Re: Union Hockey Offseason Thread - That was fun...
That was a very different situation. D'Amigo was already drafted and Toronto was desperate to sign any prospect with a pulse.. a very unfortunate situation for RPI (and equally unfortunate decision by D'Amigo) IMO. I suspect that Union's coaches asked Troy straight out if he had made a decision on this, since there would be no reason to actively recruit a goaltender otherwise and nobody is waiting in the wings to come early like Stevens did. Grosenick also places a high value on getting his education (he considered abandoning hockey to go to college before deciding to play juniors) so no reason to think that he didn't consider this carefully. Yes, anything could happen, but I think the chances are extremely slim an NHL team would make him an offer he couldn't refuse.
..which means I can blow out my votive candles and breathe a sigh of relief! This is great news and means that Union should have excellent defense & goaltending next season, which usually makes it easier to win games. However, there will definitely be challenges for the team to return to the same level as this season's team. Zajac and Welsh were a huge part of Union's offense and PP. Welsh in particular was that special forward that could take over a game with his physical presence and make big plays against ANYONE - something that Union has never had and is crucial in the postseason. The two of them were also key on faceoffs and penalty killing. There are many good forwards returning and a couple freshmen that should contribute, so the cupboard is not bare, but expectations and pressure on the team will be higher and U will consistently see A games from opponents.. still I can't wait for next season already!
..and in case anyone was wondering, I am planning to do my annual summary of next year's incoming freshmen soon. I was trying to decide if I should wait for the official announcement first, but last year that did not happen until fairly late in the summer so hope to roll it out in the next week or 2.
Originally posted by FlagDUDE08
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..which means I can blow out my votive candles and breathe a sigh of relief! This is great news and means that Union should have excellent defense & goaltending next season, which usually makes it easier to win games. However, there will definitely be challenges for the team to return to the same level as this season's team. Zajac and Welsh were a huge part of Union's offense and PP. Welsh in particular was that special forward that could take over a game with his physical presence and make big plays against ANYONE - something that Union has never had and is crucial in the postseason. The two of them were also key on faceoffs and penalty killing. There are many good forwards returning and a couple freshmen that should contribute, so the cupboard is not bare, but expectations and pressure on the team will be higher and U will consistently see A games from opponents.. still I can't wait for next season already!
..and in case anyone was wondering, I am planning to do my annual summary of next year's incoming freshmen soon. I was trying to decide if I should wait for the official announcement first, but last year that did not happen until fairly late in the summer so hope to roll it out in the next week or 2.
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