Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

[jcase]

After earning the inaugural UCHC regular & post-season title and then an NCAA tournament snub, the Pioneers saw 9 Seniors graduate from a 21-5-1 team. This year's squad features only 4 Seniors but 2 of the 5 double digit goal scorers (including UCHC All-Rookie team Sophomore forward Connor Landrigan) return to lead the offense that will look to be heavily supported by 5 of the 7 incoming Freshmen forwards that scored 28 or more goals in Juniors last year. A young defense--5 Freshmen and Sophomores of the 8 on the roster--will be backstopped by UCHC Second Team Junior goalie Patrik Virtanen.

ARRIVALS:               CL GM  G  A PTS PIM  AGE  HOMETOWN                  HGT    WGT  SH LAST TEAM
Brad Becker (C)         Fr 50 53-63-116  69   21  Howell, NJ, USA           6’2”   181   R Binghamton Jr. Senators (NA3HL)
Joey Savel (C)          Fr 54 38-72-110  72   21  Sterling Heights, MI, USA 6’0”   185   R Philadelphia Little Flyers (EHL)
Tyler Dill (F)		Fr 54 28-60-88   39   21  S. Lake Tahoe, CA, USA    6’1"   180   R Charlotte Rush Premier (USPHL)
Nick Yzaguirre (F)      Fr 43 31-40-71   64   21  Chicago, IL, USA          5’10”  180   R Charlotte Rush Premier (USPHL)
Eric Holland (C)	Fr 67 28-28-56   18   20  Whitby, ON, CAN           5’11”  170   L Brockville Braves (CCHL)
Liam Hunter (D)	        Fr 49  8-28-36   67   21  Norwood, ON, CAN          6’0”   183   L Kemptville 73's (CCHL)
Justin Allen (D)        Fr 50  1-23-24   14   21  Rochester, NY, USA        6’2”   180   L Rochester Monarchs (NCDC)
J.T. Entelisano (F)     Fr 59  7- 9-16  103   20  Rome, NY, USA             5’10”  175   L Markham Royals (OJHL)
Cameron Bartkoski (D)   Fr 37  3- 6- 9    6   21  Dallas, TX, USA           5’10”  180   R Amarillo Bulls (NAHL)
Regen Cavanagh (F)      Fr  4  1- 0- 1    0   21  Chesapeake, VA, USA       6’1”   192   R Odessa Jackalopes (NAHL)
                           GM  W  GAA  SV% SO                                           CA
Sean Dickson (G)        Fr 49 25 1.73 .928  5 20  Millbrae, CA, USA         6’1”   205   L Hampton Roads Whalers Premier (USPHL)

DEPARTURES:             CL
Roman Ammirato (F)	Graduated
Anthony McVeigh (F)     Graduated
Brett Szajner (D)       Graduated
Vince Stefan (D)        Graduated
Kevin Valenti (F)       Graduated
Dalton Carter (D)	Graduated
Mikhail Bushinski (F)   Graduated
Kyle Lajeunesse (F)     Graduated
Henry Dill (G)          Graduated

FUN FACT:
Frozen Four Goalie Nick Therrien (’15) joins the staff as an asst. coach

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

Great summary. Thanks for taking the time.

Yes, those 9 Seniors will be missed. They accounted for 50% of last year's goals. I'm counting on Landrigan and the "kids" from the USPHL to take-up some of the slack, but I don't anticipate another 20+ win campaign. I'll be delighted to be proven wrong.

Love the OOC schedule. I would prefer to have last year's team play it, but it was a good move to beef it up just the same. The UCHC is a large but weak conference, and UC needs to schedule the Adrians and Oswegos and Points whenever possible. SOS was what kept them out of the NCAA's last year... (That, and a somewhat dubious selection process.)

Welcome home to Nicky. For all the griping I've heard over the years from UC players and parents, Heenan has inspired much loyalty from his alumni, and aided their pursuit of coaching careers. Good for him.

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

Can't say that I was very impressed with Endicott today, but an 8-0 drubbing speaks for itself.

Despite all those goals, UC looks like a "good-wheels/so-so hands" team to me right now.

Bagetta was great in goal. I heard that Virtanen is injured, so we'll need out Gianluca to keep it up.

Another strong effort is needed tomorrow. This team is going to have to get a little more in-sync before it faces Adrian, IMO.

 

[sshablak]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

Rome's JT Entelisano had a goal and an assist, looks like he fit right in !

 

[PrezdeJohnson09]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

Can't say that I was very impressed with Endicott today, but an 8-0 drubbing speaks for itself.

Despite all those goals, UC looks like a "good-wheels/so-so hands" team to me right now.

Bagetta was great in goal. I heard that Virtanen is injured, so we'll need out Giancarlo to keep it up.

Another strong effort is needed tomorrow. This team is going to have to get a little more in-sync before it faces Adrian, IMO.

I'm trying to think of the last team a team got out shot and won by eight goals.

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

I'm trying to think of the last team a team got out shot and won by eight goals.

Yeah, that occurred to me too. UC had the better chances, but still, that has to be an extreme rarity.

 

[UCfan30]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

Glad to be back. Saturday's game started slow but, obviously, got going rather quickly. Sunday: slow start, not sure why, maybe due to the weird time (?), anywho, rebounded nicely after allowing the 1 Endicott goal. I felt the newcomers took a bit of time to get used to the flow but they did really well. I'm impressed at the newcomers on defense, specifically Allen and Hunter. Both guys seem to fit right in and can play their positions well, Allen even chipping in with two nice helpers on Saturday. There are some big skates to fill after the departure of the seniors, but I think that void will be filled between players. After this weekend, and last year's success, I have some high hopes for Landrigan, kid's got some filthy hands, and if he can keep up the scoring, they'll have no problem in that department. Baggetta played 2 great games, and with Virtanen sidelined, hopefully not for too long, I'm curious to see how he'll handle more consecutive starts. Hoping for another great year, going to be hard to top last year, but anything's possible.

 

[sshablak]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

Noone talking about this huge weekend ??

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

Noone talking about this huge weekend ??

I'll bite, Shabby!

As you say, this weekend's games are huge in terms of any shot for an NCAA berth down the road. The only other true quality-win possibilities would be v. Oswego and at the Point holiday tournament. The UCHC schedule will offer little in the way of good competition, win or lose. If UC can come away with 3 points this weekend, call me a believer.

Utica steam-rolled Endicott, which looked to be a quality team on paper, but I still have some reservations regarding this team. They play hard, but will they have enough scoring?

I was disappointed that Yzaquirre, Savel and Becker were all scratched last weekend. They all had fairly fancy numbers in Juniors. Does anyone know if they were injured?

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

Glad to be back. Saturday's game started slow but, obviously, got going rather quickly. Sunday: slow start, not sure why, maybe due to the weird time (?), anywho, rebounded nicely after allowing the 1 Endicott goal. I felt the newcomers took a bit of time to get used to the flow but they did really well. I'm impressed at the newcomers on defense, specifically Allen and Hunter. Both guys seem to fit right in and can play their positions well, Allen even chipping in with two nice helpers on Saturday. There are some big skates to fill after the departure of the seniors, but I think that void will be filled between players. After this weekend, and last year's success, I have some high hopes for Landrigan, kid's got some filthy hands, and if he can keep up the scoring, they'll have no problem in that department. Baggetta played 2 great games, and with Virtanen sidelined, hopefully not for too long, I'm curious to see how he'll handle more consecutive starts. Hoping for another great year, going to be hard to top last year, but anything's possible.

I'm with you that Landrigan will lead this team in goals. And I'm not worried about Baggs in goal every night if necessary. He's not the biggest guy, but as quick as a cat. I'm not seeing another 21-win season either, but it's too early to tell. Crossing my fingers that the Endicott weekend was indicative of things to come.

 

[FLHockeyMom]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

I was disappointed that Yzaquirre, Savel and Becker were all scratched last weekend. They all had fairly fancy numbers in Juniors. Does anyone know if they were injured?

I certainly have no inside knowledge on injuries. But with all due respect to those 3 and their impressive stats in juniors, it seems they crushed it in less competitive tier leagues. It would be interesting to see how they would've performed in the NAHL or NCDC. Perhaps why a few others get precedence, just wondering.....

 

[bakdraft21]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

will tune in tonight for sure btwn Halloween party pick ups...…….Go U

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

I certainly have no inside knowledge on injuries. But with all due respect to those 3 and their impressive stats in juniors, it seems they crushed it in less competitive tier leagues. It would be interesting to see how they would've performed in the NAHL or NCDC. Perhaps why a few others get precedence, just wondering.....

Could be. I hadn't checked the Junior rankings lately. FWIW, the Junior Hockey News rated the EHL and the USPHL-P as 8th and 9th respectively (of 20 leagues rated) for the '17/'18 season.

It's interesting to note that Endicott has 17 NCDC/NAHL players and 8 D-1 transfers.

 

[FLHockeyMom]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

Could be. I hadn't checked the Junior rankings lately. FWIW, the Junior Hockey News rated the EHL and the USPHL-P as 8th and 9th respectively (of 20 leagues rated) for the '17/'18 season.

It's interesting to note that Endicott has 17 NCDC/NAHL players and 8 D-1 transfers.

The EHL and USPHL-P are certainly respectable leagues, but most people would say that the NAHL, NCDC and CJHL teams feature superior hockey. That having been said, everyone is entitled to an adjustment period, so we shall see how those 3 (and others) adjust.

As for Endicott, on paper they appear to be a strong team. I'm not sure what Utica can take away from two exhibition wins over them, since there are so many moving pieces in exhibitions (back-up goalies getting game time; inclusive rosters; juggling line combinations; etal.). Still, my husband and son will be at the Adrian game this evening, so I'll look forward to receiving a game report from them.

 

[Adam_Krug#1]

Noone talking about this huge weekend ??

Nothing much to talk about. Should be a good warmup weekend for the boys in black and yellow

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

The EHL and USPHL-P are certainly respectable leagues, but most people would say that the NAHL, NCDC and CJHL teams feature superior hockey. That having been said, everyone is entitled to an adjustment period, so we shall see how those 3 (and others) adjust.

As for Endicott, on paper they appear to be a strong team. I'm not sure what Utica can take away from two exhibition wins over them, since there are so many moving pieces in exhibitions (back-up goalies getting game time; inclusive rosters; juggling line combinations; etal.). Still, my husband and son will be at the Adrian game this evening, so I'll look forward to receiving a game report from them.

I don't profess to understand how Junior hockey works, by any means, and I'm not sure how much stock I put in the JHN. It's all a bit arcane to me. I suppose my first question to you would be: how do guys end-up where they do? Is it more a question of leagues recruiting them, or them recruiting the leagues? Your insight is appreciated.

And, I hear you regarding the Endicott weekend; it's hard to figure-out what exactly to take away from it. Having said that, the Gulls' roster looked pretty stacked, and I choose to err to the side of optimism right now. UC appears to lack star-power to a degree, but not depth. I didn't groan at the D more than a couple of times, and I have confidence in Baggetta. Very solid performance overall IMO.

This weekend is huge in terms of AL prospects for Utica. Keeping my fingers crossed, and hoping that The Aud's staff has the iconic "Rocky" audio cued-up and ready to go.

 

[FLHockeyMom]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

I don't profess to understand how Junior hockey works, by any means, and I'm not sure how much stock I put in the JHN. It's all a bit arcane to me. I suppose my first question to you would be: how do guys end-up where they do? Is it more a question of leagues recruiting them, or them recruiting the leagues? Your insight is appreciated.

Most junior leagues hold drafts to stock their recruiting pipeline, and some have the use of tenders (process wherein a player signifies his intentions to play for a specific team, so that his rights are held by that team). And then there are open tryouts and invite-only camps. So juniors coaching staffs are always scouting for talent, similar to NCAA coaches. In addition, many players have family advisors who have relationships with juniors coaches and are able to get their clients placed on specific juniors teams. Obviously, it's in a player's best interest to go to a juniors team where he's wanted (I call it "coach love") and not somewhere that's a stretch for his abilities. This increases the likelihood that he plays a lot/in crucial situations (PP and PK) thus attracting optimal and appropriate college notice. Juniors and college recruiting is quite the process, and you have to trust that the process works.

It sounds like Utica played Adrian close but ultimately lost 3-1 w/ ENG.

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

Most junior leagues hold drafts to stock their recruiting pipeline, and some have the use of tenders (process wherein a player signifies his intentions to play for a specific team, so that his rights are held by that team). And then there are open tryouts and invite-only camps. So juniors coaching staffs are always scouting for talent, similar to NCAA coaches. In addition, many players have family advisors who have relationships with juniors coaches and are able to get their clients placed on specific juniors teams. Obviously, it's in a player's best interest to go to a juniors team where he's wanted (I call it "coach love") and not somewhere that's a stretch for his abilities. This increases the likelihood that he plays a lot/in crucial situations (PP and PK) thus attracting optimal and appropriate college notice. Juniors and college recruiting is quite the process, and you have to trust that the process works.

It sounds like Utica played Adrian close but ultimately lost 3-1 w/ ENG.

Good stuff, thank you.

Adrian skated rings around UC in the 1st. I think the SOG were 15-1. It was somewhat amazing that Utica got out unscathed, but Baggetta stood on his head... I've missed maybe 3 home games in the entire history of UC hockey, and that period was as lopsided as any I've ever seen, vis-as-vis the visitors' domination.

Things changed after the 1st intermission, and Utica made a game of it. Missed 3 open nets in the 3rd, which would have changed the lead, but whatever. Adrian has feet and hands, and UC has some work to do to be on the same page.

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

Yes, UC was swept by a fast Adrian team, but Utica certainly won the 2nd and the 3rd last night, and should have split this weekend if there was any justice in this world.

Truly, I was impressed by Adrian's depth and talent. No disrespect intended. But Utica seemed to get up to speed at some point, and to recognize that the Endicott weekend was a mirage.

 

[sshablak]

Re: Utica College Pioneers - 2018-19 Season: Young Guns

How did Entelisano look, did he play ?