Isn't anyone going to start a NESCAC 2017-2018 thread?

[joecct]

There is no unannounced plan by Middlebury to de-emphasize sports in general or men's hockey specifically. Panther teams are always competitive at the top of the NESCAC in (almost) all sports. They have some of the best coaches, and best facilities in all of D3, and they are not interested in fielding basement-dwelling teams in any sport. The school is well aware (and reminded often) that the men's hockey program is not performing at an acceptable level.

This reads like a PR release from the school.

[NU Pastime]

Re: Isn't anyone going to start a NESCAC 2017-2018 thread?

After listening to the Norwich broadcast last night, it sounds like coaching is a serious problem. The broadcasters, especially Cory (I forget his last name) the color commentator, consistently noted how Middlebury has some really talented players on their team but they just don't know how to play together and how to help each other out.

As evidence of this, they cited the statistic that Middlebury is (now) 1-42 on the powerplay. That is not a typo. The Panthers are 2.3% on the powerplay. That is so bad it's impressive.

[pete99race]

Re: Isn't anyone going to start a NESCAC 2017-2018 thread?

After listening to the Norwich broadcast last night, it sounds like coaching is a serious problem. The broadcasters, especially Cory (I forget his last name) the color commentator, consistently noted how Middlebury has some really talented players on their team but they just don't know how to play together and how to help each other out.

As evidence of this, they cited the statistic that Middlebury is (now) 1-42 on the powerplay. That is not a typo. The Panthers are 2.3% on the powerplay. That is so bad it's impressive.

Leadership issue on the team?

[minnesotan in vermont]

Re: Isn't anyone going to start a NESCAC 2017-2018 thread?

Colby's long slide, losing five of their last six games, started with a 5-3 loss at UNE just after semester break, and is hopefully end-capped by the 5-1 drubbing they suffered at home at the hands of the same team, last night. Up until last season, the Nor' Easters had never beaten the Mules. Now they have taken them three in a row. We've got to stop scheduling these guys! I've touted this team before and will continue to keep an eye on them. They are big, fast, young and rough. They are averaging close to 20 mins per game in penalties, but easily cover the lost time with creative play in the offensive zone. They have an uncanny knack for finding the open man. And they are mostly first-years and sophomores. In case you haven't noticed, the CCC is now the toughest league in the East, with Endicott with 12 D-I transfers having lost only once, and an emergent Salve Regina, and now UNE making its move, defeating Geneseo and Norwich on consecutive nights.

Colby has given up five goals in three consecutive games. At the start of the season, the one concern I did not have was goaltending. They badly need to get back on track with NESCAC home games this weekend against Midd and Williams.

A game against Middlebury certainly sounds like the cure for what ails the Mules. Williams should provide a stiffer challenge but a better stick for measuring the extent of their recovery on Saturday

[OhioMule]

Re: Isn't anyone going to start a NESCAC 2017-2018 thread?

A game against Middlebury certainly sounds like the cure for what ails the Mules. Williams should provide a stiffer challenge but a better stick for measuring the extent of their recovery on Saturday

Or just what Middlebury needs...

[Felonious]

Middlebury slide continues ...

Panthers right on schedule for a 20-loss season. Problem? No! Actually an accomplishment! Extremely difficult to so quickly become consistently bad at a level where every team has basically the same range and types of players. Unreal!

The announcers for the Norwich game last night --- much better and knowledgeable than the garden-variety commentary you get on these games --- were very direct in laying the blame right at the feet of the current Middlebury coach.

They observed that Middlebury has many strong players (skating, skill level, speed, size, etc.) and could not understand how poorly they work together, move the puck and flow as a team. Sure, they make the same mistake many observers do --- confusing physical ability with hockey IQ --- but that is for another day …. And why it is so important, and a huge differentiator, to have good coaching at this level.

Late in the game, they called out the Panther coach for conveying a profile of “giving up” and observed that this attitude flows to the team. Agree!

Players respond to leadership. Without it --- you consistently lose.

Again --- I watch these games. Every team has the same type of players. There is general parity across all rosters. Sure, a team here and there has a better group on a given year, but no team --- especially a team with Middlebury’s cache --- should be losing at such a consistent rate. Coaching is absolutely the problem.

Blaming the admissions department is a joke. Middlebury has players of equal talent to their competition. They just are not coached. Not at all.

Announcers last night were “shocked” at how inept the Middlebury power play operates. They are now something like 1 for 43. A shockingly dismal ~2% efficiency rate. Unreal! Another accomplishment? Yes, it is really hard to be this bad.

No puck movement, bad angle slap shots off shin guards, five guys standing on the perimeter, same cast of characters paraded out for every opportunity. What do they do at practice? Does anyone focus on this? Film work? New group? Anything …

Oh well, coach will remind the remaining faithful that “we worked hard”, “went toe-to-toe with a top ranked team”, “outshot this one or that one” (big deal), “we are improving”, “we have a fine group of student athletes”, and on and on … Complete nonsense!

Beaney would have someone by the throat …. He never spinned moral victories …. Never!

They keep score for a reason.

Fire the coach or the AD for hiring him … or both …. Or … melt the ice and turn the building into a sanctuary student center preaching diversity and inclusiveness and downplay competition and keeping score. Teach effort over results, and have weekend kumbaya sing alongs …. More people would attend --- count on it!

Last point(for now) --- at the end of the game last night --- 5 seconds remaining in a 5-1 game --- a Norwich player completely leveled a Middlebury player --- who was upright in no-mans-land, 2 feet off the boards with his head down in the corner--- with a 5 step cheap shot. What was Middlebury response? Nothing, absolutely nothing! The coach stood on the bench with his arms folded, the players on the bench stared at their skates, and the guys on the ice (including the Captain) did NOTHING! They stood still and lined up for a face-off, no response …. Unreal!

What should have happened (on a real hockey team with passion, heart and pride)? It’s obvious! The coach should have gone berserk and showed some passion … calling out the refs and the other teams coach … players on the ice should have gotten themselves thrown out of the game for going absolutely crazy in defending their teammate … the bench should have flew over the boards like they were shot out of a canon --- the state militia and national guard should have been called to get the Middlebury players off the ice …. Something, anything! We get nothing … a few frowns, handshakes, kind words, coaches and players milling around after the game sharing stories from the past …. The Middlebury Captain all smiles hugging people on Norwich …

Pathetic! Really Pathetic!

Beaney would have lost his mind … He also would have lost his voice screaming on the bus ride (if he still had a voice when he got to the bus) all the way back to the sanctuary campus!

That’s if he let them on the bus ….

Fire someone --- please!

[neumyer]

Re: Middlebury slide continues ...

Panthers right on schedule for a 20-loss season. Problem? No! Actually an accomplishment! Extremely difficult to so quickly become consistently bad at a level where every team has basically the same range and types of players. Unreal!

The announcers for the Norwich game last night --- much better and knowledgeable than the garden-variety commentary you get on these games --- were very direct in laying the blame right at the feet of the current Middlebury coach.

They observed that Middlebury has many strong players (skating, skill level, speed, size, etc.) and could not understand how poorly they work together, move the puck and flow as a team. Sure, they make the same mistake many observers do --- confusing physical ability with hockey IQ --- but that is for another day …. And why it is so important, and a huge differentiator, to have good coaching at this level.

Late in the game, they called out the Panther coach for conveying a profile of “giving up” and observed that this attitude flows to the team. Agree!

Players respond to leadership. Without it --- you consistently lose.

Again --- I watch these games. Every team has the same type of players. There is general parity across all rosters. Sure, a team here and there has a better group on a given year, but no team --- especially a team with Middlebury’s cache --- should be losing at such a consistent rate. Coaching is absolutely the problem.

Blaming the admissions department is a joke. Middlebury has players of equal talent to their competition. They just are not coached. Not at all.

Announcers last night were “shocked” at how inept the Middlebury power play operates. They are now something like 1 for 43. A shockingly dismal ~2% efficiency rate. Unreal! Another accomplishment? Yes, it is really hard to be this bad.

No puck movement, bad angle slap shots off shin guards, five guys standing on the perimeter, same cast of characters paraded out for every opportunity. What do they do at practice? Does anyone focus on this? Film work? New group? Anything …

Oh well, coach will remind the remaining faithful that “we worked hard”, “went toe-to-toe with a top ranked team”, “outshot this one or that one” (big deal), “we are improving”, “we have a fine group of student athletes”, and on and on … Complete nonsense!

Beaney would have someone by the throat …. He never spinned moral victories …. Never!

They keep score for a reason.

Fire the coach or the AD for hiring him … or both …. Or … melt the ice and turn the building into a sanctuary student center preaching diversity and inclusiveness and downplay competition and keeping score. Teach effort over results, and have weekend kumbaya sing alongs …. More people would attend --- count on it!

Last point(for now) --- at the end of the game last night --- 5 seconds remaining in a 5-1 game --- a Norwich player completely leveled a Middlebury player --- who was upright in no-mans-land, 2 feet off the boards with his head down in the corner--- with a 5 step cheap shot. What was Middlebury response? Nothing, absolutely nothing! The coach stood on the bench with his arms folded, the players on the bench stared at their skates, and the guys on the ice (including the Captain) did NOTHING! They stood still and lined up for a face-off, no response …. Unreal!

What should have happened (on a real hockey team with passion, heart and pride)? It’s obvious! The coach should have gone berserk and showed some passion … calling out the refs and the other teams coach … players on the ice should have gotten themselves thrown out of the game for going absolutely crazy in defending their teammate … the bench should have flew over the boards like they were shot out of a canon --- the state militia and national guard should have been called to get the Middlebury players off the ice …. Something, anything! We get nothing … a few frowns, handshakes, kind words, coaches and players milling around after the game sharing stories from the past …. The Middlebury Captain all smiles hugging people on Norwich …

Pathetic! Really Pathetic!

Beaney would have lost his mind … He also would have lost his voice screaming on the bus ride (if he still had a voice when he got to the bus) all the way back to the sanctuary campus!

That’s if he let them on the bus ….

Fire someone --- please!

What happened after the cheap shot by Evangelista with 5 seconds to go? There must have been some response, perhaps off video when time expired, because Middlebury got a 2 minute Unsportsmanlike Conduct bench penalty at 20:00. Can anyone describe what happened?

[NorthernBlight]

Re: Isn't anyone going to start a NESCAC 2017-2018 thread?

People can come up all the theories they want as far as administrative priorities, student body makeup and whatever else they want to conjure up but none of that changes the fact Middlebury has great facilities, is a great school, and has a bunch of other sports teams that remain very successful. So what is the difference between those and the embarrassment they are parading out as a team at this point? There's only one main one, and its that when the head coach job opened the school made the laziest hire possible and not only hired a guy who has never done a single thing to prove he can win anything useful but actually had a marvelous track record of nothing but failure. An incompetent and lazy coach capable of giving a master class in being a failure, that's the difference between hockey and many other Middlebury teams. As long as the school elects to keep him around Kenyon Arena will remain one of Division 3s finest factories of sadness. Sad!

[OhioMule]

Re: Middlebury slide continues ...

What happened after the cheap shot by Evangelista with 5 seconds to go? There must have been some response, perhaps off video when time expired, because Middlebury got a 2 minute Unsportsmanlike Conduct bench penalty at 20:00. Can anyone describe what happened?

Are you making the drive up to Waterville Friday night?

[NU Pastime]

Re: Isn't anyone going to start a NESCAC 2017-2018 thread?

Felonious (welcome) and NB, tell us how you really feel. Wow, harsh words. Not saying they're not true. I appreciate the honesty and passion.

[neumyer]

Re: Middlebury slide continues ...

Are you making the drive up to Waterville Friday night?

I am planning to.

[puckyderm]

Re: Middlebury slide continues ...

Did anyone notice that the Jumbo started to show signs of life last week with two wins and a tie (last 2 minute goal by Endicott) last week? Maybe their 12 freshman, 9 sophomore team is finally starting to "get it". Nik Nunges finally playing up last year's standard has not hurt, either.

[elbojpb]

Re: Isn't anyone going to start a NESCAC 2017-2018 thread?

There is no unannounced plan by Middlebury to de-emphasize sports in general or men's hockey specifically. Panther teams are always competitive at the top of the NESCAC in (almost) all sports. They have some of the best coaches, and best facilities in all of D3, and they are not interested in fielding basement-dwelling teams in any sport. The school is well aware (and reminded often) that the men's hockey program is not performing at an acceptable level.

The NESCAC's overall OOC record from 05-06 to 13-14 was 0.571, with some seasons being over 0.600. This season, the NESCAC is at 0.482. Removing the 8 wins and 0 losses against the irrelevant NE10, and the overall winning record is 0.400.

Perhaps it's not just a M'bury issue, but an overall de-emphasis of ice hockey by the D4 contingent!? Not saying that M'bury won't compete and be very successful in the NESCAC, but the OOC numbers are pretty stark.

[NU Pastime]

The NESCAC's overall OOC record from 05-06 to 13-14 was 0.571, with some seasons being over 0.600. This season, the NESCAC is at 0.482. Removing the 8 wins and 0 losses against the irrelevant NE10, and the overall winning record is 0.400.

Perhaps it's not just a M'bury issue, but an overall de-emphasis of ice hockey by the D4 contingent!? Not saying that M'bury won't compete and be very successful in the NESCAC, but the OOC numbers are pretty stark.

Last year the NESCAC was one of the best, if not the best, league. Trinity, Hamilton, Williams, and Amherst all out put together great seasons. I don't think Middelbury's decline can be attributed to the whole league, especially when Trinity played for a National Championship just last year. Leagues have down years, especially after great ones like last year.

[minnesotan in vermont]

Re: Isn't anyone going to start a NESCAC 2017-2018 thread?

People can come up all the theories they want as far as administrative priorities, student body makeup and whatever else they want to conjure up but none of that changes the fact Middlebury has great facilities, is a great school, and has a bunch of other sports teams that remain very successful. So what is the difference between those and the embarrassment they are parading out as a team at this point? There's only one main one, and its that when the head coach job opened the school made the laziest hire possible and not only hired a guy who has never done a single thing to prove he can win anything useful but actually had a marvelous track record of nothing but failure. An incompetent and lazy coach capable of giving a master class in being a failure, that's the difference between hockey and many other Middlebury teams. As long as the school elects to keep him around Kenyon Arena will remain one of Division 3s finest factories of sadness. Sad!

Okay, so they were lazy to hire Sinclair in the first place. But how long can they allow him to spew platitudes about "trusting the process" and "giving it your all" and "toughest schedule in d3" (especially when your pathetic record at Middlebury contributes another 20 wins to that statistic)? Surely 10 lousy years at Skidmore and three successive failed seasons at Middlebury should be enough to convince anyone of a bleak hockey future for the Panthers as long as Sinclair remains at the helm. They have some good but uncoached players right now, but how will they convince anyone to play there in the years to come when all they can hope for is four years of losing and frustration?