Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
no one said you did....
no one said you did....
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Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
- Thread starter Wholin1
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hockeyplayer1015
Capt
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
Sorry about that, U posters. I forgot that these sorry souls can't be wrong. Good luck until the first weekend in November, but can you atleast bring the KY to Appletown when you come north? We'd appreciate it with how our season has started.
Sorry about that, U posters. I forgot that these sorry souls can't be wrong. Good luck until the first weekend in November, but can you atleast bring the KY to Appletown when you come north? We'd appreciate it with how our season has started.
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
I guess the best you can say is that they didn't lose. For the second straight night, Union-WMU ends in a tie, 3-3 in tonight's case. The two teams certainly played like two teams currently neck and neck in the polls - two very competitive games that were a treat to watch. They felt like playoff games at times. The hitting from behind penalty on Carr was awful... nothing worth penalizing on that play. I think Union fans have seen enough of Hicks (ref) for a long while. Grosenick was solid for the most part and made a few big saves late, including one about 45 sec into OT from about 5 feet out. It's not a big sample, but through 3 games, he has a 1.90 GAA and a .923 save percentage. He's certainly doing his part and easing the concerns about the goaltending post-Kinkaid.
Welsh scored all 3 Union goals.
The announced crowd of ~1600 seemed a few hundred low to me.
As a side note, Leaman begins 2-0 in Providence, which beat Mass 6-4 tonight.
I guess the best you can say is that they didn't lose. For the second straight night, Union-WMU ends in a tie, 3-3 in tonight's case. The two teams certainly played like two teams currently neck and neck in the polls - two very competitive games that were a treat to watch. They felt like playoff games at times. The hitting from behind penalty on Carr was awful... nothing worth penalizing on that play. I think Union fans have seen enough of Hicks (ref) for a long while. Grosenick was solid for the most part and made a few big saves late, including one about 45 sec into OT from about 5 feet out. It's not a big sample, but through 3 games, he has a 1.90 GAA and a .923 save percentage. He's certainly doing his part and easing the concerns about the goaltending post-Kinkaid.
Welsh scored all 3 Union goals.
The announced crowd of ~1600 seemed a few hundred low to me.
As a side note, Leaman begins 2-0 in Providence, which beat Mass 6-4 tonight.
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
I liked what I saw this weekend from a number of areas. I think we can take a collective sigh, at least for now, and believe that we have our goaltender. I was greatly impressed with Grosenick's lateral movement and glove hand. He may actually be quicker than Kinkaid in covering the angles, and definitely has his own style. He does tend to go down a bit early but in a controlled fashion. And let's not forget that we haven't even seen Stevens yet. The third WMU goal was a little fluky as the puck bounced off the backboards right to Balisy where he was positioned close in on the weak side with an open net.
The freshmen looked good, especially so early in the season against a tough opponent. Our D though somewhat undersized seems generally to be very quick so I'll take the tradeoff and we do have a big banger in Charlie Vasaturo waiting in the wings when he comes off the injury list.
I agree that the hitting from behind call was questionable as to me it looked like an inadvertent midice encounter where the player with the puck turned his back into Carr. But that's what we've come to expect. Other than that, I thought the officiating wasn't that terrible over the weekend at least by ECAC standards.
I liked what I saw this weekend from a number of areas. I think we can take a collective sigh, at least for now, and believe that we have our goaltender. I was greatly impressed with Grosenick's lateral movement and glove hand. He may actually be quicker than Kinkaid in covering the angles, and definitely has his own style. He does tend to go down a bit early but in a controlled fashion. And let's not forget that we haven't even seen Stevens yet. The third WMU goal was a little fluky as the puck bounced off the backboards right to Balisy where he was positioned close in on the weak side with an open net.
The freshmen looked good, especially so early in the season against a tough opponent. Our D though somewhat undersized seems generally to be very quick so I'll take the tradeoff and we do have a big banger in Charlie Vasaturo waiting in the wings when he comes off the injury list.
I agree that the hitting from behind call was questionable as to me it looked like an inadvertent midice encounter where the player with the puck turned his back into Carr. But that's what we've come to expect. Other than that, I thought the officiating wasn't that terrible over the weekend at least by ECAC standards.
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ForgsUhockey
New member
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
Whats Wrong with Vasaturo? I didn't know he was injured because i thought he was practicing all week with the team.
Whats Wrong with Vasaturo? I didn't know he was injured because i thought he was practicing all week with the team.
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
I believe he had minor surgery preseason.
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
Jason Klump of insidehockey.com has a new interview with former Union coach Nate Leaman. The interview touches on Union several times, so it makes for an interesting read.
Jason Klump of insidehockey.com has a new interview with former Union coach Nate Leaman. The interview touches on Union several times, so it makes for an interesting read.
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
Due to injury to Martin Brodeur, Keith Kinkaid was called up by the NJ Devils for a game over the weekend at Memphis to act as emergency backup to Johan Hedberg and returned to the Albany Devils for Sunday's game. He has been recalled to NJ as Brodeur's status is still questionable. If nothing else, it should mean a decent paycheck or two for KK.
Due to injury to Martin Brodeur, Keith Kinkaid was called up by the NJ Devils for a game over the weekend at Memphis to act as emergency backup to Johan Hedberg and returned to the Albany Devils for Sunday's game. He has been recalled to NJ as Brodeur's status is still questionable. If nothing else, it should mean a decent paycheck or two for KK.
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
Ken Schott reports that former Union goalie Kris Mayotte has joined Cornell as a volunteer assistant coach.
Ken Schott reports that former Union goalie Kris Mayotte has joined Cornell as a volunteer assistant coach.
klumpmypants
New member
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
I have ranked Union 1st in my non-Ivy power rankings (shocker, I know) based on the first two weeks of action. Read about it here: http://insidehockey.com/ecac-the-first-two-weeks.
Sorry for the interruption. Just trying to build up the following.
I have ranked Union 1st in my non-Ivy power rankings (shocker, I know) based on the first two weeks of action. Read about it here: http://insidehockey.com/ecac-the-first-two-weeks.
Sorry for the interruption. Just trying to build up the following.
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
Geez, this thread seems awful quiet this season.
Anyways, I'm thinking of going to the game at Niagara on Friday. I was slightly underwhelmed by the arena last weekend when I went to one of the RPI-Niagara women's games, but I'm assuming that it would be better with the men's team playing. I figure that it's my best shot of getting my hockey fix this weekend. Is anyone planning on making the trip?
Geez, this thread seems awful quiet this season.
Anyways, I'm thinking of going to the game at Niagara on Friday. I was slightly underwhelmed by the arena last weekend when I went to one of the RPI-Niagara women's games, but I'm assuming that it would be better with the men's team playing. I figure that it's my best shot of getting my hockey fix this weekend. Is anyone planning on making the trip?
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
I watched some of the replay of the SLU-RIT game on TW 3 last night and what a game it was. I was impressed with the broadcast also as it was actually in HD. The game was played at a sold out Blue Cross arena, about 11,000 in attendance and a crazy atmosphere. I assume our game on Saturday is there also and I would expect the place will be rocking once again. The RIT fanbase is very faithful and enthusiastic. When RPI leaves for HEA
, I think RIT would be a perfect fit for the ECAC and it would only mean swapping a "T" for a "P". I hope the broadcast is as good on Saturday. Never been to Niagara so I can't comment.
This is definitely a laid back group when it comes to posting. I'd love to see more activity but we do have more than a few of the faithful on board.
I watched some of the replay of the SLU-RIT game on TW 3 last night and what a game it was. I was impressed with the broadcast also as it was actually in HD. The game was played at a sold out Blue Cross arena, about 11,000 in attendance and a crazy atmosphere. I assume our game on Saturday is there also and I would expect the place will be rocking once again. The RIT fanbase is very faithful and enthusiastic. When RPI leaves for HEA
, I think RIT would be a perfect fit for the ECAC and it would only mean swapping a "T" for a "P". I hope the broadcast is as good on Saturday. Never been to Niagara so I can't comment.Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
They only have one game a season at Blue Cross for "Brick City Homecoming" (or whatever they call it). RIT would definitely be a good fit for the ECAC (assuming RPI leaves for the HEA...). If you check out the RIT thread, there's talk about the new arena and a CG image of the outside of the arena was on one of the front-page articles on USCHO earlier this season.
Your game against RIT will be in the sold-out Ritter Arena with ~2k in attendance and a crazy atmosphere.This is definitely a laid back group when it comes to posting. I'd love to see more activity but we do have more than a few of the faithful on board.
I watched some of the replay of the SLU-RIT game on TW 3 last night and what a game it was. I was impressed with the broadcast also as it was actually in HD. The game was played at a sold out Blue Cross arena, about 11,000 in attendance and a crazy atmosphere. I assume our game on Saturday is there also and I would expect the place will be rocking once again. The RIT fanbase is very faithful and enthusiastic. When RPI leaves for HEA
They only have one game a season at Blue Cross for "Brick City Homecoming" (or whatever they call it). RIT would definitely be a good fit for the ECAC (assuming RPI leaves for the HEA...). If you check out the RIT thread, there's talk about the new arena and a CG image of the outside of the arena was on one of the front-page articles on USCHO earlier this season.
FlagDUDE08
Banned
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
Is it bad that this sentence made me think of "Cornholio" from Beavis and Butthead?
Dwyer Arena is a community-esque rink. It's a lot colder ever since the WJC (but not cold enough to stop me from wearing shorts
). It isn't all that lively (except the boards). However there are some nice things to do in the area (and even nicer if you walk across the Rainbow Bridge, just make sure you have a passport or enhanced ID).
When RPI leaves for HEA
Is it bad that this sentence made me think of "Cornholio" from Beavis and Butthead?
Dwyer Arena is a community-esque rink. It's a lot colder ever since the WJC (but not cold enough to stop me from wearing shorts
). It isn't all that lively (except the boards). However there are some nice things to do in the area (and even nicer if you walk across the Rainbow Bridge, just make sure you have a passport or enhanced ID).Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
College Hockey News' watch list on the ECAC season.
http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2011/10/20_ecac_watch__list.php
College Hockey News' watch list on the ECAC season.
http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2011/10/20_ecac_watch__list.php
Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
A little ongoing post as I listened to the game...
** Colin Stevens making his debut in goal tonight, according to the 1240 AM pregame.
** Vasaturo is also making his season debut, 1240 AM reports. In place of Forgaard, I believe.
** Bennett on Vasaturo's physical presence: "When he gets you in his tracks, it's fun to watch." (1240 AM)
** Frosh Tyson Fulton is on the third line tonight in place of Kevin Sullivan.
And we're off...
** Union's speed on display early. Niagara's coach was quoted in the Niagara Gazette as saying that Union "will be the fastest team we play this year."
** Union lights the lamp - Zajac PP goal. 1-0. "The easiest goal Kelly Zajac will score all year," according to the radio guys.
** Carr and Jooris struggling to get it going early on (1240 AM).
** Stevens going into the butterfly very early (1240 AM).
** 1-0 Union after 1. Stevens perfect so far.
** Union started strongly and Niagara generally looked better as the period went on. "Not an A effort" for Union so far. Having problems moving the puck out of the zone with flow. Only one rush through the neutral zone in the last 15 minutes of the period. Niagara more physical early on (1240 AM).
2nd period
** Uncharacteristic penalty on M.Bodie to kick off the 2nd. Niagara 0-15 on the PP this year.
** Make it 1-16 for the Niagara PP. Game tied at 1. "Stevens had no chance." Union "sleepwalking" through the first couple minutes of the second (1240 AM).
** A charging penalty puts Union back on the PP. All PPs drawn by the 3rd and 4th lines for Union (1240 AM). PP expires.
** Another Niagara penalty. Guys on 1240 say Union being outworked for the first time all year.
** Welsh hits the post. Lots of traffic in front for Union on PP (1240 AM).
** Niagara goes ahead 2-1. Shorthanded goal. Coburn couldn't get positioning on the fourth line center. First shorthanded goal allowed by Union this year (1240 AM).
** Just like that, Jooris ties the game at 2. Good Union puck movement (1240 AM).
** Gostisbehere caught out of position, leading to a holding call and a Niagara PP (1240 AM).
** Niagara missed a "wide open opportunity." Good traffic in front - Stevens didn't see it. (1240 AM).
** Slash on Niagara leads to Union PP. Coburn whacked in knee. Coburn still in there. (1240 AM).
** Campbell makes the save on a "blistering laser" from Welsh (1240 AM).
** Union applying pressure, but excellent PK by Niagara. Forcing Union to rush. (1240 AM).
** Guys on 1240 wonder if Coburn is 100% after the slash.
** Niagara a "fiesty, nasty team" tonight (1240 AM).
** Niagara has done a great job taking away Union's speed (1240 AM).
** 2-2 at the end of two. Definitely seems like Niagara is the stronger team up to this point in the game. Union holds a 26-19 shot edge through 2. Guys on 1240 say Union isn't playing Union hockey. Niagara winning the battles on the boards, taking away the center of the ice, not giving Union room to operate. Not a lot of sustained offense for Union. Niagara is playing Union hockey. Union had issues in their own zone covering Niagara.
3nd period
** Union with a near miss after the Niagara goalie gives it away (1240 AM).
** "Best save of the night" by Stevens after Union turnover. Ice choppy, bad ice since the first period. (1240 AM)
** Jooris with a "fantastic move," but couldn't get shot off. (1240 AM).
** Vasaturo showing good body positioning (1240 AM).
** Stevens standing up better after going into butterfly too early earlier in the game (1240 AM).
** Union not winning 50/50 battles (1240 AM).
** Niagara goal off deflection puts them up 3-2. Second goal of night for Arnold. Rick Bennett calls timeout. 1240 guys call Union "lethargic." 8:06 to go.
** Union not physical enough (1240 AM).
** Big save by Niagara goalie (1240 AM).
** Bodie tripped, no call (1240 AM).
** Union trying to jam it in, but net comes off (1240 AM). Time running low.
** 90 seconds left - Stevens yanked (1240 AM).
** Coburn shot - stopped (1240 AM).
** Deflected in front and in ... Union ties at 3 late in the third. Coburn credited. (1240 AM).
** Stevens back in. Coburn "saves the game" sliding through the paint to keep the puck out (1240 AM).
** Union goes to OT... again.
Overtime
** Union wins opening draw (1240 AM).
** Stevens not balanced right now (1240 AM). Deep in net.
** Niagara with some chances early in OT (1240 AM). Had time and space.
** 3 on 2 rush for Niagara, but misses net (1240 AM).
** Ikkala fires, but is stopped (1240 AM).
** Stick save on Welsh (1240 AM).
** Stuart hits the inside of the post. Bennett complaining to officials, but no review as its not an ECAC rink (1240 AM).
** Deflected off glove of Niagara goalie. Union "peppering" the net (1240 AM).
** Niagara looks tired. A few just misses for Union (1240 AM).
** Niagara goalie putting on a clinic (1240 AM). Pouring it on late.
** Carr caught deep, Niagara finally gets it out but Stevens with a save (1240 AM).
** 20 seconds to go.
** 3... 2... 1... and that's all. Union, again, sees a tie.
Seems like Niagara was the better team most of the night, but good to see Union tie it late and seemingly find their rhythm late. Announcers wondering where the late effort was for the first 58 minutes. A tie that felt more like a loss, announcers say.
They probably won't be so lucky tomorrow night against RIT without a better showing.
A little ongoing post as I listened to the game...
** Colin Stevens making his debut in goal tonight, according to the 1240 AM pregame.
** Vasaturo is also making his season debut, 1240 AM reports. In place of Forgaard, I believe.
** Bennett on Vasaturo's physical presence: "When he gets you in his tracks, it's fun to watch." (1240 AM)
** Frosh Tyson Fulton is on the third line tonight in place of Kevin Sullivan.
And we're off...
** Union's speed on display early. Niagara's coach was quoted in the Niagara Gazette as saying that Union "will be the fastest team we play this year."
** Union lights the lamp - Zajac PP goal. 1-0. "The easiest goal Kelly Zajac will score all year," according to the radio guys.
** Carr and Jooris struggling to get it going early on (1240 AM).
** Stevens going into the butterfly very early (1240 AM).
** 1-0 Union after 1. Stevens perfect so far.
** Union started strongly and Niagara generally looked better as the period went on. "Not an A effort" for Union so far. Having problems moving the puck out of the zone with flow. Only one rush through the neutral zone in the last 15 minutes of the period. Niagara more physical early on (1240 AM).
2nd period
** Uncharacteristic penalty on M.Bodie to kick off the 2nd. Niagara 0-15 on the PP this year.
** Make it 1-16 for the Niagara PP. Game tied at 1. "Stevens had no chance." Union "sleepwalking" through the first couple minutes of the second (1240 AM).
** A charging penalty puts Union back on the PP. All PPs drawn by the 3rd and 4th lines for Union (1240 AM). PP expires.
** Another Niagara penalty. Guys on 1240 say Union being outworked for the first time all year.
** Welsh hits the post. Lots of traffic in front for Union on PP (1240 AM).
** Niagara goes ahead 2-1. Shorthanded goal. Coburn couldn't get positioning on the fourth line center. First shorthanded goal allowed by Union this year (1240 AM).
** Just like that, Jooris ties the game at 2. Good Union puck movement (1240 AM).
** Gostisbehere caught out of position, leading to a holding call and a Niagara PP (1240 AM).
** Niagara missed a "wide open opportunity." Good traffic in front - Stevens didn't see it. (1240 AM).
** Slash on Niagara leads to Union PP. Coburn whacked in knee. Coburn still in there. (1240 AM).
** Campbell makes the save on a "blistering laser" from Welsh (1240 AM).
** Union applying pressure, but excellent PK by Niagara. Forcing Union to rush. (1240 AM).
** Guys on 1240 wonder if Coburn is 100% after the slash.
** Niagara a "fiesty, nasty team" tonight (1240 AM).
** Niagara has done a great job taking away Union's speed (1240 AM).
** 2-2 at the end of two. Definitely seems like Niagara is the stronger team up to this point in the game. Union holds a 26-19 shot edge through 2. Guys on 1240 say Union isn't playing Union hockey. Niagara winning the battles on the boards, taking away the center of the ice, not giving Union room to operate. Not a lot of sustained offense for Union. Niagara is playing Union hockey. Union had issues in their own zone covering Niagara.
3nd period
** Union with a near miss after the Niagara goalie gives it away (1240 AM).
** "Best save of the night" by Stevens after Union turnover. Ice choppy, bad ice since the first period. (1240 AM)
** Jooris with a "fantastic move," but couldn't get shot off. (1240 AM).
** Vasaturo showing good body positioning (1240 AM).
** Stevens standing up better after going into butterfly too early earlier in the game (1240 AM).
** Union not winning 50/50 battles (1240 AM).
** Niagara goal off deflection puts them up 3-2. Second goal of night for Arnold. Rick Bennett calls timeout. 1240 guys call Union "lethargic." 8:06 to go.
** Union not physical enough (1240 AM).
** Big save by Niagara goalie (1240 AM).
** Bodie tripped, no call (1240 AM).
** Union trying to jam it in, but net comes off (1240 AM). Time running low.
** 90 seconds left - Stevens yanked (1240 AM).
** Coburn shot - stopped (1240 AM).
** Deflected in front and in ... Union ties at 3 late in the third. Coburn credited. (1240 AM).
** Stevens back in. Coburn "saves the game" sliding through the paint to keep the puck out (1240 AM).
** Union goes to OT... again.
Overtime
** Union wins opening draw (1240 AM).
** Stevens not balanced right now (1240 AM). Deep in net.
** Niagara with some chances early in OT (1240 AM). Had time and space.
** 3 on 2 rush for Niagara, but misses net (1240 AM).
** Ikkala fires, but is stopped (1240 AM).
** Stick save on Welsh (1240 AM).
** Stuart hits the inside of the post. Bennett complaining to officials, but no review as its not an ECAC rink (1240 AM).
** Deflected off glove of Niagara goalie. Union "peppering" the net (1240 AM).
** Niagara looks tired. A few just misses for Union (1240 AM).
** Niagara goalie putting on a clinic (1240 AM). Pouring it on late.
** Carr caught deep, Niagara finally gets it out but Stevens with a save (1240 AM).
** 20 seconds to go.
** 3... 2... 1... and that's all. Union, again, sees a tie.
Seems like Niagara was the better team most of the night, but good to see Union tie it late and seemingly find their rhythm late. Announcers wondering where the late effort was for the first 58 minutes. A tie that felt more like a loss, announcers say.
They probably won't be so lucky tomorrow night against RIT without a better showing.
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Re: Union Hockey 2011-2012 Season Thread "We Can See Cleary Now"
I didn't read through the whole game by the Union radio guys / rdf, but I wanted to share some of my (uneducated) opinion of the game tonight.
I really liked the PP strategy for U. I felt like collapsing the box down tight and then stretching it back open with some passes to the point and then drawing enough defenders to one side to open up the beautiful backdoor goals was an excellent strategy and very effective. I'm not sure how well it will work against the Cornell-types, but I thought it looked really nice. Coburn definitely likes to pinch a little too much, sometimes, and it wasn't him that pinched too far to cause the shortie against, but there were a couple times where Niagara was just a tipped pass away from a clean break during those PK times.
In the first period, I was really impressed with Yanovitch's play. He was hitting hard, pushing the forecheck, and doing everything you expect out of a 3rd- / 4th-line player. However, I was very disappointed with his play in the third. I only saw him on the ice twice (that's not to say he wasn't on more, I just only noticed him twice). Once, he came on and had some very pointed words to say towards Niagara's #28 (Dan Weiss) (I'm sure they were discussing which chain of donut / coffee shops they preferred
) and then contributed not much. The other shift that I saw him, he tried to stretch a couple cross-ice passes by going to the blue line without looking for the puck (which ended up hitting the boards a lot closer to the red line than the offensive blue line) which sprang a couple of transition breaks the other way for the Eagles. Once, I understand, but two consecutive passes? I was a little disappointed that he wasn't coming back for / actually looking for the puck. And then, to cap it off, after one of those transition breaks, he just grabs the puck and flings it down the ice for the easiest icing call of the night. Safe to say that I wasn't impressed by his play by the end of the night.
The Welsh line looked great and the Zajac line was pretty darn impressive, too. I felt like there were long stretches of play where Union's forecheck was able to stimy the breakout for Niagara, but despite the continued zone control, they weren't able to do much with the puck. It was still kept along the boards except for the occasional turnover that they were able to quickly convert into an opportunity in front of the net, but Campbell played a good game and did what he needed to to keep the Dutchmen off the board while at even strength.
Now we get into the part where I'm not even a little versed, so take this with a much larger grain of salt than the rest of my rambling incoherentness. I'm not entirely sold on Stevens. I felt like he went into the butterfly a little early a couple times and there were just too many times where he didn't know where the puck was, so he went down into the butterfly and threw up his glove and hoped that the puck hit him. That's not to say that he's not a good goalie or that he's not sound technically. I just think that he needs a little time to grow (which is certainly to be expected as a freshman).
Overall, I'm still unimpressed by Dwyer. I felt like the band doesn't have nearly enough brass (although I was a trumpet player) and "wastes" a large section, although, with such a small arena, seating-wise, it really is the best place to put them. Hockey is clearly a second-tier sport behind basketball, based on the cluelessness of a large portion of the student section and their failure to have any kind of relevant cheers (although, as an RPI fan, maybe I'm not the best person to laying down judgement about originality). It'd be a great place to broadcast a game from, or, if they allowed you to stand on the concourse, to watch an intense RIT / Niagara game, but for a partially disinterested crowd and a Union / Niagara game (or RPI / Niagara women's for that matter), I felt kinda meh.
Union definitely played well enough to win for stretches and lazily enough to lose in others. Overall, I think the game merited a tie, but if Union could generate more chances at even strength or if Niagara had taken less stupid / behind-the-play penalties, it would've been a different outcome.
Good luck tomorrow against RIT. Nope, I can't say that with a straight face. I may have been cheering for you tonight, but I just can't do it against my hometown team. Go Tigers!
I didn't read through the whole game by the Union radio guys / rdf, but I wanted to share some of my (uneducated) opinion of the game tonight.
I really liked the PP strategy for U. I felt like collapsing the box down tight and then stretching it back open with some passes to the point and then drawing enough defenders to one side to open up the beautiful backdoor goals was an excellent strategy and very effective. I'm not sure how well it will work against the Cornell-types, but I thought it looked really nice. Coburn definitely likes to pinch a little too much, sometimes, and it wasn't him that pinched too far to cause the shortie against, but there were a couple times where Niagara was just a tipped pass away from a clean break during those PK times.
In the first period, I was really impressed with Yanovitch's play. He was hitting hard, pushing the forecheck, and doing everything you expect out of a 3rd- / 4th-line player. However, I was very disappointed with his play in the third. I only saw him on the ice twice (that's not to say he wasn't on more, I just only noticed him twice). Once, he came on and had some very pointed words to say towards Niagara's #28 (Dan Weiss) (I'm sure they were discussing which chain of donut / coffee shops they preferred
) and then contributed not much. The other shift that I saw him, he tried to stretch a couple cross-ice passes by going to the blue line without looking for the puck (which ended up hitting the boards a lot closer to the red line than the offensive blue line) which sprang a couple of transition breaks the other way for the Eagles. Once, I understand, but two consecutive passes? I was a little disappointed that he wasn't coming back for / actually looking for the puck. And then, to cap it off, after one of those transition breaks, he just grabs the puck and flings it down the ice for the easiest icing call of the night. Safe to say that I wasn't impressed by his play by the end of the night.The Welsh line looked great and the Zajac line was pretty darn impressive, too. I felt like there were long stretches of play where Union's forecheck was able to stimy the breakout for Niagara, but despite the continued zone control, they weren't able to do much with the puck. It was still kept along the boards except for the occasional turnover that they were able to quickly convert into an opportunity in front of the net, but Campbell played a good game and did what he needed to to keep the Dutchmen off the board while at even strength.
Now we get into the part where I'm not even a little versed, so take this with a much larger grain of salt than the rest of my rambling incoherentness. I'm not entirely sold on Stevens. I felt like he went into the butterfly a little early a couple times and there were just too many times where he didn't know where the puck was, so he went down into the butterfly and threw up his glove and hoped that the puck hit him. That's not to say that he's not a good goalie or that he's not sound technically. I just think that he needs a little time to grow (which is certainly to be expected as a freshman).
Overall, I'm still unimpressed by Dwyer. I felt like the band doesn't have nearly enough brass (although I was a trumpet player) and "wastes" a large section, although, with such a small arena, seating-wise, it really is the best place to put them. Hockey is clearly a second-tier sport behind basketball, based on the cluelessness of a large portion of the student section and their failure to have any kind of relevant cheers (although, as an RPI fan, maybe I'm not the best person to laying down judgement about originality). It'd be a great place to broadcast a game from, or, if they allowed you to stand on the concourse, to watch an intense RIT / Niagara game, but for a partially disinterested crowd and a Union / Niagara game (or RPI / Niagara women's for that matter), I felt kinda meh.
Union definitely played well enough to win for stretches and lazily enough to lose in others. Overall, I think the game merited a tie, but if Union could generate more chances at even strength or if Niagara had taken less stupid / behind-the-play penalties, it would've been a different outcome.
Good luck tomorrow against RIT. Nope, I can't say that with a straight face. I may have been cheering for you tonight, but I just can't do it against my hometown team. Go Tigers!
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