Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

[unhpuckfan2001]

Earlier this season Dartmouth crept into the top 20 in the otherwise meaningless Poll, and it looked like this annual game in Manchester could be the first time the teams were both ranked in a) a while? b) ever? I'm sure some stat-knowledgeable person will tell us. Regardless of rank, or previous success for the year, both teams come to play in this game and weird things happen. Last year, this game was UNH's first (and only?) out-of-conference win.

Dartmouth will be looking to make a statement, after nearly knocking off top-ranked Yale on Friday up in Hanover.

In their only game at the Verizon Wireless Arena (UNH Athletics has finally listened to the fans, and both games against Maine will be played at the Whittemore Center), UNH will look to improve on recent results from the not-so-EZAC this year (a loss to St Lawrence, and a barely salvaged tie against Brown, both at home), with just a road win against struggling Cornell so far.

I think UNH will continue their winning ways, and take home the trophy with a 5-3 victory. Dartmouth will play them tough, but UNH's team speed will wear down the Big Green late in the third period.

Lastly, I hope this thread sees some action, as I have been very bored at work the last few weeks.

 

[5IslandsWildcat]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

Four days before the game the thought of having to watch it at the VC dominates my thinking. Seats at the goal line instead of on the blue line at the Whitt. Long commercials. Little cheering. Sorry, showing fans in team garb on the big screen is not my idea of a major college hockey atmosphere. And on and on.

So, in the interest of attitude adjustment, will note that, after a long holiday layoff, a stumble against StL, and warmups against UML and UMass, UNH starts the second half against a good opponent. Darmouth is tied for 19th in the pairwise but 23rd in the USCHO poll. Goalie James Mello is scary: .940 SV% and 1.85 GAA for the year and 35 saves of 37 shots against Yale. A good game (and UNH win) could make up for many of the negatives of the annual money raiser.

 

[unhpuckfan2001]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

Four days before the game the thought of having to watch it at the VC dominates my thinking. Seats at the goal line instead of on the blue line at the Whitt. Long commercials. Little cheering. Sorry, showing fans in team garb on the big screen is not my idea of a major college hockey atmosphere. And on and on.

So, in the interest of attitude adjustment, will note that, after a long holiday layoff, a stumble against StL, and warmups against UML and UMass, UNH starts the second half against a good opponent. Darmouth is tied for 19th in the pairwise but 23rd in the USCHO poll. Goalie James Mello is scary: .940 SV% and 1.85 GAA for the year and 35 saves of 37 shots against Yale. A good game (and UNH win) could make up for many of the negatives of the annual money raiser.

I didn't know Dartmouth's goalie boasted those kind of stats. The last time UNH lost, I remember them just throwing puck after puck right at the DC goalie's chest. We do that, we lose this game, too. With the way Matt's been playing for the 'Cats, this could end up being a 2-1 or 3-2 game, rather than some of the 6-3 type affairs we've seen in the past...

(thank god somebody posted here)

 

[C-H-C]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

I didn't know Dartmouth's goalie boasted those kind of stats. The last time UNH lost, I remember them just throwing puck after puck right at the DC goalie's chest. We do that, we lose this game, too. With the way Matt's been playing for the 'Cats, this could end up being a 2-1 or 3-2 game, rather than some of the 6-3 type affairs we've seen in the past...

DiGirolamo vs. Mello - similar size, style, and stats.

 

[ClOuD 9]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

Previous Nine Results:
12-13-01 UNH 6 Dartmouth 3 Attendance: 10,053
1-15-03 UNH 1 Dartmouth 1 Attendance: 10,104
1-13-04 UNH 5 Dartmouth 0 Attendance: 10,104
1-12-05 Dartmouth 9 UNH 8 Attendance: 9,405
1-14-06 UNH 5 Dartmouth 4 Attendance: 7,018
1-13-07 UNH 4 Dartmouth 2 Attendance: 9,640
1-19-08 Dartmouth 5 UNH 3 Attendance: 8,654
1-17-09 UNH 6 Dartmouth 4 Attendance: 8,001
1-16-10 UNH 5 Dartmouth 2 Attendance: 7,573

 

[gounhwildcats]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

I'm expecting this to be a good game. Dartmouth is no pushover this year. The only thing with them is you never know what you're gonna get. One game they are taking it to Yale and almost winning and the next they are letting in 3 goals in a few minutes against Vermont.

UNH really got back on track after the Christmas break loss to SLU. Nice four point weekend last week, even if it wasn't against the iron of HE. I love the team defense and DiGi has been an unbelievably pleasant surprise this year.

I figure this one will be close through the first 2 periods and UNH will pull away in the third.

4-2 UNH

Looking at Rob's post, I really hope someone with some sanity will see those plummeting attendance figures and just make this an alternating site game in the future instead of holding at the Verizon. That place is awful for a college hockey game.

 

[unhpuckfan2001]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

Looking at Rob's post, I really hope someone with some sanity will see those plummeting attendance figures and just make this an alternating site game in the future instead of holding at the Verizon. That place is awful for a college hockey game.

Before they scrap the idea entirely, they are trying new things to get people in there. For example, UNH is selling tickets for $10 and they include a hot dog and a soda. I just checked with a friend who works at VWA; he said sales are good. Lower bowl is completely sold out, all that's left are tickets in the very top of the straighaways, and the corner end zones seats, and those are about half full.

I understand why UNH does this; it's great exposure for both teams, and as long as UNH continues to host regionals, I think it's a great idea for the team to get some time on the ice sheet. True, the 'college hockey atmosphere' is not what you get in a normal rink, but it's a pretty nice venue overall.

Next week, on a side note: pink the rink (for breast cancer awareness) . . . the ice will actually be pink!

 

[gounhwildcats]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

Before they scrap the idea entirely, they are trying new things to get people in there. For example, UNH is selling tickets for $10 and they include a hot dog and a soda. I just checked with a friend who works at VWA; he said sales are good. Lower bowl is completely sold out, all that's left are tickets in the very top of the straighaways, and the corner end zones seats, and those are about half full.

I understand why UNH does this; it's great exposure for both teams, and as long as UNH continues to host regionals, I think it's a great idea for the team to get some time on the ice sheet. True, the 'college hockey atmosphere' is not what you get in a normal rink, but it's a pretty nice venue overall.

Next week, on a side note: pink the rink (for breast cancer awareness) . . . the ice will actually be pink!

Well ya sure, but Maine still sucks right?

 

[SPCSMAN]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

Before they scrap the idea entirely, they are trying new things to get people in there. For example, UNH is selling tickets for $10 and they include a hot dog and a soda.

I think they should open up the already installed beer taps!

 

[JohnB]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

Before they scrap the idea entirely, they are trying new things to get people in there. For example, UNH is selling tickets for $10 and they include a hot dog and a soda.

Makes me curious.. Do you think ol' Marty and the UNH admin looks back and has begun missing any of the long standing faithful fans he alienated with their antics back when the cash was flowing from corporate america. The ones that not only made a lil extra noise, but followed everywhere and opened their wallets well Marty snubbed his nose and responded to concerned emails over the mistreatment with one word responses like "Thanks?"

It's a shame the bad taste they left in my mouth and many others still lingers and is expressed by refusing to spend a dime even though the seats are so readily available. Maybe those corporate dollars will return someday to Marty's budget now that he gouged the faithful fan base and his ability to fill seats with full-priced tickets.

 

[ClOuD 9]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

I think they should open up the already installed beer taps!

State law prevents them from serving alcohol at sporting events featuring participants that are minors unless there is a solid wall between the serving area and the seating area (or so I've been told), this is why they can serve in the lobby of 2nd level at the Whitt but drinks can't be taken inside of the luxury boxes.
[parts of this posting were incorrect, see below for clarification]

 

[ClOuD 9]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

Took some searching, but I believe I found the relevant statute

TITLE XIII
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
CHAPTER 178
LIQUOR LICENSES AND FEES

Section 178:22
178:22 On-Premises Cocktail Lounge Licenses. -
(u) Sports/Entertainment Complex.
(1) The commission may issue a cocktail lounge license to the owner of a sports/entertainment complex, or any operator or designee contracting with the owner of the complex. Such license shall allow the sale or service of liquor and beverage in any clearly defined areas approved by the commission. Liquor and beverage shall be sold only at such times as a fee is charged for admission to an event at the sports/entertainment complex. Liquor and beverage shall not be sold or consumed in stadium or skybox seating at any intercollegiate or interscholastic event. The provisions of RSA 178:22, II shall not apply to this license.
(2) The commission may issue to any sports/entertainment complex licensed under subparagraph (u)(1) a supplemental license to set up a separate bar facility to serve liquor and beverages to private groups in any area approved by the commission. The supplemental license shall allow the sports/entertainment complex to hold up to 9 events, 18 events, 36 events, and 52 events for the fees established in RSA 178:29, I. The sports/entertainment complex shall be responsible for compliance with this title and any rules adopted under it. The sports/entertainment complex shall notify the commission at least 5 days before any scheduled event which shall be serviced by such bar facility. The commission may suspend the use of any bar facility without affecting the status of any license in effect on the sports/entertainment complex premises.

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xiii/178/178-mrg.htm

 

[ClOuD 9]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

Looking at Rob's post, I really hope someone with some sanity will see those plummeting attendance figures and just make this an alternating site game in the future instead of holding at the Verizon. That place is awful for a college hockey game.

Keith beat me to it, I think Manchester is do-able, just not at current Whittemore Center prices. Out of curiosity, does anyone know if Dartmouth season ticket holders pay the same price as UNH's? I tried their website but couldn't find if the Manchester game is included in ST (only $119 a year!). I also noticed UNH does a bit more promoting, the pre-game write up doesn't mention ticket info (UNH's doesn't directly but there is a ticket link at the top of it) and the ticket link on the schedule page just takes you to Big Green Tickets which doesn't list it.

I'd love to see them move the Riverstone to when classes are in session to help give it more of a college feel and atmosphere, I imagine it would help attendance a little too, but if I remember correctly the student buses from Durham to Manchester were pretty costly. Couldn't hurt to promote it at UNH-Manchester.

 

[SPCSMAN]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

Took some searching, but I believe I found the relevant statute

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xiii/178/178-mrg.htm

Thanks for posting that...was always curious about why VWA wasn't allowed to serve. Maybe we could get them to move the game to Tsongas

 

[SPCSMAN]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

On a serious note...I am a proponent of a 3 year rotation....Durham/Hanover/Manchester. Also I agree this game should be played when classes are in session.

 

[unhpuckfan2001]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

I'd love to see them move the Riverstone to when classes are in session to help give it more of a college feel and atmosphere, I imagine it would help attendance a little too, but if I remember correctly the student buses from Durham to Manchester were pretty costly. Couldn't hurt to promote it at UNH-Manchester.

Rob:

Just last week at the UML game, Casey and I were talking about the buses. What I dont get is this: they're paying to send the band to Manchester on a bus anyway (I should know . . .). At best, the band will fill 25-30 of the 55 seats on this bus. Why wouldn't you sell the other 25 seats, at $5 or $10 a seat anyway? Whether you sell those seats or not, athletics still has to pay to send the bus. Selling those seats allows you to make back at least some of the money you spend on the bus, and also allows you to send 25 or so students to the game.

UNH did a pretty good job selling these tickets, for students, at $5 a pop. I know a lot of kids from the Manchester area that are going to be at this game, because it was so cheap. If UNH sold the students a package deal: ticket and bus ride from campus, $10 / $15, they could sell the students tickets right next to the band. It serves many purposes; more students, more noise (putting them with the band means more cheering voices together) and hey, having them ride the bus together can't hurt 'student / band' relations . . .

I intend to e-mail this to Amber, but not right in the midst of hockey season. Something for her to muse over during the down time of June.

This would be a great topic of conversation for, oh, a Wildcat Fan Focus Group . . . ;-)

 

[Darius]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

...If UNH sold the students a package deal: ticket and bus ride from campus, $10 / $15...

Not disagreeing with anything you wrote, and it wouldn't cost anything for UNH to do this, but I question how many students would take advantage of the deal. There is a feeling that games at the Whitt are free to students because they don't relate picking up a "free" ticket to the fee charge in their semester's bill. Students are also used to "free" Wildcat transit to Dover, Newmarket and Portsmouth. I suspect not many would pay for what they normally get for free. Frankly if the game was during the semester, I don't think many would invest the the 6 hours of time to leave campus to watch a game compared to the amount of time invested to watch a game on campus.

 

[Catnip]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

Does anyone know if this game is being webcast anywhere so we can link up and watch it. It is not on the Wildcat TV schedule. thanks

 

[unhpuckfan2001]

Not disagreeing with anything you wrote, and it wouldn't cost anything for UNH to do this, but I question how many students would take advantage of the deal. There is a feeling that games at the Whitt are free to students because they don't relate picking up a "free" ticket to the fee charge in their semester's bill. Students are also used to "free" Wildcat transit to Dover, Newmarket and Portsmouth. I suspect not many would pay for what they normally get for free. Frankly if the game was during the semester, I don't think many would invest the the 6 hours of time to leave campus to watch a game compared to the amount of time invested to watch a game on campus.

I disagree; when UNH still had their own charter fleet, the price for a student to take the bus to Boston for Hockey East, and to Manchester for these games, the cost was $5, and then upped to $10, and students filled two or three buses. It might take a while to catch on, but I think if UNH sells it, they'll ride again. It was obviously much more of a novelty, but UNH students filled EIGHT coach buses for the football game at Gilette.

 

[goblue]

Re: Riverstone Cup X: Dartmouth v. #4 UNH in Manchester, NH (VWA)

Congrats, Big Green. Good game by your guys. We'll get it back next year.