RPI 2023-24: In Our 200th Year, We're Getting It Right

[DrDemento]

Payant may have Askew-like speed, but it sounds like he doesn’t have Askew-like aim. :-D

Saw Kelly play roller hockey a few times and he was just about as fast on those wheels as he was on the ice.

 

[DrDemento]

I was encouraged by our offensive showing for sure. Defense and goaltending needs to be better, but you've all already said that. I assume we'll have Cherepak in net. I don't think either coach is happy with the defense from last night, so tonight will be low scoring I bet

We better not be low scoring on offense since I am not sure we can keep the score low on defense unless we make some drastic changes.

 

[Ralph Baer]

Payant may have Askew-like speed, but it sounds like he doesn’t have Askew-like aim. :-D

I was surprised DrD did write that in his earlier post. :-D

 

[Ralph Baer]

Payant was named the ECAC's #1 Star for Friday.
https://x.com/ecachockey/status/1720645800932647098

 

[DrDemento]

For the football fans- we went up 21-10 during the third period up at Hobart (where I cannot remember us winning a game). But gave up the last 21 points to lose 31-21 ending any hope for an at large bid to the NCAA tournament. We had played almost a perfect game through the first 40 minutes b ut just could not convert enough on offense when we had the opportunities. We did not have our #1 Quarterback available but those who filled in played well in his place. Final game next week against Union means little except bragging rights for us. More than likely will play in a post season ECAC bowl as we are now 7-2 and should qualify.

 

[Engineers]

3-0 union after 1st. Not sure what else you say about this horseshit. The refs have made some absolutely terrible calls.

 

[Engineers]

Going to be a interesting game

 

[Waite21]

For the football fans- we went up 21-10 during the third period up at Hobart (where I cannot remember us winning a game). But gave up the last 21 points to lose 31-21 ending any hope for an at large bid to the NCAA tournament. We had played almost a perfect game through the first 40 minutes b ut just could not convert enough on offense when we had the opportunities. We did not have our #1 Quarterback available but those who filled in played well in his place. Final game next week against Union means little except bragging rights for us. More than likely will play in a post season ECAC bowl as we are now 7-2 and should qualify.

I didn't listen to the game. Was any reason given during the WRPI broadcast as to why Jake Kazanowsky was not available? From the recap available at RPIathletics, one would never guess that Justin McCormack was not the regular # 1 QB.

 

[RPI67]

We better not be low scoring on offense since I am not sure we can keep the score low on defense unless we make some drastic changes.

Right. Last nights score makes Union look like BC,PC,Maine.

 

[Engineers]

In 6 games we have let in 31 goals. In 6 games. Looking at the schedule we have the north country next weekend then i believe northeastern at home which congratulations to northeastern on two easy wins. Strong possibility we end November at 1-9.

 

[engineerhockeyfan]

Right. Last nights score makes Union look like BC,PC,Maine.

So far this season, these guys panic whenever they are pushed. And any opponent that has film, can see it.
Our defensive coverage in our own zone is non existent.
I don't know if we have a defenseman who can stay calm in those situations.
We need a reset, and soon.

 

[Engineers]

So far this season, these guys panic whenever they are pushed. And any opponent that has film, can see it.
Our defensive coverage in our own zone is non existent.
I don't know if we have a defenseman who can stay calm in those situations.
We need a reset, and soon.

I guess the week off after they had the shit kicked outta them to reset didn’t do much. Cherapack should file a lawsuit for defensive malpractice.

 

[AspyDad]

I was encouraged by our offensive showing for sure. Defense and goaltending needs to be better, but you've all already said that. I assume we'll have Cherepak in net. I don't think either coach is happy with the defense from last night, so tonight will be low scoring I bet

Hauge figured it out but it's concerning that our HC didn't.

 

[rpi82]

So far this season, these guys panic whenever they are pushed. And any opponent that has film, can see it.
Our defensive coverage in our own zone is non existent.
I don't know if we have a defenseman who can stay calm in those situations.
We need a reset, and soon.

Those are the two issues that jumped out at me. Union was extremely aggressive and showed no respect for our puck handlers. It was most apparent during the power plays, but it was true even up as well. While we sat back and passively tried to keep them on the outside while (poorly) cutting off passing lanes, their guys came straight after whichever of our players had the puck at the point or along the sidewalls. They had no fear that we'd make them pay. While we were waiving sticks to break up plays they were moving their feet and using their bodies.

As for the defense, it was a combination of bad positioning, an inability (or worse, unwillingness) to clear the net front and can someone, anyone, please pick up a trailer. I was always taught that on odd man rushes the defenseman should try to force the puck carrier to a bad angle and/or cut off the passing lanes, but their primary job is to take out the non-puck carrying players since the goaltender has to stay on the puck carrier. Instead our defensemen too often stay on the puck carrier leaving the other attackers wide open - and our other guys coming back don't seem to man up and take the trailers. The result was three tap in goals. Frankly, we should be embarassed by how pathetically easily Union scored those goals.

 

[DrDemento]

I didn't listen to the game. Was any reason given during the WRPI broadcast as to why Jake Kazanowsky was not available? From the recap available at RPIathletics, one would never guess that Justin McCormack was not the regular # 1 QB.

I watched the Hobart video broadcast and their announcers had no clue our first string QB was not playing for the entire first period. We jumped off to a 14-0 lead and really could have changed the entire script with another score. Hobart was just able to stay close enough to rush the ball down our throats. Their offensive line out weighed us by a huge margin and on most plays had gained 6-8 yards before we were able to lay a hand on the ball carrier. But if they were forced to pass instead of being able to pass when they preferred, the end result might have been different. They are a good team but we should have been able to hold them off when we got the score back up to 21-10 and simply could not. Not sure what the reason is but we just simply can never beat them up on their field. After this loss at least we cannot be left to wonder about the narrow unfortunate loss to Ithaca keeping us from the NCAA tournament. We have only the Union game left and it will mean little to us and probably more to them to win.

 

[kurt stutt]

I watched the Hobart video broadcast and their announcers had no clue our first string QB was not playing for the entire first period. We jumped off to a 14-0 lead and really could have changed the entire script with another score. Hobart was just able to stay close enough to rush the ball down our throats. Their offensive line out weighed us by a huge margin and on most plays had gained 6-8 yards before we were able to lay a hand on the ball carrier. But if they were forced to pass instead of being able to pass when they preferred, the end result might have been different. They are a good team but we should have been able to hold them off when we got the score back up to 21-10 and simply could not. Not sure what the reason is but we just simply can never beat them up on their field. After this loss at least we cannot be left to wonder about the narrow unfortunate loss to Ithaca keeping us from the NCAA tournament. We have only the Union game left and it will mean little to us and probably more to them to win.

In defense of announcers, I have missed this as well, when the opposition started a different quarterback than what was listed. You focus on the name so much you miss there is a different number out there. Yesterday I didn't notice DeMatteo started instead of Kazanowsky for a few plays, they were near the end zone on the left while I was closer to the one on the right, so I didn't get good looks at the QB number with 15 and 19 not dissimilar enough when viewed at an angle. It is usually best when someone in the press box alerts everyone, but we are separated at Hobart and I couldn't hear people in the main part of the press box. Neither could the Hobart announcers.

As to why Kazanowsky didn't play, I don't know. There was never an answer but the starting lineups were verified for the PA announcer prior to the game, for what that is worth. The only odd thing (for me) that I only remembered on the drive back to Troy was in the pre-game warmups. I noticed the QBs for RPI throwing the ball around and Kazanowsky was standing there but didn't appear to be participating much. I didn't look for long but I do remember seeing DeMatteo and McCormack warming up. Whether something happened then or not, I don't know, but that is something I don't look for much, that it struck me as odd at the time is strange.

I felt the Hobart TD as time expired in the first half was critical. Had RPI gotten the stop then, a better chance for a win. It let Hobart go into the locker room on an up note. RPI got that back on the first drive of the second half, but then the Hobart offense took over the game once they got the ball again. The Hobart offense scored on 5 consecutive drives in a game each team only got 9 possessions. RPI's two possessions after their last TD went nowhere, the second was the botched punt, then by the time they got the ball again they were trailing by 10. To simplify, RPI's offense left the field up by 11, had two horrid possessions, then were on the field down by 10. That is quite a swing.

 

[DrDemento]

After all this time, I am so used to the call of the games done by Kurt, usually anything else simply doesn't measure up. But I must give credit to the Hobart announcers as they called the game well and tried to be as unbiased as possible. No matter what happens next weekend, and of course I am hoping we can win one more, this has been another successful season. We have been part of the top tier of the Liberty League virtually every year and Ithaca, Hobart, Union and RPI are almost always within an eyelash of each other. Those games can be decided by one play or one drive or one penalty. Kurt is spot on, the final play of the first half on which Hobart scored was a pass play they attempted 4 or 5 consecutive times and finally complete it. I felt a penalty could have been called on each attempt. A couple times on us for pass interference and on the successful score on Hobart as the receiver seemed to push the defender off just before the ball arrived. But the calls could have gone either way and i do not think we should feel cheated. The football program should be congratulated not only for this season, but for almost every recent season for being in the mix for either the NCAA tournament or a local ECAC bowl game.

 

[tony/troy]

After all this time, I am so used to the call of the games done by Kurt, usually anything else simply doesn't measure up. But I must give credit to the Hobart announcers as they called the game well and tried to be as unbiased as possible. No matter what happens next weekend, and of course I am hoping we can win one more, this has been another successful season. We have been part of the top tier of the Liberty League virtually every year and Ithaca, Hobart, Union and RPI are almost always within an eyelash of each other. Those games can be decided by one play or one drive or one penalty. Kurt is spot on, the final play of the first half on which Hobart scored was a pass play they attempted 4 or 5 consecutive times and finally complete it. I felt a penalty could have been called on each attempt. A couple times on us for pass interference and on the successful score on Hobart as the receiver seemed to push the defender off just before the ball arrived. But the calls could have gone either way and i do not think we should feel cheated. The football program should be congratulated not only for this season, but for almost every recent season for being in the mix for either the NCAA tournament or a local ECAC bowl game.

Yes, the Hobart announcer is very good. Beyond football, got familiar with him watching home webcasts of the defending D3 national champion Hobart hockey team. You do know who he likes and would prefer to win but it's never to the point of annoyance.

There may not be any post season for RPI football this year. The NCAA is obviously gone and as of close of business Friday they have not declared any intention to play in an ECAC Bowl. They only have to the noon Monday deadline to do so. Seems they would have done so by now if they had any intention of participating or are even being allowed to by the new regime. Playing in any ECAC Bowls, especially an away one, does cost money.

 

[tony/troy]

Those are the two issues that jumped out at me. Union was extremely aggressive and showed no respect for our puck handlers. It was most apparent during the power plays, but it was true even up as well. While we sat back and passively tried to keep them on the outside while (poorly) cutting off passing lanes, their guys came straight after whichever of our players had the puck at the point or along the sidewalls. They had no fear that we'd make them pay. While we were waiving sticks to break up plays they were moving their feet and using their bodies.

As for the defense, it was a combination of bad positioning, an inability (or worse, unwillingness) to clear the net front and can someone, anyone, please pick up a trailer. I was always taught that on odd man rushes the defenseman should try to force the puck carrier to a bad angle and/or cut off the passing lanes, but their primary job is to take out the non-puck carrying players since the goaltender has to stay on the puck carrier. Instead our defensemen too often stay on the puck carrier leaving the other attackers wide open - and our other guys coming back don't seem to man up and take the trailers. The result was three tap in goals. Frankly, we should be embarassed by how pathetically easily Union scored those goals.

One of the local TV stations showed the Union goals on their highlights last night. On two of the goals the only RPI player even appearing on the screen was the goalie!!! Not exactly the all time most in depth analysis of ice hockey but, nonetheless, frightening and/or terrifying!!!

 

[RPI fan 4 life]

One of the local TV stations showed the Union goals on their highlights last night. On two of the goals the only RPI player even appearing on the screen was the goalie!!! Not exactly the all time most in depth analysis of ice hockey but, nonetheless, frightening and/or terrifying!!!

The only thing more terrifying than watching the highlights on TV was watching the game in person. RPI82 was spot on with his analysis. There just was no fire amongst the players despite a crowd of over 3200 fans mostly dressed in black wanting to make some noise. Can’t see it getting any better with what is normally our toughest road trip of the ECAC season next weekend. Just hope that I’m wrong…