With the WCHA down to one team currently competing, I thought the time would be right to try and do some simple analysis of what fans can expect for next season.
(updated as of 3/27/2012):
Minnesota: This is the one team that truly worries me for next season. In the world of finances, anyone with the least bit of aptitude will tell you to diversify. In the sports sense, this is a very good buzzword that can be applied or thrown in the trash can for later un-crumbling. In Minnesota's case, they will have some problems.
1.) Kent Patterson played all but 20 minutes in net for 2011-12! Shibrowski is his talent placed natural back up. Shibby has seen 2 games for Colorado College and 2o minutes for Minnesota. Coming off of this season (as of this blog, a frozen four appearance), Shibby will have the ultimate pressure upon himself. Lucia is known for doing things well when he does them right. He's also known for royally screwing things up when he's wrong. This one depends on how many of the guys in front of Shibby defect for the pro's before he get's the chance to make the pipes shine.
Denver: When it rains, it pours. As goes the CC saying, "Zucker will make Denver a sucker". That he did. Count his partner, Drew Shore and there is a serious problem in the mile high city. All is not quiet on the western front. Coach Gwozdecky has the fit to take care of. Although Zucker and Shore were not sole leaders for the Pioneers, they represent huge chunks of performance. I fully expect the weight to be felt upon Sam Brittain's shoulders. Should be a good season for the guy.
Colorado College: This is where the spectrum starts to turn from epic fail to just fail. CC lost Jaden Schwartz to early defection. Take him out of this season's equation and the bitter taste left in the tiger fans mouth seems to be better understood. Net minding issues came at a bad time for these tigers. Thorimbert should provide a better foundation coming into the year. With Harstad and Stoykewich now defensive leaders, this team should have something to build on.
Minnesota-Duluth: With the Connolly duo officially out of duck town, it's time to start thinking about the future. Offense looks good, defense looks good. Goaltending might be an issue. Duluth probably won't hold true to the form they held the past two seasons but they should have a decent year. The goalie situation is the only place that I can find discomfort. Reiter, like his counterpart south of Duluth, will leave a wide open gap in net. Only time will tell if this squad can handle the load.
Wisconsin: Justin Shultz is the key. He didn't leave the Badgers after they lost a key game to Denver. He could have suited up for Anaheim the next night in Denver. Instead he flew back to Madison to complete his classes. This tells me one thing: at some point, Shultz wants his degree. The more he stays on campus, the more of a lasting impression bucky will make on the junior defencemen. This could be key for him returning. On the flip side, Shultz could be biding his time for NHL free agency to open. Because Schultz spent a year in juniors and was drafted there, Anaheim loses his rights after the draft. Schultz could bolt for another team.
Basically the Badgers are not set up for a drastic run. Goaltending is murky, and without Schultz the defense is left in shambles. The only high note is center Mark Zengerle. I wouldn't put a nickel on the Badgers doing any better than 5th in the WCHA next year.
North Dakota: Losing only two players to graduation is not bad. Getting Grimaldi back for the season will be great. Dell should be able to shine. UND should carry a heavy load next season and are my bold prediction for WCHA champs.
I will complete the other teams in the next part of this blog.
To be continued......
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Looking forward: National Championship predictions for 2013
Now that the Tigers, Badgers, Seawolves, both Mavericks and Bemidji have been eliminated from the national championship hunt I thought it would be fitting to see which one if any of these teams present a possible run towards the National Championship in 2013.
Colorado College: Cold fact: Jaden is gone. I believe that most of the tiger fans have already put this behind them and are ready to support the Tigers no matter what. CC, as I wrote in earlier blog, looks to have a solid defensive unit next season. The offense may struggle but will ultimately pull together as a team. As long as Josh stay's healthy, he'll be the starter for the season in net. Looking at what I see now, this team has a good probability to make the tourney next year based on the sole idea of stability. Many underclassmen got substantial time this year and that will boost the tigers all around.
Prediction: 1st round NCAA tourney losers
Wisconsin: The Badgers were a surprise exit team. They came on strong at the end of the year and gave Denver a run for their money. Ultimately, the lack of experience was too much to overcome. Most of this stems from last season's mass exodus of players to the NHL. After losing in Colorado Springs during the 1st round of the WCHA playoffs, many Badgers took a walk. One prominent player stayed: Justin Shultz. Currently he's ranked as the 10th best defensive prospect on this team. Justin is also the big question mark in next season's game. Will he or won't he stay? If he does, this team is going to be chalk full of great players at the defensive position. If not, they will still be looking good.
The problem that the Badgers will have is in goal. Joel Rumpel is a solid puck reader, but didn't play at his top level this year. Much of that has to do with Wisconsin not having a solid net minder for Rumpel to learn from. He had to go on the ropes and learn the hard way. It didn't turn out so well. Hopefully some off season adjustments can make his game turn for the better.
I have watched a couple of Wisky games and from what I have seen, nothing provokes me to say that this team will rebound any better next season.
I would watch for the Badgers in the Final Five, but wouldn't bet any higher than that.
Alaska-Anchorage: Recruiting has been a problem in recent years. Alaska is not a well rounded team and that number was on display this year. They won just over 5 games in total. They will be spending the off season finding the bottom feeders from high school and the ushl. If they plan on rebuilding, nothing will show in their best interest this coming season.
UNO: I just don't see this team as a stable one. They are on and off. The Mavs need to get their team in order before they start playing rather than trying to put a hodge podge game together.
Mankato- Minnesota State is the forgotten team in Minnesota. They lack talent and depth and rarely put on a good show. Austin Lee is their best player and he's the goalie. Since he will be gone next year, the mavs will likely be looking for someone to fill his shoes and fast. I don't expect Mankato to do anything in next year. Their best bet will be in the new look WCHA.
Bemidji- Dan Bakala will be gone. Although the new freshman goalie looks good, Tom Serratore will have his hands full. I believe a good USHL recruiting class will have this team ready for the new look WCHA as well. Nothing prominent will get this team any further than they performed this season.
Current Contenders:
Minnesota: This is the team that I predict will bomb. It's one thing to play a goalie for MOST of the season. It's another thing to play the goalie in EVERY game during the season. Kent Patterson will be gone and the job will rest on the shoulders of Mike Shibrowski. Not a good combo considering his last college start was two years ago while a CC tiger. I really don't know how to sugar coat this situation. If Lucia doesn't win it all this year, I'd be pissed if I was a gopher fan. Nothing good will come next season.
North Dakota: T.A.L.E.N.T. That's the other way to spell UND. Grimaldi will be back and this team should rock the WCHA for the final year. I expect UND to lead next year's charge.
Minnesota-Duluth: Jack Connolly will be gone but this team will still be explosive. I really doubt much will change in Northern Minnesota.
St. Cloud State: These guys will likely sink with the loss of Mike Lee. It's unfortunate, but true.
Mich Tech: This is the team to watch out for. Mel Pearson knows what he is doing. Expect this husky team to kick some major ass next season.
Denver: Some players will stay, some will go. With two excellent goalies returning, this team is stacked like the empire state building. Don't expect Denver to back down....AT ALL.
Colorado College: Cold fact: Jaden is gone. I believe that most of the tiger fans have already put this behind them and are ready to support the Tigers no matter what. CC, as I wrote in earlier blog, looks to have a solid defensive unit next season. The offense may struggle but will ultimately pull together as a team. As long as Josh stay's healthy, he'll be the starter for the season in net. Looking at what I see now, this team has a good probability to make the tourney next year based on the sole idea of stability. Many underclassmen got substantial time this year and that will boost the tigers all around.
Prediction: 1st round NCAA tourney losers
Wisconsin: The Badgers were a surprise exit team. They came on strong at the end of the year and gave Denver a run for their money. Ultimately, the lack of experience was too much to overcome. Most of this stems from last season's mass exodus of players to the NHL. After losing in Colorado Springs during the 1st round of the WCHA playoffs, many Badgers took a walk. One prominent player stayed: Justin Shultz. Currently he's ranked as the 10th best defensive prospect on this team. Justin is also the big question mark in next season's game. Will he or won't he stay? If he does, this team is going to be chalk full of great players at the defensive position. If not, they will still be looking good.
The problem that the Badgers will have is in goal. Joel Rumpel is a solid puck reader, but didn't play at his top level this year. Much of that has to do with Wisconsin not having a solid net minder for Rumpel to learn from. He had to go on the ropes and learn the hard way. It didn't turn out so well. Hopefully some off season adjustments can make his game turn for the better.
I have watched a couple of Wisky games and from what I have seen, nothing provokes me to say that this team will rebound any better next season.
I would watch for the Badgers in the Final Five, but wouldn't bet any higher than that.
Alaska-Anchorage: Recruiting has been a problem in recent years. Alaska is not a well rounded team and that number was on display this year. They won just over 5 games in total. They will be spending the off season finding the bottom feeders from high school and the ushl. If they plan on rebuilding, nothing will show in their best interest this coming season.
UNO: I just don't see this team as a stable one. They are on and off. The Mavs need to get their team in order before they start playing rather than trying to put a hodge podge game together.
Mankato- Minnesota State is the forgotten team in Minnesota. They lack talent and depth and rarely put on a good show. Austin Lee is their best player and he's the goalie. Since he will be gone next year, the mavs will likely be looking for someone to fill his shoes and fast. I don't expect Mankato to do anything in next year. Their best bet will be in the new look WCHA.
Bemidji- Dan Bakala will be gone. Although the new freshman goalie looks good, Tom Serratore will have his hands full. I believe a good USHL recruiting class will have this team ready for the new look WCHA as well. Nothing prominent will get this team any further than they performed this season.
Current Contenders:
Minnesota: This is the team that I predict will bomb. It's one thing to play a goalie for MOST of the season. It's another thing to play the goalie in EVERY game during the season. Kent Patterson will be gone and the job will rest on the shoulders of Mike Shibrowski. Not a good combo considering his last college start was two years ago while a CC tiger. I really don't know how to sugar coat this situation. If Lucia doesn't win it all this year, I'd be pissed if I was a gopher fan. Nothing good will come next season.
North Dakota: T.A.L.E.N.T. That's the other way to spell UND. Grimaldi will be back and this team should rock the WCHA for the final year. I expect UND to lead next year's charge.
Minnesota-Duluth: Jack Connolly will be gone but this team will still be explosive. I really doubt much will change in Northern Minnesota.
St. Cloud State: These guys will likely sink with the loss of Mike Lee. It's unfortunate, but true.
Mich Tech: This is the team to watch out for. Mel Pearson knows what he is doing. Expect this husky team to kick some major ass next season.
Denver: Some players will stay, some will go. With two excellent goalies returning, this team is stacked like the empire state building. Don't expect Denver to back down....AT ALL.
Onward Tigers, Onward.
All season long I have been blogging away about the deficiencies of the Colorado College Tigers. This team in reality just wasn't that good for many reasons. Today, many of the players are in class studying hard knowing that they don't have practice.
Some are at the golf course. At least one is getting ready to skate for a pro team.
So with this season over, what is there to look forward to?
Well if you are a tiger fan, that's easy: stability. This season saw wholesale changes due to problems.
With the goalie situation taken care of, Josh Thorimbert could easily be a lock for a top 3 slot in next year's pre-season awards. The only net-minder currently playing at a higher caliber than Thorny is Denver's Sam Brittain.
The defense next season should rock. In years past, the person getting the C on their jersey from Defense was an alternate the year before. If I had to guess who next year's captain would be (assuming it will go to a defensive player) I would guess either Mcdermott or Marciano possibly Boivin.
Speaking of next season's defense, I don't think a single team in the WCHA will be able to handle the experienced defense of CC next season. Now that Guentzel is officially gone, someone will have to fill in the shoes one again on the defensive side. I believe Boivin, Marciano, McDermott among others will have the ability to do the job.
The offense is the only thing I find troublesome. For this blog's sake, I will assume that Rylan is returning until otherwise noted. Looking at past results, Rylan had good numbers as a freshman. He didn't do quite as much goal scoring but was the focal point among players just as Jaden has been the past two seasons.
What's different about these two situations is that during Rylan's first year, he fed Bill Sweatt. A fan favorite. Now, without a clear cut superstar on offense, Rylan will have to take on a much bigger role. I believe that by him staying for this year, his game will improve IMMENSELY! He will go from the goal scorer of the past two seasons back to the guy who has to make the difficult plays to help the tigers score. That will make him much more marketable with the NHL not to mention he'll have a college degree.
Although Rylan wouldn't have a Bill Sweatt type player to feed like he did his freshman year, he will have some weapons to use.
1.) Going forward this guy is my favorite offensive weapon: Alexander Krushelnyski. The guy is good and he is clutch. I fully expect the Krusher to be the captain of this team in 2013-2014. He's just that taleneted.
2.) Scott Winkler: Although Winks is drafted, I don't see him as the type of player that can complete a play all on his own. He, like Jaden was last year, is a feeder. He's not a natural sniper. Owen's will have his hands full of playmakers like winks but will lack the firepower they had this season.
3.) William Rapuzzi: Many people have given Rapuzzi a tough time this year. I spoke to him prior to the beginning of the season when he had surgery and one can only speculate that he is still a little tender in his elbow.
All in All: The offense will have a GIANT hole in it left by Jaden. That kind of talent comes around once every so often. I honestly do not believe that the tigers can overcome his loss on offense. When I watched him play, he would take the game on his shoulders and move the puck for the benefit of his team. The only player who can handle the load in a similar manner is his brother, Rylan. Even #13 will have trouble filling the shoes of Jaden.
The bad part is that this offense will lack natural snipers. As of right now I can name only one shoot first, pass later player: AK-16.
I believe that Krushelnyski will be the focal point of the Tigers next season. Well on offense anyways.
Hopefully all will be will with the goaltending situation and Josh will be on his game. I don't expect Joe to recover from this season in time to make a big difference. Owens loves goalies, so I also wouldn't expect Josh to play every game like Minnesota's Kent Patterson this season. If it were my guess: Joe would play no more than 10 games next season.
In total: The tigers should be in a good situation overall. The offense will be shaky, but they can build on each other knowing that they won't have to deal with their star player leaving for World Juniors.
However, with all of that said I do not believe the Tigers will have the depth to win the National Championship next season. They will be in rebuilding mode for what could be a monumental first year of the NCHC.
Some are at the golf course. At least one is getting ready to skate for a pro team.
So with this season over, what is there to look forward to?
Well if you are a tiger fan, that's easy: stability. This season saw wholesale changes due to problems.
With the goalie situation taken care of, Josh Thorimbert could easily be a lock for a top 3 slot in next year's pre-season awards. The only net-minder currently playing at a higher caliber than Thorny is Denver's Sam Brittain.
The defense next season should rock. In years past, the person getting the C on their jersey from Defense was an alternate the year before. If I had to guess who next year's captain would be (assuming it will go to a defensive player) I would guess either Mcdermott or Marciano possibly Boivin.
Speaking of next season's defense, I don't think a single team in the WCHA will be able to handle the experienced defense of CC next season. Now that Guentzel is officially gone, someone will have to fill in the shoes one again on the defensive side. I believe Boivin, Marciano, McDermott among others will have the ability to do the job.
The offense is the only thing I find troublesome. For this blog's sake, I will assume that Rylan is returning until otherwise noted. Looking at past results, Rylan had good numbers as a freshman. He didn't do quite as much goal scoring but was the focal point among players just as Jaden has been the past two seasons.
What's different about these two situations is that during Rylan's first year, he fed Bill Sweatt. A fan favorite. Now, without a clear cut superstar on offense, Rylan will have to take on a much bigger role. I believe that by him staying for this year, his game will improve IMMENSELY! He will go from the goal scorer of the past two seasons back to the guy who has to make the difficult plays to help the tigers score. That will make him much more marketable with the NHL not to mention he'll have a college degree.
Although Rylan wouldn't have a Bill Sweatt type player to feed like he did his freshman year, he will have some weapons to use.
1.) Going forward this guy is my favorite offensive weapon: Alexander Krushelnyski. The guy is good and he is clutch. I fully expect the Krusher to be the captain of this team in 2013-2014. He's just that taleneted.
2.) Scott Winkler: Although Winks is drafted, I don't see him as the type of player that can complete a play all on his own. He, like Jaden was last year, is a feeder. He's not a natural sniper. Owen's will have his hands full of playmakers like winks but will lack the firepower they had this season.
3.) William Rapuzzi: Many people have given Rapuzzi a tough time this year. I spoke to him prior to the beginning of the season when he had surgery and one can only speculate that he is still a little tender in his elbow.
All in All: The offense will have a GIANT hole in it left by Jaden. That kind of talent comes around once every so often. I honestly do not believe that the tigers can overcome his loss on offense. When I watched him play, he would take the game on his shoulders and move the puck for the benefit of his team. The only player who can handle the load in a similar manner is his brother, Rylan. Even #13 will have trouble filling the shoes of Jaden.
The bad part is that this offense will lack natural snipers. As of right now I can name only one shoot first, pass later player: AK-16.
I believe that Krushelnyski will be the focal point of the Tigers next season. Well on offense anyways.
Hopefully all will be will with the goaltending situation and Josh will be on his game. I don't expect Joe to recover from this season in time to make a big difference. Owens loves goalies, so I also wouldn't expect Josh to play every game like Minnesota's Kent Patterson this season. If it were my guess: Joe would play no more than 10 games next season.
In total: The tigers should be in a good situation overall. The offense will be shaky, but they can build on each other knowing that they won't have to deal with their star player leaving for World Juniors.
However, with all of that said I do not believe the Tigers will have the depth to win the National Championship next season. They will be in rebuilding mode for what could be a monumental first year of the NCHC.
Monday, March 12, 2012
CC loses it all
This was not supposed to be the year of the big market college teams dominating the WCHA. This was supposed to be the year where UND and CC made a run for the post season.
That was at the beginning of the season, and today tells a different story.
Colorado College has had a rough season. From coaching all the way down to goal-tending, CC has had problems with it all. To give a break down, I will analyze the Colorado College issues from the very top to bottom:
Coaching:
Colorado College has seen ups and downs over the years, but this could possibly be one of the worst downs in the Owens era. This was supposed to be the season that the Tigers did something. Instead of doing something, the coaching let the fans, players and school down. Owens clearly showed his inability to make valuable changes from Friday to Saturday night. Most of the time, CC would win on Friday and not make any adjustments resulting in a Saturday loss. On the last game of the season, when everyone needed Owens present, he was gone. His adjustments were weak and thus cost this team a chance at the post season and a shot in the WCHA final five. Another problem with Owens is that he relied too much on the Schwartz brothers and Gabe Guentzel. All three are remarkable athletes but two of the three are guaranteed to be gone next season. With a hole that deep in the team, CC is destined to be relegated to a low spot next season less any adjustments which Owens could not seem to make this season.
Offense:
This was the story of the season. At one point, CC had the best offense in the nation. Everything seemed to be clicking. Unfortunately for the Tigers, most of the offense was a result of the Schwartz brothers. Rylans back-to-back hat tricks against UND. Jadens flawless ice vision and showmanship. Unfortunately most of the offense failed to show outside of these two players. Unfortunately, one for sure but maybe both of the Schwartz brothers will be gone next season.
Defense:
This was the bad story of the year. Ryan Lowery left a hole to fill that no one could do. Having the captain on offense proved to be disastrous. The defense needed the leadership. They just didn't have it. Which brings me to the last point.
Goaltending:
Joe Howe was absolutely horrible this year. This was not the time to hit a slump but never the less, Howe hit one. Luckily Thorimbert picked up his tab and earned the fans money. Unfortunately, Thorny came too late. Too little experience coming from last season. This situation is probably the only area the tigers have that will improve. Thorny should be a starting lock for best goaltender next season. I doubt Joe will recover before graduation.
Prediction:
CC's 21 consecutive winning season streak will end. So too will other things.
That was at the beginning of the season, and today tells a different story.
Colorado College has had a rough season. From coaching all the way down to goal-tending, CC has had problems with it all. To give a break down, I will analyze the Colorado College issues from the very top to bottom:
Coaching:
Colorado College has seen ups and downs over the years, but this could possibly be one of the worst downs in the Owens era. This was supposed to be the season that the Tigers did something. Instead of doing something, the coaching let the fans, players and school down. Owens clearly showed his inability to make valuable changes from Friday to Saturday night. Most of the time, CC would win on Friday and not make any adjustments resulting in a Saturday loss. On the last game of the season, when everyone needed Owens present, he was gone. His adjustments were weak and thus cost this team a chance at the post season and a shot in the WCHA final five. Another problem with Owens is that he relied too much on the Schwartz brothers and Gabe Guentzel. All three are remarkable athletes but two of the three are guaranteed to be gone next season. With a hole that deep in the team, CC is destined to be relegated to a low spot next season less any adjustments which Owens could not seem to make this season.
Offense:
This was the story of the season. At one point, CC had the best offense in the nation. Everything seemed to be clicking. Unfortunately for the Tigers, most of the offense was a result of the Schwartz brothers. Rylans back-to-back hat tricks against UND. Jadens flawless ice vision and showmanship. Unfortunately most of the offense failed to show outside of these two players. Unfortunately, one for sure but maybe both of the Schwartz brothers will be gone next season.
Defense:
This was the bad story of the year. Ryan Lowery left a hole to fill that no one could do. Having the captain on offense proved to be disastrous. The defense needed the leadership. They just didn't have it. Which brings me to the last point.
Goaltending:
Joe Howe was absolutely horrible this year. This was not the time to hit a slump but never the less, Howe hit one. Luckily Thorimbert picked up his tab and earned the fans money. Unfortunately, Thorny came too late. Too little experience coming from last season. This situation is probably the only area the tigers have that will improve. Thorny should be a starting lock for best goaltender next season. I doubt Joe will recover before graduation.
Prediction:
CC's 21 consecutive winning season streak will end. So too will other things.
Friday, March 9, 2012
CC drops auto bid hopes, Wisconsin prevails
In a similar fashion as last season, CC has dropped the first game of their WCHA best of three home ice playoff series. Last season the story line was the same. CC came into game two needing two wins against the Badgers. They got them. Unfortunately, last season and this season are two different entities.
1.) CC was playing a better Badger team than this years Husky team.
2.) CC had a shot at a pairwise ranking berth.
Basically what this loss does is send CC reeling so far back that they cannot recover from any amount of wins without a bracket busting final five win. I predicted CC to take the final five if they went to Michigan Tech. Unfortunately that didn't happen and now CC is at home in what could be the final game for the Schwartz brothers.
I don't think tomorrow's game will get any easier for the Tigers. Scott Owens has been absolutely horrible at making adjustments for the second game during the entire season. My prediction: CC fans leave the world arena tomorrow unhappy while Jaden and Rylan see their banks accounts fatten.
On Wisconsin!
I predicted that Wisconsin would give Denver a run for their money and I was right! I have looked at stats the entire season. Many fans in Denver were irate with their Pioneers tonight. They compared the game as being less than a high school game. The shots were great and the defense was top notch.
Denver had a better shot the entire night to win, but blew it by letting Wisconsin back into the game during the 3rd period. For the entire game, Wisconsin trailed in shots. During the 3rd, Wisconsin came with a heavy dose of power and put DU's goalie out of position for a great goal. It shocked the barely attended DU crowd.
Tonight's game vs DU was a microcosm effect for both teams. Wisconsin has been great on one night, and horrible the next. DU has had three goalies blossom into well groomed starters during the season. Who get's the nod and when?
The key to the next match up will be to see how Coach Eaves can adjust to the high octane offense that Denver presents. I wouldn't expect Coach Eaves to be as piss poor as Scott Owens in making adjustments. I do however expect the Pioneers to come out with more flair tomorrow possibly winning.
Either way, my upset pick is in Denver. Always has been. Not because I'm a fan of Wisconsin
but because for one of these teams, their back is against the wall.
1.) CC was playing a better Badger team than this years Husky team.
2.) CC had a shot at a pairwise ranking berth.
Basically what this loss does is send CC reeling so far back that they cannot recover from any amount of wins without a bracket busting final five win. I predicted CC to take the final five if they went to Michigan Tech. Unfortunately that didn't happen and now CC is at home in what could be the final game for the Schwartz brothers.
I don't think tomorrow's game will get any easier for the Tigers. Scott Owens has been absolutely horrible at making adjustments for the second game during the entire season. My prediction: CC fans leave the world arena tomorrow unhappy while Jaden and Rylan see their banks accounts fatten.
On Wisconsin!
I predicted that Wisconsin would give Denver a run for their money and I was right! I have looked at stats the entire season. Many fans in Denver were irate with their Pioneers tonight. They compared the game as being less than a high school game. The shots were great and the defense was top notch.
Denver had a better shot the entire night to win, but blew it by letting Wisconsin back into the game during the 3rd period. For the entire game, Wisconsin trailed in shots. During the 3rd, Wisconsin came with a heavy dose of power and put DU's goalie out of position for a great goal. It shocked the barely attended DU crowd.
Tonight's game vs DU was a microcosm effect for both teams. Wisconsin has been great on one night, and horrible the next. DU has had three goalies blossom into well groomed starters during the season. Who get's the nod and when?
The key to the next match up will be to see how Coach Eaves can adjust to the high octane offense that Denver presents. I wouldn't expect Coach Eaves to be as piss poor as Scott Owens in making adjustments. I do however expect the Pioneers to come out with more flair tomorrow possibly winning.
Either way, my upset pick is in Denver. Always has been. Not because I'm a fan of Wisconsin
but because for one of these teams, their back is against the wall.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
5 teams that may never have "national champs" by their name again
Over the past two years, I have watched the college hockey landscape change enormously. Even before the Big 10 came into existence, a shift had begun to take place. Larger, more well known universities and colleges became the front and center of the national championship race. Little teams with low funding or small enrollment have suffered. Now that the Big 10 is around the corner, many of these smaller teams will find competition in the post season that much tougher.
The 5:
1. Alaska-Anchorage: Now that the Big 10 and NCHC are a season away from realization, one small factor has been forgotten: since neither of these conferences are obligated to travel to Alaska, will they? My prediction is no. Anchorage, along with it's sister campus Fairbanks will only go as far as the WCHA will take them. Thankfully many good WCHA teams will be leaving for either the Big 10 or the NCHC. This should give Alaska a better chance. The unfortunate part is that when playoff time comes around, the new WCHA might be as just as easy as the current Atlantic Hockey Conference.
2. Alabama-Huntsville: There is not another D-1 program within 150 miles of AL-H. The nearest school within range is Bowling Green which is 178 miles away. Next is Miami of Ohio (418 Miles) followed by Ohio State University (498 miles). With the WCHA already tackling two Alaska teams, there seems to be absolutely no way that UAH can get into that conference. The Big 10 is all about big universities, which UAH is not. The NCHC is all about hockey prestige, which UAH is not. Even hockey east, which now has Notre Dame within 700 miles of UAH would be a long shot. In state recruiting is horrible, not to mention this team will likely never see a championship of any kind of they cannot win games, much less the 4 a year they get at home.
3. Colorado College: Out of all of my picks, this one is the most subjective. Colorado College has been around longer than the University of North Dakota, and the University of Denver. Yet they have five less championship trophies to account for. The real problem is not the team or the fans. It's the school. Colorado College enrolls less than 2,000 students. This is not good for any type of division 1 sports team, much less hockey. The world arena could fit 3 and a half CC student bodies easily in it. Hell, at the rate they are at, they could probably teach all the classes in the World Arena. Recruiting is not a problem, but the coaching is. And until the mindset in Colorado Springs is not the school but the team, don't expect this team to be raising a banner anytime soon.
4. Minnesota - State: Another tragedy like CC, just with more students. This is more of a commuter campus than anything. Similar to UNO, but with less support. Mankato is not a hockey derived town. They have plenty to celebrate about, just not the Mavericks. The local high school hockey team is usually one of the best in the state. Who wants to pay high prices to watch the Mavericks lose nearly every game?
5. Lake Superior: This team has some talent from past years, but really everything has evaporated in recent years. Nobody really knows this team. Being a so so team in the CCHA might make them superstars in the new WCHA. Only time will tell. If you have lots of money to spend, or waste, I would bet on these guys winning the national championship. It's a more humane way of putting your money in a paper shredder.
--------------------
Teams likely to have their name on the national championship roster, and soon:
1. North Dakota: As much as everyone claims that the NCHC is the new hockey power house, there are only three teams with the ability to take this conference by storm: UND, Denver, and Miami. Focusing on UND: they build solid every year. No team expects to go into Grand Forks without getting into some kind of fight. These guys are scrappy, every....single....year. That kind of man handling will get this team far. UND will probably be the first team to get their hands on the NCHC trophy.
2. Wisconsin: This year has not been good to bucky. In the past it has been Minnesota who has taken an off year, or 4. With the new Big 10 forming, Penn State will probably not be in any kind of contention for a couple of years. Michigan State will have to play more than just the crap CCHA schedule with the occasional Michigan and Ohio State games thrown in. Although Ohio State has the largest arena in the NCAA's, and the big 10 for that fact, they rarely use it during basketball season. They are relegated to a 1,600 person arena. Putting teams like this in the Kohl Center which seats 15,000+ will be a major advantage to the badgers. Plus bucky is in prime recruiting territory.
3. Denver: For all the reasons that UND will be the best in the NCHC, Denver has a fighting chance. For some odd reason, Denver has always recruited well. They seem to be the best at it year in and year out. I don't know if this is a long term idea, but I would pick Denver to be in the Frozen Four soon after the NCHC is formed.
4. Notre Dame: Playing in a league where just about every single opposing team is a football rival makes this team a constant battling team. They fight in front of every Big 10 crowd. Now they will go to Hockey East which craves hockey on a different level. They will bring this same attitude to Boston. I doubt that the talking heads know what is headed their way in this ND team.
Thanks for reading!
The 5:
1. Alaska-Anchorage: Now that the Big 10 and NCHC are a season away from realization, one small factor has been forgotten: since neither of these conferences are obligated to travel to Alaska, will they? My prediction is no. Anchorage, along with it's sister campus Fairbanks will only go as far as the WCHA will take them. Thankfully many good WCHA teams will be leaving for either the Big 10 or the NCHC. This should give Alaska a better chance. The unfortunate part is that when playoff time comes around, the new WCHA might be as just as easy as the current Atlantic Hockey Conference.
2. Alabama-Huntsville: There is not another D-1 program within 150 miles of AL-H. The nearest school within range is Bowling Green which is 178 miles away. Next is Miami of Ohio (418 Miles) followed by Ohio State University (498 miles). With the WCHA already tackling two Alaska teams, there seems to be absolutely no way that UAH can get into that conference. The Big 10 is all about big universities, which UAH is not. The NCHC is all about hockey prestige, which UAH is not. Even hockey east, which now has Notre Dame within 700 miles of UAH would be a long shot. In state recruiting is horrible, not to mention this team will likely never see a championship of any kind of they cannot win games, much less the 4 a year they get at home.
3. Colorado College: Out of all of my picks, this one is the most subjective. Colorado College has been around longer than the University of North Dakota, and the University of Denver. Yet they have five less championship trophies to account for. The real problem is not the team or the fans. It's the school. Colorado College enrolls less than 2,000 students. This is not good for any type of division 1 sports team, much less hockey. The world arena could fit 3 and a half CC student bodies easily in it. Hell, at the rate they are at, they could probably teach all the classes in the World Arena. Recruiting is not a problem, but the coaching is. And until the mindset in Colorado Springs is not the school but the team, don't expect this team to be raising a banner anytime soon.
4. Minnesota - State: Another tragedy like CC, just with more students. This is more of a commuter campus than anything. Similar to UNO, but with less support. Mankato is not a hockey derived town. They have plenty to celebrate about, just not the Mavericks. The local high school hockey team is usually one of the best in the state. Who wants to pay high prices to watch the Mavericks lose nearly every game?
5. Lake Superior: This team has some talent from past years, but really everything has evaporated in recent years. Nobody really knows this team. Being a so so team in the CCHA might make them superstars in the new WCHA. Only time will tell. If you have lots of money to spend, or waste, I would bet on these guys winning the national championship. It's a more humane way of putting your money in a paper shredder.
--------------------
Teams likely to have their name on the national championship roster, and soon:
1. North Dakota: As much as everyone claims that the NCHC is the new hockey power house, there are only three teams with the ability to take this conference by storm: UND, Denver, and Miami. Focusing on UND: they build solid every year. No team expects to go into Grand Forks without getting into some kind of fight. These guys are scrappy, every....single....year. That kind of man handling will get this team far. UND will probably be the first team to get their hands on the NCHC trophy.
2. Wisconsin: This year has not been good to bucky. In the past it has been Minnesota who has taken an off year, or 4. With the new Big 10 forming, Penn State will probably not be in any kind of contention for a couple of years. Michigan State will have to play more than just the crap CCHA schedule with the occasional Michigan and Ohio State games thrown in. Although Ohio State has the largest arena in the NCAA's, and the big 10 for that fact, they rarely use it during basketball season. They are relegated to a 1,600 person arena. Putting teams like this in the Kohl Center which seats 15,000+ will be a major advantage to the badgers. Plus bucky is in prime recruiting territory.
3. Denver: For all the reasons that UND will be the best in the NCHC, Denver has a fighting chance. For some odd reason, Denver has always recruited well. They seem to be the best at it year in and year out. I don't know if this is a long term idea, but I would pick Denver to be in the Frozen Four soon after the NCHC is formed.
4. Notre Dame: Playing in a league where just about every single opposing team is a football rival makes this team a constant battling team. They fight in front of every Big 10 crowd. Now they will go to Hockey East which craves hockey on a different level. They will bring this same attitude to Boston. I doubt that the talking heads know what is headed their way in this ND team.
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
WCHA: In Review; Team Jersey suppliers
This blog will address the past season in the WCHA and the upcoming apparel contracts with respective teams.
First topic: WCHA/NCHC/Big 10 apparel.
As reported last week by College Hockey News, Reebok and Adidas are expected to announce deals with the NCHC, Big 10 and WCHA regarding team apparel. This decision, although not confirmed by Reebok or Adidas, has been rumored after Nike released a statement regarding their partnership with the NFL beginning in 2013. After that point, Reebok will no longer be the primary jersey provider for the NFL.
Nike is expected to pull their supplier deal from Minnesota at that time. Currently, Reebok has set up North Dakota and Wisconsin as their flagship Universities.
Adidas has a 4 year option left with the university of Denver and Bauer currently controls an undisclosed contract with Colorado College after the Nike-Bauer venture ended two years ago.
AROUND THE WCHA:
Every year, I write a blog at the beginning of the season on what to expect and a blog at the end of the season describing the teams who I felt did or did not do as expected.
Did as expected:
Minnesota-Duluth: I expected this team to finish 1st in the WCHA. They finished second and only by 1 point. I believe it's fair to say that the Bulldogs met what I had thought they would do.
Denver: I believed Denver had a strong shot at the #2 spot in the WCHA. They had a great year last season and showed off Sam Brittain in style. During the beginning of the season, the Pioneers had early troubles stemming from poor goaltending to team congruence. Things have changed with the emergence of Juho Olkinura. The Finnish goal tender showed himself as a stalwart in the pipes. With Sam Brittain coming back from an injury, I expect the net situation to be a very gut wrenching call every night.
Minnesota-State: Austin Lee is a great goaltender. He's probably the most recognizable player on this team. However that is a problem, since Mike only stops shots. He doesn't usually put them in the opposing net. I didn't expect this team to make it far this season, and they proved me right.
DID NOT DO AS EXPECTED:
Michigan Tech: If anyone can say wow, this is when you do it. Going from a 2 win team to 2 wins from home ice is a feat in itself. The Huskies should be proud. 2012-13 might not produce much different but this team is definitely set for the new look WCHA in 2013.
Colorado College: 2011 was a highlight reel for CC. Making the tournament and falling to the eventual national champion runner up is a great work. Not to mention slaughtering the defending national champions in juggernaut fashion. This year though has been one for the dumpsters. CC has managed to maintain home ice in the first round of the WCHA for the second year in a row. This team is fading, and fast. Jaden Schwartz missed 15 games last season and still scored more points than he did missing his 5 games this season. I'm sure quite a bit is on his mind including his impending off season decision as to whether or not turn pro. I don't see this situation getting better in the next year. It doesn't help that the "Powerhouses" of college hockey will show en-force during the 2013 season. That might be the last year the World Arena see's Owens being the bench boss.
North Dakota: Out of all the negative stories, NoDak has to be the one case with an Alibi. This team lost Matt Frattin, Chay Genoway, Brad Malone, Ewan Trupp and others before the season started. Within 3 games, NoDak lost their top 2011 prospect in Rocco Grimaldi. Not a good combination. However NoDak has turned their fortunes around. I thought this was the surefire 2012 WCHA champions. I was wrong. NoDak is in power mode now. Hard to beat a team like this.
Minnesota: WTF? This team was picked 6th by the media for the WCHA standings and currently sits 7th in the PAIRWISE. Wow! Good thing for the Gophers: a reliable net minder has emerged. Bad news for the Gophers: the only back up to see minutes this season saw them last Friday night. For 1 20 minute period. Minnesota will likely see some growing pains in the net come next fall.
Alaska-Anchorage: Coming off of a half way decent performance last season, the seawolves had a real chance to turn things around. Instead they turned things upside down and fell badly. It's hard enough to get good recruits to Alaska in the first place. Having a performance like this relegates this team to a top tier high school team. No bueno.
Bemidji State: Goaltender Dan Bakala is one of the better undrafted netminders in the WCHA. This year he just couldn't be the star that he needed to be. Bemidji will have to prove they are for real starting next week in Sioux Nation. Unfortunately, that's not the place you want to prove yourself. That's the place you plan ahead on getting swept so that you can focus on other teams. Not good for the Beavers.
Wisconsin: On Wisconsin.....On to something else. For years Mike Eaves has been known as bench boss of the team which is always reloading. Never a rebuilding team, the Badgers always have talent. This year the team has 1 senior. Defections are never a good thing, but even the normal graduation system can wipe out a team. Joel Rumpel had nobody to look up to this season. It showed. He's progressed since the beginning of the year. This team needs to grow. I was expecting them to do better than 10th.
Although I have not covered every team in the WCHA I covered the ones who I felt made the impacts from the beginning of the season. I will spotlight UNO and SCSU next week regardless of their fate in the WCHA playoffs.
This was supposed to be the year that the WCHA was weak. As it turns out, weak is a subjective word.
First topic: WCHA/NCHC/Big 10 apparel.
As reported last week by College Hockey News, Reebok and Adidas are expected to announce deals with the NCHC, Big 10 and WCHA regarding team apparel. This decision, although not confirmed by Reebok or Adidas, has been rumored after Nike released a statement regarding their partnership with the NFL beginning in 2013. After that point, Reebok will no longer be the primary jersey provider for the NFL.
Nike is expected to pull their supplier deal from Minnesota at that time. Currently, Reebok has set up North Dakota and Wisconsin as their flagship Universities.
Adidas has a 4 year option left with the university of Denver and Bauer currently controls an undisclosed contract with Colorado College after the Nike-Bauer venture ended two years ago.
AROUND THE WCHA:
Every year, I write a blog at the beginning of the season on what to expect and a blog at the end of the season describing the teams who I felt did or did not do as expected.
Did as expected:
Minnesota-Duluth: I expected this team to finish 1st in the WCHA. They finished second and only by 1 point. I believe it's fair to say that the Bulldogs met what I had thought they would do.
Denver: I believed Denver had a strong shot at the #2 spot in the WCHA. They had a great year last season and showed off Sam Brittain in style. During the beginning of the season, the Pioneers had early troubles stemming from poor goaltending to team congruence. Things have changed with the emergence of Juho Olkinura. The Finnish goal tender showed himself as a stalwart in the pipes. With Sam Brittain coming back from an injury, I expect the net situation to be a very gut wrenching call every night.
Minnesota-State: Austin Lee is a great goaltender. He's probably the most recognizable player on this team. However that is a problem, since Mike only stops shots. He doesn't usually put them in the opposing net. I didn't expect this team to make it far this season, and they proved me right.
DID NOT DO AS EXPECTED:
Michigan Tech: If anyone can say wow, this is when you do it. Going from a 2 win team to 2 wins from home ice is a feat in itself. The Huskies should be proud. 2012-13 might not produce much different but this team is definitely set for the new look WCHA in 2013.
Colorado College: 2011 was a highlight reel for CC. Making the tournament and falling to the eventual national champion runner up is a great work. Not to mention slaughtering the defending national champions in juggernaut fashion. This year though has been one for the dumpsters. CC has managed to maintain home ice in the first round of the WCHA for the second year in a row. This team is fading, and fast. Jaden Schwartz missed 15 games last season and still scored more points than he did missing his 5 games this season. I'm sure quite a bit is on his mind including his impending off season decision as to whether or not turn pro. I don't see this situation getting better in the next year. It doesn't help that the "Powerhouses" of college hockey will show en-force during the 2013 season. That might be the last year the World Arena see's Owens being the bench boss.
North Dakota: Out of all the negative stories, NoDak has to be the one case with an Alibi. This team lost Matt Frattin, Chay Genoway, Brad Malone, Ewan Trupp and others before the season started. Within 3 games, NoDak lost their top 2011 prospect in Rocco Grimaldi. Not a good combination. However NoDak has turned their fortunes around. I thought this was the surefire 2012 WCHA champions. I was wrong. NoDak is in power mode now. Hard to beat a team like this.
Minnesota: WTF? This team was picked 6th by the media for the WCHA standings and currently sits 7th in the PAIRWISE. Wow! Good thing for the Gophers: a reliable net minder has emerged. Bad news for the Gophers: the only back up to see minutes this season saw them last Friday night. For 1 20 minute period. Minnesota will likely see some growing pains in the net come next fall.
Alaska-Anchorage: Coming off of a half way decent performance last season, the seawolves had a real chance to turn things around. Instead they turned things upside down and fell badly. It's hard enough to get good recruits to Alaska in the first place. Having a performance like this relegates this team to a top tier high school team. No bueno.
Bemidji State: Goaltender Dan Bakala is one of the better undrafted netminders in the WCHA. This year he just couldn't be the star that he needed to be. Bemidji will have to prove they are for real starting next week in Sioux Nation. Unfortunately, that's not the place you want to prove yourself. That's the place you plan ahead on getting swept so that you can focus on other teams. Not good for the Beavers.
Wisconsin: On Wisconsin.....On to something else. For years Mike Eaves has been known as bench boss of the team which is always reloading. Never a rebuilding team, the Badgers always have talent. This year the team has 1 senior. Defections are never a good thing, but even the normal graduation system can wipe out a team. Joel Rumpel had nobody to look up to this season. It showed. He's progressed since the beginning of the year. This team needs to grow. I was expecting them to do better than 10th.
Although I have not covered every team in the WCHA I covered the ones who I felt made the impacts from the beginning of the season. I will spotlight UNO and SCSU next week regardless of their fate in the WCHA playoffs.
This was supposed to be the year that the WCHA was weak. As it turns out, weak is a subjective word.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
WCHA fans...get ready...get set....MCNAUGHTON!
This weekend marks the conclusion of the WCHA regular season. A big weekend which caps off the milestones each program has made. I'll start by listing the season surprises:
August 31st, 2011: College Hockey News names Aaron Dell #1 goalie in the WCHA with Joe Howe of Colorado College coming in second.
The news - Aaron is good, as he always has been. Beating out an NHL drafted goaltender for the top spot is never easy. Chalk one up for the guy between the pipes.
Sad news is that Joe Howe is no where near this prediction. He fell so far he could start and win both games this weekend and still end up with a losing record. Not too good for him. Defensive effort in the beginning of the season kept Joe down and he never really rebounded. Josh Thorimbert stepped up with a B- game. Definitely show's that Colorado College does not have a dependable man in between the pipes.
August 31st, 2011: USCHO picks Minnesota-Duluth to finish first place in the WCHA. Not a bad call considering the bulldogs have locked up the #2 seed and are looking for #1 this weekend. This surely is the last season of the feel good national championship story from 2011. Jack Connolly leaves along with Kenny Reiter and this team is about as talented as Minnesota State.
September 7th: College Hockey Network (not to be confused with (College Hockey News) predicts Minnesota to have another lack luster year.
What really happened: Minnesota played like the team they are: 4 players short of an entirely draft picked team. This team has shown up in force. Unfortunately the goalies on the bench have kept themselves busy by writing down stats as Kent Patterson has done ALL the work. Should St. Patty go down in the NCAA tourney look for Minnesota's stock to fall quickly. Not to mention next season will be the second debut for former Colorado College goalie Michael Shibrowski. Having not played a single minute this season, he may be a bit rusty and that could cause some problems in the state of hockey.
Other notables:
Michigan Tech: Talk about the New York Yankees! Tech hires and new coach and takes a 2 win team to within three points of home ice in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. That says something. Look for this team to be around for a while.
St. Cloud State: Many thought that State's long term focus was gone after the 2010 Florida Classic debacle. Fortunately the staff at St. Cloud have been able to keep this team together. Only time will tell how detrimental the loss of key players last season will be.
Wisconsin: Reload or Redo? Every year Wisconsin is in the thick of the punch. They are always able to contend with the best. Two years ago they attempted to win the National Championship. They lost. With no early defections the Badgers slumped last season and lost the home playoff ice to Colorado College. This year, the entire team has lost their way. Joel Rumpel has been horrible and every player on this team is scratching their head.
Colorado College: Leave it to one of the wealthiest college hockey teams in the country to make the bone headed decision: Extend a coach who has no prior history of doing anything great with his team before the team really starts to go downhill. I for one am a CC season ticket holder. On Sunday I will be a former CC season ticket holder. No reason to waste my money. I'll come back when A.) I'm watching CC play someone else(who I'll be rooting for) or B.) CC fires Owens. Looks like I won't be seeing the latter anytime soon.....which other team should I like?
It's been a great season of Colorado College hockey. I have had a great time reading the blogs, posts, and articles displayed in the recent WCHA Hockey forum and in the Colorado College hockey forum. For all of you CC fans, keep your head up. I'm excited to see what the WCHA and the new NCHC is able to do for the Colorado College family. For all of you WCHA fans, next year will be a wild finish to this era of hockey.
So long............
August 31st, 2011: College Hockey News names Aaron Dell #1 goalie in the WCHA with Joe Howe of Colorado College coming in second.
The news - Aaron is good, as he always has been. Beating out an NHL drafted goaltender for the top spot is never easy. Chalk one up for the guy between the pipes.
Sad news is that Joe Howe is no where near this prediction. He fell so far he could start and win both games this weekend and still end up with a losing record. Not too good for him. Defensive effort in the beginning of the season kept Joe down and he never really rebounded. Josh Thorimbert stepped up with a B- game. Definitely show's that Colorado College does not have a dependable man in between the pipes.
August 31st, 2011: USCHO picks Minnesota-Duluth to finish first place in the WCHA. Not a bad call considering the bulldogs have locked up the #2 seed and are looking for #1 this weekend. This surely is the last season of the feel good national championship story from 2011. Jack Connolly leaves along with Kenny Reiter and this team is about as talented as Minnesota State.
September 7th: College Hockey Network (not to be confused with (College Hockey News) predicts Minnesota to have another lack luster year.
What really happened: Minnesota played like the team they are: 4 players short of an entirely draft picked team. This team has shown up in force. Unfortunately the goalies on the bench have kept themselves busy by writing down stats as Kent Patterson has done ALL the work. Should St. Patty go down in the NCAA tourney look for Minnesota's stock to fall quickly. Not to mention next season will be the second debut for former Colorado College goalie Michael Shibrowski. Having not played a single minute this season, he may be a bit rusty and that could cause some problems in the state of hockey.
Other notables:
Michigan Tech: Talk about the New York Yankees! Tech hires and new coach and takes a 2 win team to within three points of home ice in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. That says something. Look for this team to be around for a while.
St. Cloud State: Many thought that State's long term focus was gone after the 2010 Florida Classic debacle. Fortunately the staff at St. Cloud have been able to keep this team together. Only time will tell how detrimental the loss of key players last season will be.
Wisconsin: Reload or Redo? Every year Wisconsin is in the thick of the punch. They are always able to contend with the best. Two years ago they attempted to win the National Championship. They lost. With no early defections the Badgers slumped last season and lost the home playoff ice to Colorado College. This year, the entire team has lost their way. Joel Rumpel has been horrible and every player on this team is scratching their head.
Colorado College: Leave it to one of the wealthiest college hockey teams in the country to make the bone headed decision: Extend a coach who has no prior history of doing anything great with his team before the team really starts to go downhill. I for one am a CC season ticket holder. On Sunday I will be a former CC season ticket holder. No reason to waste my money. I'll come back when A.) I'm watching CC play someone else(who I'll be rooting for) or B.) CC fires Owens. Looks like I won't be seeing the latter anytime soon.....which other team should I like?
It's been a great season of Colorado College hockey. I have had a great time reading the blogs, posts, and articles displayed in the recent WCHA Hockey forum and in the Colorado College hockey forum. For all of you CC fans, keep your head up. I'm excited to see what the WCHA and the new NCHC is able to do for the Colorado College family. For all of you WCHA fans, next year will be a wild finish to this era of hockey.
So long............
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)