RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

Cornell-BU and Cornell-Michigan sell out. The ECAC should be able to draw a decent crowd. That is beside the point. Maybe there was not enough time, and we know that there are not enough people in the ECAC Office, to pull this together. However, a chance to play your tournament at MSG is really too good to pass up. Are there not sponsors or alum who could put up the extra money? You can't overemphasize the value of the exposure the league would get.

I know I am in the minority on this, but it seems too good to pass up.

I would be interested in seeing the dollar numbers they were talking about.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

Not buying it --I'm from Mizzou on this one. I'll believe it when I see it. Just because you have large concentrations of alum in the metro, doesn't mean they show up for the game(s). Also, revenues (or lack thereof) has been the primary factor for the league all along...going to MSG would vaporize any budget they could dream up.

We would have bought tickets. If by some chance RPI got to play there-nothing could keep us away.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

I'm predicting a down year for Union.

They may not be what they have been the past 2 years-but they still have enough to challenge for the top 4 spots in the ECAC.

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

We would have bought tickets. If by some chance RPI got to play there-nothing could keep us away.

Me too. If that game vs. BC is real, I am going also.

LP is just too difficult to get to from DC.

The main question is whether MSG would draw local interest for the ECAC tourney. I think that it would if it was properly advertised.

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

LP is just too difficult to get to from DC.

Take the train to Westport NY. I'd pick you up. Granted Plattsburgh may be a better choice if you wanted a rental car...

 

[bothman]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

Cornell-BU and Cornell-Michigan sell out. The ECAC should be able to draw a decent crowd. That is beside the point. Maybe there was not enough time, and we know that there are not enough people in the ECAC Office, to pull this together. However, a chance to play your tournament at MSG is really too good to pass up. Are there not sponsors or alum who could put up the extra money? You can't overemphasize the value of the exposure the league would get.

I know I am in the minority on this, but it seems too good to pass up.

Agree on all fronts. If you don't dream big, why dream?

 

[AspyDad]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

EXCELLENT! My plan is coming to together nicely. Soon, very soon, Mr. Stewart will be on a one-way sled dog ride to Lake Baikal.

I see where Comrade Stewart is taking $$$$ from the former commies. Let me make this straight, I don't drink Russian vodka, watch Russian hockey or watch Jane Fonda movies (except when I was teenager I would watch her workout video, purely for the aerobic value). Larger question, how many payrolls is Stewart on and is he giving the ECAC the bang for their buck. I think you all know my answer. I'm sure he'll still have time to schedule Hicks for the Union game. I would be especially interested in what Ralph has to say because he kept our oceans safe from the Red Menance.

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

They may not be what they have been the past 2 years-but they still have enough to challenge for the top 4 spots in the ECAC.

I see no reason to rank them below 3. Top 2-3 goaltender in the country and plenty of talent of upfront and another excellent class of recruits coming in. The hard truth is that Union has set the tone in the Capital District the last 3 years. They were THE best, most complete team I've seen skate each of the the last two seasons. I bleed Cherry & White but fact remains that RPI's job is to answer the bell and knock them down an notch. Its that simple.

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

I noticed that the RPI - Union game on Sat. Jan. 26th at the TUC will follow the Alb. Devils - Adk. Phantoms 2:00PM tilt. That should be a very entertaining double bill. For those who haven't been, the Devils and Phantoms have a nice little rivalry...with very "spirited" games against each other...plenty of banging and trips to the sin bin....and they'll be selling beer.

 

[troyboy]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

I see where Comrade Stewart is taking $$$$ from the former commies. Let me make this straight, I don't drink Russian vodka, watch Russian hockey or watch Jane Fonda movies (except when I was teenager I would watch her workout video, purely for the aerobic value). Larger question, how many payrolls is Stewart on and is he giving the ECAC the bang for their buck. I think you all know my answer. I'm sure he'll still have time to schedule Hicks for the Union game. I would be especially interested in what Ralph has to say because he kept our oceans safe from the Red Menance.

Ahhhhh ! thats my brother a one man Iron Curtain....Taking up where Maggie & Ronnie left off. Somebody has to do it !!!

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

Today is 22 August 2012. There are 45 days until RPI's next game.


This is based upon 6 October for the start of next season.

That is the day that an exhibition game is supposedly scheduled.

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

I noticed that the RPI - Union game on Sat. Jan. 26th at the TUC will follow the Alb. Devils - Adk. Phantoms 2:00PM tilt. That should be a very entertaining double bill. For those who haven't been, the Devils and Phantoms have a nice little rivalry...with very "spirited" games against each other...plenty of banging and trips to the sin bin....and they'll be selling beer.

...with probably one concession stand open, maybe two.

 

[Jasma]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

I would be interested in seeing the dollar numbers they were talking about.

That would be interesting. Turnaround time could have been a factor in the decision as well. If MSG only gave them a week or two to decied, they may not have had enough time to determine if they could recover the costs with sponsorships and other revenue. Too bad they missed this golden opportunity.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

I see where Comrade Stewart is taking $$$$ from the former commies. Let me make this straight, I don't drink Russian vodka, watch Russian hockey or watch Jane Fonda movies (except when I was teenager I would watch her workout video, purely for the aerobic value). Larger question, how many payrolls is Stewart on and is he giving the ECAC the bang for their buck. I think you all know my answer. I'm sure he'll still have time to schedule Hicks for the Union game. I would be especially interested in what Ralph has to say because he kept our oceans safe from the Red Menance.

Do not tell me that you did not fully appreciate her in Barbarella? Again just for certain value.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

I see no reason to rank them below 3. Top 2-3 goaltender in the country and plenty of talent of upfront and another excellent class of recruits coming in. The hard truth is that Union has set the tone in the Capital District the last 3 years. They were THE best, most complete team I've seen skate each of the the last two seasons. I bleed Cherry & White but fact remains that RPI's job is to answer the bell and knock them down an notch. Its that simple.

Exactly-but I do think they were a tad more talented last year and that we will have much more depth to throw at them this coming year. We did play them fairly tough in the playoffs but as you mention they have been clearly the better team for a few years and we have some catching up to do. We have a lot of pieces to fit together anda very young team. By december we should have a much better idea of how this team will mesh together and present itself. Honestly i think we can be a fairly big surprise this year but how far we go may well be based on how well coached we will be.

 

[ibanezist00]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

I see no reason to rank them below 3. Top 2-3 goaltender in the country and plenty of talent of upfront and another excellent class of recruits coming in. The hard truth is that Union has set the tone in the Capital District the last 3 years. They were THE best, most complete team I've seen skate each of the the last two seasons. I bleed Cherry & White but fact remains that RPI's job is to answer the bell and knock them down an notch. Its that simple.

Would have to agree with you here, even tougher for me to swallow because my extended family is divided into RPI and Union fan camps. I have a feeling that RPI will continue the momentum we saw towards the end of last season -- if they play anything like they played Clarkson and Union in the ECAC playoffs, and add new talented recruits and experience for the older guys into the mix, I have a feeling we'll at least see them finish in the top 4-5 of the ECAC final standings (or at least one hopes).

That being said, if I had to boil down game improvement to a simple bullet point or two for the team? "Take more shots at the net period, stop passing it around on the PP in hopes of a perfectly beautiful shooting lane, and stop dumping and chasing pretty much every time you're in posession of the puck."

/2cents

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

Would have to agree with you here, even tougher for me to swallow because my extended family is divided into RPI and Union fan camps. I have a feeling that RPI will continue the momentum we saw towards the end of last season -- if they play anything like they played Clarkson and Union in the ECAC playoffs, and add new talented recruits and experience for the older guys into the mix, I have a feeling we'll at least see them finish in the top 4-5 of the ECAC final standings (or at least one hopes).

That being said, if I had to boil down game improvement to a simple bullet point or two for the team? "Take more shots at the net period, stop passing it around on the PP in hopes of a perfectly beautiful shooting lane, and stop dumping and chasing pretty much every time you're in posession of the puck."

/2cents

I totally agree. I saw both the Clarkson and Union series. RPI was a different team down the stretch. I expect them to play at that level to open the season...nothing less. The addition of Zalewski (big body who can finish) will add more size to the lineup up front. If Tinordi can play a bit smarter and take fewer penalties, he will be a difference maker. The kid changes the game when he steps on the ice....opponents definitely hear footsteps when he is out there. As for goaltending, I would not be surprised to see Diebold steal major minutes. Our young D corps got valuable experience down the stretch. I expect them to come out very solid.

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

I totally agree. I saw both the Clarkson and Union series. RPI was a different team down the stretch. I expect them to play at that level to open the season...nothing less. The addition of Zalewski (big body who can finish) will add more size to the lineup up front. If Tinordi can play a bit smarter and take fewer penalties, he will be a difference maker. The kid changes the game when he steps on the ice....opponents definitely hear footsteps when he is out there. As for goaltending, I would not be surprised to see Diebold steal major minutes. Our young D corps got valuable experience down the stretch. I expect them to come out very solid.

What I saw at Colgate/Cornell, compared to what I saw at the UCONN tourney, was night and day for sure. The same can be said with Dartmouth/Harvard/AIC. With goaltending, it would not surprise me at all to see Diebold start, as he can flat out play, but doesn't seem to do so well filling a back-up role, compared to Merriam, who actually does quite well as a back-up. Even with the UML game, Diebold played solid, and although he gave up 7 goals, there wasn't much that he could do as UML very much controlled that game from start to finish. As much as Kasdorf is a draft pick, he's still somewhat of an unknown quantity to me, as I haven't seen him play (although I did hear him play during the streaming of the RBC a couple years ago).

There are three keys to our season, and you touched on all three of them: Stay out of the box, stay out of the box, and stay out of the box. The returning kids have a year of ECAC play behind them, so they know what to expect in college play. I'm looking forward to a good season to clean, hard-hitting hockey.

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

I totally agree. I saw both the Clarkson and Union series. RPI was a different team down the stretch. I expect them to play at that level to open the season...nothing less. The addition of Zalewski (big body who can finish) will add more size to the lineup up front. If Tinordi can play a bit smarter and take fewer penalties, he will be a difference maker. The kid changes the game when he steps on the ice....opponents definitely hear footsteps when he is out there. As for goaltending, I would not be surprised to see Diebold steal major minutes. Our young D corps got valuable experience down the stretch. I expect them to come out very solid.

Starting at the level (relative to our opponents) where we were to end last season is indeed a key. I think Diebold and hopefully also Kasdorf will play major minutes. Nothing against Merriam, but IMO he is essentially at the top of his game already and the others have greater potential.

 

[ibanezist00]

Re: RPI Off-Season Thread 2012 Part II: (Insert Title Here)

Starting at the level (relative to our opponents) where we were to end last season is indeed a key. I think Diebold and hopefully also Kasdorf will play major minutes. Nothing against Merriam, but IMO he is essentially at the top of his game already and the others have greater potential.

Agree on your point about goaltending. Last season, I noticed a bit of a difference between Merriam and Diebold: Merriam at times would break down (mostly mentally) after being scored against and sometimes this would snowball into disastrous results, while Diebold would tend to shake it off, get back up again, and still play at the tip-top of his game. Diebold, on the other hand, seemed to have a hard time finding a groove if put in net after Merriam was pulled. That being said, they are both great goaltenders, but I do believe that Diebold should be starting in net instead. His style reminds me a lot of York, very quick and lateral and stands on his head when needed.