RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

[bothman]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

Also, with Harvard's enigmatic performance this season and for that matter last season, is there talk of Donato being in jeopardy? If the answer to that is in the affrimative, please leave our coach (Leaman) alone.

I don't think Donato would be let go of any time soon. I would say at least 2 more seasons of mediocrity would warrant such conversation. Donato can recruit, but transalating that onto the ice has not always worked out. There have been some big time gets (Grimshaw which is relevant to RPI fans) that have not lived up to the hype thus far.

My guess is that Leaman would be in that conversation if it were ever to come to fruition.

I too believe that the hits were reflective of the fragile state of this Harvard team and not any character issues.

 

[Red Cloud]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

If the answer to that is in the affrimative, please leave our coach (Leaman) alone.

Now THIS sounds like battered wife syndrome and I don't blame you for thinking this way given the way Moore and Sneddon were practically run out of town after finding minor successes, but I suspect the atmosphere at Union has at least improved enough whereby Leaman has significant reason to stick around and finish what he's started.

 

[Wholin1]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

Now THIS sounds like battered wife syndrome and I don't blame you for thinking this way given the way Moore and Sneddon were practically run out of town after finding minor successes, but I suspect the atmosphere at Union has at least improved enough whereby Leaman has significant reason to stick around and finish what he's started.

True, but I would guess that there are a few jobs which might catch Leaman's eye, Harvard being one of them based on his prior ties to that program, among other factors. On the other hand, he impresses me as being a person of integrity and for its part Union has at least extended some degree of appreciation and recognition to him for his efforts in the obviously difficult environment which he has had to face.

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

It's still a little too early to think about this, but I would rather see Union win a bunch of games while hoping to heck we don't end up in the bottom 6 (we can't end up in last, that's a guarantee). If we can lessen the chances of a Schenectady showdown (or even a tustle in Troy), all the better.

But now back to where the mind should be. RPI has had difficulties at Bright in recent memory. The series winner is still at stake with the tie at Houston. We need to take advantage, get the crowd out of the game, and pick up a much needed 2 points.

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

True, but I would guess that there are a few jobs which might catch Leaman's eye, Harvard being one of them based on his prior ties to that program, among other factors. On the other hand, he impresses me as being a person of integrity and for its part Union has at least extended some degree of appreciation and recognition to him for his efforts in the obviously difficult environment which he has had to face.

He won a playoff series at Union. He should be seen as a god, and never let go.

 

[aweise]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

He won a playoff series at Union. He should be seen as a god, and never let go.

Can't argue with this...especially considering how we were used to being satisfied 40% of the time.

 

[Wholin1]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

It's still a little too early to think about this, but I would rather see Union win a bunch of games while hoping to heck we don't end up in the bottom 6 (we can't end up in last, that's a guarantee). If we can lessen the chances of a Schenectady showdown (or even a tustle in Troy), all the better

Another meeting this season between these 2 anywhere other than Albany (or Detroit ) would be unacceptable.

 

[GRussinko]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

Harvard's Danny Biega was suspended for one game by the ECAC for a hit from behind in the game against Brown.

Of course this will be served during tonight's BEANPOT CONSOLATION GAME, meaning it is nothing but a formality and the league office thought they had to do SOMETHING, but not in a game that mattered to anyone. Biega will be back in the lineup for Friday's game against RPI where he will likely attempt to put D'Amigo through the glass face first again.

 

[fishcore12]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

So Im thinking of going to the Harvard game but my buddy who lives in Boston that was gonna go with me just backed out on me. I havent bought tickets yet but is it possible if I did a game time decision to go that I would have any issues getting a ticket at the box office?

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

Harvard's Danny Biega was suspended for one game by the ECAC for a hit from behind in the game against Brown.

Of course this will be served during tonight's BEANPOT CONSOLATION GAME, meaning it is nothing but a formality and the league office thought they had to do SOMETHING, but not in a game that mattered to anyone. Biega will be back in the lineup for Friday's game against RPI where he will likely attempt to put D'Amigo through the glass face first again.

Interesting-I guess it just super convenient that he gets to serve the suspension in a meaningles game

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

Interesting-I guess it just super convenient that he gets to serve the suspension in a meaningles game

I have always felt it should be the next game against the same team, assuming that they play again.

 

[UnionHockeyManiac]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

I suspect the atmosphere at Union has at least improved enough whereby Leaman has significant reason to stick around and finish what he's started.

QFT. He's a man of integrity. Great coach, nice guy. I really can't see him bolting from Union.

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

QFT. He's a man of integrity. Great coach, nice guy. I really can't see him bolting from Union.

All true of Sneddon as well.

Reality is that Union has a crappy rink and limited, albeit improved, institutional support, which makes Nate's work there all the more impressive. He's a guy working his tail off, driving a beat up Honda Accord through the streets of Schenectady every day.

If Harvard rolled out the carpet to Nate, he'd be a fool not to listen.

 

[Skate79]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

So Im thinking of going to the Harvard game but my buddy who lives in Boston that was gonna go with me just backed out on me. I havent bought tickets yet but is it possible if I did a game time decision to go that I would have any issues getting a ticket at the box office?

None whatsoever. We only sell out one game a year (Cornell) since the program has been in a funk for many years. Yes, we have had some success but it hasn't been consistent and we have not gone deep into the NCAAs so our following has dwindled.

You'll have no problem getting a great seat to the game.

 

[Skate79]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

I don't think Donato would be let go of any time soon. I would say at least 2 more seasons of mediocrity would warrant such conversation. Donato can recruit, but transalating that onto the ice has not always worked out. There have been some big time gets (Grimshaw which is relevant to RPI fans) that have not lived up to the hype thus far.

My guess is that Leaman would be in that conversation if it were ever to come to fruition.

I too believe that the hits were reflective of the fragile state of this Harvard team and not any character issues.

Both, I'm not necessarily in agreement here. Even though I like Teddy a lot as a person, if what transpired over the past week continues and the team sinks into oblivion, I don't think the administration will be so patient. They may give him one more season but if he doesn't turn it around next year, I could see them going after Leaman or Sneddon. Hockey is one of the few programs where the powers that be in Cambridge won't sit by while we continue to lose and where incidents like the Brown game won't be tolerated.

 

[slaphappy]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

Have to laugh at the discussion about Teddy D being run out of town. First off Harvard is the number 1 school in the country that regards alumni loyalty as a huge priority. Second, Teddy has done a great job of turning around the team after a replacing a coach that had no idea how to work with the Harvard players or the obstacles the education that hampers their hockey efforts. He has done more than expected jumping into the coaching ranks with no previous experience behind the bench.
As far as Leaman being considered a great replacement, Please. He's done a great job building a team that has must recruit against the IVY's and scholarship schools, but he does has many advantages that folks are totally unaware of. He would also, most likely, have to take a pay cut as Harvard is one of the lowest paying D1 positions in the country. I'm thinking Leaman is all about trying to parlay his recent success into something a lot more lucrative than Harvard.
On the other side, Teddy will be retiring from Harvard about 2025.

 

[Wholin1]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

As far as Leaman being considered a great replacement, Please. He's done a great job building a team that has must recruit against the IVY's and scholarship schools, but he does has many advantages that folks are totally unaware of.

I'd love to know what these advantages are because I most be one of those folks, could you elaborate.

 

[slaphappy]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

Sure Wholin
Number 1 advantage, they are a very highly regarded academic school that does not have to live up to the IVY academic tiered system. The Ivy's are restricted by their index system that forces them to balance their recruiting with ability and academics.
Number 2 their recruiting classes are mostly made up of over aged junior players that are 1 to 2 years older than many of the players in the ECAC league.
Don't get me wrong in that Union has done a great job of finding players that fit their academic and athletic profile, also don't miss the point that being a #3-4 team in the ECAC or a #8-9 comes down to 2-3 differences makers in your line-up. Union has done a great job of mining those 2-3 differences makers right now, but that advantage could vanish without mining them in the future.
Have enjoyed watching Union climb the ladder in the ECAC and truly respect that Coach Leaman has figured out the recruiting pool that fits the schools needs. Add to that an organized approach to winning with what you have, they are a program that should be greatly admired.

 

[GreatLakerMohawk]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

You know what one disadvantage Nate Leaman has when it comes to dealing with the Ivy Brie Eaters?

He can't give out any scholarships. That's kind of a biggie.

 

[slaphappy]

Re: RPI & Union @ Harvard & Dartmouth (2/12 & 2/13)

Yes the scholarships issue is an obstacle is one to deal with, but if you are able to identify players that qualify for large amounts of financial aid due to limited family income, that can be overcome.
My guess is that many of the Union players fit that category.