What's new
USCHO Fan Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • The USCHO Fan Forum has migrated to a new plaform, xenForo. Most of the function of the forum should work in familiar ways. Please note that you can switch between light and dark modes by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right of the main menu bar. We are hoping that this new platform will prove to be faster and more reliable. Please feel free to explore its features.

Utica University 2024-25 - Retooled and Reloaded

I just don't see how Utica can overcome a Soderwall led Curry team. They don't have the equivalent defense and goaltending to keep this a low scoring game and hope for a lucky goal to win it.

I hear you...and it is pretty hard to argue that point. Many of us watched that kid (almost) single-handedly carry his team through 4 overtimes at Hobart in the tourney last year. One short of 100 saves that night. The kid is an absolute stud and has only got better this season.

But I do think it is possible. Chances pretty good that if he sees the shot, he's probably saving it. Utica will need to take his eyes away - create all sorts of traffic in front of him. Screens/rebounds....rinse/repeat. That means sustained zone time - they need to get pucks deep and grind. Anything they can do to create low-to-high opportunities will serve them well. It will be interesting to see if they generate many Grade A chances in transition...not saying they won't but I wouldn't bet on too many.

On the flip side (and to your point)..... Curry has got a solid offensive game. I've watched them 5-6 times this year and would describe them as very "opportunistic". They are just fine waiting for their chances...and they are very capable of finishing.

IMO, Utica must play DISCIPLINED hockey if they want a chance to win this game.
 
Last edited:
Conversely, Curry is 3-2 vs top 10 rated offenses in the country. (1-1 vs Cortland, 2-1 vs UNE). And were outshot in 4/5 of those games.
That's an interesting point - and definitely food for thought. Although being outshot (and still winning) kind of validates Russell's point...sort of.

Flip it around....Utica is 1-0 against top-10 defenses. Check me on this - but I believe St. Norbert was the only top-10 defense they faced all year. They got the job done....but I suspect Curry's defense is at a different level.

Meanwhile - the early game has the #1 offense in the country facing off against the #1 defense in the country. Something's got to give.....

Good stuff - can't wait for the games tomorrow. Good luck to all four clubs - they all definitely earned their way into this opportunity!!!
 
I hear you...and it is pretty hard to argue that point. Many of us watched that kid (almost) single-handedly carry his team through 4 overtimes at Hobart in the tourney last year. One short of 100 saves that night. The kid is an absolute stud and has only got better this season.
98 saves. He was one short of the record of 99.
 
That's an interesting point - and definitely food for thought. Although being outshot (and still winning) kind of validates Russell's point...sort of.
I was going to say the same thing.

I'm too lazy, but where does the Utica offense rate?

Curry is capable of keeping a game close against a good offense. The question is, can Utica? Because if they can't, no way they outscore Curry in any kind of a shootout game on Soderwall.
 
I was going to say the same thing.

I'm too lazy, but where does the Utica offense rate?

Curry is capable of keeping a game close against a good offense. The question is, can Utica? Because if they can't, no way they outscore Curry in any kind of a shootout game on Soderwall.
Utica is 3rd in offense and 16th in defense

Curry is 10th in offense and 2nd in defense
 
That's one big advantage to our "smart TV"- just bring up the game on the computer and then "cast" it to the TV. Old dogs can learn new tricks!
And "Cast it" ? I used to use an HDMI cable and connect from my laptop to the HDMI port on the back of the tv to watch football. Tedious, do you have an easier way ? Otherwise I'll watch on my laptop tonight ! Thanks !
 
And "Cast it" ? I used to use an HDMI cable and connect from my laptop to the HDMI port on the back of the tv to watch football. Tedious, do you have an easier way ? Otherwise I'll watch on my laptop tonight ! Thanks !
In order to Cast from PC to Smart TV, watch a YouTube explained by a techie that has very little compassion for you. Or just ask your kid.
 
The better team undoubtedly won. Soderwall kept this close, along with the refs eating their whistles the a majority of the game. Utica could have spent half the game on the PP if officiated correctly.
 
It was officiated like a playoff game should be officiated, I can't complain about that. They were consistent and set a standard early
Like a playoff game should be officiated? So we should let players hold the sticks of other players for seconds on end? A play off game should be officiated in the same way any other game is officiated. Especially when one of the teams is one of the highest ranking teams in PIMs, not calling obvious and glaring penalties gives one team a significant advantage.
 
Like a playoff game should be officiated? So we should let players hold the sticks of other players for seconds on end? A play off game should be officiated in the same way any other game is officiated. Especially when one of the teams is one of the highest ranking teams in PIMs, not calling obvious and glaring penalties gives one team a significant advantage.
I agree. Just ask any U. of Minnesota fans right about now......
 
Back
Top