here if coach did this during league games. Look how tight the league was last season where one or two points made a huge difference. The same folks decrying the OOC record would be complaining that he didn't start his "A" team in league contests.

Bah! You coach to win or what is the point? Want a player to get experience? Outwork everyone else in practice and earn the spot playing in a game. I don't buy into the cuddly philosophy that players need to gain experience. Good lord they have been playing for years. The should already have experience and be able to adjust to the NCAA game quickly. Do I expect every freshman to come in and be able to play on the first line, PP, and PK? No, but should they be able to come in a contribute right away on the third/fourth line or third D pairing? Yes.

Either you earn or lose your spot by working hard. Wilson should be able to figure out who is the best players and then play them. If they aren't performing well, bench them and play someone else. If a player is not good enough and hungry enough then no amount of OOC game experience will help them for conference games.

 

[LtPowers]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Since it is the off season and I am bored. It still amazes me how people don't seem to understand how non conference games shape up for RIT. Atlantic Hockey teams are not going to get an at large bid, overall the conference is just too weak for any team to get one.

There have been at least two occasions where an at-large bid remained a possibility until conference finals results were in. Given a stellar in-conference record, a respectable OOC record, and a few other dominoes falling into place, it's entirely possible.


Powers &8^]

 

[LtPowers]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Not exactly. Yes, there is a correlation, but the causal relationship is more the other way around (IMO). As the program develops, more quality wins will result.

I don't believe I said anything about the causal relationship. I think we can agree that each feeds the other, in a virtuous cycle, yes? Well whichever part of the cycle you favor as more important, the poor OOC record (overall) is still troubling -- either it's a roadblock in our path to improvement, or it's indicative of a lack of improvement. If we start winning more OOC games, then that's either going to result in advancement of the program, or it would be indicative that the program is advancing. Either way, OOC games are not meaningless.


Powers &8^]

 

[Tom Naeger]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

There have been at least two occasions where an at-large bid remained a possibility until conference finals results were in. Given a stellar in-conference record, a respectable OOC record, and a few other dominoes falling into place, it's entirely possible.


Powers &8^]

In both cases the general consensus on the numbers was that one team could make the at large bid if they won their tourament which of course became a moot point. The feeling was if Air Force did not win that one year they beat both Denver and CC they would have still missed the NCAA if they had not won at Blue Cross. That year was about as best as its going to get for a AHA team....

 

[Tom Naeger]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Bah! You coach to win or what is the point? Want a player to get experience? Outwork everyone else in practice and earn the spot playing in a game. I don't buy into the cuddly philosophy that players need to gain experience. Good lord they have been playing for years. The should already have experience and be able to adjust to the NCAA game quickly. Do I expect every freshman to come in and be able to play on the first line, PP, and PK? No, but should they be able to come in a contribute right away on the third/fourth line or third D pairing? Yes.

Either you earn or lose your spot by working hard. Wilson should be able to figure out who is the best players and then play them. If they aren't performing well, bench them and play someone else. If a player is not good enough and hungry enough then no amount of OOC game experience will help them for conference games.

And when you have an injury you leave youself with a great unknown. Players do need games to get use to the college level. Each level you move up is different, speed, skill wise, how the game is played. Also you can try all you want but you can never truely simulate a real game situation with all the fans all the pressure of it being real. You need this time to get an idea what a situations a guy is ready for and not ready for.. This also pays off down the road, maybe not the same year, but in years to come. Its all about building the program...

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

So, who do we all think is going to be #1 in net next year?

Two years ago I never would have said Watson, but after last years campaign I believe he definitely is capable. Ruby's style is a little more risky (Tim Thomas-esque?) where he will occasionally make the amazing highlight reel save, but I recall he seemed a little weaker on average. He got beat glove side a lot it seemed. Watson really impressed last year, including a big weekend in Vermont.

I'd also like to see Garbowsky and McGowan on the top line this year, with a more capable scorer than MacReynolds was. I think adding Colevecchia in with them would lead to a pretty incredible line.

 

[redhotzep96]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

So, who do we all think is going to be #1 in net next year?

Two years ago I never would have said Watson, but after last years campaign I believe he definitely is capable. Ruby's style is a little more risky (Tim Thomas-esque?) where he will occasionally make the amazing highlight reel save, but I recall he seemed a little weaker on average. He got beat glove side a lot it seemed. Watson really impressed last year, including a big weekend in Vermont.

I'd also like to see Garbowsky and McGowan on the top line this year, with a more capable scorer than MacReynolds was. I think adding Colevecchia in with them would lead to a pretty incredible line.

I think Watson should and will get the top spot. And I also agree with Garbowsky and McGowen being on the top line. If they play like they did last year and have someone with them who can knock the puck in consistently, they will be a deadly 1st line.

 

[Bing]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

I'd also like to see Garbowsky and McGowan on the top line this year, with a more capable scorer than MacReynolds was. I think adding Colevecchia in with them would lead to a pretty incredible line.

A Garbo/McGowan/Colavecchia line would be sweet! I loved McReynolds, but man, that dude could not score. He had a lot of break aways but just never found that scorer's touch. That being said, he was a great shot-blocker and always played w/ an edge.

 

[komey1]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Watson and Ruby will probably split time early in the season at least. Both showed they were capable last year in limited duty.

There will be some mix and match with starting lines. Garbowsky and McGowen I would expect to be on the same line. What the Tigers need to more offensive depth. The third and fourth lines were not as good as in past year. Injuries like what happened to Potts and Smith may have played a part. I think there may be an onus on scoring with the youth that will be on the back end on defense. I think Cino's health will be a major factor in how far RIT goes this year.

 

[Ed Trefzger]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Bah! You coach to win or what is the point? Want a player to get experience? Outwork everyone else in practice and earn the spot playing in a game. I don't buy into the cuddly philosophy that players need to gain experience. Good lord they have been playing for years. The should already have experience and be able to adjust to the NCAA game quickly. Do I expect every freshman to come in and be able to play on the first line, PP, and PK? No, but should they be able to come in a contribute right away on the third/fourth line or third D pairing? Yes.

Either you earn or lose your spot by working hard. Wilson should be able to figure out who is the best players and then play them. If they aren't performing well, bench them and play someone else. If a player is not good enough and hungry enough then no amount of OOC game experience will help them for conference games.

You ought to send Wilson an email with your insights. I'm sure he'd be happy to find out that what he's learned from more than 30 years of coaching or playing college hockey is wrong. With that new insight, RIT should have a huge advantage over every other team doing it the "old fashioned" way and the Tigers will no doubt take home the D-I trophy after an undefeated season.

 

[blazer777]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

First off, I suspect it will be Watson starting as # 1.

Secondly, I would think, from a player and coach perspective, each and every game of the season is important and worth winning. It's akin to me going to work next week and thinking, well it's not important if that rocket fails to launch and reach orbit because it's just a communications satellite and the outcome of this launch won't impact me come the end of the year.

By winning OOC games, the team earns respect from the other NCAA teams, increases their fan base and fan enthusiasm and you would think that AH teams, in the back of their minds are thinking about how you beat Michigan, St. Lawrence, etc...And are probably a pretty good team and not easy to beat.

Giving all of the player’s ice time in OOC is important too as the pressure of playing in the NCAA tourney will be reduced based off the experience gained by playing in OOC games.

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Season tickets purchased!

Fair warning to all, that online ordering system (at least as of an hour before this post) is probably the worst I've ever seen.

 

[RITProf]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Season tickets purchased!

Fair warning to all, that online ordering system (at least as of an hour before this post) is probably the worst I've ever seen.

Tried 3 separate times and failed each of them. Still no tickets ordered. The system is beyond bad.

Edit: Just got them. I was seat 9 in general admission (previously was 1 and 3 on the failed attempts so it looks like it's counting). Not terribly brisk sales, but to be expected for GA with no real need to order today.

 

[mar7967]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Season tickets purchased!

Fair warning to all, that online ordering system (at least as of an hour before this post) is probably the worst I've ever seen.

I am waiting until 8/29 to add the $20 women's ticket deal

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Tried 3 separate times and failed each of them. Still no tickets ordered. The system is beyond bad.

Edit: Just got them. I was seat 9 in general admission (previously was 1 and 3 on the failed attempts so it looks like it's counting). Not terribly brisk sales, but to be expected for GA with no real need to order today.

I was also Seat 3 then Seat 9 by the time I successfully ordered, so I do not believe it is counting. If it is, it's doing a poor job of it.

 

[RITProf]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

I was also Seat 3 then Seat 9 by the time I successfully ordered, so I do not believe it is counting. If it is, it's doing a poor job of it.

I wondered about that. I hope it's not an RIT alumnus doing the counting/programing.

I probably won't go for the women's season package, but I was also thinking I could add it on when I picked up the tickets since it said the deal was at the box office only. Anyway, I would also wait if you definitely want it.

 

[komey1]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

One last comment about winning OOC games.

I'm sure Coach Wilson could schedule easier OOC games for RIT if all he wanted to do is win OOC games. If just winning OOC games was the goal, the last thing I would do is schedule Michigan.

 

[lmg6841]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

It's not just getting the W versus anyone. We'd like to see RITs A-game out there, not just the experimental/development play. We don't have a set starting goalie right now, but if we did I'd like to see him in net against a team like Michigan.

One last comment about winning OOC games.

I'm sure Coach Wilson could schedule easier OOC games for RIT if all he wanted to do is win OOC games. If just winning OOC games was the goal, the last thing I would do is schedule Michigan.

 

[komey1]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

It's not just getting the W versus anyone. We'd like to see RITs A-game out there, not just the experimental/development play. We don't have a set starting goalie right now, but if we did I'd like to see him in net against a team like Michigan.

I think there is probably more "experimenting" in the beginning of the year. You can only see so much in practices and in the exhibition.

With 2 games against the Wolverines, I expect we will see both Watson and Ruby get 1 start if healthy. I think we will know more about who Coach WANTS to win the starting job with the Penn State homecoming game.

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

Re: >> RIT Tigers Offseason 2012: Reloading and working on the 'Polisseum' <<

I think we will know more about who Coach WANTS to win the starting job with the Penn State homecoming game.

Maybe, maybe not. Being Penn State's first season with the big boys, they likely will still be growing into their new pants come Brick City weekend. I would like to think that we should be able to outperform them handily, so maybe it will just fall to whose up in the platoon.