Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

[snwbrdr]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

apparently there were some injuries in practice, I suspect Markison was one of them

too bad the cats could not put away more of their third period opportunities, sounds like they outplayed Mack in both 3rds on the weekend (despite being badly outscored Friday)

Looking forward to seeing the team in action next weekend, hopefully they can sneak up on a favored PC team

 

[Cat lover]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

Well we have already equaled last years HE road point total.

Still would like to see more from the top 2 lines in grade A scoring chances,
like in the exb the lower lines and D are still doing most of the scoring.

The effort and energy is there and so seems to be the conditioning, can they
learn how to put games away?

Looking forward to some homecookin this weekend.

 

[VermontFan]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

Here is a nice write-up about saturday night's game:

http://blog.collegehockeynews.com/2012/10/the-takeaway-merrimack-vermont-skate-to-2-2-tie/

 

[HOCKEYGUY23]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

Well we have already equaled last years HE road point total.

Still would like to see more from the top 2 lines in grade A scoring chances,
like in the exb the lower lines and D are still doing most of the scoring.

The effort and energy is there and so seems to be the conditioning, can they
learn how to put games away?

Looking forward to some homecookin this weekend.

I agree on the top 2 lines. I really don't know what the staff is doing with them. The forecheck against Mack was literally stand still til Mack moved. Therefore, you don't create any turnovers or force pressure. Seems like they were playing NOT to lose. Also scheme seems to be dump in and chase. Top 6 forwards are really good when they get possession offensively, so why dump when they are capable of entering the zone with speed. Also, there are very few adjustments made. On Friday with less then 4 to play, bench stil wasn't shortened and lines were rolled, after Mack when up and we went on PK our PK was literally still just trying to kill the penalty. Problem with that is game is over at end of PK either way. How about some pressure. On Saturday it wasn't until last minute that they shortened bench. I am a huge Sneddon fan, but after watching both WINNABLE games, I was frustrated.Maybe he is playing it a certain way now to help guys mature and not get frustrated with losing, but we should have had 2 more points this weekend without question.

 

[irishfan85]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

Having seen every team in the league in person besides UMass-Amherst, I'd say UVM is improved and should not finish in last. I think Maine is by far the worst team in the league. I think UMass-Amherst, from seeing them last year and seeing a few highlights this year, will be able to score, but I'm not sure their defense or goaltending will hold up. I see Merrimack and UVM finishing 7-8 in no particular order.

 

[catmandoo]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

I agree on the top 2 lines. I really don't know what the staff is doing with them. The forecheck against Mack was literally stand still til Mack moved. Therefore, you don't create any turnovers or force pressure. Seems like they were playing NOT to lose. Also scheme seems to be dump in and chase. Top 6 forwards are really good when they get possession offensively, so why dump when they are capable of entering the zone with speed. Also, there are very few adjustments made. On Friday with less then 4 to play, bench stil wasn't shortened and lines were rolled, after Mack when up and we went on PK our PK was literally still just trying to kill the penalty. Problem with that is game is over at end of PK either way. How about some pressure. On Saturday it wasn't until last minute that they shortened bench. I am a huge Sneddon fan, but after watching both WINNABLE games, I was frustrated.Maybe he is playing it a certain way now to help guys mature and not get frustrated with losing, but we should have had 2 more points this weekend without question.

He hasn't made an adjustment in 8 years...why would you expect him to now? He is buttoning up the hatches going to a "defensive" style of play and taking the offensive creativity out of everyone right now. I was astounded at how conservative (bad) some of the skilled players played in this series..not one good pass in the offensive zone the entire game. Dump and chase with 6 forwards under 5'9" is not gonna work very long. I love UVM Hockey and everything it stands for but this team can't and won't be able to score until the style of play and the pressure and minutia is lifted and they let the players play. How many times was Brickley off sides in the game? 4-5? All on odd man rushes. How many times did we ice the puck 10-11? Thats 10-11 turnovers in my book. How many passes did you see just bounce right off guys sticks? Why does that happen? Players are scared to make a mistake and thus just make plays that won't get them in trouble. The Junior class has won only 14 games in two years, they should not be making these kind of mistakes at this point. Changes need to be made. Not sure where but its setting up for more of the same.

Two un-disciplined penalties on the PK! Its more of the same this year. A Better goalie is really the only difference and a little more experience on the blue line. I am concerned and even more after watching those games..

 

[UVM Cat in Texas]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

He hasn't made an adjustment in 8 years...why would you expect him to now? He is buttoning up the hatches going to a "defensive" style of play and taking the offensive creativity out of everyone right now. I was astounded at how conservative (bad) some of the skilled players played in this series..not one good pass in the offensive zone the entire game. Dump and chase with 6 forwards under 5'9" is not gonna work very long. I love UVM Hockey and everything it stands for but this team can't and won't be able to score until the style of play and the pressure and minutia is lifted and they let the players play. How many times was Brickley off sides in the game? 4-5? All on odd man rushes. How many times did we ice the puck 10-11? Thats 10-11 turnovers in my book. How many passes did you see just bounce right off guys sticks? Why does that happen? Players are scared to make a mistake and thus just make plays that won't get them in trouble. The Junior class has won only 14 games in two years, they should not be making these kind of mistakes at this point. Changes need to be made. Not sure where but its setting up for more of the same.

Two un-disciplined penalties on the PK! Its more of the same this year. A Better goalie is really the only difference and a little more experience on the blue line. I am concerned and even more after watching those games..

Admittedly, I wasn't at the games, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt. I say we take Sneddon's new (actually old) approach and give it some time to see what happens. IMHO, there's a reason the junior class has only 14 wins in two seasons. It's because after 2 years of making the NCAA tourney, including a trip to the frozen four, we got a little full of ourselves and thought we could start to open things up and play like BC. Where did that get us? You talked about how conservative some of the skilled players were. Other than Brickley and McCarthy, who exactly are the "skilled players?" I think Sneddon's on the right track by attempting to fit the style of play with the guys that he has to work with. If you're the Cleveland Browns, you probably aren't going to be best served by playing a wide open, west-coast style offense. UVM's approach this year may not be pretty, but it's worked in the past, and there's no reason it shouldn't work again. I'll take the team that had consecutive 1-0 wins on the road at UNH in the HE playoffs, over the team that gets beat 7-3 because they're trying to be something they're not. In this very young season, we've already gotten 2 points in 3 road games, and what arguably could have been more, and probably will be more once this team learns how to win. I've typically been somewhat skeptical of Sneddon, but I think he's on the right track with this approach. Give it some time.

 

[catmandoo]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

Admittedly, I wasn't at the games, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt. I say we take Sneddon's new (actually old) approach and give it some time to see what happens. IMHO, there's a reason the junior class has only 14 wins in two seasons. It's because after 2 years of making the NCAA tourney, including a trip to the frozen four, we got a little full of ourselves and thought we could start to open things up and play like BC. Where did that get us? You talked about how conservative some of the skilled players were. Other than Brickley and McCarthy, who exactly are the "skilled players?" I think Sneddon's on the right track by attempting to fit the style of play with the guys that he has to work with. If you're the Cleveland Browns, you probably aren't going to be best served by playing a wide open, west-coast style offense. UVM's approach this year may not be pretty, but it's worked in the past, and there's no reason it shouldn't work again. I'll take the team that had consecutive 1-0 wins on the road at UNH in the HE playoffs, over the team that gets beat 7-3 because they're trying to be something they're not. In this very young season, we've already gotten 2 points in 3 road games, and what arguably could have been more, and probably will be more once this team learns how to win. I've typically been somewhat skeptical of Sneddon, but I think he's on the right track with this approach. Give it some time.

Wow..we will have to agree to disagree on what skill is. Brickley is as far from a "skilled" player as I know. He works hard and hits hard but beyond that...13 goals in two years is not "skilled" as a forward. Reynolds and Polleselo are skilled, Luukko is skilled..Just my opinion.

 

[GreenCat]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

He hasn't made an adjustment in 8 years...why would you expect him to now? He is buttoning up the hatches going to a "defensive" style of play and taking the offensive creativity out of everyone right now. I was astounded at how conservative (bad) some of the skilled players played in this series..not one good pass in the offensive zone the entire game. Dump and chase with 6 forwards under 5'9" is not gonna work very long. I love UVM Hockey and everything it stands for but this team can't and won't be able to score until the style of play and the pressure and minutia is lifted and they let the players play. How many times was Brickley off sides in the game? 4-5? All on odd man rushes. How many times did we ice the puck 10-11? Thats 10-11 turnovers in my book. How many passes did you see just bounce right off guys sticks? Why does that happen? Players are scared to make a mistake and thus just make plays that won't get them in trouble. The Junior class has won only 14 games in two years, they should not be making these kind of mistakes at this point. Changes need to be made. Not sure where but its setting up for more of the same.

Two un-disciplined penalties on the PK! Its more of the same this year. A Better goalie is really the only difference and a little more experience on the blue line. I am concerned and even more after watching those games..

I would add that on the power play it seemed like the players were more concerned about playing the system than taking openings when they were presented to them which harkens above to your point of no creativity and being concerned about making a mistake. Granted we are only 3 games into the season so part of it could be attributed to that. I only saw the Friday game but some of the off-sides and penalties were pretty lame calls especially in the 3rd when UVM was taking it to them and had the momentum. I thought they looked good in the 3rd until the last 4 minutes. The linesmen did everything possible to slow down the game. Not to harp on them but if you are unsure then don't blow the whistle. They did the opposite.

 

[Cat lover]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

Wow..we will have to agree to disagree on what skill is. Brickley is as far from a "skilled" player as I know. He works hard and hits hard but beyond that...13 goals in two years is not "skilled" as a forward. Reynolds and Polleselo are skilled, Luukko is skilled..Just my opinion.

You cant only go by goals...Leclair never scored alot of goals and that wasnt due to his talent but to the linemates he had. If he had been in school a few
years later and spent 1 year with Perrin and St Louis he might have had 40. I mean JC Ruid scored 29 with them and he never made the pros.

 

[4035]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

SCHNEIDER ARENA RENOVATIONS
Beginning in the fall of 2012, Schneider Arena will undergo extensive renovations that will include a 35,000 square foot addition, new locker rooms, a state of the art training facility and weight rooms, luxury boxes as well as new sound and video systems, a new ticket office, hall of fame and renovated coaches offices.

Schneider Arena originally opened in 1973 and was dedicated and named in memory of the late Reverend Herman D. Schneider, O.P., the founder of the Friars’ highly successful hockey program and a long-time member of the school’s faculty. Built at a cost of $1.8 million dollars in 1973, the Schneider Arena ice skating facility currently seats 3,030 comfortably for hockey games.

 

[Imilatila]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

SCHNEIDER ARENA RENOVATIONS
Beginning in the fall of 2012, Schneider Arena will undergo extensive renovations that will include a 35,000 square foot addition, new locker rooms, a state of the art training facility and weight rooms, luxury boxes as well as new sound and video systems, a new ticket office, hall of fame and renovated coaches offices.

Schneider Arena originally opened in 1973 and was dedicated and named in memory of the late Reverend Herman D. Schneider, O.P., the founder of the Friars’ highly successful hockey program and a long-time member of the school’s faculty. Built at a cost of $1.8 million dollars in 1973, the Schneider Arena ice skating facility currently seats 3,030 comfortably for hockey games.

Are you trying to make me jealous? Because if so you have succeeded. I hope UVM jumps on the new/upgraded rink bandwagon soon. I'll continue to keep my fingers crossed.

 

[HOCKEYGUY23]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

Admittedly, I wasn't at the games, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt. I say we take Sneddon's new (actually old) approach and give it some time to see what happens. IMHO, there's a reason the junior class has only 14 wins in two seasons. It's because after 2 years of making the NCAA tourney, including a trip to the frozen four, we got a little full of ourselves and thought we could start to open things up and play like BC. Where did that get us? You talked about how conservative some of the skilled players were. Other than Brickley and McCarthy, who exactly are the "skilled players?" I think Sneddon's on the right track by attempting to fit the style of play with the guys that he has to work with. If you're the Cleveland Browns, you probably aren't going to be best served by playing a wide open, west-coast style offense. UVM's approach this year may not be pretty, but it's worked in the past, and there's no reason it shouldn't work again. I'll take the team that had consecutive 1-0 wins on the road at UNH in the HE playoffs, over the team that gets beat 7-3 because they're trying to be something they're not. In this very young season, we've already gotten 2 points in 3 road games, and what arguably could have been more, and probably will be more once this team learns how to win. I've typically been somewhat skeptical of Sneddon, but I think he's on the right track with this approach. Give it some time.

To my point, why would you ask McCarthy & Brickley play the same style of play as a guy like Lenz. In Lenz 5 minute major piece for hockeyeastonline.com, Lenz in his own words said if he scores its a bonus. I have seen alot of games, typically you have hopefully 2 scoring lines, a defensive checking line and an "annoying" line. We just roll 4 lines have them all play the same, makes playing us really easy. And I rarely see lines changed during the game. Sometimes I see 2 guys flowing on 1 line and the 3 guy just doesn't have it that night and yet there is rarely an adjustment.

I am hoping the staff is just figuring out what they have and who they are as a team.

 

[Cat lover]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

While it still too early to know how good this team can be I think we should give them alot of credit, coming in after last
years struggles and this offseason departings and never arrivings and getting off to a good start.

3 HE road games they have 2 ties and the loss they were tied with a few minutes left to go. Powerplay has looked better while only at 18%
they still have had more time in the zone and are getting better chances.

Hoffman has been as good as you could hope playing his first 3 games on the road.

My hopes are higher than a month ago but still within reason....for now.

 

[UVM Cat in Texas]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

While it still too early to know how good this team can be I think we should give them alot of credit, coming in after last
years struggles and this offseason departings and never arrivings and getting off to a good start.

3 HE road games they have 2 ties and the loss they were tied with a few minutes left to go. Powerplay has looked better while only at 18%
they still have had more time in the zone and are getting better chances.

Hoffman has been as good as you could hope playing his first 3 games on the road.

My hopes are higher than a month ago but still within reason....for now.

I agree. There are lots of reasons for optimism and it's way too early to start second guessing what the coach is doing.

 

[vtcats]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

I agree. There are lots of reasons for optimism and it's way too early to start second guessing what the coach is doing.

Given the last two season's.....my optimism will begin with something called a "WIN"...which is hopefully tonight!

 

[UVM Cat in Texas]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

Thoughts from anyone at the game? I watched the webcast from about midway through the second period on and thought they played pretty well, but I'd sure like to see that translate to a "W" in the win column at some point. Very frustrating having to constantly hang your hat on "we looked good" or "we were right in that game." Also very frustrating to be giving up goals almost immediately after we score. Hopefully we can get in the win column tonight, but I'm not counting on it....

 

[HOCKEYGUY23]

Thoughts from anyone at the game? I watched the webcast from about midway through the second period on and thought they played pretty well, but I'd sure like to see that translate to a "W" in the win column at some point. Very frustrating having to constantly hang your hat on "we looked good" or "we were right in that game." Also very frustrating to be giving up goals almost immediately after we score. Hopefully we can get in the win column tonight, but I'm not counting on it....

When we lose with 2 of their goals being reviewed, and they were weird goals, it's frustrating. Played well but a few mental lapses, not being outplayed, and boom goals for Providence, who by the way is good!

 

[VermontfaninNY]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

Now thats more like it. I saw the video of the game winning goal friday night. It looked like a pretty clear high stick from the angle the video was filmed. I am not saying they would have won, but it would have been nice to take three points from the weekend.

 

[jcarter7669]

Re: Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

Thoughts from anyone at the game?

Friday : I thought they outplayed Providence. To be frank I was very disappointed in Hoffman. The second goal was something a starting goaltender has to stop. Period. The refs were frustrating but the team as a whole looked good and it was too bad they couldn't come away with a win.

Saturday : Hoffman looked good. Stopped the ones he needed to and a few that could have gone in. This is the way we should expect him to play. Cats outplayed PC the entire game with a few brief spells that may have tipped in the Friars favor. The refs were absolutely terrible. Unbelievably bad.

All in all, the Cats played well. The lines are a bit mixed and there seemed to be a fair amount of double shifting Saturday, not sure I care for that. The defense looked as good as you can expect from a mainly sophmore defense. Hoffman looked good Saturday, I thought he could have looked better on Friday. Offensively, they scored on the Power Play, could be better but I think it's improving. PK is of the Dean Strong Era and not of the past few years ( OK well not quite but way better then the past two seasons).

I said at the beginning of this thread that these first few teams were the teams the Cats needed to compete with. With a tie against Lowell, a Tie against MC and a split with PC I think this team is in fact competing with these teams. They look like they are a solid mid pack team regardless of whether they were picked for 10th. Pretty sure that spot belongs to ME. I sure wish next weekend was at Orono and not Agganis. Then again, a good weekend and it might just be the confidence builder this team needs.

Lots of good things have happened for VT with a freshman goaltender in net.

Oh yeah, and did I say how terrible the officiating was this weekend....... How does Walls get a bloody lip under his face mask and yet get called for a penalty? Has anyone else ever heard a ref call TWO facemasking penalties at the same time? Same game? Ever?