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Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
- Thread starter jcase
- Start date
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
Speaking for myself, I'm taking a wait and see attitude with this team. They are a young team that has shown some flash and last weekend's Showcase was successful but they got ahead and played not to lose at the end of both games instead of playing like they did to get the lead. Frosh tender Fredrick is the real deal and bailed them out both games. My other knock has been that the PP has been poor lately. The schedule looks daunting after the break so it depends how they fare in the 5 SUNYAC games prior to starting the 9 game league gauntlet. If they end up in the top half of the W and show improvement as the season progresses I'll be happy.
Speaking for myself, I'm taking a wait and see attitude with this team. They are a young team that has shown some flash and last weekend's Showcase was successful but they got ahead and played not to lose at the end of both games instead of playing like they did to get the lead. Frosh tender Fredrick is the real deal and bailed them out both games. My other knock has been that the PP has been poor lately. The schedule looks daunting after the break so it depends how they fare in the 5 SUNYAC games prior to starting the 9 game league gauntlet. If they end up in the top half of the W and show improvement as the season progresses I'll be happy.
Fishman'81
Black Bear since D-2
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
While the MIAC is a conference that doesn't seem to garner a ton of respect on here, they sent a couple of quality teams to Utica. St. Thomas is second only to Hobart in terms of talent/depth on UC's schedule to date IMO. It was a fun tourney; I liked the format in that it guaranteed East/West matchups for all four tilts.
Pretty happy with this Utica team thus far. I've seen every contest, and they could have won them all aside from Hobart game. UC has plus-speed, Hayden Dawes is a beast, the D play is improving and Frederick is lights-out at times. I don't think it's unrealistic to expect them to seriously contend for 2nd place and home ice in the W PS.
While the MIAC is a conference that doesn't seem to garner a ton of respect on here, they sent a couple of quality teams to Utica. St. Thomas is second only to Hobart in terms of talent/depth on UC's schedule to date IMO. It was a fun tourney; I liked the format in that it guaranteed East/West matchups for all four tilts.
Pretty happy with this Utica team thus far. I've seen every contest, and they could have won them all aside from Hobart game. UC has plus-speed, Hayden Dawes is a beast, the D play is improving and Frederick is lights-out at times. I don't think it's unrealistic to expect them to seriously contend for 2nd place and home ice in the W PS.
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Fishman'81
Black Bear since D-2
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
Having seen all five W teams, I think Hobart is the clear favorite to win the RS. They have speed, depth and (IMO) the best coach in the conference. They rarely are out of position on either end of the ice.
How about the TBT, guys..? I was holding my stick a little tight in the opening minute; Salve looked good on paper and just as good in person. Wetmore's penalty shot that caused the sky to rain stuffed critters was pretty good drama. He had another rock-solid game, as did Fredrick, who probably was the MVP.
Having seen all five W teams, I think Hobart is the clear favorite to win the RS. They have speed, depth and (IMO) the best coach in the conference. They rarely are out of position on either end of the ice.
How about the TBT, guys..? I was holding my stick a little tight in the opening minute; Salve looked good on paper and just as good in person. Wetmore's penalty shot that caused the sky to rain stuffed critters was pretty good drama. He had another rock-solid game, as did Fredrick, who probably was the MVP.
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norm1909
Larry Normandin
Fishman'81
Black Bear since D-2
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
I definitely consider UC to fall into the "contender" category. I don't consider them a dominant team by any measure, but they have speed and 'tending to make a run (and didn't the hands look excellent v. Morrisville!) I'd have to give them a slim edge against Oswego and Buff State this coming weekend.
BTW, congrats to Heenan on his 200th win. I have seen 99% of Utica's home games and a fair number of road games for the entire existence of the program, and while I've been critical of his demeanor and his personnel decisions plenty of times over the past 15 years, I have to give him his due. He made the program relevant in short order, and has kept it there for the most part. It's been a fun ride.
I definitely consider UC to fall into the "contender" category. I don't consider them a dominant team by any measure, but they have speed and 'tending to make a run (and didn't the hands look excellent v. Morrisville!) I'd have to give them a slim edge against Oswego and Buff State this coming weekend.
BTW, congrats to Heenan on his 200th win. I have seen 99% of Utica's home games and a fair number of road games for the entire existence of the program, and while I've been critical of his demeanor and his personnel decisions plenty of times over the past 15 years, I have to give him his due. He made the program relevant in short order, and has kept it there for the most part. It's been a fun ride.
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
Yes, congrats to Coach Heenan. He definitely has built a competitive program that is enjoyable to watch game in and game out.
Feel we were lucky to come out with the scoreless tie vs. Oswego but Freddy continues to impress, so much so that I think the team is relying on him. The offense looked dead in the 2nd/3rd and only came to life in OT. This team lacks snipers this year, we have a lot of good two-way forwards all looking to setup.
Not quite sure what to expect tonight vs. Buff State, hopefully Coach finds the right line combinations.
Yes, congrats to Coach Heenan. He definitely has built a competitive program that is enjoyable to watch game in and game out.
Feel we were lucky to come out with the scoreless tie vs. Oswego but Freddy continues to impress, so much so that I think the team is relying on him. The offense looked dead in the 2nd/3rd and only came to life in OT. This team lacks snipers this year, we have a lot of good two-way forwards all looking to setup.
Not quite sure what to expect tonight vs. Buff State, hopefully Coach finds the right line combinations.
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
Bleh, worst effort I've seen in years from UC (outside of Fredrick). Went into 'prevent defense' after going up 1-0 under two minutes into the game. Just a listless effort-- no checking, no sustained offensive pressure, PPs were horrendous. Buff St beat 'em to loose pucks, knocked us around and in the end, were rewarded for their effort.
Bleh, worst effort I've seen in years from UC (outside of Fredrick). Went into 'prevent defense' after going up 1-0 under two minutes into the game. Just a listless effort-- no checking, no sustained offensive pressure, PPs were horrendous. Buff St beat 'em to loose pucks, knocked us around and in the end, were rewarded for their effort.
Fishman'81
Black Bear since D-2
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
Yes, UC looked gassed and Buff State hung all over them like cheap suits. State mucked it up all night long and took some penalties as a result, and continued to do the former on the PK, relying somewhat on the predictable tendency of the refs not to make calls on the man-down thing... Smart, effective hockey, and about as pleasant to experience as a root canal.
The Oswego game had far better flow, and was as entertaining as a scoreless tie could be. Not an awful weekend, but if that late crossbar had trickled-in for Utica on Saturday, it would have felt a whole lot better.
Underclassmen have a tendency to wilt down the stretch of a long season, and UC has 23 of them on board. The upcoming weekend might well be key in determining whether or not they'll have even an outside shot at an AL bid for the NCAAs, IMO.
Yes, UC looked gassed and Buff State hung all over them like cheap suits. State mucked it up all night long and took some penalties as a result, and continued to do the former on the PK, relying somewhat on the predictable tendency of the refs not to make calls on the man-down thing... Smart, effective hockey, and about as pleasant to experience as a root canal.
The Oswego game had far better flow, and was as entertaining as a scoreless tie could be. Not an awful weekend, but if that late crossbar had trickled-in for Utica on Saturday, it would have felt a whole lot better.
Underclassmen have a tendency to wilt down the stretch of a long season, and UC has 23 of them on board. The upcoming weekend might well be key in determining whether or not they'll have even an outside shot at an AL bid for the NCAAs, IMO.
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Fishman'81
Black Bear since D-2
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
This thread is moribund, and no wonder, considering that UC isn't going anywhere in a National sense.
Having said that, what a fun weekend to watch for Utica fans. M'ville is very good, and sweeping them was a real achievement for UC. Frederick was the difference between the teams, but I did admire the overall effort on both sides.
While (according to my sources) Utica is emphasizing underclassmen-development right now over wins this season, the Pioneers are now in good position for a home-ice berth for the W playoffs. That'll be fun if it happens.
This thread is moribund, and no wonder, considering that UC isn't going anywhere in a National sense.
Having said that, what a fun weekend to watch for Utica fans. M'ville is very good, and sweeping them was a real achievement for UC. Frederick was the difference between the teams, but I did admire the overall effort on both sides.
While (according to my sources) Utica is emphasizing underclassmen-development right now over wins this season, the Pioneers are now in good position for a home-ice berth for the W playoffs. That'll be fun if it happens.
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
Yes, Utica's best hope would be a W playoff title. They hung with Hobart until the 3rd in both games last weekend but the Statesmen are definitely the W team to beat. The wins over the Valiants were big and the young team is improving but it lacks finishers that could help scoring and make for a more potent PP instead of one of the worst in the nation. Fredrick is the MVP hands down.
Yes, Utica's best hope would be a W playoff title. They hung with Hobart until the 3rd in both games last weekend but the Statesmen are definitely the W team to beat. The wins over the Valiants were big and the young team is improving but it lacks finishers that could help scoring and make for a more potent PP instead of one of the worst in the nation. Fredrick is the MVP hands down.
Fishman'81
Black Bear since D-2
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
I don't see Utica within a country mile of an NCAA bid, even if they run the table. Hobart is the only legitimate hope for the W, IMO, and I expect them to get a bid and possibly a very high seed as well. Right now they are the best team in the entire East, on paper.
I agree completely that UC lacks finishers. I always say that "you can't teach hands", but I hold out some hope that the 23 underclassmen will get a little better at mucking things up in the low slot if they hit the weights hard(er).
Best-case scenario this season is 16 wins. Next season, it might be 20 and a look-see from the Committee. 2017/2018 could be pretty good, as long as Heenan cherry-picks a few snipers in the meantime.
I do like this current team, warts and all, though. They work hard and can skate. And I like the leadership out on the ice. If Heenan appoints another Wetmore as an A or a C, they ought to be fine. (Had to love Joel's "Gordie Howe hat trick on Friday!)
I don't see Utica within a country mile of an NCAA bid, even if they run the table. Hobart is the only legitimate hope for the W, IMO, and I expect them to get a bid and possibly a very high seed as well. Right now they are the best team in the entire East, on paper.
I agree completely that UC lacks finishers. I always say that "you can't teach hands", but I hold out some hope that the 23 underclassmen will get a little better at mucking things up in the low slot if they hit the weights hard(er).
Best-case scenario this season is 16 wins. Next season, it might be 20 and a look-see from the Committee. 2017/2018 could be pretty good, as long as Heenan cherry-picks a few snipers in the meantime.
I do like this current team, warts and all, though. They work hard and can skate. And I like the leadership out on the ice. If Heenan appoints another Wetmore as an A or a C, they ought to be fine. (Had to love Joel's "Gordie Howe hat trick on Friday!)
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
Seems like every time UC gets some momentum going, they muck up the next weekend. I haven't gotten a chance to see them yet this season but would love to see them get a home ice game in the playoffs. Frederick seems to be a good goalie. I notice they're not selling out this year but 3500 or so is pretty darn good with the Comets selling out every game.
Fish maybe you need to get more aggressive in your posts like in the past. LOL Where did everyone go ?
Seems like every time UC gets some momentum going, they muck up the next weekend. I haven't gotten a chance to see them yet this season but would love to see them get a home ice game in the playoffs. Frederick seems to be a good goalie. I notice they're not selling out this year but 3500 or so is pretty darn good with the Comets selling out every game.
Fish maybe you need to get more aggressive in your posts like in the past. LOL Where did everyone go ?
Fishman'81
Black Bear since D-2
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
No need to for me to rant when UC is something like #21 in the KRACH and nowhere near an NCAA bid, Shabby...
Having said that, Utica has locked-up 3rd place, and will host a conference tourney game on Wednesday. All you kinda-sorta Utica fans ought to show up. This team is a brick short of a load in terms of finishing, but has a stellar goalie who's worth the price of admission all by himself. Add on that hated Elmira will likely be at the Aud, and you definitely have a game-on situation.
And, if the stars align, UC could actually host the championship. ( Not holding my breath on that one, but ya never know. )
No need to for me to rant when UC is something like #21 in the KRACH and nowhere near an NCAA bid, Shabby...
Having said that, Utica has locked-up 3rd place, and will host a conference tourney game on Wednesday. All you kinda-sorta Utica fans ought to show up. This team is a brick short of a load in terms of finishing, but has a stellar goalie who's worth the price of admission all by himself. Add on that hated Elmira will likely be at the Aud, and you definitely have a game-on situation.
And, if the stars align, UC could actually host the championship. ( Not holding my breath on that one, but ya never know. )
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
Well the Pioneers probably played their best all around game of the season last night. They had a certain fire I hadn't seen that got lit in the chippy 1st period. They had some defensive lapses in the 2nd that put them in the hole but battled back in the 3rd when it mattered. Hoping for a win vs. M'ville and a Hobart loss to Neumann Sat. to put them back in the Aud a week from Sat.
Well the Pioneers probably played their best all around game of the season last night. They had a certain fire I hadn't seen that got lit in the chippy 1st period. They had some defensive lapses in the 2nd that put them in the hole but battled back in the 3rd when it mattered. Hoping for a win vs. M'ville and a Hobart loss to Neumann Sat. to put them back in the Aud a week from Sat.
Fishman'81
Black Bear since D-2
Re: Utica College Pioneers 2015-16
Certainly there's a chance that NU will upset Hobart... Maybe a 33% chance, but a chance. If UC wins in Purchase, the next game will be in the general area, no matter what.
Congrats to the women too. They buried Cortland and have a shot at Elmira. It's been a fun year for Utica fans.
I watched the stream last night from The Aud. It was hopelessly choppy, but the worst aspect was the female color-person. It was like listening to Moon Zappa at 13 on gallons and gallons of tequila and a gross of Oxy's attempting to call a hockey game. Or maybe worse. Her male counterpart was far better, but where was Ray Biggs?
Certainly there's a chance that NU will upset Hobart... Maybe a 33% chance, but a chance. If UC wins in Purchase, the next game will be in the general area, no matter what.
Congrats to the women too. They buried Cortland and have a shot at Elmira. It's been a fun year for Utica fans.
I watched the stream last night from The Aud. It was hopelessly choppy, but the worst aspect was the female color-person. It was like listening to Moon Zappa at 13 on gallons and gallons of tequila and a gross of Oxy's attempting to call a hockey game. Or maybe worse. Her male counterpart was far better, but where was Ray Biggs?