RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

[25+years]

We are going to have to be lucky to land and then keep on our recruit list some finishers. Smith has been able to get some, but then they find offers with higher profile schools. Perhaps Finn Brown will fit that role, but it is a question if he will be able to overpowers opponents on the college level as he does in the OJHL. Jake Gagnon was also a good scorer earlier in the year, but he has cooled off a lot (24 goals in his first 25 games and 5 in his last 23).

With the exodus of players after only a year or two (and I am not sure that happens more now than in the past) I can understand why a player would opt to go to a higher profile school. Better to be a 3rd or 4th line forward or third pair defenseman in a team with lots of draft picks than to be a first or second line or defenseman on a school like RPI. Lots more attention from pro scouts at the former than the latter. And team success doesn’t seem to matter much. BU isn’t in the top 20. And we have a better record than , say, Wisconsin. But given the choice......Going to tournaments is great and all, but I am sure lots of this guys are looking long term not short term .

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MH | Due to women's ECAC Hockey playoffs, <a href="https://twitter.com/RPI_Hockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RPI_Hockey</a>'s game at Havard on February 28 will now start at 7:30pm.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RPIHockey?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RPIHockey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ECACHockey?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ECACHockey</a></p>— RPI Athletics (@RPIAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/RPIAthletics/status/1229798869216747525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[RPI fan 4 life]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MH | Due to women's ECAC Hockey playoffs, <a href="https://twitter.com/RPI_Hockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RPI_Hockey</a>'s game at Havard on February 28 will now start at 7:30pm.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RPIHockey?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RPIHockey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ECACHockey?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ECACHockey</a></p>— RPI Athletics (@RPIAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/RPIAthletics/status/1229798869216747525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Even RPI calls them Havard. Or should it be Hahvaard?

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

With the exodus of players after only a year or two (and I am not sure that happens more now than in the past) I can understand why a player would opt to go to a higher profile school. Better to be a 3rd or 4th line forward or third pair defenseman in a team with lots of draft picks than to be a first or second line or defenseman on a school like RPI. Lots more attention from pro scouts at the former than the latter. And team success doesn’t seem to matter much. BU isn’t in the top 20. And we have a better record than , say, Wisconsin. But given the choice......Going to tournaments is great and all, but I am sure lots of this guys are looking long term not short term .

Scouts will know about you and see you regardless of the league. They don't care what team you play for, they want to see your skill development over time. I still believe there's an argument to be made (and is being made by the likes of CCT, Cornell, Q, etc.) that "you can come here and be a top 6 guy or go there and sit in the stands for 1.5 or 2 years...)

Its never going to solve the problem of kids jumping ship, that issue is here to stay sadly. Smith seems to be on the right path... if one or two of his incoming signees can start lighting the lamp, then success will breed more recruiting wins I believe (hope ?).

 

[lugnut92]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

So this is obviously wishful thinking, but if we assume that if we win out and every other game is won by the team that is "supposed to win" (i.e., is ranked higher in the current ECAC standings), we get the bye by virtue of splitting with Harvard and beating them in wins. Just something to think about.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

Scouts will know about you and see you regardless of the league. They don't care what team you play for, they want to see your skill development over time. I still believe there's an argument to be made (and is being made by the likes of CCT, Cornell, Q, etc.) that "you can come here and be a top 6 guy or go there and sit in the stands for 1.5 or 2 years...)

Its never going to solve the problem of kids jumping ship, that issue is here to stay sadly. Smith seems to be on the right path... if one or two of his incoming signees can start lighting the lamp, then success will breed more recruiting wins I believe (hope ?).

Agree totally. I also do not think we are in a position to land the really top prospects. We may not even want them as you point out since many leave after a year or at most two (i.e. Pirri). This year we have some balanced scoring (no one over 9 goals as yet but lots of guys with double digits in points). I think that is not really all that bad and certainly an improvement over the past few years. We have the nucleus of some really good defensive pairings now as freshmen and sophomores. If we can add some balanced scoring (even without a star prospect), given our current goal tending, we could easily be competitive over the next couple years. We will be losing the top tier of our scoring after this season. But when you look a bit deeper and see that we do indeed have some double digit scoring in the younger classes, we may not be all that bad off.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

So this is obviously wishful thinking, but if we assume that if we win out and every other game is won by the team that is "supposed to win" (i.e., is ranked higher in the current ECAC standings), we get the bye by virtue of splitting with Harvard and beating them in wins. Just something to think about.

A bye would be nice, but for me it is pie in the sky. i would be very happy if the boys can finish strong, regardless of what other teams do, and get 5th (6th at worst). Anything can happen in a playoff round but there seems to be a huge gap between SLU/Princeton and Union/Brown. We match up better against some teams and there are others I would like to avoid until we have to play them and hopefully that is in Lake Placid. Jenny and I have not been up at Placid since RPI made their last appearance and would absolutely be driving up to support them if they manage to get there this year.
In a perfect world would love the bye. But if not, give me SLU in Troy and hopefully followed by a visit to Harvard in the second round.

 

[sezenack]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

A bye would be nice, but for me it is pie in the sky. i would be very happy if the boys can finish strong, regardless of what other teams do, and get 5th (6th at worst). Anything can happen in a playoff round but there seems to be a huge gap between SLU/Princeton and Union/Brown. We match up better against some teams and there are others I would like to avoid until we have to play them and hopefully that is in Lake Placid. Jenny and I have not been up at Placid since RPI made their last appearance and would absolutely be driving up to support them if they manage to get there this year.
In a perfect world would love the bye. But if not, give me SLU in Troy and hopefully followed by a visit to Harvard in the second round.

Totally agree with you. I'll be rooting for the unlikely scenario that they get the bye, but they can only control the games they play. If they take care of business, we should be seeing either Princeton or SLU in Troy

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

Totally agree with you. I'll be rooting for the unlikely scenario that they get the bye, but they can only control the games they play. If they take care of business, we should be seeing either Princeton or SLU in Troy

What is really nice is that this year, for the first time in a while, we are discussing this so late in the year. This team has surprised many of us. This team has accomplished more than some of us thought. This team could still surprise many more. And this excitement we are feeling is for a team that is still a hair below being at .500! Can you imagine what will happen when we are a team that wins 20+ games per year or dare i say it, actually makes the 16 selected for the NCAA tournament? After following this program since 1963, i actually began to think a few years ago that I would not live long enough to see that happen. Thanks to the boys on this team and thanks to a coach who is getting the most out of what he has my optimism is returning. No, we are not there yet. But the seeds are being planted and I think we may be seeing some pretty decent crop yields soon.

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

What is really nice is that this year, for the first time in a while, we are discussing this so late in the year. This team has surprised many of us. This team has accomplished more than some of us thought. This team could still surprise many more. And this excitement we are feeling is for a team that is still a hair below being at .500! Can you imagine what will happen when we are a team that wins 20+ games per year or dare i say it, actually makes the 16 selected for the NCAA tournament and scores a goal.? After following this program since 1963, i actually began to think a few years ago that I would not live long enough to see that happen. Thanks to the boys on this team and thanks to a coach who is getting the most out of what he has my optimism is returning. No, we are not there yet. But the seeds are being planted and I think we may be seeing some pretty decent crop yields soon.

FYP

(I do agree with you.)

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

The Freds

And he writes "offsides". https://fanforum.uscho.com/showthre...ion-Part-LII&p=6904769&viewfull=1#post6904769

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

Even RPI calls them Havard. Or should it be Hahvaard?

So, neither of the games vs. Havard this year are being played as scheduled.

 

[RPI67]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

What is really nice is that this year, for the first time in a while, we are discussing this so late in the year. This team has surprised many of us. This team has accomplished more than some of us thought. This team could still surprise many more. And this excitement we are feeling is for a team that is still a hair below being at .500! Can you imagine what will happen when we are a team that wins 20+ games per year or dare i say it, actually makes the 16 selected for the NCAA tournament? After following this program since 1963, i actually began to think a few years ago that I would not live long enough to see that happen. Thanks to the boys on this team and thanks to a coach who is getting the most out of what he has my optimism is returning. No, we are not there yet. But the seeds are being planted and I think we may be seeing some pretty decent crop yields soon.

Thanks Doc. My first RPI hockey was also 1963. Very nice to be thinking about a home ice series win. RPI has only had 1 in at least 14 years.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

FYP

(I do agree with you.)

You are indeed correct -not one NCAA tournament goal in almost 35 years!!!!

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

I am still concerned about the offense next season. Assuming nothing unexpected, we are only losing Reilly among the defenseman who play regularly, but we are losing a lot of our contributors at forward. Yes, some are returning, but not a large percentage.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

I am still concerned about the offense next season. Assuming nothing unexpected, we are only losing Reilly among the defenseman who play regularly, but we are losing a lot of our contributors at forward. Yes, some are returning, but not a large percentage.

We are probably looking at losing about 50% of our goal scoring. But that means we are retaining about 50% also. Given that many of the freshmen and sophomores have had a bit less ice time, although that 50% number seems high, it is not all that surprising. i would expect a bit more contribution from the fellows who remain for next year and if we get any production from the incoming class, we should be just fine. Of course you never know how recruits will fit into the program, I am pretty sure we will replace some of the 40+ goals lost to graduation. Of course you have a better idea of the possible offensive production in our recruit list having followed them far better than anyone else here. All we would need from them though is about 1 goal per game during the season to come close to what we are losing. I see the glass as half full!! (Vodka Gimlet of course)

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

We are probably looking at losing about 50% of our goal scoring. But that means we are retaining about 50% also. Given that many of the freshmen and sophomores have had a bit less ice time, although that 50% number seems high, it is not all that surprising. i would expect a bit more contribution from the fellows who remain for next year and if we get any production from the incoming class, we should be just fine. Of course you never know how recruits will fit into the program, I am pretty sure we will replace some of the 40+ goals lost to graduation. Of course you have a better idea of the possible offensive production in our recruit list having followed them far better than anyone else here. All we would need from them though is about 1 goal per game during the season to come close to what we are losing. I see the glass as half full!! (Vodka Gimlet of course)

Perhaps I am not used to players contributing more as they progress from freshmen to seniors. That was not that common under SA.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

Perhaps I am not used to players contributing more as they progress from freshmen to seniors. That was not that common under SA.

One of my biggest concerns at the time. I see more offensive potential in the undergrads now than we have had in years. I leave it to you to analyze the recruits coming in but from your list on the other thread, I see more than enough to make me think we can get a goal a game from the incoming group. I am hopeful that our above average goal tending and the development of our already fairly capable young defense can limit opponents and keep most games competitive if we find a way to score around 3 per game.
Many of the ECAC teams we have to play are losing a lot also with the glaring exception of Cornell. Looking over their roster and their recruit list, they will be even pore of a problem to deal with next year.

 

[engineerhockeyfan]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

One of my biggest concerns at the time. I see more offensive potential in the undergrads now than we have had in years. I leave it to you to analyze the recruits coming in but from your list on the other thread, I see more than enough to make me think we can get a goal a game from the incoming group. I am hopeful that our above average goal tending and the development of our already fairly capable young defense can limit opponents and keep most games competitive if we find a way to score around 3 per game.
Many of the ECAC teams we have to play are losing a lot also with the glaring exception of Cornell. Looking over their roster and their recruit list, they will be even pore of a problem to deal with next year.

I am not about to look forward to next year, except to say that this years team is built on defense. And next year that defense will be better based on the fact that the forwards have bought into that style of play.
Offense from the back end will improve with the likes of Kjellberg, Klee, and Hallbauer. and I don't think that we have seen the best from Ferner on the offensive end.
Based on their play this year, I like our returning forwards. There is a lot of potential in this group, and I think we will see a jump (a small one) in our offensive production.
I like just about everything that Smith is doing, and look forward to the future of this program under his leadership.
As for this year, I am already happy and look forward to some more surprises.

 

[Noresmen]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

I am not about to look forward to next year, except to say that this years team is built on defense. And next year that defense will be better based on the fact that the forwards have bought into that style of play.
Offense from the back end will improve with the likes of Kjellberg, Klee, and Hallbauer. and I don't think that we have seen the best from Ferner on the offensive end.
Based on their play this year, I like our returning forwards. There is a lot of potential in this group, and I think we will see a jump (a small one) in our offensive production.
I like just about everything that Smith is doing, and look forward to the future of this program under his leadership.
As for this year, I am already happy and look forward to some more surprises.

The team has scored a total of 78 goals this year. Six of your the eight seniors account for 39 goals. Of the 17 forwards/defensemen that are returning 3 have scored more then 5 goals or more this year (one defenseman and two forwards). Haulbauer hasn't produced any offense this year, not in the way he contributed last year. Hopefully its just a sophomore slump. Linden and Ashcroft have just started to produce offensively in last couple of weeks. Dubinsky as well prior to his injury. All three of these forwards though have been playing with seniors with the exception of Ashbrook who also has OV on his line with Gornal. My take is that this team will be strong defensively but short on the offense for next year. Only two forwards in the sophomore class and two freshman are producing any points. The team is losing 6 seniors that are producing. There is only 1 Junior forward and Jerry is not producing any offense. I don't see any offense coming from the remaining sophomore or freshman forwards on this roster. Incoming freshman need assistance to get their feet on the ground so at the least the first semester next year is going to experience a lot of short comings IMO with respect to offense. I think its going to be tough going at goal scoring next season.