Re: The University of Vermont Official 2010-2011 Season Thread : Part 1
Sneddon was right and they should be proud, they absolutley played 120 minutes of inspired, hard working hockey this weekend. Losing MacKenzie for a game and a half, Medvec for a game while already being down Miller and Marshall they could have made excuses and packed it in. They did not, they moved their feet every shift and really gave the kind of work ethic you hope to see as a fan no matter who was on the ice. If they bring that each game from here on out they will bring fear to any opponent.
Medvec is extremely lucky he didn't come away with a serious neck injury, went head first awkwardly over an opponent and at his height that's a lot of torque on the neck, spine. Was glad to see him skate to the locker room. Burrows seemlessly stepped back to D and played very well, also picked the right times to join in the play as the trailer. Lance Herrington (other than the go ahead goal) also has impressed me with his step to the next level, last year I didn't think he would develop into a viable D-man....he has. Griem looked much more comfortable this weekend and was given ice time in key situations which proves the coaches believe in him. Franzon, since Miller has been out, has stepped up his game as well with the increased minutes. That is comforting as he will be relied upon heavily next season. Lawson did a nice job on a tough matchup for him in Nyquist and Bruneteau continued to look like a veteran at both ends.
Many, maybe all, forwards played to the next level this weekend which was great to see. A lot more moving the feet on the forecheck and the backcheck. Downing, Stalberg, McCarthy all looked like they played like they wanted to dominate. Hmmm, maybe Brett Leonard's work ethic is rubbing off, that's I guess the best way to describe the effort this weekend....all played the Brett Leonard way. Albertson can really get in on the forecheck and play along the wall. Brooks Herrington also played well, I have complete confidence he can become a factor.
Although a little shaky in game 2 on a couple shots, Madore continued to show why he is arguably Hockey East's best....I did say arguably, I know a handful of other guys can be thrown into the conversation.
Optimism after seeing the effort is much higher for the remainder of this season and moving forward. If it is within the rules, I wouldn't be surprised to see a club team player added to the roster this week. Last night's line-up was every healthy body they had and if Medvec and the others can't go they would be dressing 1 less than 4 lines and 6 D.
Tonight we're playing with house money--let's go out and play loose, have some fun, and go back to Burlington with 4 points.