What is a successful season for us?

[Drew]

George has 3 full recruiting classes in his system ( I won't count his first as he had very little time putting it together) and I expect this team to make a little noise. So what would make this a successful year in your eyes?
1) Above .500 ?
2) Top 8 finish in the ECACHL?
3) Top 4 ECACHL?
4) ECACHL final appearance?
5) ECACHL tourny champ?
6) 20 wins in a season?
7) Top 15 national ranking through most of the year?
8) NCAA berth?

I think #'s 3,4,6,7, and knocking on 8s door.... am I asking too much? What are you looking for?
Cheers,
Drew

[Todd '86]

George has 3 full recruiting classes in his system ( I won't count his first as he had very little time putting it together) and I expect this team to make a little noise. So what would make this a successful year in your eyes?
1) Above .500 ?
2) Top 8 finish in the ECACHL?
3) Top 4 ECACHL?
4) ECACHL final appearance?
5) ECACHL tourny champ?
6) 20 wins in a season?
7) Top 15 national ranking through most of the year?
8) NCAA berth?


For the upcoming season, #3, 6 and 8 would definitely do it. #7 would be nice, but it depends on how much stock you put in polls (in my case, not a whole lot). #4 and 5 would go a long way toward making up for a mediocre season. "Merely" making #1 or 2 wouldn't show the expected significant improvement, so I don't think either would constitute a "successful season."

Just my .0066667 gallons of gas.

[vicb]

George has 3 full recruiting classes in his system ( I won't count his first as he had very little time putting it together) and I expect this team to make a little noise. So what would make this a successful year in your eyes?
1) Above .500 ?
2) Top 8 finish in the ECACHL?
3) Top 4 ECACHL?
4) ECACHL final appearance?
5) ECACHL tourny champ?
6) 20 wins in a season?
7) Top 15 national ranking through most of the year?
8) NCAA berth?

I think #'s 3,4,6,7, and knocking on 8s door.... am I asking too much? What are you looking for?
Cheers,
Drew

1) Better be above .600
2) As long as it is not 5 thru 8
3) Why not top 2?
4) Yep.
5) Yep.
6) Gonna need 20 to be over .600 unless there are a lot of ties :) .
7) Rankings schmankings, don't mean a thing. Better to say top 12 in the pairwise.
8) 7 gets you 8
I'm gonna add one more:
9) Beat Wisconsin and win the Badger Showdown.

LETS GO TECH.

[oldtimehockey]

1) Above .500 ?
2) Top 8 finish in the ECACHL?
3) Top 4 ECACHL?
4) ECACHL final appearance?
5) ECACHL tourny champ?
6) 20 wins in a season?
7) Top 15 national ranking through most of the year?
8) NCAA berth?
Drew
In the ECACHL, 1,2,3,4,6 aren't very hard and mean very little nationally.
5 gets you 8, and that will be the only way in because Tech's weak SOS will make it very unlikely to get a top 15 RPI, let alone PWR, w/o doing over .700.

[Brett Gobe]

14-2-2 at Cheel
4-15-1 away from Cheel

Success for this season starts on the road.

[chuck]

Personally, 3 years ago when Roll came in I expected Tech to be back in the NCAA tourney in this coming year. How we get there, I don't care. Now having seen the last couple of seasons, I still won't be happy with less than a tourney bid, but I wouldn't be surprised if we don't get one.

Anything beside an appearance in the Tourney is irrelevent.
A win in the Tourny, is about the most I hope for.


"All predictions guaranteed to be false, or your money back."

[Stemmer]

As Tony Collins said at reunion earlier this month, "Here at Clarkson we want to be the best at everything we do...and that includes hockey."

And yes, he did say, about 3 times, that a "National title" is the goal. It's great to see that he appreciates the value of a strong D1 team to the University, unlike his predecessor, who was clueless!

And it should be, if not, why play?

I think a NCAA bid is reachable this year but we need to make major improvements to get there. Hopefully we start off well, win most of our OOC games and go into the ECAC tournament as a top 4 seed and on a Roll!

Still a young team but with enough experience to do very well.

[scottcomstock]

1) Better be above .600
2) As long as it is not 5 thru 8
3) Why not top 2?
4) Yep.
5) Yep.
6) Gonna need 20 to be over .600 unless there are a lot of ties :) .
7) Rankings schmankings, don't mean a thing. Better to say top 12 in the pairwise.
8) 7 gets you 8
I'm gonna add one more:
9) Beat Wisconsin and win the Badger Showdown.

LETS GO TECH.

I'll add:

10) Stay out of the penalty box

[Stemmer]

I'll add:

10) Stay out of the penalty box

Yep, that's one of the "major improvements" I was referring to. It's all about discipline and playing hard. Both lead to fewer penalties.

[Bill]

There's only one measure of success this year as far as I'm concerned - an NCAA tournament appearance and I don't care how they do it!!!:rolleyes:

[RSTuthill]

With this many drafted players for the second year in a row, I will develop serious reservations if they don't get to the NC$$'s. Time to put up or shut up.

[JustMyOpinion]

With this many drafted players for the second year in a row, I will develop serious reservations if they don't get to the NC$$'s. Time to put up or shut up.

Seems to be an ongoing theme with your posts. You were ticked about last years performance "with so many draft picks".

Here is a little dose of reality:

We are still battling everyone's four recruiting years with our three.

We made a move with our home record last year and this year we will make improvements with our road record. In sports, team progression doesn't usually come in great leaps and bounds. A series of gradual advancement is how most programs develop. Can you come up with teams that have made the jump? Sure you can, but that's not the norm.
I think we will make strides, but to hang the program if we don't get into the NCAA's? That's just silly.

[Bill]

Seems to be an ongoing theme with your posts. You were ticked about last years performance "with so many draft picks".

Here is a little dose of reality:

We are still battling everyone's four recruiting years with our three.

We made a move with our home record last year and this year we will make improvements with our road record. In sports, team progression doesn't usually come in great leaps and bounds. A series of gradual advancement is how most programs develop. Can you come up with teams that have made the jump? Sure you can, but that's not the norm.
I think we will make strides, but to hang the program if we don't get into the NCAA's? That's just silly.
1. Aim low - achieve low.
Aim high - might get there
2. I don't ever consider hanging the program.
3. I don't know many teams that have a goal of finishing out of the playoffs.

[Ron]

I'm going to go with:

3) Top 4 ECACHL.
6) 20 wins in a season.
8) NCAA berth.

I'll tack on .500 on the road and .500+ OOC

All roads lead to an NCAA berth and all of these will get you there. I don't think you'll find anyone in that locker room that will be satisfied playing or coaching their last game of the year in Albany or before that.

[JustMyOpinion]

Did I say that we were not going to finish very high? Is there anyone who has stated that we should finish last or next to last? Did I say we should aim low? Did I say that we should aim at NOT making the playoffs? Give me a break and re-read my post. My points are valid.

I simply stated that we shouldn't hang the team for not making the NCAAs. If I were the coach, my short term goals would be to get better every day and to win the NEXT game. Long term goals would certainly include winning the ECACHL reg season, winning the ECACHL playoffs, earning an NCAA bid and ultimately winning the NCAA's.

C'mon Billy, of freakin' course you set your goals high. That's not the point I was making.

Wait, Wait, Wait...Actually Bill, you are right. I was taking the low road. Here are my new goals:
1. Learn to dress myself and tie my skates
2. Learn to actually skate
3. Spend a whole night in my dorm room without calling mommy or wetting the bed:rolleyes:

[RSTuthill]

I think we will make strides, but to hang the program if we don't get into the NCAA's? That's just silly.
No one is talking about "hanging" the program. Not even sure what is meant by that phrase.

I'm talking about the coaching. Can't argue with the recruiting. The on-ice results haven't followed, however. Time to produce results, pure and simple.

My expectations are pretty much in line with Ron's. The lower end of his range would get a "Meets Expectations" overall performance ranking from me if I had input after this next season (which of course I do not). The upper end of the range would get an "Exceeds Expectations" from me. Falling below Ron's range would trigger a "Performance Improvement Plan" for the following year which generally requires a very dramatic turnaround to prevent separation.

And, btw, I am sure that the coaching staff would have it no other way. They expect performance from the players, and they expect performance from themselves. The goals are high, and they have bought into those goals. Time to go out and execute.

[JustMyOpinion]

No one is talking about "hanging" the program. Not even sure what is meant by that phrase.

I'm talking about the coaching. Can't argue with the recruiting. The on-ice results haven't followed, however. Time to produce results, pure and simple.


First of all, of course you know what that means. Don't play dumb. Second, Could you please tell me what you expected from last year's team? A team with a strong freshmen and sophmore class, but with very few consistent contributions from the junior and senior classes?

I understand you are talking about coaching. It's nice you finally came out of the closet on this subject. No pun intended. I, on the other hand, figured out some time ago that you have not been happy with the on ice coaching from this staff. It's not hard to see that in your writing. Remember son, you can't make chicken salad out of chicken doo-doo.

I do agree that it is time that we make a move in the standings, but to hang the team if we don't make the NCAA's is just silly. Oh wait...sorry. I will translate...I do agree that it is time that we make a move in the standings, but to say that this year will be a failure and the coaching staff sucks just because we may not make the NCAA's is just foolish.

The phrase "time to put up or shut up" is an ultimatum for the coaching staff. Stop burying the new coaching staff for the failure of the old. This problem WAS systemic. We HAD some miserable recruiting classes, now things have turned around. You need to give any new coaching staff four full years of recruiting to see the direction of the program. We are not there yet. Close, but not yet. Rome was not built in a day...actually I have no idea how long it took to build Rome, but I know that they fed people to the lions if they failed. So... DO NOT FEED THE LIONS or seagulls for that matter because they doodie all over the place. If that were the case this roundtable would be full of crap. Wouldn't want that.

[joecct]

A bit off topic, but let me relate somethings I heard this weekend up @ the Brockville Braves (CJHL) selection camp.

In chatting with parents, Clarkson would come up in the course of the conversation. NOBODY, NOBODY had bad things to say about George Roll and the Clarkson coaching staff. In fact, George was universally admired. No lies, no bs, only the truth.

This does help with recruiting. Now, if only we can improve the road record......

[RSTuthill]

Don't think that anyone has seen me post a criticism of the current coaching staff. My point has always been simply that if you are going to provide everything to a program to ensure success, then you ought to demand it.

The number of drafted players says that they are getting players of high quality. Now, what are they going to do with them? Sorry, I do not buy the freshmen/sophomore excuses. They are getting players that are better as freshmen than most other schools' players will ever be as seniors. It is time to produce.

Just like in large corporations. If you miss your numbers but exhibit the right values, you get a second chance. Miss your numbers twice and you are gone -- regardless of your values. Nothing personal. It's just business; and, D-1 college hockey is a business.

Now if it is more than a business, then you are talking about D-3 and that is a different discussion.

[Ron]

I gotta disagree with that. To me a draft pick represents the potential to develop into an NHL caliber player. In most cases a 22-23 year old senior, is going to be better than an 18 year old freshman regardless if they're a draft pick or not. Logically, a draft pick who develops steadily over his four years should be an outstanding senior.

In only rare cases (first rounders typically) will you find a college player that is a draft pick that can have such a dramatic impact on team, and they're usually gone in two years.

What really scares me is teams like Minnesota recruiting as many draft picks in a single draft as we have in three or four years, and two to three of those guys being the Toews and the Kessel's You can't hope to compete with that with just raw talent, you HAVE to develop the team as a unit.

http://insidecollegehockey.com/7Archives/Draft/2006/draftpicksconf_0440.htm






The number of drafted players says that they are getting players of high quality. Now, what are they going to do with them? Sorry, I do not buy the freshmen/sophomore excuses. They are getting players that are better as freshmen than most other schools' players will ever be as seniors. It is time to produce.

[JustMyOpinion]

I gotta disagree with that. To me a draft pick represents the potential to develop into an NHL caliber player. In most cases a 22-23 year old senior, is going to be better than an 18 year old freshman regardless if they're a draft pick or not. Logically, a draft pick who develops steadily over his four years should be an outstanding senior.

In only rare cases (first rounders typically) will you find a college player that is a draft pick that can have such a dramatic impact on team, and they're usually gone in two years.

What really scares me is teams like Minnesota recruiting as many draft picks in a single draft as we have in three or four years, and two to three of those guys being the Toews and the Kessel's You can't hope to compete with that with just raw talent, you HAVE to develop the team as a unit.


Abso-freaking-lutely!!!!!!!!! Thank you, thank you. That's what I've been saying all along. A good senior is better than a great freshman every time. I didn't want to bring it up again, but much like when your friends catch you with a promiscuous circus freak late at night on your birthday...it comes up again and again. Stupid friends.

[Bill]

A bit off topic, but let me relate somethings I heard this weekend up @ the Brockville Braves (CJHL) selection camp.

In chatting with parents, Clarkson would come up in the course of the conversation. NOBODY, NOBODY had bad things to say about George Roll and the Clarkson coaching staff. In fact, George was universally admired. No lies, no bs, only the truth.


George and Greg are both very highly thought of around the college hockey circuit and among prospective recruits and are talented coaches. I am convinced that this will bring a return of excellence to Clarkson Hockey - sooner or later. :)

[Stemmer]

George and Greg are both very highly thought of around the college hockey circuit and among prospective recruits and are talented coaches. I am convinced that this will bring a return of excellence to Clarkson Hockey - sooner or later. :)

J.F is also. I have heard this from others at the college level as well as from a few I have met at lower levels.

The coaches have recruited talented guys with potential.

The key is for them buy into the style the yare being taught, to develop as a unit and play hard and smart, i.e., play disciplined hockey! That will translate into wins and more success...sooner, not later. :)

[Brett Gobe]

George has 3 full recruiting classes in his system ( I won't count his first as he had very little time putting it together) and I expect this team to make a little noise. So what would make this a successful year in your eyes?
1) Above .500 ?
2) Top 8 finish in the ECACHL?
3) Top 4 ECACHL?
4) ECACHL final appearance?
5) ECACHL tourny champ?
6) 20 wins in a season?
7) Top 15 national ranking through most of the year?
8) NCAA berth?

I think #'s 3,4,6,7, and knocking on 8s door.... am I asking too much? What are you looking for?
Cheers,
Drew
1. Check
2. Check
3. Check
4. Check
5. Check
6. Check
7. Check
8. Check

[ChuckNajimy]

1. Check
2. Check
3. Check
4. Check
5. Check
6. Check
7. Check
8. Check


So are we done? Have we done enough?

*By we I mean the team:D

[Brett Gobe]

So are we done? Have we done enough?

Not in my mind.

[Todd '86]

HELL NO. Gone this far, why not complete the journey?

[vicb]

1) Better be above .600
2) As long as it is not 5 thru 8
3) Why not top 2?
4) Yep.
5) Yep.
6) Gonna need 20 to be over .600 unless there are a lot of ties :) .
7) Rankings schmankings, don't mean a thing. Better to say top 12 in the pairwise.
8) 7 gets you 8
I'm gonna add one more:
9) Beat Wisconsin and win the Badger Showdown.

LETS GO TECH.

You forgot #9 Beat Wisconsin and win the Badger Showdown. DOUBLE CHECK :) .


I'm Tired of listening to the talk of our league as the EZAC
I'm Tired of listening to "Who the Hell is Clarkson"
I'm Tired of the TV guy's mispronouncing "Clarkson" and referring to us as "Clarkson College".
I'm Tired of seeing posts on USCHO that Rochester is the EASY WAY TO THE FROZEN FOUR
I'm Tired of listening to certain clowns at RPI saying RPI 2 Clarkson 0
I'm Tired of looking at an NC$$ Tournament Record of 12-22
I'm Tired of looking at an NC$$ Tournament Championship Record of 0-3
I'm Tired of looking at only making it out of the First Round of the NC$$ Tournament 4 out of 15 times.
I'm Tired of reading how Cornell is the only team worth a damn in the ECAC in NC$$ Play
I'm Tired from the drive to Albany this weekend but I ain't gonna let it (or work ;) ) stop me from being in Rochester to support our team.
And I'm Tired of seeing people wanting to buy a single game pass for Friday thinking that there is even a slight chance that this team will lose on Friday.

Anything else I should be tired of?? ;)

I am proud to be a Clarkson fan.
I am proud to be an ECAC fan.
I am proud of this team and coaching staff and the job they have done this year.
I am through with any criticisms this year


On to St Louis. LGT

[FireKnight]

It has already been a successful season. We were picked third in the league or lower and we're currently ranked third in the NCAA. The team has progressed, the coaching staff has progressed, we've won back the support of many fans who have been disenchanted with the program since the departure of Mark Morris.

With all that said, I don't want or expect a loss on Friday Knight but that doesn't make or break a successful season. (I have purchased the full weekend pass Vic :p ) If we show up in Rochester and make a good effort and get beat by a hot goaltender, that's one-and-done hockey. If we don't make an effort, that's a different story.

[Bill]

FOUR MORE WINS!!!LGT!!!

[Earl_Leatherland]

This team is very good. Any destructive criticism will cease and desist from me. I have always been proud to be a Clarkson fan, and I admit, I believe in their ability to...do anything they really set their minds to.

[FireKnight]

I was thinking on the way into work toknight that it must be awfully annoying to watch a hockey game next to me. Instead of focusing on the flashy play and goal scoring, I then to notice a few of the more subtle things about the team and it's play.

I've blabbed about this several times before and a few people have hinted that this team has something special and I couldn't agree more. I think it all starts with good coaching. George has grown into an excellent college hockey coach this year. One of the few good things I noticed on the CSTV broadcast was when they referred to former Clarkson (and BGSU) Coach Jerry York and how George credited him with teaching him to let his skill players play. I'm not sure he had the players that he could allow more freedom with at Oswego and I think in the earlier parts of the season George may have overcoached this team. He has been achieving a good balance of letting his players play and still teaching that few coaches can do effectively. Kudos to George, Greg, and JF.

The other thing I've noticed about the coaching staff is that they are brutally honest with their players both in the punishment and reward categories. Several times this year I have noticed some of the less flashy players on our roster put together good efforts on the ice. They have almost always been rewarded with extra playing time, more important shifts, or moving up to a stronger line. The role players have been playing their hearts out in the past month, wheter it be Brodie, Max, Marks, Willemsen, Curley, Jeremiah and even Tuttle when he got the call. Of course, the opposite is also true; if you're not putting forth the effort, you get a little wakeup call and maybe less ice time but you don't end up in the dog house. What a great thing for a hockey recruit to see, George is tough but he rewards effort regardless of your pedigree or draft choice.

This team truly has something special, the leadership of Nick Dodge, the skill players, and the pride of the 2003-04 recruits who came to Clarkson amidst the winds of change and a fight to keep our D-1 exemption. Their commitment is what led to this reward, hopefully we've got a few more gallons in the tank.

[RSTuthill]

This team has exceeded expectations that were established from the year before and thus were probably set a bit low. But full marks nonetheless to both the Team and coaching staff!! You can't do much better than what has been accomplished to date.

It should be noted that some of us fully expected this to happen (check the preseason poll on this site).
http://www.goldenknightshockey.com/roundtable/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=29 With this kind of depth, the Knights had to break through at some point. But now is the time to raise the bar.

Now it is time to make history and do something great. Not many Teams have achieved greatness. This is as good an opportunity as the Knights have ever had.

[TMB88]

...a few people have hinted that this team has something special and I couldn't agree more.

I agree. This team reminds me of the '90-'91 team that closed out Walker Arena. The way they came back and won both games last weekend shows the rugged determination that is necessary to make a playoff run. They simply would not be denied. Let's just hope they can keep it going and avoid running into another '91 BU.

[Stripes55]

I agree. This team reminds me of the '90-'91 team that closed out Walker Arena. The way they came back and won both games last weekend shows the rugged determination that is necessary to make a playoff run. They simply would not be denied. Let's just hope they can keep it going and avoid running into another '91 BU.

One difference - this time, Clarkson didn't get the shaft & have to play an extra weekend, then play 3 games at the home rink of the #1 team in the country before getting to the Frozen Four.

But yeah, this is the most optimistic I've been heading into the NCAA's since 1991....

[Earl_Leatherland]

Absolutely a successful year.

Next year, barring anyone leaving, Clarkson will get it's top 8 point leaders back for another year. 5 juniors. 2 sophomores. 1 freshman. I like the chances.

I believe a successful season is winning the regular season for the ECAC. ECACHL. EZAC. ECAZ. Whatever we are called this week.

I believe a very successful season is winning the regular season and the championship for the ECAC.

I believe a successful season is getting to the regionals by PWR (or whatever system used that particular year that is considered seriously flawed by whoever did not make it.) Not necessarily an autobid because anybody could get that on a string of 4 to 5 good games.

I believe a more than successful season is making it to the Elite Eight.

I believe an incredibly successful season is making it to the Frozen Four.

I believe a phenonmenal season is making it to the championship game.

I believe a screaming incoherently until I can no longer talk season...will come in 2008!!

LET'S GO TECH! LET'S GO TECH! LET'S GO TECH!

[vicb]

Well, I have had time to try to adjust to this weekends disappointment. My thoughts.

If you told me at the beginning of the year that we would make the NC$$ Tourney I'd have taken it in a heart beat and been very happy. I'd have said we probably overachieved to get there and win or lose in the Tourney I'd have said it was a successful season.

Seeing how this team played throughout the year and especially in the last half of the year and in the ECAC Tourney really had my hopes up that somehow this year would be different on the National Scene. This team always found a way to win no matter what the adversity. I had high hopes that in the NC$$ Tourney they would once again have that magic, that spark, whatever to at least win the opening round game and have a good shot at winning two and getting to the Frozen Four. They could not have had a better bracket. One team playing well but not spectacularly, UMass, and two teams that seemed to be like punch drunk fighters ready to go down, St Cloud and Maine. No heavy weights to contend with: Minny, UND, ND, Mich St, BC, UNH. The perfect setup to finally break the drought and at least win one maybe two.

Well everyone knows how this scenario went. Another year; one and done, another disappointment. Heard this comment from a Clarkson Admin after the loss, "Hey it's disappointing but tell (I'll leave the guys name out) we are back". Yes we are back at the top of the ECAC. Yes we are back in the National Picture. But unfortunatly we are also back being the Big Fish in the Little ECAC Pond. We get thrown in the NC$$ shark tank and are immediately gobbled up by whatever fish we pass by, no matter how big that fish is. I don't want to be back to one and done. I can't stand hearing "See, I told you Clarkson did not deserve that #1 Seed." "The ECAC should be joining AH and CHA and only get one bid, a #4 seed."

Sorry to rant but this loss is as hard to take as the loss to Colorado College in 1997 when again we had a #1 seed, a bye and again could not come thru. I was there in Albany the last time we won a NC$$ game, Clarkson 6 W Mich 2. I am just wondering if I am gonna see in my lifetime any other wins at the National Level.

Again sorry but this is one disappointed old techer. Thanks to George and his staff and the team for getting us back to where we are. Thanks to all the seniors for your 4 years of hard work. I have not given up but boy it's gonna take most of the summer to recover from this one. Looking forward to next year. If it happens to be another year in the NC$$ Tourney and another one and done so be it. I'm hopin for something better.

[Bill]

Well, finishing at #3 in the PWR, winning at Albany and losing in the regional 1-0 to a streaking UMass team playing a 5 man neutral zone trap in the 3rd coupled with a hot goalie - That's more success than I would've projected at the beginning of the season. Will have to wait 'til next year to see if they can step up one more level. It was gratifying to see North Country hockey back on the national scene this year. Interesting that no #1 seed in the tournament made it to St. Louis - 2 lost in the first round and 2 lost in the 2nd round, so we've got company. IMHO the Knights did have the best regional with chances to advance, so it's too bad they could not take advantage of it.

[vicb]

I'm probably gonna take some heat for the previous post but so what. It's what I feel. I would like to add the following. I really like George Roll and the current staff and would not trade them for any other staff in the ECAC (yep, not even for Joe Marsh) :) . They are doing wonders with the recruiting and I think a great job of coaching the talent they can attract. IMHO, we will never get the bluest of the Blue Chippers. I know that, you know that and I think George and Company know that. They are getting players that can compete on the ice with anyone, in school and are good people. That is all we the fans can ask for and should expect. I'm just so bummed that once again we get a high seed and cannot win even one lousey stinking game at the National Level. Sorry for the previous negativity. It was not meant to disrespect the great accomplishments of this years team and players.

[MikeR]

I'm probably gonna take some heat for the previous post but so what. It's what I feel.

Not from here Vic. I feel the same. The roller coaster crashed on the way up. I watched most of the game at home, then sped to meet my wife at a local establishment. Watching the last play....UGH, a punch in the stomach. And it was over..:(

Thought this year was different, somehow.

[FireKnight]

I don't think I would give you heat for anything Vic. I'm one of the few that frequent posting here that are from the "post 1991" days, so maybe I've grown used to the one and done thing.

As far as your specific comments are concerned, let Minny and BU have the bluest of the blue. You can see by their teams' styles of play, that very few of them are playing for the team and are more interested in securing their NHL contracts. I say that pretty much without exception, although I must say that Bryan Boyle moving back to D for the good of the team is a class move but Coach York has had a history of recruiting class players.

When you talk to our boys, you don't hear anyone saying "I'm Shawn Weller and I'm a can't miss pro prospect." Instead you'll hear, "Hi, I'm Shawn, didn't David play a great game tonight." I'll take 25 guys with that attitude over 25 Alex Rodriguezes. You can see what Alex has done for the Yankees, while teams with talent and a team mentality have gotten it done in the last 6 world series. I don't think we'll ever be able to dominate and win 3 straight national titles, but I do think with our coaching staff and fan support, there is no reason to believe we can't make a run and soon.

[LGTecher]

I too am a pre-91 Techer...and proud of it! The difference for me this year is watching the game on Friday, until the end I didn't believe they COULD win it, but rather that they WOULD win it. The boys learned this year that they could win as a team and different players stepped up all year at different times. Learning to win isn't as easy as it sounds. It means winning the ugly games, coming back from behind late in the game, and not getting down on each other. I commend the team on a job well done and look forward to a Tech team that took a giant leap ahead this year to getting the program back on track.

[Dave G]

Vic, I share your opinions, your pride and your frustrations. This team, and the Clarkson program, has come far in the last couple of years. These Seniors can be proud of how far they’ve come. The guys coming back next year can remember winning the ECAC Championship, and that they were only 4 wins away from a national championship.

It’s incredible that a small school like Clarkson can compete against huge schools like Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Minnesota, BC & BU, with their resources. Several of my co-workers are Ohio State alum’s, and one of them sent me an article from an Ohio State newsletter describing a top hockey prospect visiting the campus during a big football weekend – watching the Ohio State 100 piece band practice – 100,000 fans in the stands – national television coverage, etc. How can Clarkson compete with that?

It speaks well for Clarkson, and for the coaching staff, that we’re able to recruit the excellent student-athletes that we have.

Was the loss in the NCAA’s disappointing? Yes. Am I proud of the ECAC Champs, the 3rd-ranked team in the nation prior to the tournament? Absolutely!

I can’t wait ‘til next year.

[Muskieman]

Just wanted to share here/below my post last night on the SLU thread on USCHO. Sorry that I didn't get to meet more of you in Albany, in particular Rich S. because we Ranger fans have 'gotta stick together.

I hope you fans don't lose perspective because of a tough loss to a red hot goalie in a one-and-done situation. I know I haven't, as SLU ran into a red hot and very talented team. Also, I think that both Clarkson and SLU will be back in the NCAA's next year.


Last night's post, where Joe & Vic are mentioned:

Thanks, SLU, for an awesome season and a great run. You guys will do great things in your lives because you have heart, character, integrity, and work your butts off. Thanks, guys, for making this my favorite season of all, while rooting for SLU for nearly 4 decades.

A few other thanks, in random order:

1. To Max Taylor. You are a class act. Mike is right - you could someday be the Prime Minister of Canada if you choose politics.

2. To Kyle Rank. You epitomize what SLU hockey is all about and what the coaches look for in their players/students.

3. To the team for skating over to Sections 119 and 219 and saluting us fans (and we were very vocal/supportive, trust me) after a loss to end your season. I have never been prouder to be a Saints fan.

4. To Justin Pesony, for talking with me and Jeff Bush for a half-hour last night, and saying how lucky and honored you were to be at SLU. I wasn't BS'ing you when I said that you were the Team MVP in my eyes. And, as we discussed, your life has been a mirror image of my son's - but both of you 'gotta stop embarassing me by pulling 3.9 GPA's and doubling my cum. GPA at SLU. :)

5. To Joe, Wellsy, Bob, and, Mike - you guys are the best, and I see a Spencer Penrose III on the horizon this year or next.

6. To the player's parents - it has been a joy and an honor to meet many of you this season. It's clearly obvious where the roots for my opening comments have come from.

7. To the fans - nobody is as loyal and as closeknit as we are. I have developed some lifelong friendships (Pat, Eric, Brian, Jeff - you listening?) this season and in season's past. Also got to finally meet VicB and JoeCCT. Can't wait to get up to Tupper to do some fishing with you guys, and have Jeff teach me how to shoot digital while I introduce him to bird photography. Jeff, you will hate me for that. .

8. To the Spaceman - it's because of you that #7 has happened. You are the best.

Thank God for SLU, SLU, SLU !

Brian

[RSTuthill]

Time to revisit this thread for 2007-2008.

For me, the Meets Expectations level will be to get to the NCAA's and win in the first round. Exceeds Expectations will be to get to the FF. Not getting to the NCAA's would be ... well you know what that would be and I don't think we need to spend much time on that.

Pretty simple, this year.

[joecct]

Dick

Ditto

[Todd '86]

... the Meets Expectations level will be to get to the NCAA's and win in the first round. Exceeds Expectations will be to get to the FF. Not getting to the NCAA's would be ... well you know what that would be and I don't think we need to spend much time on that.

Can't argue with that. Ditto for me, too.

[vicb]

I'll get into a little more detail:

Sweep Hockey East at home: UMass, Prov and BC
Split on the road at Lake State, and Colorado College, take 2 from St Cloud at Cheel
Win the Estero Classic
Win 2 of 3 from SLU
Get to Albany and Repeat as ECAC Champs
Win a first Round NC$$ Game

[ChuckNajimy]

I don't really care about anything but winning at LEAST one game in the NCAA's. Anything less than that will be terribly frustrating and disappointing. Getting there and losing the first game again.... I don't even want to think about it!

After further thought, I think that qualifying for the NCAA's with at-large is important too. Which, obviously, means a strong season. That will be more difficult this year than last due to the tougher schedule. Also as an afterthought taking 3 out of 4 vs. WCHA would be nice.

So to boil down my ramblings...

Frozen Four appearance.

[Brett Gobe]

It's time to set the bar to it's highest point.

1. Take revenge on Amherst.
2. At least 14 wins at home. 18-0-0 would be better.
3. Sweep SLU.
4. At least 13 wins on the road. 2 points on every league road trip, at a minimum.
5. Win holiday tournament.
6. First round bye in the league playoffs.
7. Appearance in ECAC final. Repeat would be ideal, but it's tough to repeat.
8. Dodge in Hobey Hat Trick.
9. Frozen Four Appearance.

[RSTuthill]

Wow. I am impressed by those who want to set the bar that high. FF as the Meets Expectations level?

I think they can do it, but at that level it takes a little luck. Which brings to mind the thought that it is about time Clarkson had a little luck. So yeah, that's not totally unreasonable. But a lot of things can happen; and, at the end of the day you fight the good fight and the chips land where they land.

[Bill]

I think they can do it, but at that level it takes a little luck. Which brings to mind the thought that it is about time Clarkson had a little luck. So yeah, that's not totally unreasonable. But a lot of things can happen; and, at the end of the day you fight the good fight and the chips land where they land.
All true, but who woulda predicted any of this a few years ago. I really don't play the expectations game, but if we all expect continuous improvement (more or less) where else is there to go? I would love to go at least one more FF and watch the KNIGHTS compete - it's been a while since St. Paul. :p

[Knights16Golden]

This year they're picking us to go all the way to Denver on Inside College Hockey.

[vicb]

Just been lollygaging at the computer waiting for everyone else in the house to wake up. Thinking about next years game rosters

20 skaters

6 defensemen vs 8 on the roster
Lock for playing every game (assuming no injury or game DQ's)
Clitsome, Paquet, Mason, Bellows, Rufenach
Rotation for last spot:
Crowe, Reed, Pizzo

12 forwards vs 15 on the roster
Lock for playing every game (assuming no injury or game DQ's)
Dodge, Zalewski, Cayer, Guthrie, D'Alvise, Beca, Marks, Freeman
Rotation for last 4 spots:
DeFazio, Tuohimma, Willemsen, Kosziwka, Tuttle, Marshall, Arciero

2 Goalies vs 3 on roster:
Lock for the bulk of PT:
Leggio
Fill in:
Wyse, Potter

[Drew]

I think the staff is pretty high on Defazio and expect him to get a regular spot on the top 3 lines......I would like to see Willemsen, if healthy, get a spot as well, I thought he played very well down the stretch....then again it is just an opinion.

[Stemmer]

Agreed, expectations for DeFazio are up there. I'd be surprised if he was in a rotation and not playing every game. Some one else would really have to stepup bigtime.

Either Reed or Pizzo has a good shot to grab that sixth spot on D too.

Pre-season will reveal a lot.

[vicb]

I think the staff is pretty high on Defazio and expect him to get a regular spot on the top 3 lines......I would like to see Willemsen, if healthy, get a spot as well, I thought he played very well down the stretch....then again it is just an opinion.

I did list the players in order as to who I thought was most likely to grab one of the remaining spots. So Defazio most likely to be in the lineup, Arciero least likely etc

[koho]

Whatever happened to Merkowsky(sp?) from the Air Force Academy?

[Brett Gobe]

I believe he's still at Clarkson, just did not play hockey.

[Drew]

I did list the players in order as to who I thought was most likely to grab one of the remaining spots. So Defazio most likely to be in the lineup, Arciero least likely etc
In that case, I am in total agreement with all your selections. Wonder how the lines pan out...., IIRC Beca and Defazio played on the same line in JR.A and both put up big numbers during the playoffs two years ago.

Edit: Regarding your scheme, does that mean you have Wyse playing ahead of Potter?

[vicb]

.....Edit: Regarding your scheme, does that mean you have Wyse playing ahead of Potter?

Yes but that one is a total SWAG. For that matter the whole thing is a SWAG :D .

[ChuckNajimy]

Yes but that one is a total SWAG. For that matter the whole thing is a SWAG :D .

Pretty sure I get the W,A, and G... but can't figure the S. :)

[vicb]

Pretty sure I get the W,A, and G... but can't figure the S. :)

Stupid :) .

[Stemmer]

We need to reach the Frozen Four. I think it's doable. and that's no SWAG. :D

[Todd '86]

We need to reach the Frozen Four. I think it's doable. and that's no SWAG. :D

Scientifically speaking, of course....

[vicb]

Roll is expecting a Frozen Four appearance :) . LGT


http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2007/08/03_clarkson.php

I thought Cayer was not coming in until next year???

[Drew]

Roll is expecting a Frozen Four appearance :) . LGT


http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2007/08/03_clarkson.php

I thought Cayer was not coming in until next year???

Vic,
I read that as well, must be an error. If he was coming this year, I think Clarkson would have listed him in the "Incoming Recruits" press release.

[vicb]

Roll is expecting a Frozen Four appearance :) . LGT


http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2007/08/03_clarkson.php

I thought Cayer was not coming in until next year???

In reading the article again George did not exactly say he expected to be in the Frozen Four but that is "the goal". My guess is that is every coaches "goal" going into each season. Some may have to dream on about it. I feel though that George knows that if a Frozen Four Appearance is emminent it is gonna have to be with this years senior class . Once they leave even though the well is not dry, it certainly is down a whole lotta bucket fulls. I am really looking forward to this year (as I do every year). Here's to the goal: Frozen Four or Bust. LGT.

[Brett Gobe]

It's time to set the bar to it's highest point.

1. Take revenge on Amherst.
2. At least 14 wins at home. 18-0-0 would be better.
3. Sweep SLU.
4. At least 13 wins on the road. 2 points on every league road trip, at a minimum.
5. Win holiday tournament.
6. First round bye in the league playoffs.
7. Appearance in ECAC final. Repeat would be ideal, but it's tough to repeat.
8. Dodge in Hobey Hat Trick.
9. Frozen Four Appearance.

Well, they took care of #1. #3 won't happen, but I will be happy with a league sweep. 3-0 at home so far, and time for the first real test on the road.


LGT!

[placid]

Well, they took care of #1. #3 won't happen, but I will be happy with a league sweep. 3-0 at home so far, and time for the first real test on the road.


LGT!

No 3 can happen in ECAC Hockey play

[RSTuthill]

Time to revisit this thread for 2007-2008.

For me, the Meets Expectations level will be to get to the NCAA's and win in the first round. Exceeds Expectations will be to get to the FF. Not getting to the NCAA's would be ... well you know what that would be and I don't think we need to spend much time on that.

Pretty simple, this year.
Meets Expectations for year 2007-2008 from me. I know that some folks thought that was setting the bar too low last year. But I think my point about luck playing a factor was on the money. With a little luck, the Knights would have gone to the Frozen Four.

How about from you?

[Bill]

Meets Expectations for year 2007-2008 from me. I know that some folks thought that was setting the bar too low last year. But I think my point about luck playing a factor was on the money. With a little luck, the Knights would have gone to the Frozen Four.

How about from you?
You're smack on - good job. I am a believer in aiming for high goals, however, as if you're satisfied with less, you tend to get it. Did I expect the Knights to be in Denver - well, maybe, - hope springs eternal. Did I get tix - no, but would have if either of the Knights or Redhawks made it - figured I had a 50/50 shot, but didn't work out, so watched on the tube and saved a bunch of bucks. I will likely go next year, as our daughter lives in the DC area, so only cost will be tix and trains. Haven't been to one since Gwoz & Co. won in Columbus.
Real interesting exercise will be the '08/'09 expectations for the Knights question.
LGT!!!