RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

[Waite21]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

What I don't get is how RPI hasn't capitalized on D'Amigo's heroism for Team USA at the World Juniors? Maybe they have and I just don't know about it? But it seems like that would be a great way to draw off the association. Case in point - Ryan Miller and Team USA. Granted, again, not on the same level. But I have to think there's gotta be some connection to use?

If, after the World Junior Championships, RPI had mounted a promotional campaign along the lines of "Come to the Field House and see our superstar, Team USA hero Jerry D'Amigo," that might have sold a few more tickets, but it would also have been putting an awful lot of pressure on a freshman. It could also have been perceived as a slight to a number of other very talented players on the team, including Chase Polacek, who was being touted as a candidate for the Hobey Baker award.

FWIW, my impression was that Jerry put plenty of pressure on himself without the added weight of such a promotional campaign.

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

If, after the World Junior Championships, RPI had mounted a promotional campaign along the lines of "Come to the Field House and see our superstar, Team USA hero Jerry D'Amigo," that might have sold a few more tickets, but it would also have been putting an awful lot of pressure on a freshman. It could also have been perceived as a slight to a number of other very talented players on the team, including Chase Polacek, who was being touted as a candidate for the Hobey Baker award.

FWIW, my impression was that Jerry put plenty of pressure on himself without the added weight of such a promotional campaign.

Didn't they have a game where they gave out pictures of JD'A?

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

II realize that SA has supposedly brought in studs, but what's happening when they get here? /QUOTE]

Supposedly...? Are you serious? If you had bothered to glance at a few point totals, you'd surely know how foolish this statement is. D'Amigo, Polacek, Pirri and York. League scoring title. National scoring leader. League All-Rookie team. Nah, no on-ice results that I can see.

Am I happy were headed for golf season? Absolutely not. Should we have won more games? Certainly. But don't insult everyone here by attempting to sling mud at players who had tremendous seasons, by anyone's standards.

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

Didn't they have a game where they gave out pictures of JD'A?

They certainly did. Not only that, but they had Jerry on the ice with his family and they had one of his framed USA jerseys...the had a video slideshow featuring the USA team's run and Jerry's highlights...

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

Red Cloud,
Of the eleven games played this weekend in the ECAC playoffs not one broke 2000 in attendance. That includes three Clarkson SLU games. It's not just a RPI problem, it's a league problem. Who really wants to, or better yet, can afford to shell out 15 dollars a ticket for a game between two teams that are for the most part, bad to mediocre?

My guess is that like RPI, most of the schools are on Spring Break..not that hard to figure out why attendance stunk. Losing game one cetainly didn't help.

FWIW - The "townie" side of HFH was actually pretty crowded last night.

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

Peak viewership on Sunday was 380, 170 on Saturday. We're quite pleased, and we're looking forward to being able to provide this service again next season (with the blessing of RPI Athletics, of course). We've got quite a lot of time to perfect and mature our streaming over the summer, and we'll be practicing on Lacrosse and Football in the offseason.

All 3 Brown games:
1 - http://www.rpitv.org/productions/286-mens-hockey-vs-brown-game-1-ecac-championship-1st-round
2 - http://www.rpitv.org/productions/287-mens-hockey-vs-brown-game-2-1st-round
3 - http://www.rpitv.org/productions/288-mens-hockey-vs-brown-game-3-1st-round

Congrats and thanks for all your work RHam. Babo texted me last night and said the feed was excellent...great job!

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

...I don't look forward to another year of Polacek, nor do I look forward to seeing at least a couple more years of D'Amigo & Pirri.

If you think playing against them is tough, wait'll you meet Laliberte, Higgs and Curadi !

Good luck to U the rest of the way...as I am once again a fan-for-hire at the ECAC tourney, I hope U can stick it to a few teams!

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

Didn't they have a game where they gave out pictures of JD'A?

They also gave them out at the alumni event in Ithaca. Too bad that was the last game of the season.

 

[ThePeople]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

It is Coach's 4th year, so people probably figure he has all of his guys. Remember that a couple were still Fridgen's recruits. Plus, he doesn't always get everyone he wants. Sometimes, recruits don't work out (Zarbo, for example. Or Beauregard, though I'm guessing he's a walk-on). Not to mention, our team is very used to playing a west coast style offense. We don't play the ECAC clutch and grab game. So we end up the short end. But honestly, I'd rather be a national contender than an ECAC contender. Even though you first have to get through the ECAC to get to the big stage.

Not to take away from any of your points but this is exactly how Yale, Princeton, and Quinnipiac have all had such success in the ECAC. Not only that, they were all able to beat out the kings of clutch and grab (Cornell) in decisive fashion for the past 3-4 years. This style should be successful at all levels and work the best against teams like Brown who will try and hit you and end up being left behind.

I think the difference is RPI really does not know how to use their speed throughout the entire game, in fact we regularly overskate pucks or go past the net on a 2on1 break leaving a rebound sitting their for a defender to pick up.

We have the talent and we will only be getting even more, if the team can't deliver better than this next year then you really have to start pointing at the coaching staff. Losing to one of the worst D1 teams in the entire country is a pretty serious issue. Part of a coaches job does have to be motivation and getting a team to be consistent, Appert did not provide anything in that respect this year.

Heres hoping for some after-game gambling and White House subs next year?

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

RPI is losing five players from this year's team, two on O (Kerins, Vassel) and three on D (Merth, Burgdoerfer, and Jensen). That is, assuming no one leaves early, which I said will be the case in my previous post. Yes, I don't expect any of our other draft choices (Foss, York, Bergin) or Polacek to leave either.

IMHO, continued improvement by the returning players and incoming freshmen (whether or not Laliberte and Quinn show up), should make next year's team significantly better. I will truly be disappointed if next year's team doesn't make it to <s>Albany</s> Atlantic City, and there is an excellent chance for an NCAA bid.

Kerins truly came into his own this season, but Laliberte, if he shows up, will be an improvement. If he doesn't, then Higgs probably won't be as good next season as Kerins was, but he has more potential, and we will rely more on improvement of other players to take Kerins' place. Vassel was an important role player for four years, but IMHO, any of many players can take his place -- Smith, Burgdoerfer II, Tinordi.

On defense, IMHO, Burgdoerfer will be the biggest loss. Merth's best positive trait is probably his leadership. Jensen, like Kerins, saved his best for his senior season. It isn't exactly clear who will take any of their places. Bailen and Leboeuf are likely to be two of the players. The third isn't clear. Zarbo only played one game this year. I don't know how he fits into SA's plans. Quinn and Curadi may or may not show up next season, but probably one will. It wouldn't surprise me if we still sign another dman this spring/summer.

RB - Good post. My biggest question is why Appert didn't mix up the D pairings after game one. I thought down the stretch that Burgdoerfer was perhaps our best D man ..sure handed with the pcuk, crisp outlet passes, quick on his feet and always ready to take the body. Eric was noticeably absent for much of the series, relegated to 3rd line....while Merth exasperated us yet again -- struggling for the entire series, as did Foss - his goal notwithstanding.

IMO, Burgie got the short of that coaching decision...for whatever reason. That's perhaps my biggest disappointment - that and Pirri and Polacek combining for 6 penalties.

 

[Wholin1]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

I have been away for a while but following developments closely. I must admit that I have mixed emotions about RPI's exit. Selfishly, I did not relish another Union - RPI showdown though I have no doubt that it would have been great hockey, regardless of the outcome. On the other hand, particularly over the course of this season, I have come to greatly respect and appreciate the RPI program and particularly its fans who are knowledgeable, loyal and perhaps above all, passionate about their team. So from an outsider, try to take solace in all of the positives and look forward to good days ahead.

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

I have been away for a while but following developments closely. I must admit that I have mixed emotions about RPI's exit. Selfishly, I did not relish another Union - RPI showdown though I have no doubt that it would have been great hockey, regardless of the outcome. On the other hand, particularly over the course of this season, I have come to greatly respect and appreciate the RPI program and particularly its fans who are knowledgeable, loyal and perhaps above all, passionate about their team. So from an outsider, try to take solace in all of the positives and look forward to good days ahead.

Classy post Wholin - thanks. Good luck down the stretch..I know I will be pulling for U to punch a few teams in the nose...

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

Not to take away from any of your points but this is exactly how Yale, Princeton, and Quinnipiac have all had such success in the ECAC. Not only that, they were all able to beat out the kings of clutch and grab (Cornell) in decisive fashion for the past 3-4 years. This style should be successful at all levels and work the best against teams like Brown who will try and hit you and end up being left behind.

I think the difference is RPI really does not know how to use their speed throughout the entire game, in fact we regularly overskate pucks or go past the net on a 2on1 break leaving a rebound sitting their for a defender to pick up.

We have the talent and we will only be getting even more, if the team can't deliver better than this next year then you really have to start pointing at the coaching staff. Losing to one of the worst D1 teams in the entire country is a pretty serious issue. Part of a coaches job does have to be motivation and getting a team to be consistent, Appert did not provide anything in that respect this year.

Heres hoping for some after-game gambling and White House subs next year?

That's 2... anyone else have tickets for the "Fire Appert" bandwagon?

I'm definitely up for White House subs, but I'd whoop your rear at the craps table.

 

[hockeymascot]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

That's 2... anyone else have tickets for the "Fire Appert" bandwagon?

I'm definitely up for White House subs, but I'd whoop your rear at the craps table.

With all due respect, you're starting to sound like rvd5star69!

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

With all due respect, you're starting to sound like rvd5star69!

How can I? I know how to put capital letters, lower case letters, AND punctuation in my sentences!

I'm not on the bandwagon, I'm merely taking the mugshots of those who board.

 

[ThePeople]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

That's 2... anyone else have tickets for the "Fire Appert" bandwagon?

I'm definitely up for White House subs, but I'd whoop your rear at the craps table.

Im not anywhere near a "Fire Appert" bandwagon, I believe in Appert's hair. But I also do not stand for the team being totally unprepared on Friday against Brown not to mention all of the other major letdowns like Army that just should not happen. Obviously the players have to be ready to play and have their heads in the game, but you have to put at least some of the responsibility on the coaching staff - even if it's just a fraction. We're going to get better and we will, but if we end up with the same record or worse next year(unless we have like York, Polacek, Jerry, O'Grady, Kennedy all get injured - thats a fair excuse) then Appert needs to take a real good look at what hes trying to accomplish.

That actually reminds me, Fridgen had some really bad injury and illness excuses for his last 2 years, so if you do look at everything including records, this team has still not become as good as it was before Fridgen left - although the difference in skill is pretty obvious.

Not sure why people can't just agree that something different needs to be done and that this season did not live up to the potential, of course we're not instantly going to be at the very top but we can certainly be better than average + having a bunch of losses to the lesser teams. Honestly, nothing spectacular was required this year; just beat the teams that you are supposed to beat and have a couple nice surprises (like both Yale games, UNH, BU, and maybe @ Q'pac) while competing in every game.

I'm actually pretty good at gambling, as long as it isn't on sports...

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

Im not anywhere near a "Fire Appert" bandwagon, I believe in Appert's hair. But I also do not stand for the team being totally unprepared on Friday against Brown not to mention all of the other major letdowns like Army that just should not happen. Obviously the players have to be ready to play and have their heads in the game, but you have to put at least some of the responsibility on the coaching staff - even if it's just a fraction. We're going to get better and we will, but if we end up with the same record or worse next year(unless we have like York, Polacek, Jerry, O'Grady, Kennedy all get injured - thats a fair excuse) then Appert needs to take a real good look at what hes trying to accomplish.

I cannot speak for game 1 because I was in Ithaca watching the women's game. However, based upon this entire paragraph, it sounds like you want him gone. As for the hair, I'll get you a glossy of a promo poster for The Mighty Ducks.

That actually reminds me, Fridgen had some really bad injury and illness excuses for his last 2 years, so if you do look at everything including records, this team has still not become as good as it was before Fridgen left - although the difference in skill is pretty obvious.

Kirk MacDonald his final year..... who else?

I'm actually pretty good at gambling, as long as it isn't on sports...

Can you count 8 decks?

 

[GreatLakerMohawk]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

I have been away for a while but following developments closely. I must admit that I have mixed emotions about RPI's exit. Selfishly, I did not relish another Union - RPI showdown though I have no doubt that it would have been great hockey, regardless of the outcome. On the other hand, particularly over the course of this season, I have come to greatly respect and appreciate the RPI program and particularly its fans who are knowledgeable, loyal and perhaps above all, passionate about their team. So from an outsider, try to take solace in all of the positives and look forward to good days ahead.

Good stuff Wholin, I know there's more than a few fans here that have come to the same understanding and respect level for Union as well.

 

[ThePeople]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

I cannot speak for game 1 because I was in Ithaca watching the women's game. However, based upon this entire paragraph, it sounds like you want him gone. As for the hair, I'll get you a glossy of a promo poster for The Mighty Ducks.



Kirk MacDonald his final year..... who else?



Can you count 8 decks?

If I recall Farnyuk(sp?) was injured just before or during the playoffs one year and I know there were definitely other, but those players are certainly key enough to have a large affect on the team and morale

Not sure how my post seems like I want him fired, I said he has to look at what hes doing - hes a new coach, is he going to keep the same style for his entire career? Maybe he needs to do something else to get to the players motivated, maybe he needs to put something to another assistant (like the penalty kill going to Vines, worked wonders).

This RPI section just seems so single-minded in "you're for Appert or you're against, there is no inbetween". How about being for adapting to scenarios, giving your players the best possible environment to succeed in, and giving it your best shot. I am not in the locker room, but some of you act like you are even though you clearly are not. I'll believe what Appert tells us because I have no other choice, but how can someone put all the blame or all the praise on just the coaches or just the players especially when they don't even know whats going on? And how can someone blame a fan for having an opinion on the matter? If I or anyone else wants to say that the coaching staff has to have something to do with the record this season...is that wrong? They had nothing to do with it all? Honestly? Do you have to get worse to get better? Because I don't see that written in any contracts.

"I Seth Appert will make this team worse for 3 years and make a return to mediocrity in the 4th year before finally returning to the glory of the early 2000's.." Seriously, some people seem to think that it is literally written out and of course there are others that think the opposite "we have to be the best instantly and if not its a failure" which is just as wrong.

Stop making ridiculous assumptions and just say what we all know, this year was a disappointment(don't lie to yourselves, it was) and hopefully next year will be better but who knows the rest of the league is improving as well. All you can ask for is the team to compete 60 minutes every night and the coaches to do the best they can with the players they have.

I can count decks as long as I don't have to dress up in silly costumes or fake bad accents like some MIT students might.
also: boo to everyone that doesn't show up to games or leaves early, honestly. The attendance this year was pathetic despite some really great hockey (and some really bad) but what reason does the team have to play if we can't even fill the rink 3/4 every night. Not sure whats more disappointing, the alum section or student section.

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2010 -- The Calm Before the Storm

If I recall Farnyuk(sp?) was injured just before or during the playoffs one year and I know there were definitely other, but those players are certainly key enough to have a large affect on the team and morale

Not sure how my post seems like I want him fired, I said he has to look at what hes doing - hes a new coach, is he going to keep the same style for his entire career? Maybe he needs to do something else to get to the players motivated, maybe he needs to put something to another assistant (like the penalty kill going to Vines, worked wonders).

This RPI section just seems so single-minded in "you're for Appert or you're against, there is no inbetween". How about being for adapting to scenarios, giving your players the best possible environment to succeed in, and giving it your best shot. I am not in the locker room, but some of you act like you are even though you clearly are not. I'll believe what Appert tells us because I have no other choice, but how can someone put all the blame or all the praise on just the coaches or just the players especially when they don't even know whats going on? And how can someone blame a fan for having an opinion on the matter? If I or anyone else wants to say that the coaching staff has to have something to do with the record this season...is that wrong? They had nothing to do with it all? Honestly? Do you have to get worse to get better? Because I don't see that written in any contracts.

"I Seth Appert will make this team worse for 3 years and make a return to mediocrity in the 4th year before finally returning to the glory of the early 2000's.." Seriously, some people seem to think that it is literally written out and of course theres other that think the opposite "we have to be the best instantly and if not its a failure" which is just as wrong.

Stop ridiculous assumptions and just say the truth, this year was a disappointment(don't lie to yourselves, it was) and hopefully next year will be better but who knows the rest of the league is improving as well. All you can ask for is the team to compete 60 minutes every night and the coaches to do the best they can with the players they have.

also: boo to everyone that doesn't show up to games or leaves early, honestly. The attendance this year was pathetic despite some really great hockey (and some really bad) but what reason does the team have to play if we can't even fill the rink 3/4 every night. Not sure whats more disappointing, the alum section or student section.

Oh yea, I'm DEFINITELY disappointed with our FIRST winning season since I first began to attend RPI. I'll stop ridiculous assumptions when you stop defining when we tell ourselves the truth.

With the exception of Lynah and POSSIBLY Ingalls, most schools would give their right arm to have our regular crowd size. Yea, so we can't necessarily fill up the building. It's the largest capacity building in the league. Maybe in order to make ThePeople happy, we should move all of our games to Northford Ice Pavilion, or maybe some other dinky rink.