UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

The short answer? YES Libby's is always very crowded before games and if you do not get in before 5:30 you most likely will not get in if you have a party bigger than 2! (Sitting at the bar is usually open then tho). I haven't encountered that policy you mention as I don't usually have more than 2 with me. But this weekend I would suspect it might not be as bad with the students out. That said, with my beloved Bella's closed it's close to being the only game in town for pre-gaming. Doubt we'll get that many out of towners with Yale/Brown coming in? I have gone to Skorps before tho, when I couldn't get into Libbys so there's always that option!!!

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

Robinson is my guy, but facts are facts. He hasn’t seized the role like he did last year, though I’ll defer to Ref for tonight’s scouting report. Next weekend is a great spot for a Taylor start - early second half, non-conference game - and then they go from there...

I’ve always been a fan of the rotation of no goalie is forcing the coaches hand. Keep everyone involved and everyone sharp until someone emerges...

Four tonight is nice, but the struggle all year has been goal scoring. If they’re down two first-liners for an extended period of time than things get much more difficult even with good goaltending.

The second half schedule - after next weekend - is a bear, too. Things will have to turn around quickly if there is success to be had...

Hear you about Robinson...that said, I'd like to see Taylor in both games (but I doubt that will happen). Think it would be good for competition, and, as you say, the games ahead are going to be more than formidable. This is a good weekend to give him a chance back to back...

 

[wildcatdc]

The short answer? YES Libby's is always very crowded before games and if you do not get in before 5:30 you most likely will not get in if you have a party bigger than 2! (Sitting at the bar is usually open then tho). I haven't encountered that policy you mention as I don't usually have more than 2 with me. But this weekend I would suspect it might not be as bad with the students out. That said, with my beloved Bella's closed it's close to being the only game in town for pre-gaming. Doubt we'll get that many out of towners with Yale/Brown coming in? I have gone to Skorps before tho, when I couldn't get into Libbys so there's always that option!!!

There has been some “holding of the tables” this year. Annoying, when i’m by myself or with my wife and two people hold a table of eight for 45 minutes.

Generally you’ll at least find a high top in the bar or a space or two at the bar as long as you arrive by 5-5:15.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

Hear you about Robinson...that said, I'd like to see Taylor in both games (but I doubt that will happen). Think it would be good for competition, and, as you say, the games ahead are going to be more than formidable. This is a good weekend to give him a chance back to back...

Interesting take. I'd be surprised to see Taylor get the start in the first game, but it would indeed be a bold move for MS7 to give him the start against the (marginally) tougher opponent first, then leaving the door open for a second straight start if Taylor plays well enough to earn it. It would be a trite bit harsh on Robinson perhaps, but Robinson has fallen off from where he was when he shut out BC, and then held UMass to a single goal almost two months ago now. Allowing a combined nine (9) goals in their last 2 losses against the likes of Merrimack and Army definitely leaves the door open for the back-up to get a look-see.

It's another one of those team management situations, where we've been conditioned over a long time to pretty much know how Coach Umile would likely have handled the situation, but we're still learning how MS7 handles things in similar situation. Up until now at least, MS7 has handled his goalies in much the same way as his predecessor. For that reason alone (i.e. WWDUD?), I'll go with Robinson getting the call first against Yale, and Taylor getting the second half of the weekend against Brown.

Assuming Robinson comes back for his senior year, and if Taylor doesn't up his game soon, it could turn out that the highly-touted Taylor doesn't get the job until he's a senior. So there is definitely some pressure on TT to find his game at this level ASAP, or he's going to run a risk of being a career back-up, susceptible even to the next high-profile goalie recruit who matriculates either next Fall, or in the Fall of TT's senior season.

Coming full circle … regardless of WWDUD or WWMS7D, I'm with HR on this one - let TT start both of these (winnable) games, see how he handles it, and go from there. It may be the making OR breaking of his UNH career, but it's two winnable home games against non-league opponents with losing records, and one thing TT has gotten for UNH this year is W's. Go to the well two more times, see what happens, and if it works out, *maybe* you've finally gotten Taylor over the hump, gained him some confidence, and also lit a fire under Robinson (and the underperforming defense as well). If it doesn't work out … you know you need to get another goalie in, sooner instead of later. Might as well figure it out now, and not kick the can down the road until next October.

JMHO

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

Interesting take. I'd be surprised to see Taylor get the start in the first game, but it would indeed be a bold move for MS7 to give him the start against the (marginally) tougher opponent first, then leaving the door open for a second straight start if Taylor plays well enough to earn it. It would be a trite bit harsh on Robinson perhaps, but Robinson has fallen off from where he was when he shut out BC, and then held UMass to a single goal almost two months ago now. Allowing a combined nine (9) goals in their last 2 losses against the likes of Merrimack and Army definitely leaves the door open for the back-up to get a look-see.

It's another one of those team management situations, where we've been conditioned over a long time to pretty much know how Coach Umile would likely have handled the situation, but we're still learning how MS7 handles things in similar situation. Up until now at least, MS7 has handled his goalies in much the same way as his predecessor. For that reason alone (i.e. WWDUD?), I'll go with Robinson getting the call first against Yale, and Taylor getting the second half of the weekend against Brown.

Assuming Robinson comes back for his senior year, and if Taylor doesn't up his game soon, it could turn out that the highly-touted Taylor doesn't get the job until he's a senior. So there is definitely some pressure on TT to find his game at this level ASAP, or he's going to run a risk of being a career back-up, susceptible even to the next high-profile goalie recruit who matriculates either next Fall, or in the Fall of TT's senior season.

Coming full circle … regardless of WWDUD or WWMS7D, I'm with HR on this one - let TT start both of these (winnable) games, see how he handles it, and go from there. It may be the making OR breaking of his UNH career, but it's two winnable home games against non-league opponents with losing records, and one thing TT has gotten for UNH this year is W's. Go to the well two more times, see what happens, and if it works out, *maybe* you've finally gotten Taylor over the hump, gained him some confidence, and also lit a fire under Robinson (and the underperforming defense as well). If it doesn't work out … you know you need to get another goalie in, sooner instead of later. Might as well figure it out now, and not kick the can down the road until next October.

JMHO

I would think that UNH is indeed going to bring in a goal tender NEXT season? With Robinson being a Senior, TT being a Junior (next season) you'd expect that to happen, wouldn't we? One of them gets hurt next season and where would we be? I'm expecting UNH to bring in another tender...or keeper (I know, it's hockey ) What happens this coming weekend is prob going to go as you say; Robby gets the Friday night start, Taylor Saturday. These games are "meaningless" in the big picture as far as PWR goes, so gee give TT the weekend. Right now, given where things are as of late, why not??

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

What happens this coming weekend is prob going to go as you say; Robby gets the Friday night start, Taylor Saturday. These games are "meaningless" in the big picture as far as PWR goes, so gee give TT the weekend. Right now, given where things are as of late, why not??

No argument here - I'm with ya. Just suspect MS7 will approach it more cautiously, like his mentor.

It was about 8 years ago, roughly at this point in the season, where returning starter Matt DiGirolamo - who had played in 39 games and posted a save percentage of .923 the previous year, his first as a starter - was slumping badly with a sub-.900 save percentage. That opened the door for a freshman named Casey DeSmith to take over the job down the stretch, and to call the starter's job his own until events we shall not rehash here today led to his dismissal three seasons later.

Not saying Taylor has shown any signs of becoming anything approaching CDS - frankly, he hasn't (yet), and he's not even in the conversation - other than the returning incumbent in front of him struggling with a Digi-like downturn in his second season as the lead dog. But my understanding is that Taylor was brought here with the expectation of challenging for the lead job, not to be a back-up (BTW 3rd string Joe Lazzaro is a senior this year, correct?), so we might as well try to get some clarity if he's going to be up to that down the line, OR if goalie shopping needs to be ramped up ASAP.

I'm not sure what's in the pipeline in that position at this point - obviously Commesso opted out a while ago, and he was the one who was stacked up after Robinson/Taylor IIRC, while 'Watcher's future depth charts on the recruiting thread seem to bypass that position in the last few iterations. But just looking at the current state of things, UNH is going to definitely need someone before the start of next season - possibly two - and if Taylor doesn't start to live up to his projections soon, MS7 & Company are going to want to target two legitimate D-1 starter-types in the next 12 months, if Taylor is going to turn into the next Adam Clark instead of the next Kevin Regan (or even just the next Brian Foster). JMHO.

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

The better team won. More on that below. The pre-game tour of post (it is not a campus) was excellent and a much needed reminder, given the current climate of what it means to be an American. West Point, a fine piece of real estate, was chosen for its strategic value. The post is magnificent. Nothing is broken, cracked, chipped or blemished. Everything is designed with intent, nothing is out of place. Most interior areas are off limits to civilians. The tour enters Cadet Chapel (the largest church all pipe organ in the world) and the guide has many fun facts (oldest continuously operated Army post in the United States, site of Benedict Arnold’s infamous betrayal). Some new things learned, some old things remembered and much to reflect on.

The description of the athletic requirements for cadets and the facilities available to them are equally impressive. We glanced inside Michie Stadium and had a good look at Christl Arena (basketball) which was spotless. One would think that the floor had been refinished that day, but it probably looks like that all the time. The athletic branding is world class classy.

The hockey game experience is excellent. The fans are friendly and polite. Some tailgated in the easily accessible lot before the game. Tate game lighting is really good, the dim bluish intermission lighting is weird. Seating is steep. The proposed renovation would move the Whitt towards this. The first row seat height equates to row 3, 4, 5 in most other rinks so the first row is a few feet above ice level. We started out in row 10 or so (row 14, 15 height in the Whitt) and moved down to row 5 where we could see and hear everything. There is very little modern arena BS. No band is a bit of a bummer. Very limited PA music is not a bummer. No prompts from the PA to GET LOUDER. Very limited fan cam type stuff and NO ARTIFICIAL TIMEOUTS. 2 hours, 7 minutes. Done. Hands down the best natural flowing game I have been to in 15 years.

Both goalies want do overs on two goals. Too many first two minute goals for both coaches. Army was much bigger and stronger. Army’s smart play overcame any speed advantage the ‘cats had and I am not sure we had one. Engaras’ goal was a snipe. Pretty sure MacAdams picked the same five hole (?) spot. One Tate negative is that they have a high quality video screen behind one of the goals where the protective netting reduces the video quality. They are also very slow to show replays which takes some getting used to. Going into the third with a lead, what is the one thing you do not want to do? Yeah, we did it. Ugh. The only negative thing I can say about the entire West Point experience was the kneeing penalty that knocked CK out of the game. Cheap Shot. The Army player knew it, too. He was on his way to the box before the call. Army was physically aggressive all game, but this was way out of bounds. The 5 minute PP was frustrating. In my head, it was, “Let’s get 2 and out of here with a W”, but we really didn’t seem to show a sense of urgency. Army had something to do with it. They were good at eliminating clean looks and blocking shots. The major expired, the momentum goes to Army, Gildon takes his second penalty, Army scores and the game is over with 10 minutes left. In fairness, we did regroup for some chances, but it felt like opportunity lost.


A quick glance our remaining HEA games, we will play some fun competitive games, but mid-season reset: I’ll be happy making the playoffs.

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

I would think that UNH is indeed going to bring in a goal tender NEXT season? With Robinson being a Senior, TT being a Junior (next season) you'd expect that to happen, wouldn't we? One of them gets hurt next season and where would we be? I'm expecting UNH to bring in another tender...or keeper (I know, it's hockey ) What happens this coming weekend is prob going to go as you say; Robby gets the Friday night start, Taylor Saturday. These games are "meaningless" in the big picture as far as PWR goes, so gee give TT the weekend. Right now, given where things are as of late, why not??

Au contaire, I think. My understanding is that although it is true that beating a team with a much lower PWR does not usually help one's own PWR, losing to a team with a lower PWR can definitely hurt, because the PWR algorithm includes not only head-to-head competition, but also RPI and records against common opponents. Hence, Army did not gain any PWR points by beating UNH this past weekend, and UNH may have lost a PWR point or two because UNH also lost to Bentley, and Bentley has beaten Army two of three this season. I have not researched the common opponents so far that UNH has with Vlae and Brown, but there could be a risk in dropping in the PWR if we lose to either of those teams because of respective RPI's, as opposed to little likelihood in rising in the PWR with a win or two.

There was much discussion about this dilemma over the last couple of years of our former coach's tenure when Chuck was tracking "The Quest for the NRN," in which there was speculation that our OOC schedule was purposely loaded with lots more cupcake teams to get our coach over the top (the NRN would have been 600 wins). At the time, I countered that the more likely reason for more cupcake teams on our OOC schedule was that better teams did not want to schedule us because there would not be much PWR upside in beating us, but lots of PWR downside in losing to us. I could have this PWR interpretation all wrong, but I have no reason to believe that much has changed for us in that regard, as our OOC opponents' collective PWR this season is pitiful.

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

The better team won. More on that below. The pre-game tour of post (it is not a campus) was excellent and a much needed reminder, given the current climate of what it means to be an American. West Point, a fine piece of real estate, was chosen for its strategic value. The post is magnificent. Nothing is broken, cracked, chipped or blemished. Everything is designed with intent, nothing is out of place. Most interior areas are off limits to civilians. The tour enters Cadet Chapel (the largest church all pipe organ in the world) and the guide has many fun facts (oldest continuously operated Army post in the United States, site of Benedict Arnold’s infamous betrayal). Some new things learned, some old things remembered and much to reflect on.

The description of the athletic requirements for cadets and the facilities available to them are equally impressive. We glanced inside Michie Stadium and had a good look at Christl Arena (basketball) which was spotless. One would think that the floor had been refinished that day, but it probably looks like that all the time. The athletic branding is world class classy.

The hockey game experience is excellent. The fans are friendly and polite. Some tailgated in the easily accessible lot before the game. Tate game lighting is really good, the dim bluish intermission lighting is weird. Seating is steep. The proposed renovation would move the Whitt towards this. The first row seat height equates to row 3, 4, 5 in most other rinks so the first row is a few feet above ice level. We started out in row 10 or so (row 14, 15 height in the Whitt) and moved down to row 5 where we could see and hear everything. There is very little modern arena BS. No band is a bit of a bummer. Very limited PA music is not a bummer. No prompts from the PA to GET LOUDER. Very limited fan cam type stuff and NO ARTIFICIAL TIMEOUTS. 2 hours, 7 minutes. Done. Hands down the best natural flowing game I have been to in 15 years.

Both goalies want do overs on two goals. Too many first two minute goals for both coaches. Army was much bigger and stronger. Army’s smart play overcame any speed advantage the ‘cats had and I am not sure we had one. Engaras’ goal was a snipe. Pretty sure MacAdams picked the same five hole (?) spot. One Tate negative is that they have a high quality video screen behind one of the goals where the protective netting reduces the video quality. They are also very slow to show replays which takes some getting used to. Going into the third with a lead, what is the one thing you do not want to do? Yeah, we did it. Ugh. The only negative thing I can say about the entire West Point experience was the kneeing penalty that knocked CK out of the game. Cheap Shot. The Army player knew it, too. He was on his way to the box before the call. Army was physically aggressive all game, but this was way out of bounds. The 5 minute PP was frustrating. In my head, it was, “Let’s get 2 and out of here with a W”, but we really didn’t seem to show a sense of urgency. Army had something to do with it. They were good at eliminating clean looks and blocking shots. The major expired, the momentum goes to Army, Gildon takes his second penalty, Army scores and the game is over with 10 minutes left. In fairness, we did regroup for some chances, but it felt like opportunity lost.


A quick glance our remaining HEA games, we will play some fun competitive games, but mid-season reset: I’ll be happy making the playoffs.

Excellent post, Darius.

Here is a military-related (Navy) and Yale-related (our next OOC opponent) article sent to me by a friend, which includes the following quote:

“ To me there is no dishonor in being wrong and learning. There is dishonor in willful ignorance and there is dishonor in disrespect”

https://gen.medium.com/my-semester-with-the-snowflakes-888285f0e662

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

The better team won. More on that below. The pre-game tour of post (it is not a campus) was excellent and a much needed reminder, given the current climate of what it means to be an American. West Point, a fine piece of real estate, was chosen for its strategic value. The post is magnificent. Nothing is broken, cracked, chipped or blemished. Everything is designed with intent, nothing is out of place. Most interior areas are off limits to civilians. The tour enters Cadet Chapel (the largest church all pipe organ in the world) and the guide has many fun facts (oldest continuously operated Army post in the United States, site of Benedict Arnold’s infamous betrayal). Some new things learned, some old things remembered and much to reflect on.

The description of the athletic requirements for cadets and the facilities available to them are equally impressive. We glanced inside Michie Stadium and had a good look at Christl Arena (basketball) which was spotless. One would think that the floor had been refinished that day, but it probably looks like that all the time. The athletic branding is world class classy.

Terrific post regarding your experience and tour of West Point, Darius. One of my best friends played D-1 lacrosse at Army back in the early '90's, and I accompanied him a few years ago on one of his return visits, where he took what may have been the same tour you took, for my benefit. My impressions then were virtually the same as yours last weekend. Throw in the vast history of the place, walking in the footsteps of 20th century giants like MacArthur and Patton … it really was an amazing experience.

We saw a game at Michie afterwards (never checked out the arenas), and he's been offering to do a tour again when UNH visited, but I had to take a pass this time due to the proximity of the holidays, and some of the same weekend commitments that keep me away from The Whitt far too often. Your account has strengthened my resolve to take him up on the offer next time around.

 

[HockeyRef]

Au contaire, I think. My understanding is that although it is true that beating a team with a much lower PWR does not usually help one's own PWR, losing to a team with a lower PWR can definitely hurt, because the PWR algorithm includes not only head-to-head competition, but also RPI and records against common opponents. Hence, Army did not gain any PWR points by beating UNH this past weekend, and UNH may have lost a PWR point or two because UNH also lost to Bentley, and Bentley has beaten Army two of three this season. I have not researched the common opponents so far that UNH has with Vlae and Brown, but there could be a risk in dropping in the PWR if we lose to either of those teams because of respective RPI's, as opposed to little likelihood in rising in the PWR with a win or two.

There was much discussion about this dilemma over the last couple of years of our former coach's tenure when Chuck was tracking "The Quest for the NRN," in which there was speculation that our OOC schedule was purposely loaded with lots more cupcake teams to get our coach over the top (the NRN would have been 600 wins). At the time, I countered that the more likely reason for more cupcake teams on our OOC schedule was that better teams did not want to schedule us because there would not be much PWR upside in beating us, but lots of PWR downside in losing to us. I could have this PWR interpretation all wrong, but I have no reason to believe that much has changed for us in that regard, as our OOC opponents' collective PWR this season is pitiful.

Agree with the neg effect of losing to a team with a lower PWR totally get that as I understood why the Army game was a big one. Will enjoy winning either or both of course!

Darius excellent post glad you chimed in...was wondering what you thought. We took a ton of pics of the campus was quite beautiful esp with the weather that day.

 

[Snively65]

Agree with the neg effect of losing to a team with a lower PWR totally get that as I understood why the Army game was a big one.

A big one for Army, as they had the most to lose in the PWR had they not won, and for UNH if they had won, as Army will remain by far the highest ranked PWR OOC team on our schedule this season. Now the roles are reversed with Vlae and Brown.

 

[BlackI]

Maybe … and maybe our goalies aren't playing that well right now? Neither Robinson (.899) nor Taylor (.877) is maintaining even a .900 save percentage this season as I write this. Not good enough, certainly not for the D-1 level. Tirone got crucified by some on here for posting numbers superior to these (his best season was a .924 save percentage, and his worst was at .907).

If Robinson was playing consistently like he was last season (.915) this isn't a discussion, as Taylor has disappointed overall in his year-and-a-half in the program. Ty's gotten credit for 3 wins this season only because the team in front of him played better than he did. But with Robinson slumping … shouldn't Taylor at least get a start in one of next weekend's games? I think so.

And if he (Taylor) spits the bit - as guys like Clark and Robinson typically did during Tirone's up-and-down UNH career - then it's back to Robinson … but with some valuable insight that perhaps another goalie should be higher up on MS7's shopping list than it might currently be?

You have more questions than answers.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

You have more questions than answers.

Yes, that's my point. Something many of us considered a settled strength of the team, hasn't been.

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

Speaking of UNH goal tenders, how did Joe Lazarro do in his electrical engineering major this past fall semester? He slipped to a 3.93 GPA for his junior season, I think.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

Speaking of UNH goal tenders, how did Joe Lazarro do in his electrical engineering major this past fall semester? He slipped to a 3.93 GPA for his junior season, I think.

Let me tell you having had a son go through that very same program....Joe Lazarro received an award for his GPA last Spring (was on the NCAA honor roll) that is ONE TOUGH major as you might be aware! Liam Blackburn is majoring in genetics. Usually the hockey players tend to major in business; at least that seemed to be the trend. Personally, jr. year in both high school and college were always difficult it seemed. Good for Joe; lots of great jobs out there. After a few hits and misses, my son is doing very well in his current gig but it was a very tough major. Awards for Joe include:

https://unhwildcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6211&path=

 

[Scott]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

Let me tell you having had a son go through that very same program....Joe Lazarro received an award for his GPA last Spring (was on the NCAA honor roll) that is ONE TOUGH major as you might be aware! Liam Blackburn is majoring in genetics. Usually the hockey players tend to major in business; at least that seemed to be the trend. Personally, jr. year in both high school and college were always difficult it seemed. Good for Joe; lots of great jobs out there. After a few hits and misses, my son is doing very well in his current gig but it was a very tough major. Awards for Joe include:

https://unhwildcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6211&path=

I had heard on a fairly recent radio interview with Souza (early Dec. ?) that Lazzaro has an offer from Raytheon. If that's true, more power to him! He is earned it with his many academic awards!

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

Any idea how many games CK will miss?

On pace for 88 regular season goals, so will need to do better in the second half, and/or score a bunch in the playoffs to reach triple digits.

I would like to see the FOW% improve from 46.1 % and the PP improve from 21.2 %, which could help boost the goal total. Only Crookshank, Gildon, and CK on pace to score double digit goals (8, 5, and 5), assuming CK does not miss any games.

Only one 5-minute major, one game misconduct, and average 8.8 minutes in the box per game, so that is pretty good discipline, if not the SMT levels of the past.

Really need all 4 points this weekend. Rally at Libby's 5 pm before Brown Bears game?

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

Any idea how many games CK will miss?

On pace for 88 regular season goals, so will need to do better in the second half, and/or score a bunch in the playoffs to reach triple digits.

I would like to see the FOW% improve from 46.1 % and the PP improve from 21.2 %, which could help boost the goal total. Only Crookshank, Gildon, and CK on pace to score double digit goals (8, 5, and 5), assuming CK does not miss any games.

Only one 5-minute major, one game misconduct, and average 8.8 minutes in the box per game, so that is pretty good discipline, if not the SMT levels of the past.

Really need all 4 points this weekend. Rally at Libby's 5 pm before Brown Bears game?

Totally down for the 'rally at Libby's' will be there by 5 ish. Sounds like all doable things. No word on ChKell as of yet (did read on a facebook fan page that he did not practice with the team today which is expected) and being New Year's day doubt there will be any presser coming from Durham. Saw the Yale v Maine game awhile back; think that they (the Bulldogs) will be up for this one as they are riding a 4 game win streak. Remembering last season where we came back from way behind to tie it. Brown not sure on what they've got going this season. Predicting the 'Cats get the sweep; would be a great way to head into the HE schedule following. Go 'Cats!

 

[Snively65]

Totally down for the 'rally at Libby's' will be there by 5 ish. Sounds like all doable things. No word on ChKell as of yet (did read on a facebook fan page that he did not practice with the team today which is expected) and being New Year's day doubt there will be any presser coming from Durham. Saw the Yale v Maine game awhile back; think that they (the Bulldogs) will be up for this one as they are riding a 4 game win streak. Remembering last season where we came back from way behind to tie it. Brown not sure on what they've got going this season. Predicting the 'Cats get the sweep; would be a great way to head into the HE schedule following. Go 'Cats!

Vlae and Brown = EZAC cupcakes. Even Bentley beat Brown, 1-0, eatlier this season. Oh, wait .....