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WCHA Thread III
- Thread starter brookyone
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Re: WCHA Thread III
Here's how the teams rank in terms of PP percentage - WCHA teams are highlighted:
1 Cornell 27.62
2 Mercyhurst 25.44
3 Dartmouth 24.35
4 Wisconsin 23.97
5 Minnesota 21.49
6 Holy Cross 21.43
7 Quinnipiac 20.90
8 Boston University 20.33
9 Boston College 19.44
10 Minnesota-Duluth 18.55
11 Ohio State 17.97
12 Maine 17.39
13 North Dakota 16.77
14 Colgate 16.43
15 Wayne State 15.71
16 Harvard 15.29
17 Syracuse 14.49
18 Bemidji State 14.41
19 Providence 14.18
20 Robert Morris 13.64
21 Brown 13.51
22 St. Lawrence 13.51
23 Northeastern 13.00
24 Rensselaer 12.71
25 Princeton 12.62
26 Connecticut 12.50
27 Sacred Heart 11.90
28 New Hampshire 10.10
29 Clarkson 10.09
30 Vermont 9.72
31 Niagara 9.40
32 Yale 9.18
33 Minnesota State 8.89
34 Union 6.60
35 St. Cloud State 5.93
Here's how the teams rank in terms of PP percentage - WCHA teams are highlighted:
1 Cornell 27.62
2 Mercyhurst 25.44
3 Dartmouth 24.35
4 Wisconsin 23.97
5 Minnesota 21.49
6 Holy Cross 21.43
7 Quinnipiac 20.90
8 Boston University 20.33
9 Boston College 19.44
10 Minnesota-Duluth 18.55
11 Ohio State 17.97
12 Maine 17.39
13 North Dakota 16.77
14 Colgate 16.43
15 Wayne State 15.71
16 Harvard 15.29
17 Syracuse 14.49
18 Bemidji State 14.41
19 Providence 14.18
20 Robert Morris 13.64
21 Brown 13.51
22 St. Lawrence 13.51
23 Northeastern 13.00
24 Rensselaer 12.71
25 Princeton 12.62
26 Connecticut 12.50
27 Sacred Heart 11.90
28 New Hampshire 10.10
29 Clarkson 10.09
30 Vermont 9.72
31 Niagara 9.40
32 Yale 9.18
33 Minnesota State 8.89
34 Union 6.60
35 St. Cloud State 5.93
I can't believe I forgot about Minny and UMD
. Of course I'll give them the credit they deserve.
brookyone
Deport Right Wing Nuts
Re: WCHA Thread III
http://www.wcha.com/women/presarch/201102/feb9wpw.php
Also, a couple articles Badger fans may be interested in at the WCHA women's page.
http://www.wcha.com/women/presarch/201102/feb9wpw.php
Also, a couple articles Badger fans may be interested in at the WCHA women's page.
Re: WCHA Thread III
At least on Saturday, match-ups against the Lams either didn't matter, or were a plus for OSU. The Lam assists came on the PP as a result of competent but not spectacular passing. Matching lines, or lack thereof, had nothing to do with those assists.
Also, note that matching lines can come at a cost. At the very least, it can disrupt what you're trying to accomplish offensively. It's a complicated choice, one I'm glad the coaches are making and not me.
To answer the specific question, 2 of the 4 shorties fit your description. That's 2 for the season.
Your interest is appreciated, and the topics are fair game. But overall, the criticisms you imply are a little off the mark.
Well, yah sure. With a couple of bounces UND could have won more comfortably. And with a couple of bounces OSU could have won either or both games.
At least on Saturday, match-ups against the Lams either didn't matter, or were a plus for OSU. The Lam assists came on the PP as a result of competent but not spectacular passing. Matching lines, or lack thereof, had nothing to do with those assists.
Also, note that matching lines can come at a cost. At the very least, it can disrupt what you're trying to accomplish offensively. It's a complicated choice, one I'm glad the coaches are making and not me.
A wee bit inconsistent here, don't you think? Do you want us to add size down low or not?
For the year, the Buckeyes have given up 4 shorthanded goals, and scored 3 shorties themselves. Obviously you'd prefer not have any shorties against. But I don't think these numbers constitute some sort of epidemic.
To answer the specific question, 2 of the 4 shorties fit your description. That's 2 for the season.
Your interest is appreciated, and the topics are fair game. But overall, the criticisms you imply are a little off the mark.
Re: WCHA Thread III
Didn't mean to offend. I love Spooner and felt she got worn down killing penalties at D. She's not a Defenseman is she? #6 and #14 are good size defensemen that could kill penalties was my point. As far as size it just seemed like OSU had trouble marking up out front in the 2 games. For the record I feel OSU could be a top 1 or 2 team with a few tweaks. Just like ND is a top team with 2 new tweaks. And mark this down I think OSU will finish in the top 2 or 3 next year. It's hard for top players to consistently play 40 minutes in a game. You'd think the coaches could find at least 2 Defensemen to kill penalties in front of the net.
You'd also think a team would want to keep their dominant player as fresh as possible?? Might score a even more goals???
Just trying to help. I would much rather see OSU at the top of the heap.
Didn't mean to offend. I love Spooner and felt she got worn down killing penalties at D. She's not a Defenseman is she? #6 and #14 are good size defensemen that could kill penalties was my point. As far as size it just seemed like OSU had trouble marking up out front in the 2 games. For the record I feel OSU could be a top 1 or 2 team with a few tweaks. Just like ND is a top team with 2 new tweaks. And mark this down I think OSU will finish in the top 2 or 3 next year. It's hard for top players to consistently play 40 minutes in a game. You'd think the coaches could find at least 2 Defensemen to kill penalties in front of the net.
You'd also think a team would want to keep their dominant player as fresh as possible?? Might score a even more goals???
Just trying to help. I would much rather see OSU at the top of the heap.
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Re: WCHA Thread III
Previously you posted:
But in the long run, I do foresee more parity in the league. When that occurs, any sort of rooting alliance pretty much slips away. I'd be glad to settle for mutual respect, and would hope that others around the league would feel the same way.
No offense taken. I was afraid you'd read my post that way; that's why I took a moment to describe your topics as fair game. Disagreement with the thrust of the previous posts? Yes. But offense, no.
Well, it's certainly food for thought. And yet suppose the coaches did give Natalie and select others a few extra minutes of rest, and the apparent result was a goal or two against. That strategy would be second guessed as well.
Previously you posted:
On this point, we are in complete agreement. Taking the puck and skating with it just a little, I'd go on to say that while there are multiple ways to defense top players, there usually isn't a single ideal way. You choose your strategy and take your chances. None of the alternatives come with a guarantee. Maybe that's why I'm objecting to the idea that coaching errors explain last weekend's results.
Appreciate the kind words, but we need a dose of reality here. The top three programs have had a stranglehold on the top spots, both in-conference and nationally. It does feel great when one of "the rest of us" has a breakthrough. If OSU can't have it, I'd allow that it would be really cool if UND or BSU won the 2011 Final Face-Off.
But in the long run, I do foresee more parity in the league. When that occurs, any sort of rooting alliance pretty much slips away. I'd be glad to settle for mutual respect, and would hope that others around the league would feel the same way.
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Re: WCHA Thread III
I'll drink to that. Thanks for giving me reason to keep coming back to the forum, PGB. At times I wonder why I bother. This is refreshing. Good luck to your Buckeyes this weekend. I'll be watching from the computer.
I'll drink to that. Thanks for giving me reason to keep coming back to the forum, PGB. At times I wonder why I bother. This is refreshing. Good luck to your Buckeyes this weekend. I'll be watching from the computer.
Re: WCHA Thread III
Regarding recruiting and The Ice Rink at OSU. I'm not sure bringing a recruit to watch a game at the Schott with a max of 300 fans for a women's game would have a greater effect than the same number at the tiny Ice Rink. IMO, there is much more excitement with that number of fans at a smaller venue. Women's hockey is just not a big deal at OSU. Although they do have a very small of very loyal fans; just not many.
Regarding questioning coaching strategy versus the Lams; I think it is a legitimate question when there is no strategy. At least if there was a designated checking line to play against the Lams, it would free up the Spooner and McIntosh lines to play against the #2 and #3 ND lines. There was no rhyme or reason of who was on the ice against the Lams. And they only figured in 6 of the 7 goals.
Regarding Spooner on pk; I think they put her on backend because she is the best on OSU at launching the puck out of zone.
Regarding OSU PP; it is mystifying that they plant the smallest player (Wild) in front of net and the biggest and strongest player (Spooner) on the periphery.
Regarding recruiting and The Ice Rink at OSU. I'm not sure bringing a recruit to watch a game at the Schott with a max of 300 fans for a women's game would have a greater effect than the same number at the tiny Ice Rink. IMO, there is much more excitement with that number of fans at a smaller venue. Women's hockey is just not a big deal at OSU. Although they do have a very small of very loyal fans; just not many.
Regarding questioning coaching strategy versus the Lams; I think it is a legitimate question when there is no strategy. At least if there was a designated checking line to play against the Lams, it would free up the Spooner and McIntosh lines to play against the #2 and #3 ND lines. There was no rhyme or reason of who was on the ice against the Lams. And they only figured in 6 of the 7 goals.
Regarding Spooner on pk; I think they put her on backend because she is the best on OSU at launching the puck out of zone.
Regarding OSU PP; it is mystifying that they plant the smallest player (Wild) in front of net and the biggest and strongest player (Spooner) on the periphery.
Re: WCHA Thread III
I'll just say I've watched games at the ND and SCSU rinks with less than 100 people in the stands and would much rather watch games there than at the OSU rink. I dissagree with you on not making a difference in recruiting as let's say you put a Ridder arena at OSU with that campus I think you get at least 2 more top recuits every year which to me would be HUGE.
I just want to add I'm not picking on OSU I'm a fan of all the WCHA teams and would love for continued dominance of the WCHA. Just want to see the ND, OSU, BSU, SCSU and MSU's jump to the top evey once and awhile. I just see ND and OSU the closest to getting it done.
Of course no offense to UMD, Minny and Wisconsin I just don't consider you underdogs and you'll always get your share at the top.
I'll just say I've watched games at the ND and SCSU rinks with less than 100 people in the stands and would much rather watch games there than at the OSU rink. I dissagree with you on not making a difference in recruiting as let's say you put a Ridder arena at OSU with that campus I think you get at least 2 more top recuits every year which to me would be HUGE.
I just want to add I'm not picking on OSU I'm a fan of all the WCHA teams and would love for continued dominance of the WCHA. Just want to see the ND, OSU, BSU, SCSU and MSU's jump to the top evey once and awhile. I just see ND and OSU the closest to getting it done.
Of course no offense to UMD, Minny and Wisconsin I just don't consider you underdogs and you'll always get your share at the top.
Re: WCHA Thread III
The Schottenstein Center in Columbus holds 17,000+ for hockey. The OSU men's hockey team doesn't come close to filling it up and I've heard they would prefer a smaller arena for themselves. The women playing in a 17,000 seat arena doesn't seem likely nor make much sense. It's a beautiful building and appropriate for the #1 BB team in the country, but it's too big for college hockey.
The Schottenstein Center in Columbus holds 17,000+ for hockey. The OSU men's hockey team doesn't come close to filling it up and I've heard they would prefer a smaller arena for themselves. The women playing in a 17,000 seat arena doesn't seem likely nor make much sense. It's a beautiful building and appropriate for the #1 BB team in the country, but it's too big for college hockey.
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JosephPSchmoe
I'll say it if you won't
Re: WCHA Thread III
Let's not get carried away. I'll wish them luck NEXT weekend, though. Mediocre luck this weekend against the Bulldogs.
Let's not get carried away. I'll wish them luck NEXT weekend, though. Mediocre luck this weekend against the Bulldogs.
Re: WCHA Thread III
1. The Schott is a multi-purpose facility, to say the least. I've seen quite a few concerts in there; perhaps my favorite being Paul McCartney's Back in the US Tour. Asking the Schott to block out 20+ prime dates for us when we don't even charge admission would be a pretty tough sell. There are lots of potential events vying for those dates.
2. There are some advantages to playing home games on the same sheet of ice you practice on. Even if the games were at the Schott, most or all of the practices would still be at the Ice Rink.
3. Reasonably full stands plus the Pep Band actually makes for a great atmosphere in the Ice Rink. We've achieved this in the past, and I look forward to the day when it becomes the norm, not just a special occasion. But accomplishing anything comparable at the Schott simply isn't doable at this point in time.
One little FYP. Otherwise, this answers WCHFan's question fairly well. A few points to add:
1. The Schott is a multi-purpose facility, to say the least. I've seen quite a few concerts in there; perhaps my favorite being Paul McCartney's Back in the US Tour. Asking the Schott to block out 20+ prime dates for us when we don't even charge admission would be a pretty tough sell. There are lots of potential events vying for those dates.
2. There are some advantages to playing home games on the same sheet of ice you practice on. Even if the games were at the Schott, most or all of the practices would still be at the Ice Rink.
3. Reasonably full stands plus the Pep Band actually makes for a great atmosphere in the Ice Rink. We've achieved this in the past, and I look forward to the day when it becomes the norm, not just a special occasion. But accomplishing anything comparable at the Schott simply isn't doable at this point in time.
Re: WCHA Thread III
I'm good with that formulation. To be a little more specific on your first point, I'd emphasize rooting for Women's WCHA teams whenever they take on non-conference opponents -- especially in the NCAA tournament.
Re: WCHA Thread III
IIRC, OSU tried playing the women's games at the Schott when the program was started and it just wasn't a good fit with free admission and only a few hundred fans in the stands, so they renovated the OSU Ice Rink and that has been the home of OSU women's hockey ever since. You all are sort of preaching to the choir regarding our hockey facilities. Myself and many others would like to see a hockey-only venue built for both the men's and women's programs that holds in the 7,000 - 9,000 range. I don't think we would want to go any smaller than that as the men would sell out a 7,000-seat arena easily if they start winning and I would hate to see hockey fans turned away for a big game against Michigan or Miami, or a playoff series. Actually, my dream scenario would be for us to have something like Minnesota where you have a 7,000 - 9,000-seater for men's hockey with an adjacent 3,000 - 4,000-seat arena for the women. For now, though, I tend to agree with Pgb that the old OSU Ice Rink provides our women with the best atmosphere they can have. I'm not sure playing in front of 200 - 300 fans in the Schott would make that big of a difference in recruiting. The question I have to ask myself about that is, "Would playing in the Schott suddenly get us any better players than we are getting presently?" My answer to that would be no, just my opinion. Now, if we built a new hockey-only facility, my answer to that question would probably be a resounding yes.
IIRC, OSU tried playing the women's games at the Schott when the program was started and it just wasn't a good fit with free admission and only a few hundred fans in the stands, so they renovated the OSU Ice Rink and that has been the home of OSU women's hockey ever since. You all are sort of preaching to the choir regarding our hockey facilities. Myself and many others would like to see a hockey-only venue built for both the men's and women's programs that holds in the 7,000 - 9,000 range. I don't think we would want to go any smaller than that as the men would sell out a 7,000-seat arena easily if they start winning and I would hate to see hockey fans turned away for a big game against Michigan or Miami, or a playoff series. Actually, my dream scenario would be for us to have something like Minnesota where you have a 7,000 - 9,000-seater for men's hockey with an adjacent 3,000 - 4,000-seat arena for the women. For now, though, I tend to agree with Pgb that the old OSU Ice Rink provides our women with the best atmosphere they can have. I'm not sure playing in front of 200 - 300 fans in the Schott would make that big of a difference in recruiting. The question I have to ask myself about that is, "Would playing in the Schott suddenly get us any better players than we are getting presently?" My answer to that would be no, just my opinion. Now, if we built a new hockey-only facility, my answer to that question would probably be a resounding yes.
Re: WCHA Thread III
Just a couple of additional thoughts, I really enjoy these discussions about recruiting, venues, and what the rest of us can do to close the gap with the big three (UMD, Wisconsin, Minnesota). I think Coach Barto has done a great job getting our program to this point and appreciate the great players she is bringing in and has brought here in past years. We had four kids in the Olympics with all four getting medals (Gold, Silver, two Bronze). That really made me proud to be a Buckeye. I do agree with WCHFan, I think we will be better next season with the players we have coming back. I'm not sure if we will crack the top three, but I believe we will be improved. Tough night tonight with the 5-2 loss to UMD. Maybe we can come back and get a split tomorrow. On a lighter note, I took my CTV Olympic DVD for Haley Irwin to sign. She didn't make the trip. I asked someone (I think it was one of the assistant coaches) if she was here. The coach said she wished Haley had been there. I walked away thinking to myself, "Actually coach, it's probably a good thing (for us) she wasn't here." Maybe Mr. Schmoe or one of the other UMD fans can fill us in on what happened to Haley. Hope she is going to be alright.
Just a couple of additional thoughts, I really enjoy these discussions about recruiting, venues, and what the rest of us can do to close the gap with the big three (UMD, Wisconsin, Minnesota). I think Coach Barto has done a great job getting our program to this point and appreciate the great players she is bringing in and has brought here in past years. We had four kids in the Olympics with all four getting medals (Gold, Silver, two Bronze). That really made me proud to be a Buckeye. I do agree with WCHFan, I think we will be better next season with the players we have coming back. I'm not sure if we will crack the top three, but I believe we will be improved. Tough night tonight with the 5-2 loss to UMD. Maybe we can come back and get a split tomorrow. On a lighter note, I took my CTV Olympic DVD for Haley Irwin to sign. She didn't make the trip. I asked someone (I think it was one of the assistant coaches) if she was here. The coach said she wished Haley had been there. I walked away thinking to myself, "Actually coach, it's probably a good thing (for us) she wasn't here." Maybe Mr. Schmoe or one of the other UMD fans can fill us in on what happened to Haley. Hope she is going to be alright.
Re: WCHA Thread III
Rather, it was a single exhibition game, I believe on a Football Saturday. A significant set of renovations on the Ice Rink were almost, but not quite, complete. Taking the brief delay and turning it into a good thing, the first occasion was scheduled for the big building.
A short while later, the first NCAA game was held at the Ice Rink. The point to remember is that the just completed renovations were specifically intended for the new Women's Varsity. And yes, we've been there ever since.
Close, but not exactly correct. The first ever Women's Varsity game was indeed held at the Schottenstein Center, but that was strictly a one Schott deal. It wasn't a failed experiment.
Rather, it was a single exhibition game, I believe on a Football Saturday. A significant set of renovations on the Ice Rink were almost, but not quite, complete. Taking the brief delay and turning it into a good thing, the first occasion was scheduled for the big building.
A short while later, the first NCAA game was held at the Ice Rink. The point to remember is that the just completed renovations were specifically intended for the new Women's Varsity. And yes, we've been there ever since.
Re: WCHA Thread III
Final From Friday, February 11th
Minnesota-Duluth 5
Ohio State 2
The Buckeyes began the game with great energy. They were slowed a bit by two penalties. But after two successful kills OSU opened the scoring.
Unfortunately for the home team, UMD tied the game late in the first, thus successfully weathering the storm. The Bulldogs took control of the game in the second period, scoring three goals in just over 5 minutes. At the end of the night, a pair of Bulldogs had two goals apiece; they top the list of stars.
These two UMD blueliners enjoyed similar success tonight. In their own end they were mobile and effective. On offense they spent the evening piling up assists with passing and shooting from the perimeter.
#3 Star: (Tie)Kim Theut, Ohio State and Ally Tarr, Ohio State
One bright for the Buckeyes came midway through the third period. Collecting the puck around her own blue line, the determined Theut dashed into the Bulldog zone. Her beautiful centering pass was perfectly timed for Tarr, who one-timed the puck into the lower right hand corner of the net.
#2 Star: Elin Holmlov, Minnesota-Duluth
A fine power forward, Holmlov had a Phil Esposito-type night in the slot. Elin opened and closed the Bulldog scoring, in both cases converting rebounds on shots from the point.
#1 Star: Laura Fridfinnson, Minnesota-Duluth
Fridfinnson is a very well rounded hockey player. Athletic yet skilled. Lanky yet silky smooth. Tough on defense and dangerous on offense. Her first goal came on the power play, the second came short-handed. Both goals came in the decisive second period.
The reference is going to date me again, but Laura reminds me a bit of James Patrick, who played D for the North Dakota Men and the New York Rangers. A well earned first star for #19.
Up Next Up: Saturday's Rematch with Minnesota-Duluth; Senior Night at the Ice Rink @ 4:07 PM
Final From Friday, February 11th
Minnesota-Duluth 5
Ohio State 2
The Buckeyes began the game with great energy. They were slowed a bit by two penalties. But after two successful kills OSU opened the scoring.
Unfortunately for the home team, UMD tied the game late in the first, thus successfully weathering the storm. The Bulldogs took control of the game in the second period, scoring three goals in just over 5 minutes. At the end of the night, a pair of Bulldogs had two goals apiece; they top the list of stars.
Three Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial and Just For Fun
Honorable Mention: Jocelyn Larocque, Minnesota-Duluth and Jessica Wong, Minnesota-DuluthThese two UMD blueliners enjoyed similar success tonight. In their own end they were mobile and effective. On offense they spent the evening piling up assists with passing and shooting from the perimeter.
#3 Star: (Tie)Kim Theut, Ohio State and Ally Tarr, Ohio State
One bright for the Buckeyes came midway through the third period. Collecting the puck around her own blue line, the determined Theut dashed into the Bulldog zone. Her beautiful centering pass was perfectly timed for Tarr, who one-timed the puck into the lower right hand corner of the net.
#2 Star: Elin Holmlov, Minnesota-Duluth
A fine power forward, Holmlov had a Phil Esposito-type night in the slot. Elin opened and closed the Bulldog scoring, in both cases converting rebounds on shots from the point.
#1 Star: Laura Fridfinnson, Minnesota-Duluth
Fridfinnson is a very well rounded hockey player. Athletic yet skilled. Lanky yet silky smooth. Tough on defense and dangerous on offense. Her first goal came on the power play, the second came short-handed. Both goals came in the decisive second period.
The reference is going to date me again, but Laura reminds me a bit of James Patrick, who played D for the North Dakota Men and the New York Rangers. A well earned first star for #19.
Up Next Up: Saturday's Rematch with Minnesota-Duluth; Senior Night at the Ice Rink @ 4:07 PM
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