engineerhockeyfan
PUCKMAN RULES!!!
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
How about "Think happy thoughts"
How about "Think happy thoughts"
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RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
- Thread starter Ralph Baer
- Start date
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
I am not an expert at the recruiting aspect of things. RB does an excellent job of providing the necessary information. I have looked in to this a bit and a few things stick out for me. RPI's current roster has 8, I think, SA recruits remaining. If all 9 recruits come in, who sits or leaves? And once the dust settles, the only people to "cut" are Smith's own recruits. I don't know how much of that goes on in the NCAA. But is the number of impacted players like RPI's this past year and , likely, next year, high or typical? Secondly. All the current recruits are no higher than 3.75. Are they that much better than those that came before? I am not being critical of my fellow contributors. Just wondering how does the non expert compare recruits and current players (particularly when a few current players had higher ratings and may now be expendable). Lastly. the season did look better and promising to me. But at the end of the day (and in particular the end of the season) the performance for the two most important games of the season did not impress me as headed in the right direction. Blame SA's recruits for that all you want. In reality the team is mostly made up of DS players. Next year we will see if this year was the next step or the top one.
I am not an expert at the recruiting aspect of things. RB does an excellent job of providing the necessary information. I have looked in to this a bit and a few things stick out for me. RPI's current roster has 8, I think, SA recruits remaining. If all 9 recruits come in, who sits or leaves? And once the dust settles, the only people to "cut" are Smith's own recruits. I don't know how much of that goes on in the NCAA. But is the number of impacted players like RPI's this past year and , likely, next year, high or typical? Secondly. All the current recruits are no higher than 3.75. Are they that much better than those that came before? I am not being critical of my fellow contributors. Just wondering how does the non expert compare recruits and current players (particularly when a few current players had higher ratings and may now be expendable). Lastly. the season did look better and promising to me. But at the end of the day (and in particular the end of the season) the performance for the two most important games of the season did not impress me as headed in the right direction. Blame SA's recruits for that all you want. In reality the team is mostly made up of DS players. Next year we will see if this year was the next step or the top one.
FlagDUDE08
Banned
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
Could the higher level recruits have been hurting us? Coaches shouldn't be looking for the best players, but rather the right ones. How does Coach Smith extract the best from 21 players in a game situation? When a player has the puck, are they moving to gain position, or just watching to see what "the magic hand" will do?
A player is ranked based on the individual talent they give. But how does that translate to the needs of the team?
Could the higher level recruits have been hurting us? Coaches shouldn't be looking for the best players, but rather the right ones. How does Coach Smith extract the best from 21 players in a game situation? When a player has the puck, are they moving to gain position, or just watching to see what "the magic hand" will do?
A player is ranked based on the individual talent they give. But how does that translate to the needs of the team?
Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
While interesting, the NZ ratings are not always accurate. Although there is, no doubt, a positive correlation between a recruit's ability and his rating, I am sure that it is far from a perfect correlation of 1. BTW, our highest rating is Burgess at a 4.25. His class is the first one that was evaluated. I suspect that his injuries have hindered his performance. Reilly, the same year, was a 4.00 and on the other end Reisinger was a 2.75. Michael Cameron, whom we lost recently, is a 4.25.
Appert recruits on the team: Wiffen, Moore, Grant, Perry, Hayhurst, Marrello, Burgess, Polino, Reily, Samec, Harris, and Marshall. Babichuk is still to come and possibly Matt Cameron, but I doubt it.
While interesting, the NZ ratings are not always accurate. Although there is, no doubt, a positive correlation between a recruit's ability and his rating, I am sure that it is far from a perfect correlation of 1. BTW, our highest rating is Burgess at a 4.25. His class is the first one that was evaluated. I suspect that his injuries have hindered his performance. Reilly, the same year, was a 4.00 and on the other end Reisinger was a 2.75. Michael Cameron, whom we lost recently, is a 4.25.
Appert recruits on the team: Wiffen, Moore, Grant, Perry, Hayhurst, Marrello, Burgess, Polino, Reily, Samec, Harris, and Marshall. Babichuk is still to come and possibly Matt Cameron, but I doubt it.
Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
I was wondering if the men's team was going to do this sort of thing again this year because the women's team is.\\<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/bzNOGrALcx">https://t.co/bzNOGrALcx</a></p>— Coach Dave Smith (@RPI_HockeyCoach) <a href="https://twitter.com/RPI_HockeyCoach/status/1102650865750589441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I was wondering if the men's team was going to do this sort of thing again this year because the women's team is.\\<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/bzNOGrALcx">https://t.co/bzNOGrALcx</a></p>— Coach Dave Smith (@RPI_HockeyCoach) <a href="https://twitter.com/RPI_HockeyCoach/status/1102650865750589441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
I tuned in to Saturday's game just in time to see RPI's starting lineup introduced.
I assumed that, as was the case last year, the seniors would be honored following the game. But when the game ended, RPI-TV signed off without any hint that any ceremony might be forthcoming. Did they honor the seniors before the game this year?
I can remember going to a Senior Night game in 2004. RPI honored the seniors before the start of the game. Then the game started and BOOM! BOOM! Colgate had a 2-0 lead before RPI knew what had hit them. It was pretty significant, since Colgate wound up winning the game, 3-2. As it turned out, a tie would have allowed RPI to finish fourth instead of fifth, which would have allowed them, later in the playoffs, to face Dartmouth at home, rather than in Hanover.
I always felt that it was a bad idea to have our team start the game basking in warm, fuzzy feelings while the other team is all ready to get down to business. At least it didn't seem to have too much of a bad effect this past Saturday night.
I tuned in to Saturday's game just in time to see RPI's starting lineup introduced.
I assumed that, as was the case last year, the seniors would be honored following the game. But when the game ended, RPI-TV signed off without any hint that any ceremony might be forthcoming. Did they honor the seniors before the game this year?
I can remember going to a Senior Night game in 2004. RPI honored the seniors before the start of the game. Then the game started and BOOM! BOOM! Colgate had a 2-0 lead before RPI knew what had hit them. It was pretty significant, since Colgate wound up winning the game, 3-2. As it turned out, a tie would have allowed RPI to finish fourth instead of fifth, which would have allowed them, later in the playoffs, to face Dartmouth at home, rather than in Hanover.
I always felt that it was a bad idea to have our team start the game basking in warm, fuzzy feelings while the other team is all ready to get down to business. At least it didn't seem to have too much of a bad effect this past Saturday night.
RPI fan 4 life
Season Ticket Holder since 1974
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
Yes, they honored the seniors prior to the game this year. I remember SA would never do that, but honoring them after the game while most of the fans filing out was never a good idea IMHO. Especially when Dartmouth pulled away in the final few minutes leaving most of fans heading for the exits early.
Yes, they honored the seniors prior to the game this year. I remember SA would never do that, but honoring them after the game while most of the fans filing out was never a good idea IMHO. Especially when Dartmouth pulled away in the final few minutes leaving most of fans heading for the exits early.
rvd5star69
hockey
The seniors vote on that each season
Unfortunately, we won't really know whether Smith can recruit competitive talent and keep them committed for another couple of years. The competition is to identify the best 15 and 16 year olds and project them forward about 4 years. Any players that Smith brought in over the last 18 months (at least from the U.S. and Canada) that are on our current roster or enrolling this fall are, almost by definition, the best of the leftovers because the better talent in those classes committed 3 or 4 years ago. Hopefully there are a few late bloomers because the early bloomers were long gone before Smith was even hired. Seth was very slow to adapt to this new world. Whether that was his preference or because of limitations put on him by the school I don't know, but for years we saw our Ivy and HE friends have lists of recruits 15-20+ deep and extending out 3 or 4 years while we had 6-8 with most being for the coming season. Smith has taken a much longer term view but only time will tell whether he has the eye for the right talent and the ability to keep them.
DavidNardolillo
Member
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
I didn't know that. At the beginning of the season, one RPI season ticket holder I know asked an athletic department employee why it was done after the game, and he was told that it was a coach's decision as to when to hold the ceremony. Perhaps the players noticed that nobody stuck around last year and voted for a change. I think it is better done before the game, rather than having the crowd leave early.
I didn't know that. At the beginning of the season, one RPI season ticket holder I know asked an athletic department employee why it was done after the game, and he was told that it was a coach's decision as to when to hold the ceremony. Perhaps the players noticed that nobody stuck around last year and voted for a change. I think it is better done before the game, rather than having the crowd leave early.
DavidNardolillo
Member
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
Time will tell. Usually the guys who are struggling to get game time are at risk, but we won't know for sure until you see the list of transfers coming in, as that adds an extra dynamic to the decision-making. The scholarships of rising seniors have been pulled in the past, and that can happen again, although I am not a supporter of that concept in general.
Time will tell. Usually the guys who are struggling to get game time are at risk, but we won't know for sure until you see the list of transfers coming in, as that adds an extra dynamic to the decision-making. The scholarships of rising seniors have been pulled in the past, and that can happen again, although I am not a supporter of that concept in general.
FlagDUDE08
Banned
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
Or that after the game was Appert's choice, and Smith decided to give them the option.
Or that after the game was Appert's choice, and Smith decided to give them the option.
Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
I don't think that we will be going after transfers again.
I don't think that we will be going after transfers again.
FlagDUDE08
Banned
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
Why not? We have a couple loaded classes in terms of quantity, so why not balance it out a little bit?
Why not? We have a couple loaded classes in terms of quantity, so why not balance it out a little bit?
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
Wow, this thread blew up since I've been gone, so I'm going to comment on everything I've seen said here.
Everyone was very optimistic recently when the team was competitive pretty much in every game since the start of 2019 and was looking solid. Yes, they laid a stinker this entire weekend in pretty much identical games, but that does not erase an entire season's work. This team showed many flashes and was markedly an improvement in all areas over last season's team. This was a positive step forward for the program. Being competitive with top teams was what I liked most this season and that gives me hope for next season.
Now onto some other things. I don't understand the thrashing of Hayhurst, Reilly and Burgess.
Hayhurst is by far our best player and looks a step above everyone else on the ice. This season he was a hobey baker nominee, and next season, I think there's a good chance he makes the jump from nominee to actual contender.
Reilly is by far our best defenseman. He has wonderful offensive skills and is pretty reliable defensively. He can be streaky and inconsistent, but he's our best defenseman and that's just a fact. Hopefully, next season he develops that consistency. As for the Penguins, I don't see them trying to sign him honestly. I don't think he is consistent enough to make the immediate jump to the NHL, and they likely know that.
As for Burgess, this is essentially his sophomore season, and he has looked pretty good this season. Last season, I was confused about how he was drafted, but this season has been a great improvement. He has a great release and shot (see a couple of his absolute snipes for goals this season), his hands are way better and look like the most upgraded part of his game, and with his size, he plays physical and wins a good amount of puck battles. Next season, he should also be better like the 2 above, and if Burgess doesn't want to use his medical redshirt, I wouldn't be surprised if those 3 are the captains.
Now, as for our future, there are a lot of pieces to this team that are really promising. First off, we have an outstanding goaltender who was one of the best in all of college hockey this season, AND he's only a freshman. That is a major building block. In addition, Ottoville Leppanen looked really, really good this season. He has a knack for finding the open man, wins puck battles with strength and skill and is just all-around a very solid and good player. Our freshmen defensemen also all look pretty promising. Jake Johnson is a solid all-around defenseman who has great talent and skills on both sides. He had the occasional mental lapse which would lead to a goal or an odd-man rush, but he's only a freshman and as he cuts down on those, he will be a really good player for the rest of his career (he already is a good player I'd say). Kyle Hallbauer has excellent offensive skills and is a long-term Reilly replacement in that regard. He also needs to cut down on mental mistakes and play more disciplined defensively, but his offensive skills are much needed. Brady Ferner hasn't really impressed me with exceptional skills, but he has seemed solid all-around and does not make many mental mistakes. He already seems very disciplined and mature and routinely makes good defensive plays even if he does not contribute much offensively. Other freshmen to look at are Jakub Lacka (good shot and release and offensive skills but needs to get much stronger and play better defense), Nick Bowman (great release and shot, needs more consistency and less mental lapses, but has the size and strength too), Tommy Lee (almost looks like Hayhurst but needs to play stronger and more consistent; very fast and has great pucks skills) and Ture Linden (solid all-around, not an outstanding skills in one area, but no major weaknesses and does not have mental lapses or make too many mistakes). I think they provide a solid foundation.
The transfers were also pretty good. Zieky has been our top goal scorer despite playing half the season, and his shot is outstanding. Gornall is aggressive, physical and great defensively. Bear hasn't really impressed but he's a solid piece.
Looking to next season, I expect Mat Harris for sure to be cut. He has looked absolutely horrendous this season and like a liability every time he's been on the ice. Jaren Burke already left, so that is already set. Ott sometimes has looked good and sometimes not good at all, so he will be one to watch as he hasn't played much in the 2nd half but has been good at times. Billy Jerry hasn't really done much this season and has rode the bench most of the second half but had a promising freshman year. Those would be the main cut candidates.
The recruits look pretty decent too, but I'm mostly excited for Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (forward) as he's been excellent in the USHL this season (plus how can't you be excited by his name and his flow!) and Simon Kjellberg, a defenseman from Sweden who is a Rangers draft pick. In summary, I think we've got some talent and will be good next season.
As for the "who even cares about this team?" question, I ********** care. I'm the treasurer of Red Army and will be transitioning to president at the end of the semester. Sure, we haven't had good attendance, but we had 90 students buy season tickets this year (a lot considering the disaster of the past 2 seasons). Hopefully, that number will go up. The lack of attendance this week was because this weekend was the start of our spring break. In general, I will admit that the student body does not care about the team. The general mentality from talking to other students is "why should I go to the games; we suck and we'll lose". However, I have some plans and ideas to try to improve the outlook from the students and the publicity (PR), media and general atmosphere surrounding the team. I am looking forward to when I can discuss that at length with the athletics department once I am president. Unfortunately, that will still only do so much as winning (or lack thereof) is what will change things, but that won't stop me from trying to do what I can. All we can do is hope that they finish the year strong and next year make some noise.
I have hope for the future of this team, and after seeing positivity for all of the second half of the season (until now), it's annoying that everyone seems to be turning against the team and Smith after one bad weekend when overall the team has been competitive this season. I think this season can be seen as a stepping stone to better things to come, and I hope I'm not the only one
Wow, this thread blew up since I've been gone, so I'm going to comment on everything I've seen said here.
Everyone was very optimistic recently when the team was competitive pretty much in every game since the start of 2019 and was looking solid. Yes, they laid a stinker this entire weekend in pretty much identical games, but that does not erase an entire season's work. This team showed many flashes and was markedly an improvement in all areas over last season's team. This was a positive step forward for the program. Being competitive with top teams was what I liked most this season and that gives me hope for next season.
Now onto some other things. I don't understand the thrashing of Hayhurst, Reilly and Burgess.
Hayhurst is by far our best player and looks a step above everyone else on the ice. This season he was a hobey baker nominee, and next season, I think there's a good chance he makes the jump from nominee to actual contender.
Reilly is by far our best defenseman. He has wonderful offensive skills and is pretty reliable defensively. He can be streaky and inconsistent, but he's our best defenseman and that's just a fact. Hopefully, next season he develops that consistency. As for the Penguins, I don't see them trying to sign him honestly. I don't think he is consistent enough to make the immediate jump to the NHL, and they likely know that.
As for Burgess, this is essentially his sophomore season, and he has looked pretty good this season. Last season, I was confused about how he was drafted, but this season has been a great improvement. He has a great release and shot (see a couple of his absolute snipes for goals this season), his hands are way better and look like the most upgraded part of his game, and with his size, he plays physical and wins a good amount of puck battles. Next season, he should also be better like the 2 above, and if Burgess doesn't want to use his medical redshirt, I wouldn't be surprised if those 3 are the captains.
Now, as for our future, there are a lot of pieces to this team that are really promising. First off, we have an outstanding goaltender who was one of the best in all of college hockey this season, AND he's only a freshman. That is a major building block. In addition, Ottoville Leppanen looked really, really good this season. He has a knack for finding the open man, wins puck battles with strength and skill and is just all-around a very solid and good player. Our freshmen defensemen also all look pretty promising. Jake Johnson is a solid all-around defenseman who has great talent and skills on both sides. He had the occasional mental lapse which would lead to a goal or an odd-man rush, but he's only a freshman and as he cuts down on those, he will be a really good player for the rest of his career (he already is a good player I'd say). Kyle Hallbauer has excellent offensive skills and is a long-term Reilly replacement in that regard. He also needs to cut down on mental mistakes and play more disciplined defensively, but his offensive skills are much needed. Brady Ferner hasn't really impressed me with exceptional skills, but he has seemed solid all-around and does not make many mental mistakes. He already seems very disciplined and mature and routinely makes good defensive plays even if he does not contribute much offensively. Other freshmen to look at are Jakub Lacka (good shot and release and offensive skills but needs to get much stronger and play better defense), Nick Bowman (great release and shot, needs more consistency and less mental lapses, but has the size and strength too), Tommy Lee (almost looks like Hayhurst but needs to play stronger and more consistent; very fast and has great pucks skills) and Ture Linden (solid all-around, not an outstanding skills in one area, but no major weaknesses and does not have mental lapses or make too many mistakes). I think they provide a solid foundation.
The transfers were also pretty good. Zieky has been our top goal scorer despite playing half the season, and his shot is outstanding. Gornall is aggressive, physical and great defensively. Bear hasn't really impressed but he's a solid piece.
Looking to next season, I expect Mat Harris for sure to be cut. He has looked absolutely horrendous this season and like a liability every time he's been on the ice. Jaren Burke already left, so that is already set. Ott sometimes has looked good and sometimes not good at all, so he will be one to watch as he hasn't played much in the 2nd half but has been good at times. Billy Jerry hasn't really done much this season and has rode the bench most of the second half but had a promising freshman year. Those would be the main cut candidates.
The recruits look pretty decent too, but I'm mostly excited for Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (forward) as he's been excellent in the USHL this season (plus how can't you be excited by his name and his flow!) and Simon Kjellberg, a defenseman from Sweden who is a Rangers draft pick. In summary, I think we've got some talent and will be good next season.
As for the "who even cares about this team?" question, I ********** care. I'm the treasurer of Red Army and will be transitioning to president at the end of the semester. Sure, we haven't had good attendance, but we had 90 students buy season tickets this year (a lot considering the disaster of the past 2 seasons). Hopefully, that number will go up. The lack of attendance this week was because this weekend was the start of our spring break. In general, I will admit that the student body does not care about the team. The general mentality from talking to other students is "why should I go to the games; we suck and we'll lose". However, I have some plans and ideas to try to improve the outlook from the students and the publicity (PR), media and general atmosphere surrounding the team. I am looking forward to when I can discuss that at length with the athletics department once I am president. Unfortunately, that will still only do so much as winning (or lack thereof) is what will change things, but that won't stop me from trying to do what I can. All we can do is hope that they finish the year strong and next year make some noise.
I have hope for the future of this team, and after seeing positivity for all of the second half of the season (until now), it's annoying that everyone seems to be turning against the team and Smith after one bad weekend when overall the team has been competitive this season. I think this season can be seen as a stepping stone to better things to come, and I hope I'm not the only one
FlagDUDE08
Banned
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
Great to have current students on here once again, especially ones that actually care.
I really hope your PR considerations are going to work out. I know for myself, I wish they still had the "pick six" from the Fridgen days where you picked six games to attend (even though I don't know what percentage picked Freakout as one of the six), and they'd try to arrange it as a season ticket share between 2 or 3 people.
I wouldn't worry too much about the negativity whining especially around this time of year, as it seems to be a bit of a perpetual occurrence. Generally we have a few "fans" that only really show up around Freakout and/or the playoffs, and not seeing the whole product, just **** on the team. Not sure if it's a sign of the times, or if it's just another reason to look for a rabble as it's the emotion of the century. Continue to lead by example, and others will be drawn to your genuine enthusiasm.
Great to have current students on here once again, especially ones that actually care.
I really hope your PR considerations are going to work out. I know for myself, I wish they still had the "pick six" from the Fridgen days where you picked six games to attend (even though I don't know what percentage picked Freakout as one of the six), and they'd try to arrange it as a season ticket share between 2 or 3 people.I wouldn't worry too much about the negativity whining especially around this time of year, as it seems to be a bit of a perpetual occurrence. Generally we have a few "fans" that only really show up around Freakout and/or the playoffs, and not seeing the whole product, just **** on the team. Not sure if it's a sign of the times, or if it's just another reason to look for a rabble as it's the emotion of the century. Continue to lead by example, and others will be drawn to your genuine enthusiasm.
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
Not sure how much this aids in PR but would certainly be nice to have each and every game broadcast on WRPI. This past year was the first that I recall in many in which I had to find radio coverage by listening to the opponent's feed. The RPI TV coverage of home game is wonderful and of course should continue. Since we do not get much other media attention, every little bit helps. Would hate to see this lack of broadcasting become a trend.
Great to have current students on here once again, especially ones that actually care.
I wouldn't worry too much about the negativity whining especially around this time of year, as it seems to be a bit of a perpetual occurrence. Generally we have a few "fans" that only really show up around Freakout and/or the playoffs, and not seeing the whole product, just **** on the team. Not sure if it's a sign of the times, or if it's just another reason to look for a rabble as it's the emotion of the century. Continue to lead by example, and others will be drawn to your genuine enthusiasm.
Not sure how much this aids in PR but would certainly be nice to have each and every game broadcast on WRPI. This past year was the first that I recall in many in which I had to find radio coverage by listening to the opponent's feed. The RPI TV coverage of home game is wonderful and of course should continue. Since we do not get much other media attention, every little bit helps. Would hate to see this lack of broadcasting become a trend.
FlagDUDE08
Banned
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
Sadly, most of that is based on personnel. Remember that the ECAC mandates coverage of both men's and women's games, so there has to be a commentator for any home game, so that means Perry has to be at HFH (not sure why Joe can't call home games while Perry travels). And since WRPI is having problems getting commentators that can travel (usually on account of classes; remember that they want current students to call the games), we're stuck with what we have. I have a feeling we're also having trouble getting statisticians because, at least on the occasion of the UMA game, they were pulling double duty. I very much agree that that sort of coverage is important, as they'd typically run WRPI as audio for the CCTV channels that had community bulletin board sorts of screens.
Hey sezenack, I know your focus is the Red Army, but would you happen to know anyone with interest in any of those? I'm sure jericho would love to hear from you on that one, as he's very much into at least the WRPI scene.
Sadly, most of that is based on personnel. Remember that the ECAC mandates coverage of both men's and women's games, so there has to be a commentator for any home game, so that means Perry has to be at HFH (not sure why Joe can't call home games while Perry travels). And since WRPI is having problems getting commentators that can travel (usually on account of classes; remember that they want current students to call the games), we're stuck with what we have. I have a feeling we're also having trouble getting statisticians because, at least on the occasion of the UMA game, they were pulling double duty. I very much agree that that sort of coverage is important, as they'd typically run WRPI as audio for the CCTV channels that had community bulletin board sorts of screens.
Hey sezenack, I know your focus is the Red Army, but would you happen to know anyone with interest in any of those? I'm sure jericho would love to hear from you on that one, as he's very much into at least the WRPI scene.
Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
sezenack,
Always good to get a new poster here. You wrote that you are a member of the Red Army. Does that indicate that you are a current student? That is something that this thread needs more of.
I agree that no matter how we do in the playoffs that there is hope for next season. We are not losing that much in the four seniors, and there should be improvement elsewhere.
A few isolated comments. Supposedly Ferner's forte is his leadership skills. Someone, I think connected to his junior team, predicted that he would a captain by his junior season. I am overall happy with this year's freshman class. Hopefully there is not a collective slump next year.
Yes, Harris is a prime candidate for not being back in the fall. A matter of fact, any of the current sophomore class could disappear (Harris, Ott, Jerry, Marshall) although I expect Marshall to be back since we have not recruited another goalie who could be either #1 or #2, and I doubt that there is one available now. Brett Miller appears to be destined to be the #3. I also think that Ott will be back, but I won't be surprised if he leaves. As to Jerry, he had a promising first season, and I don't know what his problem was this year.
As to the other recruits, I have commented here before on Fontaine. He is not expected to be here until 2020. It beats me as to whether he could arrive this fall. He was born in 2000, so normally he would be fine for 2019, but when he went to Lawrence Academy for 2007-18, he supposedly repeated a year. That happens often at prep schools. I know that it happened also to a daughter of one of my cousins who later played D-III hockey at Wesleyan including one year when one of our women's ACs, Tara Connolly, was a coach there. If Fontaine returns to Chicago next year, we may have to fight off other schools for him. A continued improvement in Troy should help us.
Of the forwards expected, I think that Ashbrook and Herrman will step right in as many of this year's freshmen did. I think that McIsaac could benefit from another year in juniors, and Dubinsky is a big question mark because of his lengthy injury. Supposedly he his begun skating again. As to the defensemen expected -- Babichuk, Davies, Kjellberg, and Klee -- there are also question marks. When listening on the internet, it is hard to get a sense on how good defensemen are. I think that Klee is the most likely to step right in. Kjellberg was drafted, but it isn't clear to me as to whether that was mainly because of his father. I was surprised that Davies signed a LOI. I still expect him to return to juniors. As to Babichuk, the question is how well he will recover from his injuries. The fact that he has survived as an RPI recruit despite being an Appert holdover, speaks highly of his ability because so many others haven't for one reason or another.
sezenack,
Always good to get a new poster here. You wrote that you are a member of the Red Army. Does that indicate that you are a current student? That is something that this thread needs more of.
I agree that no matter how we do in the playoffs that there is hope for next season. We are not losing that much in the four seniors, and there should be improvement elsewhere.
A few isolated comments. Supposedly Ferner's forte is his leadership skills. Someone, I think connected to his junior team, predicted that he would a captain by his junior season. I am overall happy with this year's freshman class. Hopefully there is not a collective slump next year.
Yes, Harris is a prime candidate for not being back in the fall. A matter of fact, any of the current sophomore class could disappear (Harris, Ott, Jerry, Marshall) although I expect Marshall to be back since we have not recruited another goalie who could be either #1 or #2, and I doubt that there is one available now. Brett Miller appears to be destined to be the #3. I also think that Ott will be back, but I won't be surprised if he leaves. As to Jerry, he had a promising first season, and I don't know what his problem was this year.
As to the other recruits, I have commented here before on Fontaine. He is not expected to be here until 2020. It beats me as to whether he could arrive this fall. He was born in 2000, so normally he would be fine for 2019, but when he went to Lawrence Academy for 2007-18, he supposedly repeated a year. That happens often at prep schools. I know that it happened also to a daughter of one of my cousins who later played D-III hockey at Wesleyan including one year when one of our women's ACs, Tara Connolly, was a coach there. If Fontaine returns to Chicago next year, we may have to fight off other schools for him. A continued improvement in Troy should help us.
Of the forwards expected, I think that Ashbrook and Herrman will step right in as many of this year's freshmen did. I think that McIsaac could benefit from another year in juniors, and Dubinsky is a big question mark because of his lengthy injury. Supposedly he his begun skating again. As to the defensemen expected -- Babichuk, Davies, Kjellberg, and Klee -- there are also question marks. When listening on the internet, it is hard to get a sense on how good defensemen are. I think that Klee is the most likely to step right in. Kjellberg was drafted, but it isn't clear to me as to whether that was mainly because of his father. I was surprised that Davies signed a LOI. I still expect him to return to juniors. As to Babichuk, the question is how well he will recover from his injuries. The fact that he has survived as an RPI recruit despite being an Appert holdover, speaks highly of his ability because so many others haven't for one reason or another.
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Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
Re: RPI Hockey 2018 - 2019 Part II: We're Just Gonna Complain, Don't Bother Reading
QFT. I was very disappointed that WRPI did not broadcast every game. That was apparently in large part due to not having announcers available. Tom Reale made a point that last year that sometimes the only reason that we had broadcasts was that he was willing to drive to games when no one else wanted to.
Edit: I should have read FlagDUDE08's post first.
QFT. I was very disappointed that WRPI did not broadcast every game. That was apparently in large part due to not having announcers available. Tom Reale made a point that last year that sometimes the only reason that we had broadcasts was that he was willing to drive to games when no one else wanted to.
Edit: I should have read FlagDUDE08's post first.