Vermont Hockey: Taking No Prisoners In 2012-2013

[jcarter7669]

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

Four points in those last six games of the RS is probably more than we can expect. Getting swept is highly likely unless the Cats get Brickely and Markison back and start to feel some magic.

The key is the D and goaltending and a few good bounces.

I agree, the Cats need to have the points necessary for the playoffs locked up heading into the final three weekends. Lock up 8th before hand and let any bonus points move them up the standings. Of course that's easier said then done. Unless ME turns it around they are a lock for 10th, however 4th-9th could be close at the end. The Cats definitely need to take advantage of the next 5 games and gain maximum points. To do that, Hoffman needs to play well and the D needs to give him support. They were lucky to pull out the tie... giving up 4 goals is not going to win many games. This season will rest on the shoulders of the D and Hoffman.

That said, it's nice to see them putting up some decent offense for a change and hopefully it helps them get that part of the game going. SLU doesn't appear to be a quality team this year, PC certainly is and although it wasn't Gilles in net I don't think the score was a result of an inexperienced back so much as just getting some bounces.

Regardless, Merry Christmas Cat fans and lets hope Santa brings us some more wins.

 

[UVM Cat in Texas]

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

Following up briefly on my previous post now that I have access to something better than my iPhone. Of course, I wasn't serious about taking 10 points in those final 6 games, which is why I included a "wink" icon. I agree with Snwbrdr, 4 points in those games is about the best we can hope for, and it wouldn't surprise if we got swept totally. Still, this team is vastly improved over the teams of the last two seasons, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the second half. As things stand right now, I think it's unlikely we'll advance past the first round of HE playoffs (assuming we secure a spot), but if the offensive output over the last couple of games isn't a fluke, and the team keeps developing in the second half, who knows what can happen. There's at least a glimmer of hope, which we haven't had in a while. Now if we can get some good news about that new arena, things will really be looking up.

 

[The Zlax45]

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

Nice to see some wins and a few points but also need to keep things in perspective. They benefitted from some questionable goaltending at SLU and I'm not sure the PC goaltending was all that great. But, I am impressed with the 3rd period comeback, that shows character that they did not have last year.

Four points in those last six games of the RS is probably more than we can expect. Getting swept is highly likely unless the Cats get Brickely and Markison back and start to feel some magic.

The key is the D and goaltending and a few good bounces.

Overall, they are in a much better place than last year at the Christmas break. Last year they faded further from here but this year I sense they are gaining a bit of momentum instead, should be a fun 2nd half until the last 3 weeks!

Merry Christmas everyone. Think snow!

The PC goaltending had nothing to do with the tie...All four goals would have been in on Gillies honestly.

 

[UVM Cat in Texas]

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

The PC goaltending had nothing to do with the tie...All four goals would have been in on Gillies honestly.

For what it's worth, that's what the UVM radio announcers were saying -- there was not a lot he could have done about the goals. They also said PC's last goal was a softie and one that Hoffman would have liked to have back.

 

[rdf8585]

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

At the link below, Ted Ryan discusses how Vermont's season has gone, their key players, their style of play, and how the Union game might unfold. Ryan also dissects the tenure of Vermont head coach Kevin Sneddon, a former Union hockey assistant (1994-1998) and head coach (1998-2003).

Though geared more as a primer on Vermont for Union fans ahead of Saturday's game, some here might find it interesting as well.

http://on.fb.me/Yli04k

 

[UVM Cat in Texas]

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

Thanks for the link. Surprised to hear Ted say Sneddon has "come under fire" the last two seasons. I know he's come under fire from some of the posters here, including myself at times, but I doubt that's what Ted was talking about. Since I don't live in Vermont, it's hard to know what people up there are thinking. Has anyone had the sense that people in the UVM hockey community were (are) calling for Sneddon's head?

Regarding hockey, the Cats have not had great success against highly rated teams this season. Hopefully that can change against Union. Would be nice to go into the second half of the season riding a wave of momentum. Go Cats Go.

 

[jcarter7669]

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

Thanks for the link. Surprised to hear Ted say Sneddon has "come under fire" the last two seasons. I know he's come under fire from some of the posters here, including myself at times, but I doubt that's what Ted was talking about.

Actually I think that is exactly what he is talking about, the grumbling of fans both on here as well as at the rink. I do not think it goes further then that.

Regarding hockey, the Cats have not had great success against highly rated teams this season. Hopefully that can change against Union. Would be nice to go into the second half of the season riding a wave of momentum. Go Cats Go.

UVM hasn't gotten much in the way of wins, but they have played well against top teams. They played some good hockey and gave Minny a tough game 2 and they should have won the game against Dartmouth.

 

[UVM Cat in Texas]

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

UVM hasn't gotten much in the way of wins, but they have played well against top teams. They played some good hockey and gave Minny a tough game 2 and they should have won the game against Dartmouth.

That's true, but I was thinking of UNH, BU and the first Minnesota game. They weren't competitive in any of those games. That said, I see them playing well against Union and maybe coming away with a win.

 

[jcarter7669]

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

New goalie recruit for next year...

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20121228/SPORTS0102/312280025/BCHL-goalie-commits-Cats

"A 5-foot-9, 175-pound resident of Mississauga, Ontario, the 19-year-old Santaguida has a 12-5-1 record with a 2.31 goals against average and a .932 save percentage. He ranks second in the BCHL in save percentage and sixth in goals against average."

I like those numbers, looks like he will give Hoffman a run for his money in net.

 

[HOCKEYGUY23]

New goalie recruit for next year...

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20121228/SPORTS0102/312280025/BCHL-goalie-commits-Cats

"A 5-foot-9, 175-pound resident of Mississauga, Ontario, the 19-year-old Santaguida has a 12-5-1 record with a 2.31 goals against average and a .932 save percentage. He ranks second in the BCHL in save percentage and sixth in goals against average."

I like those numbers, looks like he will give Hoffman a run for his money in net.

Doubt he will give Hoff a run for his money. Kid seems like a viable 3rd. Faust had better numbers and he is planted on the bench. Also looks like Hoff doesn't need motivation. May end up like BC goalie Muse,playing essentially every game of his career. Interesting 4 forwards coming in, wonder if Sneddon know guys are leaving early if there is an NHL? Losing B Bruno and Nillson Roos and Albertson. Just a thought.

Great team win. Solid game, 2-0-1 last three. it is a start

 

[PuckVoice]

That's true, but I was thinking of UNH, BU and the first Minnesota game. They weren't competitive in any of those games. That said, I see them playing well against Union and maybe coming away with a win.

Very solid effort tonight by the Cats ... good win against a quality opponent ...

 

[jcarter7669]

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

Doubt he will give Hoff a run for his money. Kid seems like a viable 3rd. Faust had better numbers and he is planted on the bench.

I'm going to disagree.

Faust went 23-25-0 in 51 games with a 2.86 goals against average, .913 save percentage
compared to :
Santaguida has a 12-5-1 record with a 2.31 goals against average and a .932 save percentage.
compared to :
Hoffman goals against average (1.90), and save percentage (.929)

The kid is much closer to Hoffman's numbers then Faust and will play a much different style then Hoffman. Time will tell, but I do think he will give Hoffman some competition and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see some type of rotation depending on how this season ends up.

Great team win. Solid game, 2-0-1 last three. it is a start

Definitely great to see the Cats pick up a win against a ranked team and show that they can compete. I think this team is gaining some momentum and confidence. A win against Princeton should be continue that momentum and hopefully play out into the second half. The next few games will prove crucial to this season.

What will be interesting to see is if Brickely and/or Markison make a return to the ice soon. I have to think that if we don't see them soon they will be looking for redshirts. The way the team is playing of late, they would be a nice boost to finish out the season though.

 

[UVM Cat in Texas]

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

Another nice win for the Cats. You know, it's beginning to look like this team could amount to something -- very exciting! They pretty much dominated after going down 3-1. So many times in the past, that would have been game over.

And I love Jacob Fallon! I can't think of a first-year player who's had a bigger impact for the Cats since Torrey Mitchell's freshman year.

 

[HOCKEYGUY23]

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

Team is 4-1-2 in last 7 games. That is really nice to see. We get Markinson an Brickley back we are onto something special I think. I know BC didn't play like BC against Minnesota but heck we lost 3-1 with an EN to Minny and since then are trending up, maybe we can play with the big dogs now. Finally got snow in Burlington maybe some normalcy is returning.

On the game, I love Fallon and McCarthy together. They seem to play great together. Nice to see McCarthy seemingly back from injury. 16pts in 18games is nice, plus he always makes the right play. Fallon is doing great in the d zone plus he has a good hockey IQ that seems to work when he and McCarthy play together. Reynolds is starting to look very comfy with them to. His numbers are rising. They always great players make the players around them better and that's what McCarthy is doing now and that's why I think he's back which is great for UVM

 

[funnnnn]

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

Nice to be able to see the games on TV, as I live in NH. Also, was great to hear George doing Cats games again, as he is one of the very best play-by-play guys.

The two win weekend looked good. Hopefully will build some confidence in their ability to bury the puck.

 

[Cat lover]

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

We saw a very ****ed of team after going down 3-1 to a team they were outplaying and they then played one
of the most dominating periods in years. Nice to see so many players finishing plays and the back checking
was amazing all weekend, the forwards were harassing PU players from behind on rushes constantly.

Best seat in the house last night goes to Ref Keenan. I swear Shea called every penalty in that game anf keenan
just stood around and watched both coaches get mad at his partner.

i would have to congradulate the coaching staff who seem to have gotten as much from this group as anyone
could expect after a terrible summer of defections and early season injuries. The players seem to have bought
into what they are selling.

 

[jcarter7669]

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

The most impressive thing to me about this weekend was the comeback over PU. So so so many times in the past that would have been the end of the game, and yet UVM did battle back and won the game handily. That's just a huge turn around from what we have been accustomed to and hopefully really sets in mentally for the Cats, they should now realize that they can come back when down and win the game. That coupled with a win over ranked Union should give them a lot of confidence heading into the stretch.

Next up MC which the Cats should have a good handle on after watching them play two games at the Gutt. Hopefully the Cats don't get too over confident after watching MC against these two teams. With the Mack just behind in the standings its an important game.

 

[catmandoo]

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

We saw a very ****ed of team after going down 3-1 to a team they were outplaying and they then played one
of the most dominating periods in years. Nice to see so many players finishing plays and the back checking
was amazing all weekend, the forwards were harassing PU players from behind on rushes constantly.

Best seat in the house last night goes to Ref Keenan. I swear Shea called every penalty in that game anf keenan
just stood around and watched both coaches get mad at his partner.

i would have to congradulate the coaching staff who seem to have gotten as much from this group as anyone
could expect after a terrible summer of defections and early season injuries. The players seem to have bought
into what they are selling.

I agree. Great weekend for the team. Hopefully it will be a boost going into a tough stretch of games here. Nice crowds this weekend too all things considered.

 

[GreenCat]

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

Well I have been pretty tough on Sneddon this year but it actually looks like this could be the 2nd or so team under his 10 years to actually improve during the season and not get worse. Things are looking much better. Not sure what the change is but I do think the assistant coaches are a definite improvement over the last few years.

 

[Cat lover]

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

Vermont this year is 6-2-4 vs teams not in the current top10 and 0-6 versus those that are.

A month ago I would have thought we had no chance versus the big 3 but I am starting to think
this team if it continues to improve could beat anybody, not saying we will but i have alot more
hope now even without Brickley and Montagna.

B.Bruneteau on the top of the powerplay should get more chances, we need some lefty point men
as none of our Dmen on the powerplay are lefty and we lose to much speed passing when they have
to constantly switch the puck to thier forehands.