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

[achillesrink-3-7-5]

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.

Quinnipiac took a penalty late in the 4th OT and I almost reminded my neighbor (achillesrink-3-7-5) of the last time Union had a PP in a 5th OT.

We all know that until last night, no 8th period power play chance had ever ended except by a shorthanded goal. In this game, Union successfully killed off a 12-second Quinnipiac power play early in the 8th.

 

[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

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.

Just wanted to butt in and wish you luck in the next two games. I've been a closet Union fan ever since I saw you guys in the Shillelagh Tourney last year. Listened last night...and this morning. Tell your boys to load up on the Pedialyte and get it done in regulation.

 

[ZYanksRule]

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 don't know who your Play by Play guy is, but if any of you can pass it on, there have been numerous comments in the score updates thread about his great job tonight so far. One of the best PbP guys I've been able to listen to.

Bill Schweizer is our PxP guy on 'QUN -- he used to work for CBS Radio, he's done Olympics, been a baseball broadcaster, did Villanova basketball the year they won the national championship... he's fantastic. Also teaches some classes at QU that are must-take classes for journalism students.

 

[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.

Don't know if I'd go so far as to say "terrible" loss, but it's certainly pretty darn disappointing. Outside of the second period, Union controlled the play a lot and had plenty of chances. They just didn't convert...sound familiar, anyone?

As the night (and morning) wore on, I was more impressed with the players on both teams. Nobody wanted to lose that game and it showed with players diving to block shots and continued effort despite being completely gassed by the 4th OT.

I actually thought Union would eventually score. Even though there's the old concern about losing the game on that one chance the other way, Union was getting plenty of scoring opportunities and I figured it would just be a matter of time.

It was terrible in the sense that it was such a hard-fought game and we had so many opportunities that were not capitalized on. I haven't talked to any of the players after last night but I can't imagine how they must feel right now.

It was a battle (or a war). When Union went on the PP late in the 4th OT, I also said to my neighbor that I hope it's not the Yale game all over again.

I found it pretty amazing the way the student section (section Q) started getting more and more full as the overtimes went on. By the time the 5th overtime started, it might have been more crowded than it was at the start of the game. I'm happy to see that there were a good number of people there from start to finish, including President Ainlay and Frank Messa!

Anyway, I'm heading back to the rink in a little bit. Hoping we can send this series to 3rd and deciding game. LET'S GO UNION DA DA DADADA!

 

[Got 6 Want More]

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 feel really bad for you guys...that is a game that is really tough to lose. I can't imagine coming back and playing again tonight.

Really hope Union can find a way to get it done and, at least extend the series to a deciding fifth, I mean, third game!

I'll be rooting for you guys 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.

Great game tonight...Really nice to see Union rebound after last night/this morning. I thought the review and then the calling off of the first goal scoring by Quinnipiac really set the tone for the game. After they called it off, Union went on the power play and scored soon after that.

I don't have time to give a detailed analysis because I'm heading out but I'm thrilled to see this going to game 3 tomorrow! Win and we're in the ECAC Final Four for the first time in school history. Lose and the season is over. No matter what though, this will be my last time watching a game at Messa as a student and the hockey seniors' last time playing at home as well. Hopefully the game will sell out and we can give this team the respect they deserve.

 

[unionbob]

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.

great game tonight....lets hope for same tomorrow....and zyankrules...what made u think he was talking about Q play announcer?....he did come to the union site to ask......

 

[Goaliefan]

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

Absolutely awesome how they bounced back with a W after last night's marathon.

 

[unionbob]

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.

after the game in the car listening to the wrap up and interviewing coach Bennett and the radio station cuts them off
hope this gets fixed before next year....Matt and Brian do a great job and deserve support from the school

 

[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.

Things seemed to fall into place after last night's epic loss. Huge tribute to this team's character that they brought a great effort under challenging circumstances.

Also what a break to have TW broadcast on hand this evening to provide the critical replay video reversing the Qpac goal. The turnaround was dramatic as the ensuing PP goal led to what was in essence a 2 goal swing. I think that we may have been a little fortunate on the call leading to that penalty as well, but Qpac gets away with a lot of chippy play, particularly from the lumber swinging Clarke, so we'll take it.

Union moved the puck much better tonight particularly through the neutral zone. The coaching staff also made the right calls getting fresh troops and Pallos' play in particular was key. Milan after shaking off some rust early made some spectacular stops including a balletic toe kick save in the second period that was huge. Who gets the call tomorrow?

Plenty of credit to go around but I hope Julseth White's play gets some recognition. He was solid tonight and made a great outlet pass to Prez leading to his breakaway goal.

It looks like U may have found Clarke's sweet spot as Cain and Prez both went 5 hole.

One win needed and it's in our place so no excuses. Bring it tomorrow U!

 

[CornwallAce]

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.

Union played a much improved game Saturday night.
On Friday, after the first half of the first period, Quinn was blocking the majority of shots because all the Union players were waiting too long to put the puck on net. They fixed that tonight!
They are starting to do a little more after they get control of the puck along the boards. It was frustrating Friday night, cause they would get the puck, and stand there waiting for Quinn to check them. If they kept control of the puck, they just cycled the puck, but didn't make anything positive happen except killing time. And when they would try wrapping around the net, they'd lose the puck off their sticks or get to stolen away.

 

[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.

Union played a much improved game Saturday night.
On Friday, after the first half of the first period, Quinn was blocking the majority of shots because all the Union players were waiting too long to put the puck on net. They fixed that tonight!
They are starting to do a little more after they get control of the puck along the boards. It was frustrating Friday night, cause they would get the puck, and stand there waiting for Quinn to check them. If they kept control of the puck, they just cycled the puck, but didn't make anything positive happen except killing time. And when they would try wrapping around the net, they'd lose the puck off their sticks or get to stolen away.

Good points...it was clear to see early on that Union was able to finally beat Q's forecheck. They were getting some odd-man rushes, but more importantly, they were able to complete their passes and create more scoring chances. Good adjustments by the coaches and the players.

The waved-off goal and subsequent Union PP goal was huge. I wasn't too concerned if the goal stood up, since Union usually seems to give up the first goal a lot. Nevertheless, it was a huge momentum swing that got everyone into the game.

Union might have the advantage tonight - Quinnipiac did play 3 games last weekend and they've played almost 4 games already this weekend. I wonder how much the fatigue factor will come into play as the game gets into the 3rd period. No matter what, Union needs to play the same way tonight. Both teams' seasons are on the line, so we should see a superhuman effort from both teams.

 

[AnthonySaxe]

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

Much better game last night. I have to give credit to Corey, who played a great game and made a few spectacular saves. I sat with Prezs father last night, so it was pretty cool to have his son score two huge goals. I'm not sure who will start tonight. Any Ideas?

I had to do some maneuvering to get out of work tonight, but I did. This is potentially the biggest game in the history of this hockey program, and I wouldn't miss it for anything. We have to make sure the place is loud tonight, and give the boys a true home ice advantage. This one is there for the taking and we have to wrap it up.

Go U!

 

[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.

after the game in the car listening to the wrap up and interviewing coach Bennett and the radio station cuts them off
hope this gets fixed before next year....Matt and Brian do a great job and deserve support from the school

Ditto. Union fans and the broadcast team really deserve a better outlet for listening to the games than is afforded by WRUC which does not have either the signal strength or technical production capabilities that are necessary. A few years ago the games were broadcast commercially (WTMM?). Maybe there's a chance of having another station pick up the broadcasts especially if the team continues to make strides on the ice. U football has commercial radio coverage, why not hockey? I don't know how these things really work but I assume it comes down to dollars and cents so hopefully there is a potential sponsor or two out there that could take up the cause.

 

[rvd5star69]

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.

man the whole ecac body will be rooting for u too put seats in albany next weekend

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

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.

man the whole ecac body will be rooting for u too put seats in albany next weekend

Except for a certain contingent from Hamden!

 

[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.

man the whole ecac body will be rooting for u too put seats in albany next weekend

Put seats in Albany next weekend? You mean fans in seats, or just seats?

 

[soxrok3]

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

Speaking of which, if Union gets a win tonight, how many fans do you anticipate they'll add to the normal attendance of the ECAC semis in Albany? 1,000? 2,000? Do a lot of students plan on attending?

I feel like the ECAC tournament always gets lowballed with attendance and having a local team in it (for the first time since its been in Albany) will provide substantial help.

I sure plan on attending regardless. Let me know! Go Union!!!

 

[UnionHockeyManiac]

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

Speaking of which, if Union gets a win tonight, how many fans do you anticipate they'll add to the normal attendance of the ECAC semis in Albany? 1,000? 2,000? Do a lot of students plan on attending?

I feel like the ECAC tournament always gets lowballed with attendance and having a local team in it (for the first time since its been in Albany) will provide substantial help.

I sure plan on attending regardless. Let me know! Go Union!!!

I can't speak for the general public, but I do like to think that I generally have a pretty good idea about student attendance. Unfortunately, the last day for final exams in on March 18th, and then all of the students go on spring break. In fact, March 19th is actually the day that students must leave their dorm rooms. As you know, March 19th is also the first day of the ECAC tournament.

I really don't expect a huge student contingent other than a small pack of diehard fans. I'm hoping the school runs some sort of promotion either letting students stay on campus past March 19th or providing bus service to the game or something like that but that obviously has not been announced yet. Then again, out of the average of 2,000 fans that have come to the 2 games against Quinnipiac, I'd say that only 300-350 have been students.

All of that being said, the focus right now is ONLY on Quinnipiac tonight and I'm really hoping for a big student turnout despite that fact that finals week starts tomorrow. Albany, despite being less than 20 miles away from Union, is still a long way away.

 

[soxrok3]

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

Thank you for your in depth analysis. I know Cornell always has a large contingent of fans when they're in Albany. It would be very embarrassing if Union made it to Albany and could not get more fans to attend than Cornell.

I'm hoping, and based on your analysis of the fans at the recent Union home games, that finals being over on the 18th has little effect on attendance for Union.

I hope they can provide more than 2,000 fans for their games in the Times Union Center.

Any other thoughts!?