So, there’s that.
So, there’s that.
Only goalie I recall ever signing that early was Keith Kinkaid of Union. Normally if goalies sign, and it's a REALLY big "if" because it's so much more difficult to make it in the pros as a goalie and will likely spend a lot of time in the A (they usually do anyway), there's something drastic that happens with the team, like a coach leaving. And especially with the immaturity of composure that has been exposed in the past few games, he's going to be sticking around for at least one more year. It wouldn't surprise me if he signs post-junior year, but no earlier than that.
Particularly with goalies as there are far fewer spots available per team, it would seem like it would be extremely advantageous to sign with a franchise with the easiest path to ascension (combined with other factors such as contract and quality of franchise). Controlling that decision certainly points to a benefit of remaining four years.
I've been relating this stat for a while now, but it bears repeating...and I understand you can "play" with statistics, but this one is hard to get around and is emblematic of the issues we continue to face in MIH...entering this year the program had compiled a record of 1-32-3 against DI opponents that FINISH the year in the Pairwise Top 20. To me this is not an unfair method to measure success against the better teams in the country. The one win was against St. Cloud State in the first game of the 2014-15 season. So entering the year we were, sadly, non-winners in 35 straight games vs. such competition. IF the Pairwise stays as is we will now be 1-36-5 (note that Union is now #20 and WMU #21)...what this tells me is that DV is very solid at coaching teams with, at best, mediocre talent and getting the best out of the group. We are well coached defensively: good effort, good positioning generally, active sticks, shot blocking good. Our first instinct on the ice is to retreat, cutting down odd-man rushes. And I would guess that with the talent we currently have this conservative approach probably gives us the best chance to win. But look at last night...we could've had 2-3 breakaways during RPI's two PPs. We have ZERO short-handed goals this year and I've seen numerous chances to create some short-handed offense disappear. And I wonder if this philosophy has (and will) hurt our chances of recruiting top talent at the forward position. IMO Princeton can beat any time in the nation on given night (note the two 3-3 ties against St. Cloud this year). I remain hopeful, but skeptical, that the new arena will usher in a meaningful upgrade in recruiting. Over the past decade we've finished in the top 30 Pairwise (the midpoint of the 60 DI teams) only twice (courtesy of the Class of 2016). My frustration is turning into resignation. Again, coaching is one thing...fine...recruiting is another and on that score MIH merits no higher than a D+.
much better effort tonight, especially in light of Cosgrove and Austin absences...and, yes, credit to DV and coaching staff for personnel adjustments...
Congratulations to Colgate on a well-played series.
Good luck next weekend up in Potsdam.
And so, for the first time since 2008, we travel to Potsdam for a quarterfinal series since Clarkson. We certainly remember what happened in that playoff series.
Side note - men's basketball made it to the Patriot League Championship game this season, for the first time since ... 2008.
Hope history repeats itself on the hockey side of things!
Colgate '09
good luck to RPI going forward...your hockey history and fan support merit better than you've received in recent years (apparently the current administration is somewhat of a problem)...with a team that, like us, lacks scoring and had some injuries as well the effort was there...
I have to say congrats to the womens team for being a #3 seed in the NCAA tourney, and bringing the NCAA's to Class of 65 rink next Saturday against Northeastern. I know I'll be there.
It all starts with the goaltending.
Last night was an impressive game by Colgate. We dominated the first two periods, and I was getting worried that we were not winning after the first dominating as we did and having nothing to show for it. Got the goal in the second and felt confident in our position, being the better team, up a goal with the strength of the team (Point) doing his thing. We do not want to rely on him solely but he is the strength of the team and everyone knows it.
We have to keep the Clarkson players away from Point as he can be a bit hot headed, or if the refs allow it get in on Kielly (although normally the team going in second gets penalized. Hopefully a good series and if we can make it to Placid it would be highway robbery (considering all of our outlooks at the beginning of the season).
My thoughts exactly. I never felt totally comfortable during the game, after a 3-1 win (with ENG) and a 1-0 loss. Dartmouth appears to be in the same position as us this year (little offense, but winning goaltending). I got home last night and immediately booked my Clarkson ticket for Friday night and Saturday night. I enjoy Cheel, and have good friends up there. Should be a fun weekend, regardless of what happens on the ice. Go 'Gate!
Gotta echo Shabby's thoughts: Congrats to the skaters for taking it to RPI in Game 3 and moving on to Potsdam. As many have pointed (no pun) out, who would have thought we would be in this position back in September 2017? Taking the #6 spot and winning our first round is beyond many folk's imaginations.....(but we had the faith).
Also: Kudos to the women on making the NCAAs and hosting N'eastern this weekend - and they are over the 30-win mark, quite an astonishing achievement. And finally, how about the roundball team making the Patriot League Championship game? Matt Langel has some very talented players; the BB program is having a great season. Good for them.
COLGATE HOCKEY:"Great job Nick, Trevor, Tyler, Henry, Paul, Josh, Nick and Evan"
Not that it'll help this season but - from Owego, I've always taken Rt. 12 up from Binghamton through Norwich, then 12B in Sherburne. It avoids most of the worst hills/curves, and 12 is pretty well traveled so usually clearer than the other non-interstate roads.
Not a real doctor, nor do I play one on TV!
Clarkson 1990
Also, #3 in the USCHO, USA Today/USA Hockey Polls and the PWR. 'Gate swept Northeastern in Hammy in the Fall. They've only lost 1 game in the Class of '65 Arena this season. If 'Gate stays focussed, they should move on to the Frozen Four in the U. of Minnesota women's rink in Minneapolis next weekend. The opponent will be the winner of this weekend's Wisconsin-Minnesota game.
OFFICIAL BRACKET : https://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bra...ockey-women/nc
This game will really be an historic event and a symbol of the Class of 65's contribution to the re-branding of the womens program: https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/colg...round-t23.html
There's more to come. This program has turned irrevocably...the confluence of a great marketing/recruiting vision that anticipated the impact of the Class of '65 Arena, elite recruits drawn to the challenge/opportunity and the superb leadership by Greg Fargo's group. The pipeline is full and the story is only getting better.
Last edited by Raider Archivist; 03-06-2018 at 04:59 PM.
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