UNH and Lowell

[hckyfan]

I made it to both games this weekend and like many others was dissapointed with the outcomes. The team played a great first period against UNH but just didn't have enough gas for the whole game. It could have been the big ice surface. They did manage to pull off about 30 shots on goal. They just couldn't put a shot in. Randy Jones could have been a big help during this game. The D were playing double shifts and just looked exhausted by the end of the game.
After the UNH game I learned that about 1/3 of the team was sick. The flu I guess.
Saturday night was a game that Clarkson would like back. Before the game I talked to many of the players and the coaches and found out that Reid, Jones, Lush, and many others were still suffering from the bug. The team just didn't have it in them Saturday night and it showed.
I truely believe that Clarkson will have a much better showing against UNH in a few weeks when we play them at Christmas. It just seems like the players, coaches and even FANS need a break. The past few weeks have been very stressful on everyone involved and now with finals and the bug going around a break will do everyone good. Look for some big things from this team come the new year. This team has great leadership and will bounce back just like in past years. I will continue to support this team through thick and thin.
Good luck on finals.....Good luck in Ottawa..... And have a great break.

[hckyfan]

I forgot~
Joe Carosa will be out four to six weeks with a broken/fractured wrist.

Kenny Scuderi also injured his hand again against Lowell. Not sure if he will be out?

[vicb]

Originally posted by hckyfan
Kenny Scuderi also injured his hand again against Lowell. Not sure if he will be out?

I wonder if it is the same hand he injured in the first Ohio State game. Had it all bandaged up at the after party at the hotel. He played the 2nd game despite the injury. Of any of the guys on the team, he is by far the toughest when it comes to playing thru injuries. I expect to see him play in Ottawa unless the coaching staff want to rest it.

[Stemmer]

Originally posted by hckyfan
I forgot~
Joe Carosa will be out four to six weeks with a broken/fractured wrist.

Kenny Scuderi also injured his hand again against Lowell. Not sure if he will be out?

Sorry to hear about these injuries. Have always liked Carosa'a hard working style...the play he made against Bemidji stealing the puck at the blue line and sending Lush in alone for a SHG was one of the best plays I've seen at a Tech game in a long time! A great hustle play that this team needs more of!

Joe's energy will be missed.

[ScottO1992]

OK, just so I can track excuses correctly...I want to make sure the ECAC & the NCAA are aware of these problems so that they don't overlook us in polling & tournament bids. Here's where we stand:

From Broomballmaster:

Slu-morris had just beat a player, maybe the kids weren't thinking about the game, aaahhh, ya i think so.

Providence- 3 donkeys could of ref'ed the game better than them, the ref's just plain sucked.

Bemidji- didn't they have the best ranked goalie in the nation when they played us, that helps.

Harvard- There just really smart, i'm not sure if they even skate, i think they found out how to hover.



From Hckyfan:

UNH- didn't have enough gas for the whole game

Lowell- 1/3 of team sick with flu/bug

[tbch13]

I have to say I am really disappointed in the team. I cant believe that they lost to U-Lowell. I thought for sure that they would win this game. And you know what, I also thought that they could come out and beat UNH. However they proved me wrong. I just hope that in Denver that they kick their butt!!!

Let's hope that this is the usual CU start. They were doing well at one point. but somewhere it all went downhill again.??? What are we doing wrong???

[joecct]

"We didn't play very well, it's a good thing we don't play in Hockey East," said interim head coach Fred Parker. "We didn't compete at all. They out-competed us everywhere on the ice. We competed fairly well in the first period and in the second we took the period off and lost the game."

'Nuff ced.

[Stemmer]

Originally posted by tbch13
I have to say I am really disappointed in the team. I cant believe that they lost to U-Lowell. I thought for sure that they would win this game. And you know what, I also thought that they could come out and beat UNH. However they proved me wrong. I just hope that in Denver that they kick their butt!!!

Let's hope that this is the usual CU start. They were doing well at one point. but somewhere it all went downhill again.??? What are we doing wrong???

This is definitely NOT "the usual slow start". Coach Parker said a mouthful!!!

This is the most undisciplined Tech team I have ever seen these past two seasons. Poor positional play, dumb penalties, yapping at the other team and at the refs...binehead plays when protecting a lead late in the game....

When I think of how many big games I have seen past Tech teams...in the recent past, I mean...win in hostile environments, I cring ata what's happening now. The leaders on this team have to bring about a better attitude and some basic improvements in discipline! And I'm not referring to the coaches other than to suggest that the offenders be benched. Thats all young athletes understand today...being benched!!!

[JR]

Only getting 18 shots on goal and getting shutout by UMass-Lowell is brutal. Lowell is a team that has struggled mightily this year and to not even show up in that game is aweful.

I'm praying that the Spring semester roll starts soon, but I'm not optimistic at all.........

[joecct]

Rich

You can't bench this bunch. They'd cry to Mommy or the Admin and get the coach fired.

I am prepared to right off this bunch of players. They have flunked Chemistry 101, Leadership 401, and Desire 300.

Scholarships are renewable 1 year contracts. If I really wanted to send a message, I start out the next practice and tell every Frosh - Junior that they are playing for their scholarships next season. Dog it and you're gone. Keep taking stupid penalties and you're gone. Send a message and make it stick. If they want to leave, release them and hand them a bus ticket out of town.

To the seniors -- I can't can them, but I don't have to play them. They need an attention grabber. How about ripping off the letters and not having "C"'s and "A"'s. "C" and "A" are reserved for leaders. We don't have any, except maybe ringleaders.

Playing at Clarkson is a priviledge, not a right. I'd rather root for a bunch of over achievers playing at .500 than a bunch of under acheivers playing at .500. Right now, it is tough to root for CCT.

Am I mad? You betcha!!

'Nuff ced.

[ScottO1992]

Joe, are you employed? do you have any previous coaching experience? what are your feelings on moving back to Potsdam?

:D

[hckyfan]

I just hope that when this team does win the ECAC this year, and they will, You don't jump on the bandwagon. The team doesn't need negative supporters like you.

THEY DO HAVE GREAT LEADERSHIP
There is a lot going on off the ice with this team right now and believe me that when they get back from break you will see the real Clarkson Hockey Team.

[ScottO1992]

"The current team" has as much chance of winning the ECAC this season as Enron has of hitting 150. Not a detractor, just a realist. And, if we do win, my comments are forever archived and I'll eat crow. None of us here, including myself, don't share your desire to win.

This team needs some discipline, leadership and a good dose of reality. What they DON'T need is all the giddy back-slapping when they are playing like ass.

Like I said, tape these posts to the lockeroom wall and prove us wrong. (God knows we need SOMETHING to motivate the team) It's obvious we have talent, how about we start to use it.

The schedule only gets harder from this point out! Prove us wrong, prove it to yourselves. If we could win one game, and only one game the rest of the season, please let's beat Cornell.

[tbch13]

WOW...ScottO I love your santa costume. Quite impressive..although kinda scary for my eyes.

A couple of things that I wanted to mention to all of you that might want to listen. first off, I think the worst part of the team is that there is no competition at all. The freshman this year arent competing for spots on the team, so that all the sophmores, juniors and seniors that are playing are WAY TOO relaxed in their spots!!!!
Second of all, there IS A HELL OF A LOT going on throughout the team that we (nor I) knew about. I was speaking with some of the players and

[ScottO1992]

and what??... keep talking, we're listening.

[JR]

Originally posted by hckyfan
I just hope that when this team does win the ECAC this year, and they will, You don't jump on the bandwagon. The team doesn't need negative supporters like you.

THEY DO HAVE GREAT LEADERSHIP
There is a lot going on off the ice with this team right now and believe me that when they get back from break you will see the real Clarkson Hockey Team.

I'm sorry, but people questioning where the team is going based on recent performance does not make them bandwagon jumpers.

Save that speech for those that are pulling their support for the PROGRAM just because of Morris getting fired.

Those that care enough about the PROGRAM to call the effort against Lowell not good enough are called fans. Fans are supposed to want more from their team than a poor effort against a team that they should beat.

And while the team has all the excuses in the world to suck the rest of this season, the best fans won't accept that.

And it's common sense that if something doesn't change soon, then this team will have a hard time even making the ECAC playoffs, let alone winning in Albany.

Now whether you believe it will happen or not does not define whether you are a bandwagon jumper or not. Those that have stopped supporting the team are the bandwagon jumpers. And there have been few of those that have chosen to take that route.

I want the team to win the national title this year. I just don't think that it will happen. And I don't think that qualifies me as someone who has jumped off the bandwagon...........

[ScottO1992]

http://www.virtualimage.com/bandwagon.jpg

[vicb]

I think you got the faces in the wrong end of those animals there partner :D

[Stemmer]

Joe,

You are right...not only have they flunked, but also...some of 'em haven't been going to classes! Now thats real leadership, eh?

I'm starting to dread my almost annual trip to Lynah. A Tech team has never made me feel embaressed there 'til last year...by their behavior, not by their performance. Can't stand the thought of seeing that again.

Hckyfan...what leaders are you referring to? I sure haven't seen or heard about them this year.

[joecct]

JR

EVERYBODY makes the ECAC playoffs. Not to make the top 8, though, is really saying your program is not doing well.

Scott -- I have coached before and am gainfully employed. Unfortunately, I believe that short of Ron Mason stepping into Cheel tomorrow and delivering a message of doom that would leave the unfaithful quaking in their boots, NOBODY, not even Joe Marsh could come into the program right now and right the ship.

In Junior hockey you always have the threat of trades or being dropped. Outside of having your scholarship yanked, what can you do? We can't trade anybody to Neuman.

Somebody has to rattle a few cages in the Clarkson locker room. Punishment drills really serve no purpose after a while as they cease to be attention grabbers. How about clearing out the locker room and have the team dress in one of the other rooms? When they play as a team and give 100%, then let them back in.

Joe

[Stemmer]

Reminds me of the time awhile back that Mark had the guys board the bus at cornell (I think?) after stinking out the joint, without showering...think that "got their attention?

These days, many athletes young and old, amateur and pro, think they're "entitled" to everything and responsible for nothing...I'm reminded of that already coaching some of these HS kids.

"Work ethic"? What's that?....Actually, I just point to a picture of Dave Taylor!!!

[JR]

JR

EVERYBODY makes the ECAC playoffs. Not to make the top 8, though, is really saying your program is not doing well.

True, but I never really considered the mid-week play in round "making the playoffs" and they have gone to the Final 5 playoffs, so the play in round is gone.

Maybe I should edit it to say at this rate they'll never make it to Albany........;)

[JR]

Somebody has to rattle a few cages in the Clarkson locker room. Punishment drills really serve no purpose after a while as they cease to be attention grabbers. How about clearing out the locker room and have the team dress in one of the other rooms? When they play as a team and give 100%, then let them back in.

Mark used to do that with the JV locker room. The only problem is that they converted the JV locker room to a workout room/changing area/hang out room when they 86ed the JV team in the summer of '94.

They could move all the junk into the varsity locker room, but it was worse when he'd move the JV team in there for the time being.;)

[tbch13]

My apologies..My computer at work shut down on me.

I forget my train of that and what exactly I was going to write next...but I know it had to do with the fact of excuses.

I dont really agree that people are given excuses except for a couple of times. The game against Bemidji State had absolutely HORRENDOUS refs. And last weekend, we should have beaten Lowell but I cant honestly say that I fully believed we could beat UNH...UNLESS we came out hard and strong. Then put in the fact that many people are sick now. In fact I heard that Randy might have strep throat. Joe is gone for another 3-4 weeks. Scuderi hurt his wrist or something. Anyways the team is not in good shape right now, anyway you look at it. Plus, I hate how there is no competition. I can only think of a handful of players that come out every single night and work 110%

rich, I remember that Cornell game. I actually made it there for it, and I remember seeing the bus pull out as I was pulling out like 10 minutes after the game ended. I knew that the boys hadnt showered. Not quite sure if I like Mark's antics but that was the type of coach that he was. Parker might have to blow a fuse once or let some of the freshman play (even if they arent ready) instead of playing someone that doesnt come out 110%. If the players are going to lose, why not let the freshman have a shot at it. :confused:

I think the boys will make it to Albany, beyond that, I doubt it, unless they pick up the pace a hell of a lot. However, they havent gone farther than that in four years.

Oh yes, I wish there was trades but I guess it would be too hard because they are students first. You cant really transfer all the time to different schools.

Hopefully the team that comes back after Christmas and goes to Denver is going to perform because I think it would be a huge embarassment to the coaches and the players if they get smoked against UNH in Denver. :(
I have faith in them, I know they just need a break and to re-group, get well, and find some offense in their bodies. It sucks that in the top 5 scorers, there is two defense. Where are all the offense??? Congrats to the D's though:p

[petal]

For lacrosse we never got to shower. It was right back on the bus after the game, covered in mud and sweaty or not. I have to agree with some of the things Joe said. I am not seeing leadership like there used to be a few years ago. There needs to be some consequences(other than a bad W/L record) for poor effort and doing things half-a$$ed. How about switch locker rooms with the girls team?? Everyone can come up with excuses(refs, coaches, travel, school, etc) but it's a real team that takes responsibility and steps up. The big thing about sports is overcoming all of those distractions and adversity to succeed instead of letting those things get to you and rolling over and giving up.

[RPI]

You know Joe you are right, one of the few things I can agree with. The ship sank about 8 weeks ago, the day this mess all started, when Morris lost it. This season will never be the same, how could it, with all the statements that have been made. You can attack leadership, but not 1 or 2 people can win any game. It is called team work, and if they all don't get their act together, it will never happen. This season was doomed by only one person that I can think of right now, if that incident had not taken place, we all would not be sitting here doing this, and the team would not be where they are right now.....Think about it!!

[Pete]

Way to easy, This team had problems before the incident. I think Rich is right when he says there is a real lack of leadership. There is no discipline at all. 1 or 2 cant win a game but they can lead by example and pull the rest up. That is not happening. We need not sit here and do anything. The incident is over. No more excuses. The past is the past, move on and get the job done.


Originally posted by RPI
You know Joe you are right, one of the few things I can agree with. The ship sank about 8 weeks ago, the day this mess all started, when Morris lost it. This season will never be the same, how could it, with all the statements that have been made. You can attack leadership, but not 1 or 2 people can win any game. It is called team work, and if they all don't get their act together, it will never happen. This season was doomed by only one person that I can think of right now, if that incident had not taken place, we all would not be sitting here doing this, and the team would not be where they are right now.....Think about it!!

[RPI]

Your right Pete, but some things are black and white, and this is one of them..hopefully the team will move on and get the job done. The new year I hope will be better..

[Stemmer]

Originally posted by RPI
You know Joe you are right, one of the few things I can agree with. The ship sank about 8 weeks ago, the day this mess all started, when Morris lost it. This season will never be the same, how could it, with all the statements that have been made. You can attack leadership, but not 1 or 2 people can win any game. It is called team work, and if they all don't get their act together, it will never happen. This season was doomed by only one person that I can think of right now, if that incident had not taken place, we all would not be sitting here doing this, and the team would not be where they are right now.....Think about it!!

I cannot agree with this. It's wrong to say that the incident "doomed" the season or that one man was responsible for the poor record so far. What team have you been watching?

They started the season with the same ills as last year...lack of discipline, dumb penalties, ineffective PP, lack of scoring. These weaknesses were all present well before the incident...and they still are!

Leadership, or the lack of it affects more than "1 or 2 people"...thats the point...it affects the entire team! Its up to the leaders to help the coaches turn it around so that they get more out of the talent this team has.

[RPI]

I have watched the same team as you stemmer and do you honestly think there is a lot of talent on this team. Maybe they are using all the talent they have..It's hard to get blood out of a stone. But I do believe that this incident has had an ill effect on the team, no matter what you think...They are trying to win they don't get on the ice to lose, who in there right mind wants to lose in any sport.

[tbch13]

True enough.
Two things I would focus on if I were coaching would be to add competition...make them work for their spot everynight and two the power play which has been horrible for the past 3+ years. I am impressed with their PK which is at the top of the nation. I think last week I read it was teh 6th in the nation or something. So we have some good things. I just dont know if the boys personal problems are coming on to the ice, which I dont agree with. But it seems like it is day to day with which team will show up that night.
I would love to see more consistency...but there wasnt that much last year too. And remember two years ago when we blew it against Vermont in the quarter-finals. They were in the #1 spot and blew it!!! WHAT this can tell us is that anything can happen in the play-offs. This team can continue to go up and down but as long as they come out in the play-offs, that is what matters. I would love them to win the ECAC title this year:p
This weekend being an exhibition-like game, isnt going to be that important but I still would like to see them beat Colgate. Get their fans back riding with them. The biggest thing is for them to rest in the holidays (continue practicing at home though), mend their broken bones, get over their colds and begin the second part of the season with a bang. Win some games. (and of course they dont want to win, but they have to put more effort into it).

Oh yeah, remember that they always start slow. And their away record is usually pretty terrible (at least in the past few years), dont understand why, but at least we were still competing in the ECAC.
I dont know if I agree about some of your opinions on leadership. I hate to say it but 3 guys cant make the offense score...they can only do so much. And I dont understand what makes O'Flaherty, Reid and Bahen such bad leaders. I have met them all and they are fine young men.
That all said, I honestly believe they will get going in the second half. They just need some confidance and some offensive play (maybe Rob MCfeeters has some special potion);)