Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

[aweise]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

In seven days we return to action at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridegport in the Frozen Holiday Classic against Connecticut. Have we ever lost in the Webster Bank Arena? I think we won there the last 4 times we played. Not sure before that. Connecticut is very dangerous and very tough and alwasy plays us very tough .... tied us the last two years and the last three times we played them and we were lucky to come away with the ties. They have the added incentive in that this is the first time for this Connecticut Tournament.

I don't remember if it was called Webster Bank Arena then, but Union lost to Minnesota-Duluth in the first round of the 2011 NCAAs - Union's first ever NCAA tournament appearance.

 

[rdf8585]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

Lines vs UConn:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnionHockey?src=hash">#UnionHockey</a> lines vs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UConnHockey?src=hash">#UConnHockey</a>. The puck drops at 6. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HEA?src=hash">#HEA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ECACHockey?src=hash">#ECACHockey</a> <a href="http://t.co/o1ToR74zF4">pic.twitter.com/o1ToR74zF4</a></p>— Union Hockey Blog (@UnionHockeyBlog) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnionHockeyBlog/status/548959256163401728">December 27, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[rdf8585]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

Lines vs Sacred Heart -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnionHockey?src=hash">#UnionHockey</a> lines vs Sacred Heart. Cruice, Shier, DeSimone in. Roy, Hynes, Gingras sitting. Puck drops at 3. <a href="http://t.co/uWaixmRjMA">pic.twitter.com/uWaixmRjMA</a></p>— Union Hockey Blog (@UnionHockeyBlog) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnionHockeyBlog/status/549274629677019136">December 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[Dutchman]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

My first half awards for both Union hockey teams and more: http://t.co/3SU0QQhbge

In looking to next year, we lose Novak and Ciampini, Coatta and Stevens and Vasaturo. Wilkins, Eli, Pontarelli, Roy, Vecchione return. We need three forwards, (Ammirato, Foo and Scarfo step up, someone fill in behind them), a goal tender (Alex) and a defensemen. Defense comes back largely intact. Whatever happens this year, feel good about next year. Any thoughts? I like the pairing of Taylor and Light. How difficult is it to move a forward to defense and visa versa? Could Roy be made a defenseman?

 

[rdf8585]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

In looking to next year, we lose Novak and Ciampini, Coatta and Stevens and Vasaturo. Wilkins, Eli, Pontarelli, Roy, Vecchione return. We need three forwards, (Ammirato, Foo and Scarfo step up, someone fill in behind them), a goal tender (Alex) and a defensemen. Defense comes back largely intact. Whatever happens this year, feel good about next year. Any thoughts? I like the pairing of Taylor and Light. How difficult is it to move a forward to defense and visa versa? Could Roy be made a defenseman?

I would have to think it's very hard for a forward to learn to be a defenseman at this level. I'd be surprised if that happens.

There's plenty of reinforcements coming in next season. Recruits like Brett Supinski and Cole Maier have been among the best rookies in the BCHL, with Supinski leading all BCHL rookies in goals. Brendan Taylor is having another very strong campaign in that league as well. Sebastian Vidmar leads the NAHL in points with 44 and has been on a massive tear of late. Greg Campbell looks like a good offensive defenseman who's especially good on the PP. Jake Kupsky and Joe Young look like solid goalie prospects... Young has been among the save leaders in the USPHL all season.... whereas there's a big drop off between our second and third goalie this year, that might not be true next year.

All that said, it will take time for all those guys to get acclimated to the college level. But the class the coaching staff has assembled definitely gives reason to be excited for future seasons.

 

[rdf8585]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

Ryan Scarfo named ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week today.

 

[Dutchman]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

There's plenty of reinforcements coming in next season. Recruits like Brett Supinski and Cole Maier have been among the best rookies in the BCHL, with Supinski leading all BCHL rookies in goals. Brendan Taylor is having another very strong campaign in that league as well. Sebastian Vidmar leads the NAHL in points with 44 and has been on a massive tear of late.

Music to my ear. While we are going to be losing two great forwards, my thinking is that next year we should be at least as good as this year and the following year we might be in a position to step it up again. Here is a possible lineup for next year (existing forwards only)

Shier - Lichtenwald - Pontarelli
Scarfo - Vecchione - Foo
DiPauli - Roy - Cruice
Ammirato - Wilkins - Hynes

Plus
Supinski
Maier
Taylor
Vidmar

The defense basically returns intact - we will have lots of depth there.

I guess its going to be important to develop Scarfo, Foo, Ammirato, Shier and Hynes as much as we can for the remainer of the year so that when they come to their senior year, they will make us forget Champ and Max. 2016 - 2017 should be our year?

 

[Dutchman]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

Next up Boston University ...
We have never played them before
We have never played in Agganis .... http://www.agganisarena.com/events/...p?date=1-3-2015&eventnumber=200527651&filter=
We will be televised, sellout ....
Our last non-conference, non-league opponent ....
Us against the #1 team in the whole of the USA ....

Events Calendar
MEN'S HOCKEY VS UNION
Saturday, January 3, 2015 @ 7:00 PM
Men's Hockey vs Union
With five NCAA Division I national titles (tied for the most among Eastern schools) and 29 Beanpot championships, Boston University has long established itself as one of the top collegiate hockey programs in the country.
The 2014-15 squad will be led by junior captain Matt Grzelyck along with seniors Cason Hohmann and Evan Rodrigues, who will serve as assistant captains this season. In addition, junior Danny O’Regan and sophomore Robbie Baillargeon, who each led BU in scoring as a freshman, will both be back to help power the Terriers’ attack. Junior goaltender Matt O’Connor, who made 39 starts his first two seasons, returns between the pipes. They will be joined by 10 standout players from the incoming class, which includes three freshmen who were selected in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and two members of Team USA which captured gold at the 2014 U-18 World Championship.

Would not miss this one for anything .... Vecchione returns home ... so does Brassard, Light and Scarfo ...... would be great going forward if we could play this one every year.

 

[ADK11]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

First of all.. a very disappointing weekend in the Nutmeg State. An all too familiar loss to a team with middle of the road talent that plays a hard disciplined game and then barely squeak out a win against a lower level AHA. Up next is the #1 ranked team on their home rink, so will have to see how the boys respond. Eichel is the best player in D-1 and will miss this game.. but lets just say I have uneasy feeling anyways.

In looking to next year, we lose Novak and Ciampini, Coatta and Stevens and Vasaturo. Wilkins, Eli, Pontarelli, Roy, Vecchione return. We need three forwards, (Ammirato, Foo and Scarfo step up, someone fill in behind them), a goal tender (Alex) and a defensemen. Defense comes back largely intact. Whatever happens this year, feel good about next year. Any thoughts? I like the pairing of Taylor and Light. How difficult is it to move a forward to defense and visa versa? Could Roy be made a defenseman?

LOL, Roy is marginally a D-1 forward and definitely is not a Dman. Unless a player has played D somewhere in their recent past, no coach is going to take a flyer on doing this. Besides, d-man depth is not the problem. My biggest concern next season is going to be up front, especially if Vecks leaves early, which would seem to be a decent possibility given he is currently one of the top scorers in D-1. Gotta believe someone in The Bigs is watching him. If he doesn't come back then top returning forwards are Foo & Scarfo. The decline this season of Wilkins, Eli & especially Pontarelli is puzzling. If they don't bounce back, even with a good freshmen class may be difficult to come up with 2 good lines. Blueline will likely still be "developing" and tending will consist of Alex and 2 frosh. Kupsky is an interesting prospect, but my feeling on Young is that he is likely 3rd string. I do like the potential of this year's frosh and the next couple recruiting classes, but likely at least 2 years away from peaking.

 

[Nottme]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

First of all.. a very disappointing weekend in the Nutmeg State. An all too familiar loss to a team with middle of the road talent that plays a hard disciplined game and then barely squeak out a win against a lower level AHA. Up next is the #1 ranked team on their home rink, so will have to see how the boys respond. Eichel is the best player in D-1 and will miss this game.. but lets just say I have uneasy feeling anyways.

LOL, Roy is marginally a D-1 forward and definitely is not a forward. Unless a player has played D somewhere in their recent past, no coach is going to take a flyer on doing this. Besides, d-man depth is not the problem. My biggest concern next season is going to be up front, especially if Vecks leaves early, which would seem to be a decent possibility given he is currently one of the top scorers in D-1. Gotta believe someone in The Bigs is watching him. If he doesn't come back then top returning forwards are Foo & Scarfo. The decline this season of Wilkins, Eli & especially Pontarelli is puzzling. If they don't bounce back, even with a good freshmen class may be difficult to come up with 2 good lines. Blueline will likely still be "developing" and tending will consist of Alex and 2 frosh. Kupsky is an interesting prospect, but my feeling on Young is that he is likely 3rd string. I do like the potential of this year's frosh and the next couple recruiting classes, but likely at least 2 years away from peaking.

Spot on.

Union looked ok but paid for a few glaring mistakes vs UConn. Sunday was ragged, Champs individual effort at the end salvaged a win. I don't know about current players "stepping up" next year, I'd like to think that will happen this season given that there are 16+ games left.

 

[Hokydad]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

Zero chance Vechionne leaves.
Roy is fine up front and getting better..

 

[rdf8585]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

Eli Lichtenwald -

First 11 NCAA games: 7 goals, 6 assists
In 38 games since: 4 goals, 8 assists

I think the offensive production from the last 38 games is more indicative of what kind of offensive threat he's going to be here. His production early last year was more surprising than anything. Even though his offense is way down, he's still been a huge asset on faceoffs (.562 winning percentage this year, well up from last year).

I'd be lying if I said I didn't expect more offense from Pontarelli. Almost a third of his points last year (7/23) came in October. He's been in a funk for awhile. He only had 4 points (1 goal) in Union's last 15 games last year, and has only two goals and two assists in 15 games this year. It's fair to characterize his career here as a mild disappointment to this point, but there's plenty of time for that to change.

 

[Dutchman]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

There is a real story to tell here in SHOTS vs GOALS. Champ, Vec, Scarfo, Foo, Novak and Willkins are scoring a goal for every 6-10 shots they take. Eli and Pontarelli and the defensemen are needing closer to 20 shots to score a goal. Is it in their release? What do they need to practice?

Shots Penalties Goals
## Player GP-GS G A Pts SH SH% +/- pen-min Min Maj Oth PP SH FG GW Gtg OT HT UA Blk
17 Ciampini, Daniel 18 11 12 23 60 .183 +16 7-22 6 0 1 4 0 4 3 0 0 1 0 10
9 Scarfo, Ryan 18 4 4 8 29 .138 +2 4-8 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 10
21 Vecchione, Mike 18 8 16 24 63 .127 +8 5-10 5 0 0 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 5
15 Foo, Spencer 18 7 8 15 55 .127 +9 4-8 4 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 1 7
18 Novak, Max 14 5 9 14 42 .119 +6 2-4 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 8
19 Wilkins, Matt 16 5 1 6 45 .111 +3 8-24 7 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 10
2 Taylor, Jeff 18 4 16 20 44 .091 +8 7-14 7 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 10
11 Coatta, Sam 18 3 3 6 34 .088 -4 5-10 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 7
24 Gingras, Sebasti 15 3 6 9 36 .083 +8 5-10 5 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 12
23 Hynes, Tyler 11 1 2 3 13 .077 -2 3-6 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2
14 Brassard, J.C. 18 1 4 5 15 .067 +7 3-6 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15
10 Bennett, Mark 12 1 3 4 15 .067 +2 3-6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9
7 Pontarelli, Micha 15 2 2 4 32 .063 -4 2-4 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4
12 Lichtenwald, Eli 18 2 2 4 33 .061 -4 3-6 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
16 Ammirato, Roma 16 2 3 5 36 .056 -2 1-2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12
6 Vasaturo, Charlie 18 1 3 4 18 .056 -1 7-14 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27
28 Henry, Noah 17 1 3 4 18 .056 +4 4-8 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16
26 Roy, David 6 0 3 3 6 .000 +1 2-15 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
4 DeSimone, Nick 14 0 2 2 8 .000 -3 2-4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6
27 Shier, Kevin 10 0 2 2 10 .000 -1 3-6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
30 Stevens, Colin 13 0 1 1 0 .000 0 1-2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 Sakellaropoulos, 9 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Krug, Matt 2 0 0 0 1 .000 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
8 Cruice, Nick 4 0 0 0 6 .000 -1 2-4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
13 Pauli, Theo di 3 0 0 0 2 .000 -2 3-6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
22 Light, Connor 7 0 0 0 4 .000 -1 1-2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
TM Team 9 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Totals 18 61 105 166 625 .098 49 87-201 83 1 3 18 4 11 10 1 1 1 2 183
Opponents 18 45 74 119 530 .085 -53 108-268 99 4 5 14 0 7 7 0 2 2 2 25

 

[ADK11]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

Zero chance Vechionne leaves.
Roy is fine up front and getting better..

I definitely hope you are right, Vecks has certainly met or exceeded all of my expectations and is a great model for future Dutchmen.

Eli Lichtenwald -

First 11 NCAA games: 7 goals, 6 assists
In 38 games since: 4 goals, 8 assists

I think the offensive production from the last 38 games is more indicative of what kind of offensive threat he's going to be here. His production early last year was more surprising than anything. Even though his offense is way down, he's still been a huge asset on faceoffs (.562 winning percentage this year, well up from last year).

I'd be lying if I said I didn't expect more offense from Pontarelli. Almost a third of his points last year (7/23) came in October. He's been in a funk for awhile. He only had 4 points (1 goal) in Union's last 15 games last year, and has only two goals and two assists in 15 games this year. It's fair to characterize his career here as a mild disappointment to this point, but there's plenty of time for that to change.

Very much agree with this. The first half of last season for Eli struck me as almost too good to be true, seemed like everytime he touched the puck it either went in the net or came to somebody else who scored. Certainly didn't hurt that he was mostly playing on the 1st line with Carr, Champ, etc. When he moved away from the Carr line, his production went down and that's probably more realistic. Still a very important player and could approach 15-20 points again, but probably not a big contributor on the score sheet. Pontarelli is more of a puzzle and is someone who needs to produce points. He's been on Vecchione's line the last 2 games, so he's getting a chance to play with high skill players - hopefully he snaps out of it.

My more basic point is that the last 4-5 years U's offense has succeeded by having 3 strong lines that can produce points and a 4th line that makes things miserable for the opposition. This season there have been too many nights (like this past weekend) where there is barely 1 or 2 lines making any noise offensively. I'm definitely not giving up on this season though and hope the coaches can find the right combos that will spread around the wealth.

 

[Miami Ice]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

The UConn loss was unfortunate and very disappointing. RB has his hands full in this post championship season. Twenty wins would be deemed a success and still is within sight. Often playing an impressive opponent brings out the best. A win over BU could really juice things up. Expectations are high and not misplaced. Last year was magical. This year's script is still being written.

 

[jstadts]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

Eli Lichtenwald -

First 11 NCAA games: 7 goals, 6 assists
In 38 games since: 4 goals, 8 assists

I think the offensive production from the last 38 games is more indicative of what kind of offensive threat he's going to be here. His production early last year was more surprising than anything. Even though his offense is way down, he's still been a huge asset on faceoffs (.562 winning percentage this year, well up from last year).

I'd be lying if I said I didn't expect more offense from Pontarelli. Almost a third of his points last year (7/23) came in October. He's been in a funk for awhile. He only had 4 points (1 goal) in Union's last 15 games last year, and has only two goals and two assists in 15 games this year. It's fair to characterize his career here as a mild disappointment to this point, but there's plenty of time for that to change.

I am suspicious that both have nagging leg/knee issues.

 

[Dutchman]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

ECAC - 14 Non-Conference Games coming up this weekend throught Tuesday. I have a bad feeling ....

Predictions please .....

 

[UnionFan4Life]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

Eli Lichtenwald -

First 11 NCAA games: 7 goals, 6 assists
In 38 games since: 4 goals, 8 assists

I think the offensive production from the last 38 games is more indicative of what kind of offensive threat he's going to be here. His production early last year was more surprising than anything. Even though his offense is way down, he's still been a huge asset on faceoffs (.562 winning percentage this year, well up from last year).

I'd be lying if I said I didn't expect more offense from Pontarelli. Almost a third of his points last year (7/23) came in October. He's been in a funk for awhile. He only had 4 points (1 goal) in Union's last 15 games last year, and has only two goals and two assists in 15 games this year. It's fair to characterize his career here as a mild disappointment to this point, but there's plenty of time for that to change.

What's up with Eli and Pontarelli? They maybe going through the sophomore slump.

 

[rdf8585]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

Former Union star Wayne Simpson loaned to the AHL's Providence Bruins.

 

[sshablak]

Re: Union College Hockey 2014-2015 "ReUnion 2015? Why "Nott"?

Go Union beat BU !!! Good Luck