THIS WEEKEND'S ECAC TOURNAMENT CHAMPION?

[Goldie Knight]

The play-in game is this Thursday night at 7:30 at the Olympic Arena; it is between Dartmouth and RPI. This season against RPI, Clarkson dominated RPI in January at Cheel, 4-1. Except for the last eight minutes of the Clarkson game at RPI, Clarkson handily controlled the game; in the end, they created a disaster for themselves and lost in overtime 4-3.

Against Dartmouth, Clarkson earned a tie in January; in March, the Golden Knights defeated Dartmouth 3-2 at Cheel.

Against Harvard in Cambridge, the Crimson came from behind to tie the game; at Cheel, the Golden Knights defeated Harvard 4-1 in mid February.

Having had the opportunity to watch both quarterfinal games at Cheel this weekend against SLU, I must admit that I was very impressed with the determination and perseverance the Golden Knights exhibited. The upperclassmen have not forgotten what happened to them in the quarterfinals last year against UVM. As a team, they played outstanding hockey against their greatest rival, SLU. Robbie McFeeters, the ECAC Rookie of the Year last year, is almost back to his regular self on the ice. I am excited about the play of freshmen Randy Jones and Jay Latulippe--their level of skill is awesome.

I am very optimistic that this very strong desire to win will accompany the Golden Knights as they pursue their goal of winning the ECAC Tournament this weekend. This team is playing its best hockey of the season, with Mike Walsh making amazing saves. If I were an opponent of Clarkson, I would have serious reservations about defeating the Golden Knights.

It will be great to finally return the Lake Placid this year. Spring Break for CU students begins at the end of the day Friday, March 15. I hope the Pep Band will be there to provide the enthusiasm the Knights have enjoyed this year.

What are your predictions for this weekend's games in Lake Placid?

OUR KNIGHTS ARE AWESOME!

[chuck]

You bring up some excellent points Goldie. I fully agree that Clarkson has the ability to win the ECAC and I have a gut feeling that they will (I had that same feeling for the Patriots at the start of the playoffs :cool: ). But there are some things that concern me... Harvard is loaded with talent, they haven't been able to put it together that well this year but the raw ability is there and is maybe starting to break out. Yes we had RIP's number for 112 min of the 123 min (or so) we faced them but they are pretty hot right now. While I think that we can beat Cornell (esp. on the big sheet) they obiously play the most consistantly good hockey in the conference. And not to count out Dartmouth... well it is St. Patrick's day weekend and they are the Big GREEN :rolleyes:

Anyway I've pretty much stated the obvious here. I'm excited about being in LP again, and I'll have a blast there and I think that our team is gonna pull it off! (Please, Please, Please)

Also something to think about... If RIP beats DC, which I think they will, they also have the ability to take out Cornell on the big ice, so assuming Tech beats Harvard (not a given) then maybe Clarkson could face a tired RIP for the crown. Has any team won the tourny after playing thursday night in the few years there's been a thursday night?

[Bill]

I think we're in good shape going in. Last weekend had to be a big confidence booster, and everyone is back on the ice and nearly, if not for sure, 100%.
As an aside, if I remember correctly, someone came out of the 4/5 slot and won a few years ago...(Princeton maybe?)....It can be done, but is not easy!! (and hopefully won't happen this year)!!!
LGT! LGT!! LGT!!!

[vicb]

Yep it was Princeton that came out of the 4/5 slot in 1998. Unfortunately it was Clarkson they beat in 2 OT's 5-4. Another in our long history of blowing the Big One :( . Let's not blow it this year guys. LGT

[Goldie Knight]

Vic,

I was going to look back in my diary for the March 1998 Lake Placid weekend that Princeton defeated us, so thank you for saving me some time. I couldn't remember all the details, but I can remember thinking there was no way any team could have the endurance to win three games in three days, but Princeton did it. I can still remember seeing all those "P"s held up all over the Olympic Arena that year.

However, this weekend the Golden Knights demonstrated just how badly they want to go to Lake Placid. Saturday night David Evans mentioned that last year's team didn't deserve to have their season ended (by UVM in the quarterfinals) so abruptly.

Apparently, this is the driving force which is propelling the Golden Knights and providing the impetus for their success. As I have mentioned before, any Clarkson opponent ought to be very concerned. When Mike Walsh is hot, the other teams need to worry.

What are your predictions for the ECAC Tournament?

OUR KNIGHTS ARE AWESOME!

[chuck]

How could I forget!?!?

Let's not let that happen again!

[Stemmer]

I recall all to well hearing the last hour or so of that game on Princeton radio, driving south past Princeton. They scored the GWG just as we crossed into Delaware over the bridge.

NOT a great way to begin a vacation! :D

What Princeton accomplished was amazing and was a tribute to Coach Cahoon and a very hard working group of talented players!

[vicb]

Clarkson will not be denied (I hope :) )!!!! LGT LGT LGT

[Kenny L Parker]

Any Knight fans have thoughts/opinions/preferences on the Cornell/RIP game?

Hey RichS, I see over on USCHO that Al DeFlorio has made another "friend" in Hobey Baker... perhaps he'll leave you alone now!

[Stemmer]

Originally posted by Kenny L Parker
Any Knight fans have thoughts/opinions/preferences on the Cornell/RIP game?

Hey RichS, I see over on USCHO that Al DeFlorio has made another "friend" in Hobey Baker... perhaps he'll leave you alone now!

RIP will give them a run...but in the end I think cornell's discipline and defense will earn them the win. This will, we hope, set up a title game with Tech.... :D

Al D...leave me alone? Nah...never...I'd be too lonely! :rolleyes: