Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic City!

[ADK11]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Not to be Mr. Wet Blanket, but I'm less optimistic about U's chances in the NCAAs. First, the losses this weekend mean U will most likely be a #3 seed at best, which will probably result in a game out west against a top 3 team from the W or the CCHA. If U had won this weekend and at least split in AC, they would have been looking at a #2 and a better chance to stay east and play a slightly easier opponent. Second and maybe more importantly, the question has to be asked if U has what it takes to win these kind of games. Let's face it, like it or not (and this weekend I definitely did not) this time of year the ice is often soft, the opponents physical, and the games not called tightly. While some players on U played very well and rose to the occasion, others seemed to wilt under this pressure and got tentative as the going got tough. I do think this team has it in them to play at a very high level and they've shown mental & physical toughness in the past, but it could be tough to pull all that together in two idle weeks and then play a single one-and-done game far from home. One positive that could come from this is that now the pressure is off U a bit to live up to being a Top 5-6 team that theoretically should be favored and the boys will come in with a looser attitude. It will be exciting (hopefully) to go to the dance and another great experience for the program regardless of the result.

 

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Notto be Mr. Wet Blanket, but I'm less optimistic about U's chances in the NCAAs. First, the losses this weekend mean U will most likely be a #3 seed at best, which will probably result in a game out west against a top 3 team from the W or the CCHA. If U had won this weekend and at least split in AC, they would have been looking at a #2 and a better chance to stay east and play a slightly easier opponent. Second and maybe more importantly, the question has to be asked if U has what it takes to win these kind of games. Let's face it, like it or not (and this weekend I definitely did not) this time of year the ice is often soft, the opponents physical, and the games not called tightly. While some players on U played very well and rose to the occasion, others seemed to wilt under this pressure and got tentative as the going got tough. I do think this team has it in them to play at a very high level and they've shown mental & physical toughness in the past, but it could be tough to pull all that together in two idle weeks and then play a single one-and-done game far from home. One positive that could come from this is that now the pressure is off U a bit to live up to being a Top 5-6 team that theoretically should be favored and the boys will come in with a looser attitude. It will be exciting (hopefully) to go to the dance and another great experience for the program regardless of the result.

I don't necessarily take issue with you, ADK. Union has a lot to prove on the national stage where with the exception of an occasion OOC game, they have yet to perform. Their short term ranking in the top 3 or 4, with all due respect, was never realistic in my view, though it was nice for the fans to take note of, and I think their current 9, 10 or even slightly lower ranking is more realistic. I think the biggest positive you point to is that they may well have that nothing to lose attitude that Colgate obviously adopted the past two weeks, and that they will then have a better chance to compete and perhaps somewhat alleviate the raw nerves that may have been exposed. I see a few standout teams in the tournament and a lot of parity after that, so maybe they can pull off the upset if the stars align correctly.

They have to start somewhere and at last they should be having a chance. BTW, I still maintain that Kinkaid will be their most important player on the ice and he will have to bring not just his "A" game but his Magna Cum Laude A game.

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Notto be Mr. Wet Blanket, but I'm less optimistic about U's chances in the NCAAs. First, the losses this weekend mean U will most likely be a #3 seed at best, which will probably result in a game out west against a top 3 team from the W or the CCHA. If U had won this weekend and at least split in AC, they would have been looking at a #2 and a better chance to stay east and play a slightly easier opponent. Second and maybe more importantly, the question has to be asked if U has what it takes to win these kind of games. Let's face it, like it or not (and this weekend I definitely did not) this time of year the ice is often soft, the opponents physical, and the games not called tightly. While some players on U played very well and rose to the occasion, others seemed to wilt under this pressure and got tentative as the going got tough. I do think this team has it in them to play at a very high level and they've shown mental & physical toughness in the past, but it could be tough to pull all that together in two idle weeks and then play a single one-and-done game far from home. One positive that could come from this is that now the pressure is off U a bit to live up to being a Top 5-6 team that theoretically should be favored and the boys will come in with a looser attitude. It will be exciting (hopefully) to go to the dance and another great experience for the program regardless of the result.

My best advice would be to play with the PairWise Predictor and see what you come up with. Obviously we've been playing with it all week trying to figure out our chances for making the tournament; you could see how high you can get. Plus, I hope you aren't concerned about embarrassing yourselves on a national stage. If you've made it that far, that's already enough of an honor

 

[rdf8585]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

If anyone is going to Bombers tonight, prizes include a Leaman signed puck and a Leaman signed team photo.

http://www.unionathletics.com/news/2011/1/6/MICE_0106111618.aspx

 

[OsecnUC]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Stud, what you say seems to make sense

that just sounds wrong coming from Wholin

 

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

that just sounds wrong coming from Wholin

Ouch! I need to watch the nuance. So anyway, I've been thinking...hold the laugh track...but what is a bigger deal from Union's perspective at least.

1. Winning the Cleary Cup;
2. Winning ECAC Championship;
3. Playing (not necessarily winning game) in the NCAA's?

Maybe circumstance is dictating this, but vote for no. 3. Any other thoughts.

 

[UnionHockeyManiac]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Ouch! I need to watch the nuance. So anyway, I've been thinking...hold the laugh track...but what is a bigger deal from Union's perspective at least.

1. Winning the Cleary Cup;
2. Winning ECAC Championship;
3. Playing (not necessarily winning game) in the NCAA's?

Maybe circumstance is dictating this, but vote for no. 3. Any other thoughts.

Definitely #3. The ultimate goal is to win the National Championship. #2 gets us in the the National Tournament no matter what so that matters as well. My whole point is that winning the national tourney should always be and will always be the ultimate goal.

 

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Coach on the radio sounded really upbeat today. He said he spoke with the League about the cross check on Wayne Simpson that led to the OT winner and if I heard him correctly I think the powers that be acknowledged the blown call. Of course he pointed out that we put ourselves in that critical position to begin with and that's basically it.

He acknowledged that the team got tight against Colgate and probably was feeling the pressure of the No. 1 seed. That led to too many penalties and was obviously uncharacteristic of the way U plays when they're going well. He said it was similar to what happened in the ECAC finals last year vs. Cornell when they were also tight and took a lot of penalties. He said the coaches will obviously have the team's attention in prepping for the NCAAs and he expects to deal with that issue. He has also been analyzing the Pair Wise a bit and sees us as high as 6 but not lower than 11. The big thing in his view would be to get into a regional with the lowest seeded no. 1 team possible, but other than that he doesn't see much difference if we're a 2 or a 3. Apparently they will be doing another show on Sunday during the NCAA selection broadcast. I didn't catch the details on that but I'm sure they will be announced shortly

 

[rdf8585]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Coach on the radio sounded really upbeat today. He said he spoke with the League about the cross check on Wayne Simpson that led to the OT winner and if I heard him correctly I think the powers that be acknowledged the blown call. Of course he pointed out that we put ourselves in that critical position to begin with and that's basically it.

He acknowledged that the team got tight against Colgate and probably was feeling the pressure of the No. 1 seed. That led to too many penalties and was obviously uncharacteristic of the way U plays when they're going well. He said it was similar to what happened in the ECAC finals last year vs. Cornell when they were also tight and took a lot of penalties. He said the coaches will obviously have the team's attention in prepping for the NCAAs and he expects to deal with that issue. He has also been analyzing the Pair Wise a bit and sees us as high as 6 but not lower than 11. The big thing in his view would be to get into a regional with the lowest seeded no. 1 team possible, but other than that he doesn't see much difference if we're a 2 or a 3. Apparently they will be doing another show on Sunday during the NCAA selection broadcast. I didn't catch the details on that but I'm sure they will be announced shortly

Thanks for that recap. A lot of good info, but I wonder what they might have in store on Sunday.

At least the league seemed to admit Union was royally screwed at the end with Simpson being knocked to the ice.

 

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

At least the league seemed to admit Union was royally screwed at the end with Simpson being knocked to the ice.

I can't say with 100% certainty that is what Nate said but I think that was the gyst. As unfortunate as it may have been, the refs are going to screw up a lot of (non)calls, but you need to try to avoid situations where they cost you the game, so the finger really needs to be pointed at us for reaching that tipping point in the first place. But yes, it still hurts.

 

[hockeymascot]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Just analyzing the play where Simpson (21) is "interfered" with by Matt Firman (15) from what I saw. Poplawski (6) has just picked up the puck inside the blue line just coming off the bench and is headed towards the boards. He faked his shot, held, continued towards the boards then released the bullet. Simpson was headed out to cover Poplawski, yet when he faked his shot, Simpson changed his direction down to try to get into the shooting lane. In the meantime, Matt Firman was coming up towards the blue line from the goal line and it looked like they collided more than Firman interfering or picking. Judgement call that happened so fast. That's just what I saw from behind the net at that end.

 

[ecacguru]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

I was playing around with the “You are the committee” tool on the College Hockey News website and most scenarios that I ran have Union as a 7 or 8 seed.

 

[unionbob]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

was listening to the show as well.....seemed they agreed it should have been ruled a "no goal"

they are doing a special show Sunday morning from the school during the selction show with coach and the players.....to get reactions I am sure.....glad that finally the team is getting more exposure in various ways.....

If they ended up going out west it would be great if maybe a "venue" hosted a Union party with the games on the big screens and food and drink specials...

 

[rdf8585]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

The GE Theatre at Proctors would be great... except that it seems stuff is going on there. What about Messa Rink?

 

[unionbob]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

thought of that too.....would a very large screen be available?....

 

[ADK11]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

My best advice would be to play with the PairWise Predictor and see what you come up with. Obviously we've been playing with it all week trying to figure out our chances for making the tournament; you could see how high you can get. Plus, I hope you aren't concerned about embarrassing yourselves on a national stage. If you've made it that far, that's already enough of an honor

Have to admit I've seen way to many Union fiasco games that it's hard not to be worried about being embarrassed .. but really I just want to see Union win, so would like to get as favorable a matchup in the first round as possible. IMO the first game is the toughest, and as a newbie to the tournament will probably be the most nerve inducing for U. One plus I've noticed is that it looks like none of the regional rinks are the big ice surface, which I always think are tough on teams and particularly goalies who don't play on them often.

Ouch! I need to watch the nuance. So anyway, I've been thinking...hold the laugh track...but what is a bigger deal from Union's perspective at least.

1. Winning the Cleary Cup;
2. Winning ECAC Championship;
3. Playing (not necessarily winning game) in the NCAA's?

Maybe circumstance is dictating this, but vote for no. 3. Any other thoughts.

My top would be #2, as #3 then takes care of itself AND you get some hardware bragging rights.. but I'm pretty shallow .

 

[UnionHockeyManiac]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

You guys aren't gonna go? I would be able to make it to Bridgeport, Manchester, or Green Bay but St. Louis would be really tough for me.

 

[unionbob]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Manchester or Bridgeport would be fine with me...couldnt make the western trips...

 

[aweise]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Ouch! I need to watch the nuance. So anyway, I've been thinking...hold the laugh track...but what is a bigger deal from Union's perspective at least.

1. Winning the Cleary Cup;
2. Winning ECAC Championship;
3. Playing (not necessarily winning game) in the NCAA's?

Maybe circumstance is dictating this, but vote for no. 3. Any other thoughts.

For me, it's #2. I said the other day that I've been going to the ECAC finals since 1995, so I've seen virtually every other ECAC team at that level and watch the big ones celebrate (Good Lord, I've seen Cornell celebrate a lot). Watching Union there last year was a bit surreal and I never expected them to pull that off, but now that they were the on-paper favorite, it would have been nice to see them be the ones to celebrate.

The sting of this loss will be somewhat softened by an NCAA appearance, but I'd hate having to wait for another 9-10 days to see them play.

As for the league's admission, that's disturbing. They have two referees for a reason (to get the calls that one ref might have missed), so one of them should have called interference...though I do agree that Union should have never been in that position.

 

[OsecnUC]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Ouch! I need to watch the nuance. So anyway, I've been thinking...hold the laugh track...but what is a bigger deal from Union's perspective at least.

1. Winning the Cleary Cup;
2. Winning ECAC Championship;
3. Playing (not necessarily winning game) in the NCAA's?

Maybe circumstance is dictating this, but vote for no. 3. Any other thoughts.

Made me laugh.

How 'bout #4...winning the NCAA's? Gotta dream
But of the choices given, I'm with #2. As mentioned, It gives you #3 and the banner would be a constant reminder of the season that was, the possibility, the dream of the future...Then again, the National Champion banner will give you all that and then some!

Looking forward to the selection broadcast, as I always do, but this one will be special. Maybe it calls for a gathering at a PUBlic place serving some frosty ones. It might be smaller gathering then the one mentioned for the game thee following week, but I'm sure a few of the loyal fans here would show up. Not to mention, if an establishment were to step up, they might be identified as the unofficial watering hole of Union Hockey.