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Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

"They" are not the defending champs
.a totally different team won last year led by the Kreiders and Dumoumin/crosses of the world.

This is a soft, beatable team. Hammer their small forwards and they will fold. Pressure and chip on the D and odd man rushes will be plentiful.

Union 4 BC 1
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

I talked to Philadelphia Flyers director of hockey operations Chris Pryor about Shayne Gostisbehere - see what was said about him: http://t.co/TFHulcRtMp

Talked about how Gostisbehere landed on their radar, what they like about him, improvements since he was picked, what he has to work on, long term upside, etc.
 
Looking at how Union had endured somewhat of a Sisyphean season until lthe last few weeks, one has to admire the tenacious yet gracious Rick Bennett. Perhaps his petulant counterpart in New Haven could borrow a page or two out of the Bennett playbook.
Beyond that, attribution for Union's success must also be accorded to Nate Leaman, who continues to burnish his reputation at Providence. It was he who really kickstarted Union after years of mediocrity in DI. His hiring of Bennett has paid huge dividends. The Union program is a model of success and integrity.
There seem to be few if any giving the Dutchmen the nod over BC. Whatever the outcome, Union has arrived with a topnotch guy at the helm.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

Miami Ice said:
Looking at how Union had endured somewhat of a Sisyphean season until lthe last few weeks, one has to admire the tenacious yet gracious Rick Bennett. Perhaps his petulant counterpart in New Haven could borrow a page or two out of the Bennett playbook.
Beyond that, attribution for Union's success must also be accorded to Nate Leaman, who continues to burnish his reputation at Providence. It was he who really kickstarted Union after years of mediocrity in DI. His hiring of Bennett has paid huge dividends. The Union program is a model of success and integrity.
There seem to be few if any giving the Dutchmen the nod over BC. Whatever the outcome, Union has arrived with a topnotch guy at the helm.
Click to expand...

Any one who is expecting a B. C. cakewalk here certainly wasn't paying attention to the ECAC tournament. If I were a Las Vegas book-maker here, I would make the game 11/10 pick 'em !!!
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

How many of you will be in Providence? I just booked my hotel at the Providence Biltmore through Priceline's Express Deal...only $73 + tax. It's right in between the arena and the Union pre-game spot.

3 days away!
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

It's been a crazy last few weeks. Union looks as good as they did at any point during last season, and are playing as well as anyone in the nation.

Is it Saturday night yet?
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

Miami Ice said:
Looking at how Union had endured somewhat of a Sisyphean season until lthe last few weeks, one has to admire the tenacious yet gracious Rick Bennett. Perhaps his petulant counterpart in New Haven could borrow a page or two out of the Bennett playbook.
Beyond that, attribution for Union's success must also be accorded to Nate Leaman, who continues to burnish his reputation at Providence. It was he who really kickstarted Union after years of mediocrity in DI. His hiring of Bennett has paid huge dividends. The Union program is a model of success and integrity.
There seem to be few if any giving the Dutchmen the nod over BC. Whatever the outcome, Union has arrived with a topnotch guy at the helm.
Click to expand...

I think this is why Jim McLaughlin (Union AD) offered the job to Rick Bennett moments after Nate Leaman informed him that he'd be taking the Providence job. Bennett is a very low-key coach, but exudes a quiet confidence that is translated to his players on the ice. As Union won the ECAC tournament last year, I joked that it was Nate Leaman's team and Rick Bennett's championship...but it really is a credit to both men. Bennett played a huge role in recruiting the players and Leaman pulled it all together. I agree that this program's rise began with Leaman's hiring, but it took a huge step forward when Bennett came on board.

As for Hokydad's comment, yes...this is a bit of a different BC team than last year, but they're still one of the best in the country. I don't think Bennett will leave any stone unturned for this game.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

Hokydad said:
"They" are not the defending champs
.a totally different team won last year led by the Kreiders and Dumoumin/crosses of the world.

This is a soft, beatable team. Hammer their small forwards and they will fold. Pressure and chip on the D and odd man rushes will be plentiful.

Union 4 BC 1
Click to expand...

Hoky cannot help himself folks...his lack of appreciation for the BC program and what they have accomplished often fades to the background when they stumble in his exuberance to jump on who they are. They are the defending national champions and like many before them are configured differently as a result of senior graduates and the natural movement of quality juniors to professional careers.

"Soft" is never a word I would use to define Steve Whitney, Bill Arnold, Quinn Smith, Pat Mullane, Mike M., or Pat W.. That would be a gross under estimation of who this team is in my opinion. Paticularly the senior class which will rank as one of the best alltime for trophies, wins, consistency, and desire.

Union is and has been a very good team and should likely be favored in this game based on their recent play. But do not make the Hoky mistake of under valuing the team coming from Chestnut Hill. I never make predictions but in the case I expect a very solid hockey game between two very solid programs. I for one cannot wait to see the game and it's potential to be a memorable college hockey experience.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

For a bit of a primer on BC, I checked in with Mike McMahon and Joe Meloni, Hockey East guys for College Hockey News.

They talk about BC's top players, strengths, weaknesses, recent play, and make predictions for Saturday.

You can check it out here.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

BCHF said:
Hoky cannot help himself folks...his lack of appreciation for the BC program and what they have accomplished often fades to the background when they stumble in his exuberance to jump on who they are. They are the defending national champions and like many before them are configured differently as a result of senior graduates and the natural movement of quality juniors to professional careers.

"Soft" is never a word I would use to define Steve Whitney, Bill Arnold, Quinn Smith, Pat Mullane, Mike M., or Pat W.. That would be a gross under estimation of who this team is in my opinion. Paticularly the senior class which will rank as one of the best alltime for trophies, wins, consistency, and desire.

Union is and has been a very good team and should likely be favored in this game based on their recent play. But do not make the Hoky mistake of under valuing the team coming from Chestnut Hill. I never make predictions but in the case I expect a very solid hockey game between two very solid programs. I for one cannot wait to see the game and it's potential to be a memorable college hockey experience.
Click to expand...

I am a big fan of BC hockey.


But that has nothing to do with the fact this is the softest BC team in many years. No one is under valuing them but also not going to over value. This is not a BC team of old, including last year. Worst D in many years and will get exposed hard by someone, if not Union. Just like BU did

This is a fringe team that plays outside the box.

Should be a great game with some very talented kids on both teams. Union has a great mass connection as well.

Agreed on Whitney, Arnold and Mullane
 
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Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

rdf8585 said:
For a bit of a primer on BC, I checked in with Mike McMahon and Joe Meloni, Hockey East guys for College Hockey News.

They talk about BC's top players, strengths, weaknesses, recent play, and make predictions for Saturday.

You can check it out here.
Click to expand...

Wow. They both picked Union to win:

UHN: How do you see the game going?

MM: Like most games this time of year, I think it's close. But honestly, I have Union not only beating Boston College, but winning that region. I think the Dutchmen have been one of the hotter teams the last three weeks and I really like the way they've defended. I see a 3-2 Union win. Maybe 4-2 if they can tack on an empty netter.

JM: I think Union wins this one. Rick Bennett's team prides itself on defensive excellence and commits to it. They create offense through this defensive discipline. That's exactly the type of style that can get to BC, especially if Union's forecheckers create some turnovers below the face-off circles. Union wins, 4-2.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

Some viewing parties in the Schenectady area if anyone didn't see on Twitter -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Bombers in Schenectady (447 State St) will be showing the @<a href="https://twitter.com/unionhockey">unionhockey</a> game vs BC (9 pm, Sat) per @<a href="https://twitter.com/burritoboy">burritoboy</a></p>— Union Hockey News (@unionhockeynews) <a href="https://twitter.com/unionhockeynews/status/317316144660893696">March 28, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>The Bier Abbey (613 Union St, Schenectady) will also be showing the Union-BC game (9 pm, Sat) @<a href="https://twitter.com/thebierabbey">thebierabbey</a></p>— Union Hockey News (@unionhockeynews) <a href="https://twitter.com/unionhockeynews/status/317317191986995200">March 28, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

rdf8585 said:
Some viewing parties in the Schenectady area if anyone didn't see on Twitter -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Bombers in Schenectady (447 State St) will be showing the @<a href="https://twitter.com/unionhockey">unionhockey</a> game vs BC (9 pm, Sat) per @<a href="https://twitter.com/burritoboy">burritoboy</a></p>— Union Hockey News (@unionhockeynews) <a href="https://twitter.com/unionhockeynews/status/317316144660893696">March 28, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>The Bier Abbey (613 Union St, Schenectady) will also be showing the Union-BC game (9 pm, Sat) @<a href="https://twitter.com/thebierabbey">thebierabbey</a></p>— Union Hockey News (@unionhockeynews) <a href="https://twitter.com/unionhockeynews/status/317317191986995200">March 28, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Click to expand...


So will Katie O'Byrnes. Along with all the NCAA Hockey and Basketball.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

Just spoke to someone in the Union ticket office:

Union sold 305 tickets in sections 104, 105, and 106 for the all-session pass. Other people did not know to get tickets through Union so that's not accounted for in that 305 number. A lot of people called in looking to on buy for Saturday's game, but they had to do that through The Dunk. Hoping Union has at least 600 fans at Saturday's game. 1,000 would be better though.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

I was surprised they didn't do a bus to Providence. The one they had to AC last weekend was only a few seats away from being full.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

BCHF said:
Hoky cannot help himself folks...his lack of appreciation for the BC program and what they have accomplished often fades to the background when they stumble in his exuberance to jump on who they are. They are the defending national champions and like many before them are configured differently as a result of senior graduates and the natural movement of quality juniors to professional careers.

"Soft" is never a word I would use to define Steve Whitney, Bill Arnold, Quinn Smith, Pat Mullane, Mike M., or Pat W.. That would be a gross under estimation of who this team is in my opinion. Paticularly the senior class which will rank as one of the best alltime for trophies, wins, consistency, and desire.

Union is and has been a very good team and should likely be favored in this game based on their recent play. But do not make the Hoky mistake of under valuing the team coming from Chestnut Hill. I never make predictions but in the case I expect a very solid hockey game between two very solid programs. I for one cannot wait to see the game and it's potential to be a memorable college hockey experience.
Click to expand...

Hoky is right on the money about this team. Sure BC has Arnold and Smith who are tough as nails and other good supporting players. Unfortunately in hockey you are only as good as your weakest link. There are too many on this BC team and they can't hide them on the 4th line because of depth issues and some questionable lineup decisions. SOFT is a great way to describe this team. They are also not very smart and turn the puck over at an alarming rate. Matheson will give Union a few powerplays and a few breakaways.

If Milner doesn't stand on his head and Union and other opponents can just put pucks on the net rather than shooting high or wide, BC is in trouble.
 
Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

I for one am getting a bit concerned or at least disoriented about Union being in any way the "favorite" in this game. :eek: I know for sure that Rick Bennett and staff won't allow that to take the edge off of this group come Saturday. "Stay Humble" has been their mantra and it's a good one. We always have a lot to prove.
 
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Re: Union Hockey 2012-2013 Part II - See U in AC, But Ultimate Goal Still Lies Ahead

Milner, the current BC goalie, was fantastic in goal last year and I believe he won the tournament trophy as the MVP? You could not get a goal past him if you shot it out of a canon. BC started this year by winning their first 11 games (13-2-1 by January 1) and then they got bored because of the lack of competition in the HE. They decided to wait until the playoffs to get going again. These Eagles will come after us with their talons out you can be sure. This is also like a home game for them. They will try and blow us out from the getgo. They have 4 of the top forwards in the Country and they lead the HE in scoring. They are also a great power-play team. Their coach is not going to let them take us lightly. It will be interesting to see how we will react to being able to play "the champs", to compare themselves against the very best. There is no way that Union is looking past this game. The one thing we have going for us ...... for us this is the national championship game.
 
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