WCHA Thread III

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Haven't done that poorly they're 0-18 which means they probably missed out on the last 1-2 recruiting classes.

I'm talking about recruiting some quality Minnesota kids throughout the history of the program, from the pool you specified to begin with...those that don't / haven't played their college hockey at Minnesota. On that front, my opinion remains they haven't done that poorly. I'm not talking about their record in 2010-2011. I agree about suspect recruiting in some instances in recent years, but I'm still not convinced it's completely attributable to an inept staff and competition for those players from many other D-I programs isn't a factor. More simply stated, I just don't think it's true that SCSU could have their pick of players from the Minnesota high school talent pool that don't go to the Gophers. Don't think it's that easy for the staff. Don't think it would be for any coaching staff in place at St. Cloud. Could also be that some other issues the SCSU athletic dept. is facing aren't favorable to recruiting, as well.

It's just my opinion. Could be as suspect as some think SCSU recruiting is.

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread III

The recruiting for the past four years has been suspect, to say the least.

It really shows up at forward. I don't think they have anyone who would crack the top line on another team in the league, and not the second line either for several teams. And when you compare the forwards with those that Wisconsin has ... ouch. Some of their younger players have potential, so I'd expect that they'll have more scoring punch next year, given they won't graduate much. On the "half-empty" side, they'll lose Nixon, so they'll need either Friend or the G recruited to replace VanDenakker to adjust quickly.

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

A few recaps from Last nights games:

http://www.wcha.com/women/recaps11.php?wndkver1.j07

http://www.wcha.com/women/recaps11.php?wbmjstc1.j07

http://www.wcha.com/women/recaps11.php?wminmns1.j07

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

http://www.wcha.com/women/standings.php

Race is gettin' pretty interesting for those four teams trailing UW.

 

[rugrats]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Why is SCSU so bad?

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Why is SCSU so bad?

I've gathered that others looking at reasons for the Huskies struggles are pointing the finger at poor recruiting. I think they're likely correct in their belief it's a fairly significant factor in the Huskies inability to be competitive this season.

 

[D2D]

Re: WCHA Thread III

I've gathered that others looking at reasons for the Huskies struggles are pointing the finger at poor recruiting. I think they're likely correct in their belief it's a fairly significant factor in the Huskies inability to be competitive this season.

That and the fact that last year they graduated a large and very talented senior class which they haven't come close to replacing. I just looked at their website and last year four of their seniors (Hogan, Roberts, Pezon and Nelson) had 440 total career points. Their leading scorer so far this year has 7.

 

[rugrats]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Thanks for you insight... Yeah, losing seniors and be tough, but still... You figure a team would have a little depth. IMHO, no div 1 team (unless it's a brand new first year program) should go winless for such a stretch. I would have to lean toward bad recruiting.... along with a lack of heart and character.

I think recruiters tend to overlook the make up of the player... Of course you want players that can put up points, need your checking 3rd line players, and your energy line of freshmen. But if you do your research and dig deep enough you'll find that some players just don't mind losing. Looks like huskies have accepted this...coaches included.

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Thanks for you insight... Yeah, losing seniors and be tough, but still... You figure a team would have a little depth. IMHO, no div 1 team (unless it's a brand new first year program) should go winless for such a stretch. I would have to lean toward bad recruiting.... along with a lack of heart and character.

I think recruiters tend to overlook the make up of the player... Of course you want players that can put up points, need your checking 3rd line players, and your energy line of freshmen. But if you do your research and dig deep enough you'll find that some players just don't mind losing.

I've never met or known a player that didn't mind losing, myself. I don't know about any potential lack of heart or character among the players...but I'm a little skeptical that's an issue causal of the winless results so far this season. The losing has to be wearing on the team mentally though I'm sure.

Can't really figure Ohio State having just four wins either. Most teams in the WCHA are better than their 2009-2010 editions IMO. Probably not true for SCSU though.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Final From Saturday, January 8th
Wisconsin 5
Ohio State 3

Three Stars from the OSU Ice Rink is back. Apologies for the interruption in service.

Saturday's game saw a fine effort from both teams, and a heartbreaking loss for Ohio State. With under a minute to play in regulation time, the Buckeyes were applying heavy pressure 6 on 5. Kelly Wild received the puck in the high slot, and absolutely crushed her shot. The puck slammed off the crossbar. An inch lower, it's in the upper left hand corner and we're headed to OT. Instead, Meghan Duggan pounced on the rebound and fired a breakout pass to Hilary Knight. An instant later, Knight deposited the puck into the empty Buckeye net. Game over.

Three Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial and Just For Fun​

Honorable Mention: Jenna Kilpatrick, Ohio State; and Becky Allis, Ohio State
Wisconsin has a strong, deep line-up. To hang with the Badgers, everyone on your line chart needs to come to the rink ready to play. The Buckeyes did. I'll use the first Buckeye goal to symbolize the effort. Allis made the initial stop a Badger rush. Kilpatrick secured the puck, and quickly took off in the other direction on the counter. A fine feed, and the score was tied. Moments later, Jenna almost had a goal of her own.

#3 Star: Melissa Feste, Ohio State
Feste was on the receiving end of Kilpatrick's feed. But Melissa wasn't done. Early in the third period, she tied the game at three. At another juncture, I believe on the PK, she singlehandedly blocked a shot, gained possession, carried the puck the length of the ice and shot, forcing the Badger goalie to freeze the puck. That one didn't wind up in the back of the net, but it also symbolizes the fine effort the Buckeyes got from top to bottom.

#2 Star: Tie, Hilary Knight, Wisconsin and Brianna Decker, Wisconsin
The Badgers have a special first line, clearly one of college hockey's best. I chose to give top honors to one member of that unit, but am also compelled to recognize the other two.

Knight peppered the Buckeye net with 15 shots. Her pair of goals opened and closed the scoring. As per her reputation, Decker was fine playmaker, posting two assists. Both players won the majority of their face-offs, with Decker winning 19 draws. Both were +3 on the night. It was impossible to choose between the two; both get stars.

#1 Star: Meghan Duggan, Wisconsin
Duggan's numbers were comparable to her linemates. But as it happened, it was Meghan's night to make the clutch plays. On the third Badger goal, she dug out the puck in the slot, popping it into the air so Brittany Ammerman could bat it into the net. Duggan bagged the GWG at 12:09 of the third, and triggered the empty net clincher as described above. Congrats to a most deserving #1 Star.


Next Up: Road Trip to Minnesota State

 

[osualum86]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Pgb-ohio, Missed ya! I didn't make it to Friday's game because I caught a rotten cold this week and didn't want to infect everyone around me. Got some medicine at the drugstore, so Mrs 86 and I went to yesterday's game and were impressed with the effort considering we were without Mac, Spoon, and Annie Svedin. The girls played their hearts out. Wisconsin has a special team this season and it's easy to see why they have the record they do and are ranked #1. It was a pleasure to get to see them play in person, and also to know that we can compete with them. I would be remiss if I didn't say congratulations to Laura McIntosh and Natalie Spooner for winning gold at the MLP Cup! Annie Svedin got a silver medal as it was Sweden who was taking on Canada in the gold medal game. Can't wait to see the three of them back in Scarlet & Gray.

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread III

IMHO, no div 1 team (unless it's a brand new first year program) should go winless for such a stretch. I would have to lean toward bad recruiting.... along with a lack of heart and character.

They could have done what some other lower-tier teams do -- schedule a game with Sacred Heart so they can claim to have won a game. Personally, I'd say a tie with UMD is of more value. Not sure what the lack of heart and character conclusion is based upon. When I've seen them, they've tried hard and competed to the end, they've just come up short.

I'd guess that MSU is going through something similar of late. It can be hard to get things turned around when a team gets on a losing stretch, particularly when playing teams that are better.

 

[The Boomer]

Re: WCHA Thread III

From my conversations with some players and some parents, lack of effort/heart/character isn't the issue. Plain and simple, lack of top end talent--the inability to put the puck in the net--is the issue.

How in the world a 12 year D-I program has sunk to this level is beyond me. I love watching hockey--it is unfortunate that the "goodies" come from watching Mercyhurst, Wisconsin and Emily Erickson from Bemidji instead of the Cardinal and Black. Evidently just having a D-I women's hockey program is enough for the administration at SCSU.

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

From my conversations with some players and some parents, lack of effort/heart/character isn't the issue. Plain and simple, lack of top end talent--the inability to put the puck in the net--is the issue.

How in the world a 12 year D-I program has sunk to this level is beyond me. I love watching hockey--it is unfortunate that the "goodies" come from watching Mercyhurst, Wisconsin and Emily Erickson from Bemidji instead of the Cardinal and Black. Evidently just having a D-I women's hockey program is enough for the administration at SCSU.

Question for the diehard Husky fans. Can the current staff turn it around...or? I recall the previous head coach had little support (to put it politely as possible) when he left. Seems now like the previous staff did better on the recruiting front...regarding the Minnesota kids anyway. Just wondering where those that support the program stand on the current coaching staff situation.

Edit: Understood if Husky fans would rather not discuss coaching staff observations publicly.

 

[The Boomer]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Question for the diehard Husky fans. Can the current staff turn it around...or? I recall the previous head coach had little support (to put it politely as possible) when he left. Seems now like the previous staff did better on the recruiting front...regarding the Minnesota kids anyway. Just wondering where those that support the program stand on the current coaching staff situation.

I don't think so. Thus, the comment on the administration's lack of commitment to women's hockey. See, we have to have women's hockey to justify the D-I men's hockey program. Head coach Jeff Giesen seems like a nice enough guy. But the talent level of the current roster, the inability of any seniors/juniors to score goals and the lack of ability of freshmen/sophomores to score goals has to fall somewhere.

As a fan of all SCSU hockey, it is sad to see these young women go through a season as miserable as this. And the comments from some parents and players that this is "the learning process" and that in another year or two the Huskies will be vastly improved doesn't change my opinion that, no, it won't get much better.

The current 0-20-1 record can't do much for the recruiting trips, can it? And any fan of WCHA Women's Hockey could see this coming two years ago. Well, ALMOST any fan or administrator. It is *** embarrassing. . .

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

I don't think so. Thus, the comment on the administration's lack of commitment to women's hockey. See, we have to have women's hockey to justify the D-I men's hockey program. Head coach Jeff Giesen seems like a nice enough guy. But the talent level of the current roster, the inability of any seniors/juniors to score goals and the lack of ability of freshmen/sophomores to score goals has to fall somewhere.

Well I sincerely hope they can find a way to turn it around and get back to competing with the rest of the WCHA. Sooner rather than later...I hope they can find a way to add some talented kids to the roster from Minnesota, and elsewhere.

WCHFan is right in that, they should be doing better than they have been when it comes to recruiting in state...the last few years at least.

 

[WHKY blogger]

Re: WCHA Thread III

A Look at the standings now that each team is at 16 games....

<b>WCHA Women - 2010-2011 Standings</b></i></font></td><td><img src="/images/hockey.gif" border="0" height="27" width="27"></td></tr></tbody></table>

<pre><font color="#0000ff">                         Conference Only                    Overall
                    Pts  GP  W  L  T SW  Win%  GF- GA   GP  Record  Win%  GF- GA</font>
 1 Wisconsin         42  16 14- 2- 0  0  .875  75- 34   22 20- 2- 0 .909 116- 42
 2 Minnesota Duluth  31  16 10- 5- 1  0  .656  56- 27   18 12- 5- 1 .694  68- 27
 3 Minnesota         30  16 10- 6- 0  0  .625  53- 32   21 15- 6- 0 .714  69- 34
 4 Bemidji State     29  16  8- 5- 3  2  .594  29- 31   20 10- 7- 3 .575  39- 42
 5 North Dakota      26  16  8- 6- 2  0  .562  47- 43   20 10- 7- 3 .575  61- 57
 6 Minnesota State   16  16  5-10- 1  0  .344  32- 55   22  6-13- 3 .341  38- 68
   Ohio State        16  16  4-10- 2  2  .312  41- 59   22 10-10- 2 .500  67- 68
 8 St. Cloud State    2  16  0-15- 1  1  .031  16- 68   21  0-20- 1 .024  20- 96
</pre>

Badgers 11 point lead in the standings should be all the breathing room they need to close out the regular season title. As a fall back they could considerably lose 3 of their four remaining games to Minnesota and UMD and still hold onto the top spot. Hope I don't jinx them now but given what has occurred the past few years its a heck of an advantage to hold right now.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Let's not forget that the Women's WCHA is always an excellent league, and will be especially strong in seasons following an Olympic year. If you take one step backwards, you'll likely find yourself three steps behind before you know what hit you.

If scoring is the issue, St. Cloud may not be that far away. Look what a couple of "key transfers" did for North Dakota's offensive output, to say nothing of their won-lost record.

Goalies: Just thank goodness they aren't the Lam Triplets...

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

http://www.wcha.com/women/presarch/201101/jan11wcw.php

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread III

The latest WCHA POTW recognitions:

http://www.wcha.com/women/presarch/201101/jan12wpw.php