WCHA Playoffs

[binnyrus]

I thought it would be helpful to have a seperate thread for the playoffs . . .

I think ARM said in a different thread that it wouldn't be surprising to see more upsets . . . and I completely agree! The one match-up I'd like to see is the OSU v WI series. I really thought that OSU looked much better than their record - well, maybe not since scoring wasn't the issue . . . they'll need better tending of the net if they're going to "upset" Wisconsin.

Also Tomcicova will be back in net for BSU (I'd guess) so that will certainly make their match-up with SCSU very interesting.

(Is there a bracket for this set up yet?)

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

(Is there a bracket for this set up yet?)

There isn't a true bracket like in the NCAA tourney, because if there are upsets, the second-round matchups change. Of the 4 teams that advance, the highest seed will meed the lowest seed in the semis. Here's CD's post on the quarters:

http://www.wcha.com/sports/w-hockey/spec-rel/022010aab.html

No. 8 North Dakota @ No. 1 Minnesota Duluth
Games played at the Heritage Center
Friday, February 26 - 7:07 pm CT
Saturday, February 27 - 7:07 pm CT
Sunday, February 28 (if necess.) - 4:07 pm CT

No. 7 Minnesota State @ No. 2 Minnesota
Friday, February 26 - 7:07 pm CT
Saturday, February 27 - 4:07 pm CT
Sunday, February 28 (if necess.) - 4:07 pm CT

No. 6 Bemidji State @ No. 3 St. Cloud State
Friday, February 26 - 7:07 pm CT
Saturday, February 27 - 7:07 pm CT
Sunday, February 28 (if necess.) - 7:07 pm CT

No. 5 Ohio State @ No. 4 Wisconsin
Games played at the Eagles' Nest in Verona
Friday, February 26 - 7:07 pm CT
Saturday, February 27 - 7:07 pm CT
Sunday, February 28 (if necess.) - 7:07 pm CT

 

[binnyrus]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

There isn't a true bracket like in the NCAA tourney, because if there are upsets, the second-round matchups change. Of the 4 teams that advance, the highest seed will meed the lowest seed in the semis. Here's CD's post on the quarters:

Thanks! That's what I thought, but wasn't sure.

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

No. 7 Minnesota State @ No. 2 Minnesota
Friday, February 26 - 7:07 pm CT
Saturday, February 27 - 4:07 pm CT
Sunday, February 28 (if necess.) - 4:07 pm CT

I completely expect a knock down drag out series here, but please...banish the thought of an upset...

 

[dhmn]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

I completely expect a knock down drag out series here, but please...banish the thought of an upset...

I've thought of that..and shall keep that thought until Sunday afternoon

 

[high slot]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

I'm curious why, if the Badgers have to change venues, it has to be the Eagle's Nest. Is there not another rink around Madison that seats more people?

Last year, in the first round of the playoffs, people were turned away at the door. Those of us that were there were so sardined into the building, it wasn't comfortable. The first night I arrived 35-40 minutes before game time and barley found a place to sit at the very end of the bleachers. The next night I got there 75 minutes before the game and got a better seat, but was bored silly waiting for the game. Standing room around the glass was very limited, or at least filled up quickly too. By the way, the EN website says it has a capacity of 900.

I think it's a shame that a rink cannot accommodate enough people so that everyone who wants to see the game can. I wonder what the WCHA thinks about the situation?

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

I'm curious why, if the Badgers have to change venues, it has to be the Eagle's Nest. Is there not another rink around Madison that seats more people?

Last year, in the first round of the playoffs, people were turned away at the door. Those of us that were there were so sardined into the building, it wasn't comfortable. The first night I arrived 35-40 minutes before game time and barley found a place to sit at the very end of the bleachers. The next night I got there 75 minutes before the game and got a better seat, but was bored silly waiting for the game. Standing room around the glass was very limited, or at least filled up quickly too. By the way, the EN website says it has a capacity of 900.

I think it's a shame that the rink cannot accommodate enough people so that everyone who wants to see the game can. I wonder what the WCHA thinks about the situation?

It's an unfortunate and downright bad situation to be turning the fans that show up for a women's hockey game away at the door...especially for a playoff series.

You're right...every attempt should be made to find a venue with sufficient capacity. I would guess everyone involved would want to sell as many tickets as they could. It's revenue lost by someone that could sure use it I'm sure.

 

[WHKY blogger]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

I'm curious why, if the Badgers have to change venues, it has to be the Eagle's Nest. Is there not another rink around Madison that seats more people?

Last year, in the first round of the playoffs, people were turned away at the door. Those of us that were there were so sardined into the building, it wasn't comfortable. The first night I arrived 35-40 minutes before game time and barley found a place to sit at the very end of the bleachers. The next night I got there 75 minutes before the game and got a better seat, but was bored silly waiting for the game. Standing room around the glass was very limited, or at least filled up quickly too. By the way, the EN website says it has a capacity of 900.

I think it's a shame that a rink cannot accommodate enough people so that everyone who wants to see the game can. I wonder what the WCHA thinks about the situation?

I believe 1085 is the Capacity with Standing Room.

The Other area rinks with similar seating have been used in the past but it is my impression that these rinks were unwilling to put a hold on the dates in advance of these games and are often booked with Youth tournaments the same weekend. It has also helped to have Peter Johnson running the Eagles Nest (except for this year) as he seems more than willing to help out a family member in need...

I will be traveling back from Vancouver Friday but hope to catch the Saturday Game.

 

[high slot]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

The Other area rinks with similar seating have been used in the past but it is my impression that these rinks were unwilling to put a hold on the dates in advance of these games and are often booked with Youth tournaments the same weekend. It has also helped to have Peter Johnson running the Eagles Nest (except for this year) as he seems more than willing to help out a family member in need...



That's right, I forgot about the family tie that I heard about last year. That makes it worse.

 

[taz91]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

I completely expect a knock down drag out series here, but please...banish the thought of an upset...

If Minnesota keeps taking the dumb penalties and giving up the odd man rushes they keep giving up, stranger this have happened. I don't think the Mavericks can do it but you never know the way the Gophers have been playing. The only saving grace is Noora will be back, no offense to Grogan.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

Also Tomcicova will be back in net for BSU (I'd guess) so that will certainly make their match-up with SCSU very interesting.

This is an important point, and it affects more than one series. Does anyone know if the olympians involved are expected back this weekend? Or maybe there's no general answer. Perhaps this is resolved by each individual player and her coach.

I must say this topic leaves me torn. On the one hand, I'd certainly like to see all of the teams have their full roster available. Any yet it seems like a terrible shame to ask an olympian to miss the closing ceremonies.

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

Does anyone know if the olympians involved are expected back this weekend?

I've read that the Finns from UMD are expected back in Duluth on Friday afternoon. Presumably, that would mean that Tikkinen of MSU and Räty of UM could be in the Twin Cities a few hours earlier. Tomcikova could be in Bemidji days earlier, and I'd think that it would seem likely that she would return. Otherwise, she is hanging around Vancouver just as a spectator, while her Bemidji State season could be ending in her absence. It may make a diffference for some whether or not this is their first Olympics, but at least they all had the opening ceremonies. I guess we'll learn a little more as the teams' series previews are released.

 

[ManBehindTheCurtain]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

I must say this topic leaves me torn. On the one hand, I'd certainly like to see all of the teams have their full roster available. Any yet it seems like a terrible shame to ask an olympian to miss the closing ceremonies.

This is probably a little pollyanna-ish but it also seems like a shame for college students to miss any more class time than is necessary. They need to get back to school.

 

[JosephPSchmoe]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

I've read that the Finns from UMD are expected back in Duluth on Friday afternoon.

I think they could've had the DECC for afternoon games this weekend since the men have the DECC Friday and Saturday nights, but Tuominen and Posa would've missed Friday's game.

 

[dhmn]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

They could have the DECC on Friday but would have been a tight fit on Saturday with the boys hockey semi-finals there on Saturday also.

 

[binnyrus]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

I thought I also read that Miller said they'd be practicing at the Heritage this week so it made sense to play the games there . . . as well as the issue of the return timing of the Olympians.

 

[player x]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

If duluth and wisconsin don't book their ice at the beginning of the season for playoffs then they shouldn't be able to host 1st round games. They pull this crap year after year. The games should go to the visitors rinks if they can't come up with ice. The WCHA should grow some balls and start enforcing this.

 

[WHKY blogger]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

If duluth and wisconsin don't book their ice at the beginning of the season for playoffs then they shouldn't be able to host 1st round games. They pull this crap year after year. The games should go to the visitors rinks if they can't come up with ice. The WCHA should grow some balls and start enforcing this.

Both UW and UMD are suffering the effects of not being a primary tenant in their buildings. Both are being displaced due to high school events in their rink.

Both teams book the ice they are playing on for the WCHA first round prior to the beginning of the season and the league is well aware of that. In the case of Wisconsin I know for a fact they are playing where they are because of the other local rinks not allowing the UW to place a hold for the dates they need because its not a guarantee until the season plays out. Not sure what the other options are for UMD but the Heritage Center is not exactly a dive to play at.

I am not exactly sure what your complaint is.

 

[JosephPSchmoe]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

If duluth and wisconsin don't book their ice at the beginning of the season for playoffs then they shouldn't be able to host 1st round games. They pull this crap year after year. The games should go to the visitors rinks if they can't come up with ice. The WCHA should grow some balls and start enforcing this.

Why would you care where UMD or Wisconsin play their playoff games?

 

[xwildfan]

Re: WCHA Playoffs

The OSU - WI playoff series at the Eagles Nest last year had great atmosphere. Packed house, noisy fans; just like a playoff series should be. If it was at the Kohl, it would not have had the same excitement. Would not have come close to even filling half the arena. An arena that had a capacity of around 2500 would have probably been adequate. Not sure if there is such an arena around Madison. Not a bad thing to have a womens game considered to be a "tough ticket." I attended the finals of WCHA last year at Ridder and that game was not even sold out. I think Ridder holds around 3500.