Re: UNH At The Starting Gate....
Those expressing surprise that the rookies didn't play more, or at all, have to keep in mind that yesterday was the second official day of practice. In no other collegiate sport that I can think of, is the pre-season training time so short. UNH is facing Miami in five short days. With no practice today, and traveling on Thursday, that gives the coaching staff three days to evaluate who are the top 18 skaters will be, and in which combination. Not exactly equivalent to football, where the coaches have the chance to evaluate in the spring and then in the month leading up to the first game. Umile, Borek and Lassonde have their work cut out for them getting the roster straight. The rooks will get their ice time as the season goes on. Don't forget, it is a five month process.
As for the goaltending, I was a bit skeptical about DiGirolamo based on what I've seen the last two years in his limited playing time (the reason, btw, why he played the whole game). After the last 4-5 years with Regan and Foster, it's going to take awhile getting used to someone who is, first, doesn't take up as much of the net, second, likes to roam around a little bit, and, third, is going to rely more on athleticism to get the job done. The X-Men were not a good test, they never put sustained pressure in the zone, so we will have to wait until this weekend to see what he's got.