Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

PWR update for Union:

The Dutchmen are very close to the tournament field right now, and RPI as a TUC is the push they would need to flip a TON of comparisons. I think, with an SCSU win over UND tonight and a completion of the Capital District sweep (maybe a Yale loss or tie to Cornell thrown in for good measure), Union will win comparisons with Ferris State, North Dakota, UMass, Yale, Vermont, New Hampshire, Michigan State, and possibly even Cornell. That's 7 to 8 comparisons to go with the 8 they already have. That catapults Union into at least a #3 seed position in the tournament.

Those comparisons are all very close right now. RPI as a TUC (and the 3-1-0 addition it would make to Union's TUC record, not to mention that it puts the Dutch over 10 TUC games, making it a comparison criteria) by itself would make Union a tournament team.

Heck, at this point I think Union could actually tie or lose tonight, and if RPI becomes a TUC they move into the tournament field.

Thanks for the analysis, RC. Still I can't quite get over the feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop as it almost did last night. Probably this paranoia is an outgrowth of Union's largely futile past. Of course that's not really fair to this group of coaches and players who are not responsible for past deeds. Your team has a history and tradition to aspire to return to (and looks like it's on it's way to accomplishing) whereas Union is trying to establish itself as a program to be taken seriously (which I also think it is accomplishing).

 

[Chefvad]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

This is somewhat uncharted territory for Union. To utter TUC and Union in the same sentance... wow.

Thanks for the good times, boys. Keep it up!!

 

[aweise]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Thanks for the analysis, RC. Still I can't quite get over the feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop as it almost did last night. Probably this paranoia is an outgrowth of Union's largely futile past. Of course that's not really fair to this group of coaches and players who are not responsible for past deeds. Your team has a history and tradition to aspire to return to (and looks like it's on it's way to accomplishing) whereas Union is trying to establish itself as a program to be taken seriously (which I also think it is accomplishing).

I think I'm still waiting for the other shoe, also. I've seen this picture a few times, so I'm not counting my chickens just yet. That said, these guys are proving that they are players, not guys who just show up. I'm liking what I'm seeing/hearing.

As for Union being taken seriously, I think they're almost there. I do think they're being taken seriously by the opposing coaches & players, but some of the media and fans still seem to be skeptical...which may not end until they either reach Albany, win the ECACs, and/or qualify for the NCAAs.

 

[UnionHockeyManiac]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

PWR update for Union:

The Dutchmen are very close to the tournament field right now, and RPI as a TUC is the push they would need to flip a TON of comparisons. I think, with an SCSU win over UND tonight and a completion of the Capital District sweep (maybe a Yale loss or tie to Cornell thrown in for good measure), Union will win comparisons with Ferris State, North Dakota, UMass, Yale, Vermont, New Hampshire, Michigan State, and possibly even Cornell. That's 7 to 8 comparisons to go with the 8 they already have. That catapults Union into at least a #3 seed position in the tournament.

Those comparisons are all very close right now. RPI as a TUC (and the 3-1-0 addition it would make to Union's TUC record, not to mention that it puts the Dutch over 10 TUC games, making it a comparison criteria) by itself would make Union a tournament team.

Heck, at this point I think Union could actually tie or lose tonight, and if RPI becomes a TUC they move into the tournament field.

Red Cloud-

I know we got off to a rocky start on these boards but I truly appreciate your knowledge and contributions to this thread and the USCHO Fan Forum in general.

As a somewhat new college hockey fan (I only started following Union in 2006 when I was a freshman), I really had no idea about the PWR until this season when I read up on it. Your analysis and updates are extremely helpful and I'd really have no idea what the detailed story would be if you did not keep us posted. It's really amazing and exciting to think that in a month in a half, I could be watching Union play in St. Paul, Fort Wayne, Worcester, or Albany.

Again, thank you for posting this and let's hope for the completion of another CD SWEEP tonight!

 

[UnionHockeyManiac]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

I think I'm still waiting for the other shoe, also. I've seen this picture a few times, so I'm not counting my chickens just yet. That said, these guys are proving that they are players, not guys who just show up. I'm liking what I'm seeing/hearing.

As for Union being taken seriously, I think they're almost there. I do think they're being taken seriously by the opposing coaches & players, but some of the media and fans still seem to be skeptical...which may not end until they either reach Albany, win the ECACs, and/or qualify for the NCAAs.

A friend of a friend goes to Wisconsin and is a huge hockey fan. He said he's very impressed with what Union has done this season and he definitely takes them seriously.

 

[UnionHockeyManiac]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Let's hope we don't play Harvard or Dartmouth in the postseason...

 

[Dutchfan]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Very poor effor the first 50 minutes, no reason to get swept by Harvard. Time for the guys to reach deep for the final 4 games as there's no room for error if there are any hopes for first place. Harvard was simply ready to play and Union wasn't.

 

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Well when you find yourself in a hole you have to stop digging and that 4th goal early in the 3rd period, buried them. Harvard's ownership of the Dutchmen continues and I really would not like to see Union face them at any point in the playoffs regardless of records.

We need to see one of the goalies get hot as the season winds down and the playoffs approach. I'm not seeing it right now and the team is relying too heavily on their potent attack. The playoffs are different animal and success starts from the goal line out.

Anyway, a 2 point road weekend is probably acceptable given yesterday's dodged bullet. Looking ahead, 3 points minimum next weekend will be crucial with the finale weekend visits to the dreaded Starr and to Lynah.

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

I would get ticked off about the result tonight, but we have no one to blame but ourselves. And from what I read on here, your situation was likely similar.

Oh well, it's off to the next weekend. Let's get back on track and get ourselves 8 points, 4 at a time.

And UHM, I second your disposition concerning the postseason and those teams.

 

[thehockeymaven]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Here are 2 unsettling facts: in the last 10 games, Union has had a lead after the 2nd period only once (Clarkson) and scored the first goal of the game 2 times (Brown 1/30 and Harvard 1/22).

 

[ADK11]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Actually U played well in the first period tonight, their big sin was that they didn't pot 2 or 3 goals. After that it was all downhill as Harvard looked like they wanted it more and U inexplicably was slow & lethargic.. of course until they got behind by 4 goals and started playing with urgency. Disappointing as U could have all but sewn up a top 4 spot with a win.

These seeming lapses in effort and execution are quite unsettling, though is nice to see the offensive explosiveness. Still, I agree with Wholin that U can't count on winning games 5-4 etc. in the playoffs. The team defense and goaltending are going to need to step up. Kinkaid's recent ups & downs are a concern too. He was horrible in the 1st period of the Clarkson game, but got away with it because he only saw 4 shots. He seemed to get his confidence back in the 2nd period and against SLU the next night, but then flamed at Dartmouth. Hopefully these are just growing pains, but I think his play is really key to settling things down defensively.

And as much as the PWR is worth following, the immediate emphasis is on finishing in the ECAC top 4. As point of reference, U tied for 4th 2 seasons ago with 25 points. This season I think 26-27 points will be needed, so next weekend is obviously huge. The PWR etc. is still over a month away from being resolved and things will likely change a lot as all the leagues get into their playoffs. I'm still optimistic, but much work to be done.

 

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Here is the link to Ken Scott's post game video interviews last night of Coach Leaman, Schreiber and MVT. All referred to U's "lack of desperation" in their play and the tendency to fall behind early. Interesting also, was NL's obvious dissatisfaction with the goal play which he apparently wasn't surprised by due to poor practice performances by both goalies this week . Also, he would not comment on Wakita's apparent benching in the third period. On a separate and more positive note, I thought Julseth-White had a good weekend and may IMO deserve more consistent playing time.

http://cms.dailygazette.com/videos/2010/feb/13/397/

 

[SlyFoxMan7]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

The new game plan for Union is to give up the first 4 goals as quickly as possible so they have more time for their comeback.

 

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

We don't have a recruit thread and we're still in the heat of the ECAC battle so please forgive my digression.

Union will be graduating 8 seniors this year, one of the bigger groups to leave in recent seasons and obviously some big skates to fill. Heisenberg has been quiet since December, with 6 candidates due to matriculate next fall, barring defections and one scheduled for 2011. I assume the staff is looking for a goalie and one more skater for next season. Anyone ideas, rumors, whatever?

 

[ADK11]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

We don't have a recruit thread and we're still in the heat of the ECAC battle so please forgive my digression.

Union will be graduating 8 seniors this year, one of the bigger groups to leave in recent seasons and obviously some big skates to fill. Heisenberg has been quiet since December, with 6 candidates due to matriculate next fall, barring defections and one scheduled for 2011. I assume the staff is looking for a goalie and one more skater for next season. Anyone ideas, rumors, whatever?

The D is set for next season. Up front, 4 forward recruits would make 15 forwards on the roster. It's possible the coaches could bring in another forward so would have a little more depth in case of injuries etc., but would likely be more of a "depth" recruit as 3 of the 4 forwards IMO are high-end and will likely get immediate ice time. My guess is that they will stay with what they have coming. Maybe just my impression, but seems the coaches are moving on to the '11 recruits. In addition to Mingoia, U was recently mentioned in USHR as being in the running for a good forward at Exeter who just verbaled to Dartmouth for '11.

As for the goaltender, I know they were looking at a good prospect in Ontario (originally from Mass.) who has since committed to UML. Since replacing Sillery, could go for a 3rd string type or could snag someone better who can step in when Milan graduates next year. My guess is they'll go for someone who is satisfied to open doors and fill water bottles.. but of course I've been wrong with these types of predictions before .

 

[ADK11]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

The topic came up on last week's game thread about what if Leaman left for another coaching gig.. does anyone know when Leaman's current contract runs out? I thought he got a new 4 year deal about 2-3 years ago so would think it might be this season or next.

 

[Dutchfan]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

As of right now, barring defections Union would be at 27 players next year adding a third goalie so I wouldn't expect more than 2 more players being recruited for next season as late additions like Stuart and Bergeron were (both being listed on Heisenberg's site in May, although Bergeron had committed earlier. The lineup on defense, forward, and goal are all going to be hard to crack. I had some free time so I did a breakdown of next season's current roster.

Defense (9):

2. Nolan Julseth-White
3. Ryan Forgaard
4. Taylor Reid
6. Brock Matheson
17. Jean Sebastian Bergeron
20. Greg Coburn
28. Sean Stuart
??. Mat Bodie
??. Michael Ingoldsby

Julseth-White, Forgaard, Matheson, Coburn, Stuart, and Bodie all look to be the preferred lineup next season barring injury or great pre-season practices from Inoldsby, Reid, and Bergeron. There are only 3 left defensemen on the roster for next season which may help Ingoldsby find the lineup. Union started the season with 10 defensemen on the roster before Ekstrom left for St. Norbert with only 7 seeing playing time in NCAA contests.

Forward (15):

10. Luke Cain
11. Justin Pallos
12. Kyle Bodie
14. Andrew Buote
19. Kelly Zajac
21. Wayne Simpson
23. John Simpson
25. Stephane Boileau
26. Brian Yanovitch
27. Jeremy Welch
29. Adam Presizniuk
??. Daniel Carr
??. Matt Hatch
??. Josh Jooris
??. Kevin Sullivan

Union still should be able to roll three potent lines next season with Cain, Bodie, Buote, Zajac, Wayne Simpson, John Simpson, Boileau, Welsh, Presizniuk, Carr, Jooris, and Sullivan as being likely to get the most playing time with Yanovitch, Hatch, and Pallos battling for minutes with Yanovitch being the wildcard who could be in or out depending on how he finishes this season and how he does in pre-season practices. Union has 16 forwards on the roster for this season with 15 having appeared in a game.

Goaltender (3):

30. Keith Kinkaid
31. Corey Milan
??.

There will definitely be a third goalie on the roster for next season, I wouldn't place money on a door opener, but Union has traditionally gone with a clear cut third stringer.

 

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

The topic came up on last week's game thread about what if Leaman left for another coaching gig.. does anyone know when Leaman's current contract runs out? I thought he got a new 4 year deal about 2-3 years ago so would think it might be this season or next.

I believe Leaman signed a four year extension which would have ended after this season but then signed another two year extension in 2008 which if I've got the years correct, would run through the 2011-2012 season. Union showed their appreciation and trust in Nate by giving him what I believe was the first multi year contract in program history. I would guess that he won't stay forever but would like to take care of some unfinished business before he moves on.

I hope that if he does leave, that we can hold on to the assistants in the meantime, especially Rick Bennett who is a class act and IMO would be an excellent replacement. IIRC Bennett was a finalist for the Brown job this summer. However, I would also speculate that if the opportunity presents itself with so few D-1 programs, he too would leave under the right circumstances. (I don't mean to slight Ben Barr who I also think is an excellent individual, but not likely experienced enough at this point for a D-1 head coaching job at this point.). I assume all of the coaches' stock will continue to rise after we win the ECAC championship next month.

 

[Red Cloud]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Goaltender (3):

30. Keith Kinkaid
31. Corey Milan
??.

There will definitely be a third goalie on the roster for next season, I wouldn't place money on a door opener, but Union has traditionally gone with a clear cut third stringer.

Most schools do, and given Union's situation where they've got a great goaltender with 3 more years to go, and a half-way decent goaltender with 2 more years to go, I'd presume Sillery's replacement would be a walk on.

 

[ADK11]

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

Re: Union College Hockey 2009-2010: Playoff series win? Check. Albany? This is the year.

I believe Leaman signed a four year extension which would have ended after this season but then signed another two year extension in 2008 which if I've got the years correct, would run through the 2011-2012 season. Union showed their appreciation and trust in Nate by giving him what I believe was the first multi year contract in program history. I would guess that he won't stay forever but would like to take care of some unfinished business before he moves on.

I hope that if he does leave, that we can hold on to the assistants in the meantime, especially Rick Bennett who is a class act and IMO would be an excellent replacement. IIRC Bennett was a finalist for the Brown job this summer. However, I would also speculate that if the opportunity presents itself with so few D-1 programs, he too would leave under the right circumstances. (I don't mean to slight Ben Barr who I also think is an excellent individual, but not likely experienced enough at this point for a D-1 head coaching job at this point.). I assume all of the coaches' stock will continue to rise after we win the ECAC championship next month.

Thanks Wholin, I had a feeling you might know.. found this link and, yep, its thru 11-12. http://www.ecachockey.com/men/members/union/20081208_LeamanExtension

Also agree that Bennett would make an excellent head coach, though I suspect he may indeed become one in the next couple seasons if the opportunity presents itself (actually Providence might be ready to reload if they continue to stay in the bottom half of HE). As for Barr, I actually would be ok with him being promoted to head if the circumstances ended up that way.. from what I understand he's really done a great job, particularly on the recruiting end, and relates very well to the players. Sneddon was in his 20s when he got abruptly promoted, so could do much worse IMO.