The one positive thing about RPI's losing ways to start the season is at least they are in the friendly confines of the HFH and the home environment might help inspire them for a few more wins to help them get over this rough stretch of the season. This weekend is no different as RPI looks to build on last weekend's 1-1 stretch with games against Princeton and Quinn.
I think RPI continues to play .500 hockey with a terrible PP this weekend and I mirror USCHO's take on the games.
Princeton @ Rensselaer
Can RPI bounce back at home? Princeton's a tough task; I'll save my upset pick for another time. 4-1 Tigers.
Quinnipiac @ Rensselaer
QU is certainly vulnerable, and if the Engineers can play as though they have nothing to lose ... well really, what do they have to lose? 3-1 RPI.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Predicting .500
1-1 this weekend. A win over Harvard and a loss to Dartmouth (USCHO got it right!). Lange with the win, York with the loss. I am NOT a fan of switching goalies (see all of last year's posts) and I think its time for Appert to settle in with Lange for the stretch run.
I don't think RPI is horrible but they are clearly not a good team. I think last weekend will be a precursor of things to come and they will finish about .500 but with no home ice advantage. Something tells me SA is slowly turning the ship around but to do so, he must get the offense working EVERY night and stop with the damn goalie platooning already!
I don't think RPI is horrible but they are clearly not a good team. I think last weekend will be a precursor of things to come and they will finish about .500 but with no home ice advantage. Something tells me SA is slowly turning the ship around but to do so, he must get the offense working EVERY night and stop with the damn goalie platooning already!
Friday, November 07, 2008
Get Ready For Some Hockey!
Ok folks, it is ECAC weekend at the Houston Field House. I am hoping to be in attendance for the Dartmouth game and cheer on the lads in person.
RPI v. Harvard:
They killed us in shots but their power play was just as terrible as RPI's. The thing in RPI's favor is the Blackout will be this Friday night which is a great new annual tradition and should pump up the boys even more. Its really a make or break game for RPI as ECAC play gets underway in earnest. Personally, I don't think our offense is up to the challenge and I see RPI falling 3-1.
USCHO disagrees:
Harvard @ Rensselaer
Hunch pick: RPI guts out a desperate win in front of a blacked-out crowd, 3-2.
RPI v. Dartmouth:
Growing up, I always remember Dartmouth as the team scheduled against RPI for the Freakout because the program was so anemic. Its tough to tell about them this year as they are only 0-2 and lost a close game to Vermont. Still I am thinking RPI hands them their hat in a bounceback game 4-2.
USCHO disagrees:
Dartmouth @ Rensselaer
Call it a Houston (Field House) Hangover: RPI can't make it four points this weekend. 3-2 Green.
Through the RPI listserve, here are some articles on the games from the local fish wraps:
RPI v. Harvard:
They killed us in shots but their power play was just as terrible as RPI's. The thing in RPI's favor is the Blackout will be this Friday night which is a great new annual tradition and should pump up the boys even more. Its really a make or break game for RPI as ECAC play gets underway in earnest. Personally, I don't think our offense is up to the challenge and I see RPI falling 3-1.
USCHO disagrees:
Harvard @ Rensselaer
Hunch pick: RPI guts out a desperate win in front of a blacked-out crowd, 3-2.
RPI v. Dartmouth:
Growing up, I always remember Dartmouth as the team scheduled against RPI for the Freakout because the program was so anemic. Its tough to tell about them this year as they are only 0-2 and lost a close game to Vermont. Still I am thinking RPI hands them their hat in a bounceback game 4-2.
USCHO disagrees:
Dartmouth @ Rensselaer
Call it a Houston (Field House) Hangover: RPI can't make it four points this weekend. 3-2 Green.
Through the RPI listserve, here are some articles on the games from the local fish wraps:
http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=20191249&BRD=1170&PAG=461&dept_id=665
218&rfi=8
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=737246&category=COLLHOCKEY
http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2008/nov/07/1107_collpucks/
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
1 for 10 Equals Loss
On Election Day, Harvard cast its ballots and RPI was in no position to ask for a recount. 1 for 10 on the powerplay left RPI with a 4-1 loss in ECACHL play.
There is something wrong there on the hill. Perhaps it is 36 shots against. Perhaps it is the terrible powerplay. Perhaps it is the coaching.
In any event, these are depressing times for fans of the Cherry and White. I am at a loss this morning of what needs to be done with this program.
There is something wrong there on the hill. Perhaps it is 36 shots against. Perhaps it is the terrible powerplay. Perhaps it is the coaching.
In any event, these are depressing times for fans of the Cherry and White. I am at a loss this morning of what needs to be done with this program.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Well A Win Is A Win
Of course to get that win (against Robert Morris), RPI had to lose to Union. Of course, since shootouts aren't recognized by the NCAA, its technically a tie. The good thing about the Union game was shots on goal. FINALLY, 31 shots! The lads came out strong in the first period and my boy Tyler getting the goal for the Cherry and White. Mathias had what sounded like a solid game.
This set up the next game against RM where RPI once again managed over 30 shots. However, what the hell was up with them giving up 41 shots??? Was there no defense blocking shots at all????
Glad to see York finally get back on the winning side of things. Sure he is only a frosh and expectations should be low but when you face that many shots and you win 2-1, that is a good harbinger of things to come.
Can RPI build on this for the ECAC run? I think its a question very much up in the air but only time will tell.
This set up the next game against RM where RPI once again managed over 30 shots. However, what the hell was up with them giving up 41 shots??? Was there no defense blocking shots at all????
Glad to see York finally get back on the winning side of things. Sure he is only a frosh and expectations should be low but when you face that many shots and you win 2-1, that is a good harbinger of things to come.
Can RPI build on this for the ECAC run? I think its a question very much up in the air but only time will tell.
Friday, October 24, 2008
G Cup
Its that time of year, what is quickly becoming one of my favorite Capitaland traditions, the Governor's Cup (Dewitt above). In honor of New York's past governors, I will link one of them to each of RPI's upcoming games.
Tonight:
RPI v. Union
It is THE rivalry game. Growing up an RPI fan, I hated those maroon and white guys from across the river. And, when they were better than RPI for a few years, it got my blood boiling. The downturn in both programs means that they have to be facing each other for the first game as no guarantee that they will advance to the finals. The Knick is usually a wasteland for hockey games (Rats I am looking at you) but it gets as full as its going to get for this game.
I think RPI is going to get up for this game and do what Cuomo did against Pierre Rinfret: RPI 4-2 over Union.
USCHO has a different take:
The Dutch played solid hockey out in Omaha, whereas RPI simply can't get out of its own way. 'Tute has been shut out twice and allowed 10 goals to Bentley and UMass. It should be a tight defensive game if RPI plays well, but Union's on a mini-roll. 3-1 Dutchmen.
Saturday Night:
RPI vs. Colgate/Robert Morris (i.e., Colgate)
In 1994 George Pataki came out of nowhere (Peekskill, really?) to defeat Cuomo and promised reform in Albany. Sure he bought out a lot of state workers and was friendly-ish to the environment but his change signaled a change in Albany and the state from the silver tongued one. Maybe I am naive but I think RPI will have a similar victory over Colgate to announce their return to the hockey stage after their losing ways. I see them winning in a shootout 2-1.
USCHO thinks its batten all hatches if RPI loses to Robert Morris in the consolation game and I can't say I disagree with em:
If RPI doesn't beat RMU, there will be a quicker bandwagon evacuation than the Boston Bruins' saw last spring. 3-1 Engineers.
RPI on the injury front. Here is the latest (from USCHO):
Rensselaer will be without the services of forwards Joel Malchuk and Kurt Colling yet again. The duo has already missed time this year, but with a bye week looming, coach Seth Appert hopes to have them available against Harvard in two weeks. The Engineers are also fretting about the nature of defenseman Mike Bergin’s injury. The freshman suffered a dislocated shoulder against Massachusetts on Tuesday on a questionable late-game hit, and Appert describes his situation as “out for an extended period of time.” His options currently appear to be rehabbing it and playing this year, or having surgery and shelving the season … Appert is leaning toward the former, but only time will tell which plan is best. Regarding the hit, Appert doesn’t blame UMass coach Don “Toot” Cahoon one bit. Appert said that “because of the emotion of the college game, sometimes lines get crossed … I don’t mind the physicality of it, but I don’t like two of our defensemen getting blasted from behind [in a 6-0 game] .” (The guilty party — Minuteman senior Chris Davis — was assessed a hitting-from-behind major and a game misconduct.)
Tonight:
RPI v. Union
It is THE rivalry game. Growing up an RPI fan, I hated those maroon and white guys from across the river. And, when they were better than RPI for a few years, it got my blood boiling. The downturn in both programs means that they have to be facing each other for the first game as no guarantee that they will advance to the finals. The Knick is usually a wasteland for hockey games (Rats I am looking at you) but it gets as full as its going to get for this game.
I think RPI is going to get up for this game and do what Cuomo did against Pierre Rinfret: RPI 4-2 over Union.
USCHO has a different take:
The Dutch played solid hockey out in Omaha, whereas RPI simply can't get out of its own way. 'Tute has been shut out twice and allowed 10 goals to Bentley and UMass. It should be a tight defensive game if RPI plays well, but Union's on a mini-roll. 3-1 Dutchmen.
Saturday Night:
RPI vs. Colgate/Robert Morris (i.e., Colgate)
In 1994 George Pataki came out of nowhere (Peekskill, really?) to defeat Cuomo and promised reform in Albany. Sure he bought out a lot of state workers and was friendly-ish to the environment but his change signaled a change in Albany and the state from the silver tongued one. Maybe I am naive but I think RPI will have a similar victory over Colgate to announce their return to the hockey stage after their losing ways. I see them winning in a shootout 2-1.
USCHO thinks its batten all hatches if RPI loses to Robert Morris in the consolation game and I can't say I disagree with em:
If RPI doesn't beat RMU, there will be a quicker bandwagon evacuation than the Boston Bruins' saw last spring. 3-1 Engineers.
RPI on the injury front. Here is the latest (from USCHO):
Rensselaer will be without the services of forwards Joel Malchuk and Kurt Colling yet again. The duo has already missed time this year, but with a bye week looming, coach Seth Appert hopes to have them available against Harvard in two weeks. The Engineers are also fretting about the nature of defenseman Mike Bergin’s injury. The freshman suffered a dislocated shoulder against Massachusetts on Tuesday on a questionable late-game hit, and Appert describes his situation as “out for an extended period of time.” His options currently appear to be rehabbing it and playing this year, or having surgery and shelving the season … Appert is leaning toward the former, but only time will tell which plan is best. Regarding the hit, Appert doesn’t blame UMass coach Don “Toot” Cahoon one bit. Appert said that “because of the emotion of the college game, sometimes lines get crossed … I don’t mind the physicality of it, but I don’t like two of our defensemen getting blasted from behind [in a 6-0 game] .” (The guilty party — Minuteman senior Chris Davis — was assessed a hitting-from-behind major and a game misconduct.)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Trouble With A Capital T
6-0. Six to Nil. Seis a Cero.
No matter how you write it, it doesn't change the fact that RPI got blown out of the building last night. They allowed 20 shots on goal IN THE FIRST PERIOD and Lange somehow managed to stop 18 of em. I didn't listen to the game but he must have been standing on his head.
Where is the defense? Is anyone hitting? Blocking shots? Clearing pucks?
The offense? Not much better. Did not crack 10 shots once in a period and was 0-3 on the powerplay.
The problem with scheduling tough opponents to start the season is that if you get blown out or constantly lose, the team runs the risk of being demoralized. You saw it last year when RPI started off hot, then played nothing but Top 16 caliber teams, lost a bunch of games in the third period and where so beaten down that their ECAC run starting January on was terrible.
The USCHO message boards seem to point to a lack of effort in this game and games like Bentley. Does this point to Appert being a better recruiter than coach? Depending on how this season goes, I think its a legitimate question to ask. In any event, a shorter leash is required than his predacessor.
Check out another prospective about the "rut" we are in: http://www.hockeyjournal.com/Article.php?ArtID=575565
No matter how you write it, it doesn't change the fact that RPI got blown out of the building last night. They allowed 20 shots on goal IN THE FIRST PERIOD and Lange somehow managed to stop 18 of em. I didn't listen to the game but he must have been standing on his head.
Where is the defense? Is anyone hitting? Blocking shots? Clearing pucks?
The offense? Not much better. Did not crack 10 shots once in a period and was 0-3 on the powerplay.
The problem with scheduling tough opponents to start the season is that if you get blown out or constantly lose, the team runs the risk of being demoralized. You saw it last year when RPI started off hot, then played nothing but Top 16 caliber teams, lost a bunch of games in the third period and where so beaten down that their ECAC run starting January on was terrible.
The USCHO message boards seem to point to a lack of effort in this game and games like Bentley. Does this point to Appert being a better recruiter than coach? Depending on how this season goes, I think its a legitimate question to ask. In any event, a shorter leash is required than his predacessor.
Check out another prospective about the "rut" we are in: http://www.hockeyjournal.com/Article.php?ArtID=575565
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Mass Me?
Ahh a Tuesday game for the lads. 28th (ish) in the nation in the USCHO poll, they certainly will pose a tough test to RPI tonight. Even tougher has been their competition over the first 2 games. A loss to MSU and then a win over North Daokta. There was also that 6-0 waxing of New Brunswick in the exhibition season where RPI struggled with their exhibition game against a U team!
The defense has to play well and there can't be a third period meltdown. If Lange can keep them competitive perhaps they can pull out a win and start turning around this season. Once can only hope!
The defense has to play well and there can't be a third period meltdown. If Lange can keep them competitive perhaps they can pull out a win and start turning around this season. Once can only hope!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Mathias Stands Tall But...
41 shots against and only 1 goal allowed. That definitely says something about RPI goaltender Mathias Lange. Sure, RPI lost 1-0 in a worrying lack of offense again but damn! Stopping 40 of 41 shots is nothing to sneeze at! Last year, lack of shots were a hallmark of RPI's offense and once again, it seems to be revisiting the cherry and white. Of course, this is another top of the conference team that was played but hopefully some of what was learned on Friday can translate into the ECAC schedule.
As for Saturday night, RPI scored more goals (3!!) then they have in awhile but still ended up with the loss in overtime. Tyler finally got on the board for the lads but once again, shots on goal were an issue. RPI had 8, 9, 5 and 1 shots respectively during each period. Is it asking too much that they break the 10 shot barrier once against a team like Bentley??? I mean its Bentley. Allen York only saved 21 of 25 shots for an unimpressive GAA which, coupled with Lange's performance on Friday, points to Mathias continuing to take the reigns for the full season.
RPI plays on Tuesday against Massachusettes at 7pm. Game preview tomorrow and hopefully the lads can get off the snide.
As for Saturday night, RPI scored more goals (3!!) then they have in awhile but still ended up with the loss in overtime. Tyler finally got on the board for the lads but once again, shots on goal were an issue. RPI had 8, 9, 5 and 1 shots respectively during each period. Is it asking too much that they break the 10 shot barrier once against a team like Bentley??? I mean its Bentley. Allen York only saved 21 of 25 shots for an unimpressive GAA which, coupled with Lange's performance on Friday, points to Mathias continuing to take the reigns for the full season.
RPI plays on Tuesday against Massachusettes at 7pm. Game preview tomorrow and hopefully the lads can get off the snide.
Friday, October 17, 2008
This Weekend In ECAC Play
RPI at UNH:
Wow, what a start to the season!!! First UVM now another U school. Considering how last weekend went, I am not expecting much out of RPI in this game. Still I think it will be closer than USCHO predicts. I say a loss of 4-2.
USCHO:
The Wildcats aren't really a "tuneup" kinda team for a developing program like RPI's ... 5-1 UNH.
RPI at Bentley:
Playing in a division that barely has any teams, Bentley only does well against the Cansius' of the world. I fully expect a win and if there isn't one forthcoming, then its definitely worry mode for the Cherry and White. Maybe 3-0 for the first shutout of the year?
USCHO agrees with me:
Bentley @ Rensselaer
Thank goodness it's not UNH, right? RPI bounces right back, 4-1
USCHO makes a good point in their weekly notebook about the Puckman jerseys. When I was a lad growing up and watching RPI those were the jerseys I wore and that I associated with the program. I realize that while the other sports programs are the Redhawks or whatever they are, the hockey programs was allowed to keep their Engineers. Still, I would like to see them go from the nondescript Rensslear jersey and back to the Puckman. And while we are at it, bring back the swarm!
USCHO's Take:
Wow, what a start to the season!!! First UVM now another U school. Considering how last weekend went, I am not expecting much out of RPI in this game. Still I think it will be closer than USCHO predicts. I say a loss of 4-2.
USCHO:
The Wildcats aren't really a "tuneup" kinda team for a developing program like RPI's ... 5-1 UNH.
RPI at Bentley:
Playing in a division that barely has any teams, Bentley only does well against the Cansius' of the world. I fully expect a win and if there isn't one forthcoming, then its definitely worry mode for the Cherry and White. Maybe 3-0 for the first shutout of the year?
USCHO agrees with me:
Bentley @ Rensselaer
Thank goodness it's not UNH, right? RPI bounces right back, 4-1
USCHO makes a good point in their weekly notebook about the Puckman jerseys. When I was a lad growing up and watching RPI those were the jerseys I wore and that I associated with the program. I realize that while the other sports programs are the Redhawks or whatever they are, the hockey programs was allowed to keep their Engineers. Still, I would like to see them go from the nondescript Rensslear jersey and back to the Puckman. And while we are at it, bring back the swarm!
USCHO's Take:
• Rensselaer — the good: Vermont went only one-for-nine on the man advantage last Saturday. The bad: RPI went zip-for-five to follow up a miserable .071 performance last season. (Tangent: The Engineers played a league-low 19.2 percent of their ECAC contests with the lead.) Hopefully ‘Tute’s three-for-10 effort against the Under-18s on Sunday will inspire a little more confidence in the fledgling Engineers as they hit No. 6 New Hampshire Friday night.
Not that anyone asked me, but … I miss the Puckman jerseys. There’s nothing wrong with the current sweaters (Easton? That’s a novelty), but ditching Puckman is on par with the Penguins ditching the scarf (they couldn’t even bring it back for the Winter Classic; are you kidding me?). I actually liked the Pens’ stylized triangular logo too, but that’s neither here nor there.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
4-1 Eh?
Perhaps RPI is not to that "elite" level yet. You have to crawl before you can walk and I reserve judgment on this team until I see them play some ECAC teams.
All I can say, again, is WHAT HAPPENED IN THE THIRD PERIOD???? All of last year, that was this team's downfall and so it is with letting up 3 goals in the third.
On 6 shots nonetheless!?!?!?!
I wish I were at the game because I have never gone to Quebec City but that result must have been disappointing to all the cherry and white fans that made the trip up the Northway.
This team is still not ready to hang with the CCHA's and the Hockey East's of the world but I remain confident that they are built for ECAC play and the results will show either this season or certainly next.
Let's go RPI!
All I can say, again, is WHAT HAPPENED IN THE THIRD PERIOD???? All of last year, that was this team's downfall and so it is with letting up 3 goals in the third.
On 6 shots nonetheless!?!?!?!
I wish I were at the game because I have never gone to Quebec City but that result must have been disappointing to all the cherry and white fans that made the trip up the Northway.
This team is still not ready to hang with the CCHA's and the Hockey East's of the world but I remain confident that they are built for ECAC play and the results will show either this season or certainly next.
Let's go RPI!
Monday, October 06, 2008
Aaaaaaand Back!
Hello everyone- with RPI's season about to get underway, I figured the blog should get back to business as well. Sure there were things that happened in the offseason in terms of recruits and all of that but with the warm weather, I guess I wasn't in the hockey blogging mood.
I am also going to do a better job in providing RPI hockey links on the side of the board and more photos of the guys as culled from the web this year.
Season Overview:
I think this year will be a real turning point year for RPI. Last year was a disaster of sorts as SA had the boys ready to play for 2 periods but then had some epic collapses in the third periods. I think the losses in the early going to tough teams kindof deflated the confidence a bit and the Cherry and White had a so-so ECAC run. This season, things are different, other than the Catamounts as the first game in Quebec this weekend (please tell me your experiences in the comments!) RPI has a pretty ho-hum schedule until January when they play BU and Denver. Hopefully they will have some confidence built up by then and can really turn it on in the second half.
The team will look to Mathias Lange again this year to help shepard them through the schedule. I never agreed with splitting the goalies and York being a freshman, hopefully they will be able to ride Lange the whole year. Consistency is the watch word with this team and that also applies to the defense.
RPI has a lot of sophomores and juniors on the blue line this year and hopefully they are now fully on board with the system and will help out Lange as much as possible.
Tyler Helfrich (your my boy Blue!) and Halpern are going to be looking to anchor an impossibly young starting lineup. I really have no idea what to expect from the variety of underclassmen on the wings this year. Appert was known as THE recruiter for that Denver program and his recruiting classes have been in the top 15. You hope that you can see the hype being justified with all of these freshmen running around.
Predictions:
The goal this year is to get home ice for the ECAC playoffs and try to ride that to Albany. Then, with momentum, hopefully taking the crown and getting into the NCAA's. Honestly, I think this team is a year away from the NCAA's but I remain hopefull.
Win the Governor's Cup (Against Union then Colgate)
Win Black Friday (Against Harvard)
Lose the Holiday Tourney (Lose to Mercyhurst but beat Princeton)
Lose the Denver Tourney (Lose to BU but beat CHC)
Win the Big Red Freakout (Against Yale)
And Beat Frickin St Lawrence on Senior Night.
Go Red!!!!
I am also going to do a better job in providing RPI hockey links on the side of the board and more photos of the guys as culled from the web this year.
Season Overview:
I think this year will be a real turning point year for RPI. Last year was a disaster of sorts as SA had the boys ready to play for 2 periods but then had some epic collapses in the third periods. I think the losses in the early going to tough teams kindof deflated the confidence a bit and the Cherry and White had a so-so ECAC run. This season, things are different, other than the Catamounts as the first game in Quebec this weekend (please tell me your experiences in the comments!) RPI has a pretty ho-hum schedule until January when they play BU and Denver. Hopefully they will have some confidence built up by then and can really turn it on in the second half.
The team will look to Mathias Lange again this year to help shepard them through the schedule. I never agreed with splitting the goalies and York being a freshman, hopefully they will be able to ride Lange the whole year. Consistency is the watch word with this team and that also applies to the defense.
RPI has a lot of sophomores and juniors on the blue line this year and hopefully they are now fully on board with the system and will help out Lange as much as possible.
Tyler Helfrich (your my boy Blue!) and Halpern are going to be looking to anchor an impossibly young starting lineup. I really have no idea what to expect from the variety of underclassmen on the wings this year. Appert was known as THE recruiter for that Denver program and his recruiting classes have been in the top 15. You hope that you can see the hype being justified with all of these freshmen running around.
Predictions:
The goal this year is to get home ice for the ECAC playoffs and try to ride that to Albany. Then, with momentum, hopefully taking the crown and getting into the NCAA's. Honestly, I think this team is a year away from the NCAA's but I remain hopefull.
Win the Governor's Cup (Against Union then Colgate)
Win Black Friday (Against Harvard)
Lose the Holiday Tourney (Lose to Mercyhurst but beat Princeton)
Lose the Denver Tourney (Lose to BU but beat CHC)
Win the Big Red Freakout (Against Yale)
And Beat Frickin St Lawrence on Senior Night.
Go Red!!!!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
New Recruits
Hot off the press releases are the summaries for the new recruits for Ripeee. It was also reported by RPIhockey.net yesterday (from the Troy Record) and I just thought I would repost the release here:
MEN’S HOCKEY ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2012
Six forwards, one defenseman and a goalie among eight newcomers
TROY, N.Y. – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) head men’s hockey coach Seth Appert has announced the team’s Class of 2012. The group of eight student-athletes includes six forwards, a defenseman and a goaltender. Two from the incoming class are from the United States while the others hail from Canada.
“Shawn (Kurulak) and Jim (Montgomery) have again traveled many miles to put together a deep and nationally competitive class.” said Appert. “These eight student-athletes will continue to push our program and our returning players to higher levels of success.”
Below is an alphabetical list of Rensselaer’s recruits with their 2007-08 regular season statistics, notes (if applicable) and a quote from Appert:
Alex Angers-Goulet F 5-10 180 St. Augustin, QC/Langley Chiefs (BCJHL)
44 GP … 12 goals and 28 assists for 40 points … 15 PIMs … Named team’s playoff Most Valuable Player after scoring 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists) in 12 games … Brother, Matt, will be a senior forward on the Engineers in 2008-09.
“Alex is an explosive, high-speed player who will fit well in our style of play.”
Mike Bergin D 6-3 200 Kanata, ON/Smiths Falls Bears (CJHL)
33 GP … 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points … 38 PIMs
“Mike should be one of the best freshman defenseman in the country. His skating ability, toughness and two-way play make him a multiple threat.”
Patrick Cullen F 6-0 190 Washington, DC/Indiana Ice (USHL)
58 GP … 8 goals and 18 assists for 26 points … 52 PIMs
“Patrick is a goal scorer with a big-time shot who has the ability to be a point producer at our level.”
Christian Morissette F 5-10 180 Beaconsfield, QC/Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
53 GP … 8 goals and 19 assists for 27 points … 22 PIMs
“Christian brings stick skill, imagination and a great offensive mind to our program.”
Josh Rabbani F 5-11 200 Woodland Hills, CA/St. Louis Bandits (NAHL)
57 GP … 20 goals and 28 assists for 48 points … 31 PIMs … Team won National Championship … Had 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) in 11 playoff games.
“Josh has the mind and stick skill to produce at this level as he has produced at every level he has played.”
Justin Smith F 6-2 205 Hampton Plains, NS/Langley Chiefs (BCJHL)
53 GP … 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points … 32 PIMs
“Justin is a big physical power forward who will bring passion, energy and toughness to our team.”
Jordan Watts F 5-10 175 Oakville, ON/Aurora Tigers (OPJHL)
35 GP … 15 goals and 27 assists for 42 points … 74 PIMs … Tallied 17 points (8 goals, 9 assists) with 29 PIMs in 19 playoff games
“Jordan has speed and skill but it is his intensity and abrasiveness to opponents that will excite our team and fans.”
Allen York G 6-4 180 Wetaskiwin, AB/Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)
37 GP … 24 wins, 5 losses, 3 ties … 2.24 GAA … .911 save % … Team played in Royal Bank Cup Championship for second consecutive season … Posted 11-3 record with 1.86 GAA and .935 save % in 14 playoff games … Sixth round draft pick (158th overall) of Columbus Blue Jackets in 2007.
“Allen is a proven winner who has the size, talent and competitiveness to be an elite collegiate goaltender.”
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Thoughts Turn To Quebec
Sorry for not posting my thoughts on the end of season losses to Yale but considering how the lads played down the stretch, I guess you could see that series coming.
The NCAA's just concluded with BC taking the crown. They whupped up on Notre Dame in the final who had schooled RPI twice before this season. Watching these games reminded me that while RPI has come a ways in terms of speed in recent years, they are still lightyears from the cream de la creme of the college hockey world. One hopes that Appert can keep the third period meltdowns from occurring next year.
It was nice to see Jake Morissette and goaltender Jordan Alford get invited to the skillz competition during the weekend.
Still, now my thoughts are turning to a great contest coming up this fall in Quebec City. Partially put together by Joey J, the lads will be taking on Vermont on October 11th. Get on the RPI listserv to get hooked up with information about travel plans up there. I might be making the trip and would love to see the lads north of the border.
Don't forget the hockey banquet is this Friday. Raise a glass to the lads in Cherry and White and I will see you next season!
The NCAA's just concluded with BC taking the crown. They whupped up on Notre Dame in the final who had schooled RPI twice before this season. Watching these games reminded me that while RPI has come a ways in terms of speed in recent years, they are still lightyears from the cream de la creme of the college hockey world. One hopes that Appert can keep the third period meltdowns from occurring next year.
It was nice to see Jake Morissette and goaltender Jordan Alford get invited to the skillz competition during the weekend.
Still, now my thoughts are turning to a great contest coming up this fall in Quebec City. Partially put together by Joey J, the lads will be taking on Vermont on October 11th. Get on the RPI listserv to get hooked up with information about travel plans up there. I might be making the trip and would love to see the lads north of the border.
Don't forget the hockey banquet is this Friday. Raise a glass to the lads in Cherry and White and I will see you next season!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
No, its not hockey player Santa- it be the ECAC playoffs. College hockey is great in that no matter how bad a team played during the regular season (see RPI), there is always the chance of redemption and running the table in the tourney in order to get an automatic bid.
That is what RPI is faced with as it goes on the road to Yale this weekend. A split last weekend really did nothing for RPI other then get them acquainted with the Bulldogs.
The questions remains- can Appert stop a third period collapse. Can the young guns score in bunches? Will the passing be there? Which goalies will start?
All of these questions will be answered this weekend. Personally, I think RPI survives this weekend and moves on. Your predictions are welcomed in the comments. Go Red!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Last Stand
Here we go folks- the last weekend of the regular season. RPI's season has been a disappointment. There has been massive losing streaks, third period meltdowns and the first Freakout loss in forever. If this team is going to inspire me with any hopes for any type of playoff run, this is the weekend to do it.
Going up against weaker Ivys should do the trick. I predict a sweep this weekend for the cherry and white. Of course, it matters not as they are the road team next weekend for the ECAC playoffs but let's show some spirit. USCHO disagrees with me. Do you?
USCHO's picks.
Rensselaer @ Brown
Brown has been playing better, and holds an advantage in a game between two sputtering offenses. 3-2 Bruno.
Rensselaer @ Yale
No reason for it, but just to demonstrate my wild and wacky antics, I'm picking RPI on a hunch. 4-2, and this one's a 5:30 p.m. start at the Whale.
Going up against weaker Ivys should do the trick. I predict a sweep this weekend for the cherry and white. Of course, it matters not as they are the road team next weekend for the ECAC playoffs but let's show some spirit. USCHO disagrees with me. Do you?
USCHO's picks.
Rensselaer @ Brown
Brown has been playing better, and holds an advantage in a game between two sputtering offenses. 3-2 Bruno.
Rensselaer @ Yale
No reason for it, but just to demonstrate my wild and wacky antics, I'm picking RPI on a hunch. 4-2, and this one's a 5:30 p.m. start at the Whale.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Different Location Same Results
On non-consecutive weekends, RPI played SLU and Clarkson and came away 1-1-0 from the weekend. What does this mean? Is it the only team RPI can defeat is SLU? Why didn't Clarkson know that they still suck?
TH is coming on in the goal scoring category which I think is more important for the team then him racking up assists. He has been consistently the leading point scorer on the team but with much more assists. Hopefully he will develop into a goal scorer which seems to be lacking recently.
I really don't have much to add as I am very fearful the season will end with the first round of the playoffs this year. Maybe I will feel better if they destroy the Ivyies this weekend.
TH is coming on in the goal scoring category which I think is more important for the team then him racking up assists. He has been consistently the leading point scorer on the team but with much more assists. Hopefully he will develop into a goal scorer which seems to be lacking recently.
I really don't have much to add as I am very fearful the season will end with the first round of the playoffs this year. Maybe I will feel better if they destroy the Ivyies this weekend.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Weekend Fun
Ok- here we go. My last post was pretty depressing. And I am kind of keeping that theme for this weekend's predictions. I mean, I thought they would split and now they have the North Country contingent coming to town. If I had hope, I would say they would beat SLU and lose to Clarkson but at this point I say a tie with SLU and a loss to the Golden Knights. There needs to be a change in the team's attitude and this is definitely the weekend to do it.
USCHO picks:
St. Lawrence @ Rensselaer
"Oh dear God, you're speechless. I won I won an argument Jack, it's unprecedented. We'll be at the playground drinking beer. Oh God, we love beer." Rensselaer wins this argument, and celebrates accordingly. At the playground. 4-2 'Tute.
Clarkson @ Rensselaer
"Or ... we could skip the day-trip to Unnecessary Land and instead simply concede that Mrs. Wilk is my patient and that, while we are both attendings, we are in no way equals — we are in fact not equals. We are — hmmm — unequals." These teams? Unequals. 5-2 Knights.
USCHO picks:
St. Lawrence @ Rensselaer
"Oh dear God, you're speechless. I won I won an argument Jack, it's unprecedented. We'll be at the playground drinking beer. Oh God, we love beer." Rensselaer wins this argument, and celebrates accordingly. At the playground. 4-2 'Tute.
Clarkson @ Rensselaer
"Or ... we could skip the day-trip to Unnecessary Land and instead simply concede that Mrs. Wilk is my patient and that, while we are both attendings, we are in no way equals — we are in fact not equals. We are — hmmm — unequals." These teams? Unequals. 5-2 Knights.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Shellacked
Wow- was I wrong. Here I was thinking the Dartmouth game was a turning point in the season. Something to look back upon and say- hey this team is FINALLY going in the right direction but what do we have......
4-0 and 7-1 losses? Sure Central New York is not kind this year but man, that was just rough. I guess for me, its really all about seeing if they can do anything in this next stretch of games otherwise its just looking at my watch until they lose in the first round of the playoffs.
These are dark times in RPI-fan-land. I think the team gave up after that holiday tourney in Florida. Once they went up against the cream de la creme and lost AGAIN they spiraled downward. Appert clearly can't steer this team back this year. Here is to next year!
4-0 and 7-1 losses? Sure Central New York is not kind this year but man, that was just rough. I guess for me, its really all about seeing if they can do anything in this next stretch of games otherwise its just looking at my watch until they lose in the first round of the playoffs.
These are dark times in RPI-fan-land. I think the team gave up after that holiday tourney in Florida. Once they went up against the cream de la creme and lost AGAIN they spiraled downward. Appert clearly can't steer this team back this year. Here is to next year!
Friday, February 15, 2008
The Weekend That Will Be
A tough stretch of games in the heartland of NY for sure but who isn't pumped up after that spirited comeback last week? USCHO seems less than positive about this weekend's tilts but I still hold out hope. Will the cherry and red beat Cornell? Doubtful. Will they give Colgate a good tussle- yes! I foresee a split weekend which would be a good confidence builder for the lads (its sad that is where we are in the season but so be it).
RPI 4-3 over Gate and 5-2 losers against Cornell. You heard it here first!
Rensselaer @ Colgate
Could be a good one; RPI's alright on the road, and Colgate's got a good home record. Goalie battle? 2-1 Raiders.
Rensselaer @ Cornell
Lynah is a harsh mistress to those who don't feed her daily. Open up, we've got some Engineer for you... 3-1 Cornell.
RPI 4-3 over Gate and 5-2 losers against Cornell. You heard it here first!
Rensselaer @ Colgate
Could be a good one; RPI's alright on the road, and Colgate's got a good home record. Goalie battle? 2-1 Raiders.
Rensselaer @ Cornell
Lynah is a harsh mistress to those who don't feed her daily. Open up, we've got some Engineer for you... 3-1 Cornell.
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