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UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
- Thread starter funnnnn
- Start date
jcarter7669
Registered User
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
Found an article on Conner Brickley in a rather odd spot.
http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=529421
Wonder if the leafs are looking at him as a pick in the draft....
Nothing but good things to say about him, I particularly liked this bit
Guentzel said. "He's one of those kids that has very good leverage when he hits people. Some guys hit people and the guy doesn't move, some hit people and they bounce backwards. Then there are those who just run people over, and that's Connor. When he hits someone, they're usually taking the brunt of his hit."
UVM could use another Siferesque player.
Found an article on Conner Brickley in a rather odd spot.
http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=529421
Wonder if the leafs are looking at him as a pick in the draft....
Nothing but good things to say about him, I particularly liked this bit
Guentzel said. "He's one of those kids that has very good leverage when he hits people. Some guys hit people and the guy doesn't move, some hit people and they bounce backwards. Then there are those who just run people over, and that's Connor. When he hits someone, they're usually taking the brunt of his hit."
UVM could use another Siferesque player.
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
FYI - Another article on Brickley from the NE Hockey Journal.
http://www.hockeyjournal.com/news/2010/05/17_brickley.php
Found an article on Conner Brickley in a rather odd spot.
http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=529421
Wonder if the leafs are looking at him as a pick in the draft....
Nothing but good things to say about him, I particularly liked this bit
Guentzel said. "He's one of those kids that has very good leverage when he hits people. Some guys hit people and the guy doesn't move, some hit people and they bounce backwards. Then there are those who just run people over, and that's Connor. When he hits someone, they're usually taking the brunt of his hit."
UVM could use another Siferesque player.
FYI - Another article on Brickley from the NE Hockey Journal.
http://www.hockeyjournal.com/news/2010/05/17_brickley.php
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
Brickley sounds like he likes to create havoc on the forecheck and give 110% on every shift. That should have a great impact on the overall team effort.
I'm looking forward to what he can do with Stalberg, Pacan, McCarthy, White and then with Girgensons the following season. Should be FUN to watch and get the fans charged up.
He's getting a fair amount of press, which is good for him and for UVM also.
I like it.
Brickley sounds like he likes to create havoc on the forecheck and give 110% on every shift. That should have a great impact on the overall team effort.
I'm looking forward to what he can do with Stalberg, Pacan, McCarthy, White and then with Girgensons the following season. Should be FUN to watch and get the fans charged up.
He's getting a fair amount of press, which is good for him and for UVM also.
I like it.
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
File this one under the "what might have been department:
Apparently Dad tried to talk Tyler into going to UVM ... but he opted for Major Junior and the rest is history.
File this one under the "what might have been department:
From Free Pree Blog By Ted Ryan
The first name to be called in the National Hockey League’s annual draft this spring could very well be Tyler Seguin, a center for Plymouth of the Ontario Hockey League.
For long-time University of Vermont hockey fans, the last name is a familiar one: Paul Seguin, Tyler’s dad, is a former defenseman for the Catamounts.
Paul Seguin played for UVM in 1984-88, bridging the Jim Cross/Mike Gilligan coaching eras. He was a hard-nosed defenseman who collected six goals and 26 points in 109 games and ranks among Vermont’s all-time leaders in penalty minutes with 175.
Tyler Seguin, listed No. 1 in the final 2010 Central Scouting Bureau rankings, is a 6-foot-1, 172-pound center from Brampton, Ontario. He led the Ontario Hockey League with 106 points, including 48 goals.
Apparently Dad tried to talk Tyler into going to UVM ... but he opted for Major Junior and the rest is history.
Last edited:
jcarter7669
Registered User
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
Definitely ! It is important to recruits to see other top recruits choose a program. It will only help land more blue chip guys. UVM has/is getting a lot more exposure recently, the recruits are coming and Sneddon has this boat headed in the right direction.
McCarthy is a good player and will be an offensive bonus to the team.
Stalberg was a nice surprise. Wasn't sure how he was going to work out but he had a great freshman year.
I still like Nilsoon-Roos as to me he seems to have a lot of energy and speed, kind of like Lenes, but less of the scoring touch. Either way that energy is needed.
I think Pacan made some strides last year and Franzon was good on the blue line as a freshman. He will see more time on the ice this year.
White and Brickely should be impact players and the rest of the incoming freshman class will be contributers.
Wahs needs to stay healthy and be the offensive leader of this team.
Things look good. Can't wait until the season starts.
He's getting a fair amount of press, which is good for him and for UVM also.
I like it.
Definitely ! It is important to recruits to see other top recruits choose a program. It will only help land more blue chip guys. UVM has/is getting a lot more exposure recently, the recruits are coming and Sneddon has this boat headed in the right direction.
McCarthy is a good player and will be an offensive bonus to the team.
Stalberg was a nice surprise. Wasn't sure how he was going to work out but he had a great freshman year.
I still like Nilsoon-Roos as to me he seems to have a lot of energy and speed, kind of like Lenes, but less of the scoring touch. Either way that energy is needed.
I think Pacan made some strides last year and Franzon was good on the blue line as a freshman. He will see more time on the ice this year.
White and Brickely should be impact players and the rest of the incoming freshman class will be contributers.
Wahs needs to stay healthy and be the offensive leader of this team.
Things look good. Can't wait until the season starts.
jcarter7669
Registered User
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
Nice rep I got for this
"Did you just admit to being wrong? Amazing. Never thought I'd see that."
Seriously, you can't even sign that? This type of thing along with the summer doldrums make it difficult for me to hold to my new, non confrontational pledge. At least have the stones to sign it.
You are correct, my bad.
Nice rep I got for this
"Did you just admit to being wrong? Amazing. Never thought I'd see that."
Seriously, you can't even sign that? This type of thing along with the summer doldrums make it difficult for me to hold to my new, non confrontational pledge. At least have the stones to sign it.
jcarter7669
Registered User
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
Here is another article on Brickely from after the scouting combine. The kid is getting a ton of press.
http://www.nesn.com/2010/06/everetts-connor-brickley-prepared-to-live-dream-journey-to-nhl.html
Here is another article on Brickely from after the scouting combine. The kid is getting a ton of press.
http://www.nesn.com/2010/06/everetts-connor-brickley-prepared-to-live-dream-journey-to-nhl.html
jcarter7669
Registered User
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
I've been having the same thought. This kids should be a great player and as such becomes a risk to leave early. It comes with the territory but, I hope he sticks around for a while. Clearly we will see him for at least a year and hopefully 3 at a minimum.
Great article on Brickley but I hope he hangs around long enough to play at least one season witrh Girgensons, and two would be a bonus for us fans from either player.
I've been having the same thought. This kids should be a great player and as such becomes a risk to leave early. It comes with the territory but, I hope he sticks around for a while. Clearly we will see him for at least a year and hopefully 3 at a minimum.
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
It would be nice if he stayed long enough to have him and Girgensons on the same club.
I've been having the same thought. This kids should be a great player and as such becomes a risk to leave early. It comes with the territory but, I hope he sticks around for a while. Clearly we will see him for at least a year and hopefully 3 at a minimum.
It would be nice if he stayed long enough to have him and Girgensons on the same club.
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
The good news is that neither of them are likely to leave real quickly unless they put up big numbers, but if they do put up big numbers that is the price of success for us fans.
I would guess they both stay for two years, maybe three if they really value the education because one academic year is easier to do over the summers than two or more. But of course it also all depends on who owns their rights and what those clubs want.
Go Cats.
The good news is that neither of them are likely to leave real quickly unless they put up big numbers, but if they do put up big numbers that is the price of success for us fans.
I would guess they both stay for two years, maybe three if they really value the education because one academic year is easier to do over the summers than two or more. But of course it also all depends on who owns their rights and what those clubs want.
Go Cats.
jcarter7669
Registered User
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
The off-season is boring and this thread seems to be stuck so I thought that some wild speculation was in order. As such, here is my proposed lineup for October.
Downing - Stalberg - McCarthy
Burrows - Brickely - Stacey
White - Marshall - Pacan
Albertson - Lenz - Nilsoon-Roos
Miller- Franzon
Medvec- Mackenzie
Lawson - Herrington/Griem
That leaves :
Herrington, DeCenzo, and Leonard on the bench. Although I could see Albertson switching with Leonard.
Regardless, this is entirely speculation and for enjoyment purposes only, but UVM has 3 very talented and strong forward scoring lines. And a D that should be very good as long as they find some consistency.
I could also see Seb at wing and McCarthy moved to center, but Seb split time last season and I think Sneddon will keep him at center and leave McCarthy at wing as he seems to be more of a natural scorer and Stalberg has great defensive tendencies.
Eitherway, should be an exciting year.
The off-season is boring and this thread seems to be stuck so I thought that some wild speculation was in order. As such, here is my proposed lineup for October.
Downing - Stalberg - McCarthy
Burrows - Brickely - Stacey
White - Marshall - Pacan
Albertson - Lenz - Nilsoon-Roos
Miller- Franzon
Medvec- Mackenzie
Lawson - Herrington/Griem
That leaves :
Herrington, DeCenzo, and Leonard on the bench. Although I could see Albertson switching with Leonard.
Regardless, this is entirely speculation and for enjoyment purposes only, but UVM has 3 very talented and strong forward scoring lines. And a D that should be very good as long as they find some consistency.
I could also see Seb at wing and McCarthy moved to center, but Seb split time last season and I think Sneddon will keep him at center and leave McCarthy at wing as he seems to be more of a natural scorer and Stalberg has great defensive tendencies.
Eitherway, should be an exciting year.
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
I agree that there should be three strong forward lines barring injury and assuming that the freshmen contribute and the sophomores step up - which I think is likely - I like Stalburg, McCarthy, Pacan and Roos a lot. they are going to be a great class.
The 4th line is likely not going to be much of a scoring threat but hopefully they can cycle the puck and keep it out of their own zone well enough to earn their chunk of ice time.
I think the younger Herrington and DeCenzo are both going to earn more PT time than you indicate. There should be good healthy competition at forward to get on that fourth line.
I think the freshmen D that has good O stats is going to play - I forgot his name but it has a lot of vowels in it. He seemed like a real good late addition.
four months until the first game
I agree that there should be three strong forward lines barring injury and assuming that the freshmen contribute and the sophomores step up - which I think is likely - I like Stalburg, McCarthy, Pacan and Roos a lot. they are going to be a great class.
The 4th line is likely not going to be much of a scoring threat but hopefully they can cycle the puck and keep it out of their own zone well enough to earn their chunk of ice time.
I think the younger Herrington and DeCenzo are both going to earn more PT time than you indicate. There should be good healthy competition at forward to get on that fourth line.
I think the freshmen D that has good O stats is going to play - I forgot his name but it has a lot of vowels in it. He seemed like a real good late addition.
four months until the first game
jcarter7669
Registered User
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
I thought DeCenzo would play more as well, but he really took a step back last season. Maybe he had an off year, but he went from 44pts in 60 games a season ago to 30pts in 60 games. A half point a game just isnt all that impressive. As for the younger Herrington, I admittedly do not know much about him. Hopefully he comes in and pushes for some ice time and keeps the other players on their toes. Eitherway, they appear to be deep enough to work in a few guys and have some depth in the event of an injury.
I agree that there should be three strong forward lines barring injury and assuming that the freshmen contribute and the sophomores step up - which I think is likely - I like Stalburg, McCarthy, Pacan and Roos a lot. they are going to be a great class.
The 4th line is likely not going to be much of a scoring threat but hopefully they can cycle the puck and keep it out of their own zone well enough to earn their chunk of ice time.
I think the younger Herrington and DeCenzo are both going to earn more PT time than you indicate. There should be good healthy competition at forward to get on that fourth line.
I think the freshmen D that has good O stats is going to play - I forgot his name but it has a lot of vowels in it. He seemed like a real good late addition.
four months until the first game
I thought DeCenzo would play more as well, but he really took a step back last season. Maybe he had an off year, but he went from 44pts in 60 games a season ago to 30pts in 60 games. A half point a game just isnt all that impressive. As for the younger Herrington, I admittedly do not know much about him. Hopefully he comes in and pushes for some ice time and keeps the other players on their toes. Eitherway, they appear to be deep enough to work in a few guys and have some depth in the event of an injury.
observer85
Registered User
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
How about the following: It looks like there will be 15 forwards based on Ted Ryan's blog a while back, so there can be 5 lines
Line 1 – Downing/ Lenz/ Brickley
Downing is the leading returning scoring forward coming into this season with 45 points. He has been given the leadership role of an assistant captain and has something to prove after having been suspended last year for a couple of games. I think he will come out with an Irwin like “I have a point to prove attitude”. I just hope that it does not result in the same selfish play of Irwin, where when the puck hit his stick, it came to a stop and a shot resulted -dispite the fact a better scoring option was available. Lenz and Brickley played together in Des Moines and put up some nice goal totals last season – 21 in 59 games for Lenz and 22 in 52 games for Brickley. This line probably passes the puck and Downing benefits if he can snipe a few.
Line 2 – Burrows/Stalberg/B.Herrington
Burrows should benefit from having a pass first center who can be creative and find him in the shooting lanes. Stalberg totally impressed me with how he took over in the 2nd half of the season with his play. I really think he will be drafted at the end of June but I am guessing he might hope not to be so he can remain a free agent. I think this kid plays in the pros after his college career is over. Herrington put up some decent numbers on a Monarch’s team in his 2 years. 36 goals in 82 regular season games is not shabby. But I am more intrigued with the idea of a 6’4” power forward crashing the net or playing physical in the corners.
Line 3 – Stacey/McCarthy/Pacan
Stacey and McCarthy are the creative ones on this line. Pacan is the bull who goes to the net or to the corners. This line will be the line that will most likely pass the puck back to the defensemen and let them fire away. Stacey is a senior and has missed a lot of games with injuries in his career. If healthy, I feel he can control the game from anywhere on the ice. McCarthy (like Stalberg) played both center and wing last year but I believe his value is more at center since he can stickhandle like very few can plus he will pass the puck if someone is open.
Line 4 – Nilsson-Roos/Marshall/DeCenzo
N-Roos deserves a better fate and should be on a line that can score. If Burrows had not been moved to forward, I could see him on that 2nd line above. But Sneddon plays all 4 lines with some regularity and there is no shame to being on the 4th line. Marshall is at a crossroad in my opinion. Here is an NHL draft pick who has 2 goals in 57 career games. Last year he got a chance to play on all 4 lines, yet only scored one goal (vs. Maine, on a slap shot from the faceoff dots, hardly where you’d expect him to score from). I could easily see him going from being in the lineup to being out of it. DeCenzo probably is too small to be a checking line player and his plus/minus in the USHL would indicate that he plays a one way game (a -60 in 132 career games). But I think he gets a shot at playing since he has 2+ years in a high level junior league (USHL). Perhaps he played on some crappy teams with a poor coach. I am willing to consider that as a likely scenario.
Line 5 – Leonard/White/Albertson
Leonard will be the guy who would take DeCenzo’s place if he proves to be a one way player. He proved to be a catalyst last year with energy, no reason to think he can’t do the same again his senior year. White is an unknown. Have to believe he will have an adjustment period coming off AAA hockey (way below the junior level) to D1 hockey. But I would love to be proven wrong. Albertson is a big body and hopefully he is working hard to earn more playing time this season.
Defenseman Pairings
Medvec (L) and Miller (R)
MacKenzie (L) and Lawson (L)
Franzon (R) and whoever steps up in practice – L.Herrington (R), Bruneteau or Griem.
I think Medvec and Miller will be the shut down defensive pairing, yet I think they both have offensive upside. MacKenzie and Lawson are both 2 way D, with more offensive tendencies, which might mean whichever goalie (Madore or Vazzano –times 2) who is playing, sees an odd man rush or 2. L.Herrington has had 2 years to develop and one would think he can play ahead of 2 incoming freshmen. I know nothing of Bruneteau or Griem but look forward to seeing both at some point next season.
The off-season is boring and this thread seems to be stuck so I thought that some wild speculation was in order. As such, here is my proposed lineup for October.
Downing - Stalberg - McCarthy
Burrows - Brickely - Stacey
White - Marshall - Pacan
Albertson - Lenz - Nilsoon-Roos
Miller- Franzon
Medvec- Mackenzie
Lawson - Herrington/Griem
That leaves :
Herrington, DeCenzo, and Leonard on the bench. Although I could see Albertson switching with Leonard.
Regardless, this is entirely speculation and for enjoyment purposes only, but UVM has 3 very talented and strong forward scoring lines. And a D that should be very good as long as they find some consistency.
I could also see Seb at wing and McCarthy moved to center, but Seb split time last season and I think Sneddon will keep him at center and leave McCarthy at wing as he seems to be more of a natural scorer and Stalberg has great defensive tendencies.
Eitherway, should be an exciting year.
How about the following: It looks like there will be 15 forwards based on Ted Ryan's blog a while back, so there can be 5 lines
Line 1 – Downing/ Lenz/ Brickley
Downing is the leading returning scoring forward coming into this season with 45 points. He has been given the leadership role of an assistant captain and has something to prove after having been suspended last year for a couple of games. I think he will come out with an Irwin like “I have a point to prove attitude”. I just hope that it does not result in the same selfish play of Irwin, where when the puck hit his stick, it came to a stop and a shot resulted -dispite the fact a better scoring option was available. Lenz and Brickley played together in Des Moines and put up some nice goal totals last season – 21 in 59 games for Lenz and 22 in 52 games for Brickley. This line probably passes the puck and Downing benefits if he can snipe a few.
Line 2 – Burrows/Stalberg/B.Herrington
Burrows should benefit from having a pass first center who can be creative and find him in the shooting lanes. Stalberg totally impressed me with how he took over in the 2nd half of the season with his play. I really think he will be drafted at the end of June but I am guessing he might hope not to be so he can remain a free agent. I think this kid plays in the pros after his college career is over. Herrington put up some decent numbers on a Monarch’s team in his 2 years. 36 goals in 82 regular season games is not shabby. But I am more intrigued with the idea of a 6’4” power forward crashing the net or playing physical in the corners.
Line 3 – Stacey/McCarthy/Pacan
Stacey and McCarthy are the creative ones on this line. Pacan is the bull who goes to the net or to the corners. This line will be the line that will most likely pass the puck back to the defensemen and let them fire away. Stacey is a senior and has missed a lot of games with injuries in his career. If healthy, I feel he can control the game from anywhere on the ice. McCarthy (like Stalberg) played both center and wing last year but I believe his value is more at center since he can stickhandle like very few can plus he will pass the puck if someone is open.
Line 4 – Nilsson-Roos/Marshall/DeCenzo
N-Roos deserves a better fate and should be on a line that can score. If Burrows had not been moved to forward, I could see him on that 2nd line above. But Sneddon plays all 4 lines with some regularity and there is no shame to being on the 4th line. Marshall is at a crossroad in my opinion. Here is an NHL draft pick who has 2 goals in 57 career games. Last year he got a chance to play on all 4 lines, yet only scored one goal (vs. Maine, on a slap shot from the faceoff dots, hardly where you’d expect him to score from). I could easily see him going from being in the lineup to being out of it. DeCenzo probably is too small to be a checking line player and his plus/minus in the USHL would indicate that he plays a one way game (a -60 in 132 career games). But I think he gets a shot at playing since he has 2+ years in a high level junior league (USHL). Perhaps he played on some crappy teams with a poor coach. I am willing to consider that as a likely scenario.
Line 5 – Leonard/White/Albertson
Leonard will be the guy who would take DeCenzo’s place if he proves to be a one way player. He proved to be a catalyst last year with energy, no reason to think he can’t do the same again his senior year. White is an unknown. Have to believe he will have an adjustment period coming off AAA hockey (way below the junior level) to D1 hockey. But I would love to be proven wrong. Albertson is a big body and hopefully he is working hard to earn more playing time this season.
Defenseman Pairings
Medvec (L) and Miller (R)
MacKenzie (L) and Lawson (L)
Franzon (R) and whoever steps up in practice – L.Herrington (R), Bruneteau or Griem.
I think Medvec and Miller will be the shut down defensive pairing, yet I think they both have offensive upside. MacKenzie and Lawson are both 2 way D, with more offensive tendencies, which might mean whichever goalie (Madore or Vazzano –times 2) who is playing, sees an odd man rush or 2. L.Herrington has had 2 years to develop and one would think he can play ahead of 2 incoming freshmen. I know nothing of Bruneteau or Griem but look forward to seeing both at some point next season.
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jcarter7669
Registered User
Re: UVM Offseason Thread - building for a 3rd Straight Bid
Nice analysis Observer :
But I disagree with a few of your placements.
Especially on Matt White, he did take a year off and play less competitive hockey. ALthough he took the time off he I think he steps up just fine. Central Scouting still has him around 100 going into this years draft. He will be drafted, and if the NHL is still that high on him, I suspect he will be playing 3rd or 2nd line. Not sitting out of the line up. While his timing maybe a bit off due to the increased speed of the game at the NCAA level, his skills are still there and I really think he will be a major contributer.
I also don't see a freshman Lenz centering the first line ahead of Stalberg, who IMO is the best player on the ice this year, and McCarthy (possiby the best scorer). I think there are enough good upperclassmen that you won't see any freshman on the top line. That said Brickely will make a run at it.
I also think Leonard will see more ice time this year at the expense of DeCenzo who had a mediocre season this past year. Leonard has that energy that Sneddon really likes to put on the 4th line. Leonard has always been a player that knows his job and does it 110%, perfect 4th liner IMO.
But of course this is pure speculation. I agree with also with your assessments with the D. Lawson and Mack are much more offensive minded then Medvec and Miller. I think Sneddon will split them, keeping one of his more offensive minded Dmen paired with one of the team leaders, Medvec-Miller. I thought Franzon played great last year as a freshman and I think he is going to be groomed for a "C" so I expect him to see sometime with Miller or Medvec as well.
Either way, Sneddon needs to get these guys scoring in bunches. I think the talent is there for three offensively dangerous lines. If the D and Madore can play well consistently UVM will be looking good.
The trips to the NCAA and the success of UVM players in the NHL and in reaching the NHL has started to pay off in getting top prospects. UVM needs a new arena to really compete with the big programs. Here's hoping that moves along as the economy slowly recovers a bit.
How about the following: It looks like there will be 15 forwards based on Ted Ryan's blog a while back, so there can be 5 lines
Line 1 – Downing/ Lenz/ Brickley
Downing is the leading returning scoring forward coming into this season with 45 points. He has been given the leadership role of an assistant captain and has something to prove after having been suspended last year for a couple of games. I think he will come out with an Irwin like “I have a point to prove attitude”. I just hope that it does not result in the same selfish play of Irwin, where when the puck hit his stick, it came to a stop and a shot resulted -dispite the fact a better scoring option was available. Lenz and Brickley played together in Des Moines and put up some nice goal totals last season – 21 in 59 games for Lenz and 22 in 52 games for Brickley. This line probably passes the puck and Downing benefits if he can snipe a few.
Line 2 – Burrows/Stalberg/B.Herrington
Burrows should benefit from having a pass first center who can be creative and find him in the shooting lanes. Stalberg totally impressed me with how he took over in the 2nd half of the season with his play. I really think he will be drafted at the end of June but I am guessing he might hope not to be so he can remain a free agent. I think this kid plays in the pros after his college career is over. Herrington put up some decent numbers on a Monarch’s team in his 2 years. 36 goals in 82 regular season games is not shabby. But I am more intrigued with the idea of a 6’4” power forward crashing the net or playing physical in the corners.
Line 3 – Stacey/McCarthy/Pacan
Stacey and McCarthy are the creative ones on this line. Pacan is the bull who goes to the net or to the corners. This line will be the line that will most likely pass the puck back to the defensemen and let them fire away. Stacey is a senior and has missed a lot of games with injuries in his career. If healthy, I feel he can control the game from anywhere on the ice. McCarthy (like Stalberg) played both center and wing last year but I believe his value is more at center since he can stickhandle like very few can plus he will pass the puck if someone is open.
Line 4 – Nilsson-Roos/Marshall/DeCenzo
N-Roos deserves a better fate and should be on a line that can score. If Burrows had not been moved to forward, I could see him on that 2nd line above. But Sneddon plays all 4 lines with some regularity and there is no shame to being on the 4th line. Marshall is at a crossroad in my opinion. Here is an NHL draft pick who has 2 goals in 57 career games. Last year he got a chance to play on all 4 lines, yet only scored one goal (vs. Maine, on a slap shot from the faceoff dots, hardly where you’d expect him to score from). I could easily see him going from being in the lineup to being out of it. DeCenzo probably is too small to be a checking line player and his plus/minus in the USHL would indicate that he plays a one way game (a -60 in 132 career games). But I think he gets a shot at playing since he has 2+ years in a high level junior league (USHL). Perhaps he played on some crappy teams with a poor coach. I am willing to consider that as a likely scenario.
Line 5 – Leonard/White/Albertson
Leonard will be the guy who would take DeCenzo’s place if he proves to be a one way player. He proved to be a catalyst last year with energy, no reason to think he can’t do the same again his senior year. White is an unknown. Have to believe he will have an adjustment period coming off AAA hockey (way below the junior level) to D1 hockey. But I would love to be proven wrong. Albertson is a big body and hopefully he is working hard to earn more playing time this season.
Defenseman Pairings
Medvec (L) and Miller (R)
MacKenzie (L) and Lawson (L)
Franzon (R) and whoever steps up in practice – L.Herrington (R), Bruneteau or Griem.
I think Medvec and Miller will be the shut down defensive pairing, yet I think they both have offensive upside. MacKenzie and Lawson are both 2 way D, with more offensive tendencies, which might mean whichever goalie (Madore or Vazzano –times 2) who is playing, sees an odd man rush or 2. L.Herrington has had 2 years to develop and one would think he can play ahead of 2 incoming freshmen. I know nothing of Bruneteau or Griem but look forward to seeing both at some point next season.
Nice analysis Observer :
But I disagree with a few of your placements.
Especially on Matt White, he did take a year off and play less competitive hockey. ALthough he took the time off he I think he steps up just fine. Central Scouting still has him around 100 going into this years draft. He will be drafted, and if the NHL is still that high on him, I suspect he will be playing 3rd or 2nd line. Not sitting out of the line up. While his timing maybe a bit off due to the increased speed of the game at the NCAA level, his skills are still there and I really think he will be a major contributer.
I also don't see a freshman Lenz centering the first line ahead of Stalberg, who IMO is the best player on the ice this year, and McCarthy (possiby the best scorer). I think there are enough good upperclassmen that you won't see any freshman on the top line. That said Brickely will make a run at it.
I also think Leonard will see more ice time this year at the expense of DeCenzo who had a mediocre season this past year. Leonard has that energy that Sneddon really likes to put on the 4th line. Leonard has always been a player that knows his job and does it 110%, perfect 4th liner IMO.
But of course this is pure speculation. I agree with also with your assessments with the D. Lawson and Mack are much more offensive minded then Medvec and Miller. I think Sneddon will split them, keeping one of his more offensive minded Dmen paired with one of the team leaders, Medvec-Miller. I thought Franzon played great last year as a freshman and I think he is going to be groomed for a "C" so I expect him to see sometime with Miller or Medvec as well.
Either way, Sneddon needs to get these guys scoring in bunches. I think the talent is there for three offensively dangerous lines. If the D and Madore can play well consistently UVM will be looking good.
The trips to the NCAA and the success of UVM players in the NHL and in reaching the NHL has started to pay off in getting top prospects. UVM needs a new arena to really compete with the big programs. Here's hoping that moves along as the economy slowly recovers a bit.