Teams to Watch in 09-10

[Ben Lambert]

Hey Everyone--

I'm already looking forward to seeing how things shake out for next season.

Here in the Great Plains, there will definitely be some teams to watch, especially JC teams.

SCCC is getting Tallo from what I hear. If he and Matt Johnson both play along with the guys from their roster last year, they will be DANGEROUS. Too bad they aren't D1.

Meramec is going to be a sleeper as well. The Dauernheims, Tyler Chapman, and Brian Lowe are all playing for them. If they have a good goalie, look out.

As far as d1 goes, I'm predicting LU will once again run the table at least in the great plains. UMSL is losing half of their team to graduation as well as for other reasons. Half of the people I talk to are unsure of whether or not they will even play next season. Here's to hoping everyone comes back and plays again!!

Anyway, that's all I know for the teams I know about. Will this be the year a team from the east or west knocks off LU??

[Jtslick89]

How can UMSL not have a team after winnning DI? That would be a terrible day in NCRHA history. Does anyone know if Truman will have a team in DII this year? I know they lost most of their team, but they do have a B team. If not, I believe MSU will cruise to a DII title (if they don't move up).

[Ben Lambert]

They will be ok... Will still have Dwyer Meade Matteson Steger Gwozdz Schulz Maloney, so thats a good core to build on. They will be fine. Dolan is a D1 caliber player, so he can fill someone's spot and Nebrig will hopefully finally get his chance on D1, too.

[teamcarramrod]

How can UMSL not have a team after winnning DI? That would be a terrible day in NCRHA history. Does anyone know if Truman will have a team in DII this year? I know they lost most of their team, but they do have a B team. If not, I believe MSU will cruise to a DII title (if they don't move up).

I'll have to disagree with the MSU part. They always do well at the regional level, but once they get to nationals they can't seem to finish.

[Jtslick89]

Sorry.

I meant to clarify. I was only referring to the GP region...my bad

[FudgeMan]

I'll have to disagree with the MSU part. They always do well at the regional level, but once they get to nationals they can't seem to finish.

Missouri State has gotten further in the last two seasons than anyone in the DII great plains region. There is not a doubt in my mind that Missouri State will win division 2 this year in the great plains, and have another good showing at nationals.

[alex]

In the west, I think UNLV, UCSB, and Long Beach will be the top 3. From what I know, they don't have major losses and some have big additions.

[wednthavddr]

Now it is a little early but a team to watch out for is FAU in D1. They will have all key players returning, and adding Blake Johnson, Mike Thiefault, and Kasey Denesevich. They will have 2 really deep lines.

It is early so who knows if this information still stands. I hope it does.

[Ben Lambert]

I know UNLV is motivated to become a national powerhouse. It will be interesting to see what they can do...

Didn't realize Theifault was going to stay in FLA this year. If that's the case FAU will be solid. The southeast is always a tough division to play against at nationals, that's for sure.

[FAUplayer]

Now it is a little early but a team to watch out for is FAU in D1. They will have all key players returning, and adding Blake Johnson, Mike Thiefault, and Kasey Denesevich. They will have 2 really deep lines.

It is early so who knows if this information still stands. I hope it does.

All key players will be returning, I hopefully will be returning, and to add to the list you have posted, the Freeborn brothers from the D3 National Championship winning BCC team, as well as a player or two from the Chamba Cyclones (possibly). It is still way too early to tell what is going to happen, if anything (we are on the bring of self destruction...).

We are also in contract negotiations with Micheal Innouye ;)

[jsp047]

In the west, I think UNLV, UCSB, and Long Beach will be the top 3. From what I know, they don't have major losses and some have big additions.

Irvine returns everyone but me, I can't say I did much for the team anyway this past season...but both Tasch brothers will be back, and based on that alone I think UCI should be considered among the top 3 in the West.

[InlineMBA]

In the west, I think UNLV, UCSB, and Long Beach will be the top 3. From what I know, they don't have major losses and some have big additions.

UNLV should be a top contender to win the west.

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

[alex]

Irvine returns everyone but me, I can't say I did much for the team anyway this past season...but both Tasch brothers will be back, and based on that alone I think UCI should be considered among the top 3 in the West.

Oh, I thought you guys were losing Mike too.

[NYR1199]

Now it is a little early but a team to watch out for is FAU in D1. They will have all key players returning, and adding Blake Johnson, Mike Thiefault, and Kasey Denesevich. They will have 2 really deep lines.

It is early so who knows if this information still stands. I hope it does.

I heard this too, I think FAU will be a dangerous team next season if they get all those rink rats. I also heard they might not jump to D1 and may stay in D2 any truth to that?

[FAUplayer]

I can garentee you we will be in D1. I would love to know where you heard that one from.... LOL

[simon10]

Who do you think will be the favorites in the east? Always a very strong and competitive region.

Persoanally I think you need to watch out for Penn State and Buffalo who pretty much have all key players returning except one or two departures. I also think Rutgers is going to fall off big time from what they were last year.

[InlineMBA]

Persoanally I think you need to watch out for Penn State and Buffalo who pretty much have all key players returning except one or two departures.

Hats off to Buffalo for playing in three divisions at NARCh: Pro, D1 and Jr. Platinum. Bronze Medal in Pro (#3 Seed - lost in semi-finals), Bronze Medal in Jr. Platinum (#1 Seed - lost in semi-finals), no medal in D1 (#5 Seed - won quarter-final game, lost semi-final to the eventual Gold Medalists, Mission Habs).

VERY IMPRESSIVE ! ! !

Also, very nice to see so many NCRHA players competing at NARCh.

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

[TourFLA98]

In D2 watch out for Tampa! Jeff Kotcher got the new mission skates and is twice as fast! ;)

In D1 I think it could be the first year that any team has a chance to win it. Its going to come down to who wants it more.

[simon10]

Who is Towson and West Point adding if anyone. Both teams played well at the end of last seasons and seem have to lost some players?

[William Bourque]

Who is Towson and West Point adding if anyone. Both teams played well at the end of last seasons and seem have to lost some players?

It's nearly impossible to speculate who West Point is adding/losing. The makeup of their team changes almost every weekend anyhow because of school regulations and such.

[alex]

Is Lindenwood losing more players than I know of? If not, I have to imagine it's still their title to lose, regardless of what happened last year.

[InlineMBA]

Is Lindenwood losing more players than I know of? If not, I have to imagine it's still their title to lose, regardless of what happened last year.

I believe they are losing to graduation and/or eligibility (5 years): Barnette, Jeff Hill, and Fudge. They also appear to be losing Mike Thiefault to FSU.

I have also heard of a few incoming freshman, and they are solid players.

That said, with the remainder of the roster returning (ie. Sullivan, Inouye), and players stepping up from the B teams - they'll be a mighty strong team.

I don't think I'm going out on a limb by saying I think it could be Lindenwood, Buffalo, Michigan State and somebody from out west in the final 4.

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

[wednthavddr]

Thiefault to FSU?

Thought it was FAU

[InlineMBA]

Thiefault to FSU?

Thought it was FAU

My Bad.

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

[CSteamer]

wednthevar...you graduating or you got one more year?

[Meade]

UCF, Buffalo, UMSL, LU- Final Four

..And you better believe UMSL is repeatin'

[TourFLA98]

Ucf?? Hahaha

[wednthavddr]

Nope. Ill be back..5 year plan

[Meade]

Ucf?? Hahaha

pretty irrelevant who I pick, they won't win it all but glad you got a good "hahaha" out of it.

[DRE0123]

hahahaha umsl repeatin i hope you were joking meade

[streetlegend9]

I dont think UCF will be the favorite to come out of the south if FAU has the roster that people are saying..

[InlineMBA]

I dont think UCF will be the favorite to come out of the south if FAU has the roster that people are saying..

Correct me if I am wrong, please - but, isn't UCF a DI team and FAU a DII team? Perhaps, FAU is moving up to DI?

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

[streetlegend9]

Correct me if I am wrong, please - but, isn't UCF a DI team and FAU a DII team? Perhaps, FAU is moving up to DI?

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

yes, from what fauplayer said yesterday in this thread..i cant picture them playing D2 with all the guys they are rumored to be getting..

[danglsauce]

Buffalo is only losing about 5 players between both teams...Theyre are already 3 freshmen coming with Narch experience

[FAUplayer]

Hey Streetlegend9, we know who you are! Stop trying to be cool and fool these people; he is one of the players that are trying out for the FAU team this next season.

FAU will obviously be D1, if for some reason we play D2, you will not see me there and well as half of the team! SECRHL looks like it is going to be really weak; majority of UF has graduated, so their B team will essentially become there D1 team. UCF will be losing there top two players (Cafferty and Reich). Tampa should be D1, with the solid team they had last year and adding to it with Cameron Rowland, they will be a top team in SECRHL; too bad they are more focused on just winning D2 instead of competing for a D1 national championship.

On another issue, emails that came out said the SECHRL will open up on October 1-3 in Snellville I believe, Disney tournament is the same weekend.... I know which one I will be playing (Disney)!!

[TourFLA98]

Kasey "crazy legs" Desenevich, stop acting like your not on FAU lol

[CSteamer]

What happened to Cafferty at UCF?

[FAUplayer]

What happened to Cafferty at UCF?

Ice hockey....

[Jkahn09]

Just to mention that a majority of FAU's team goes to Palm Beach Community College doesn't say much about how this league promotes student athletes. All it says is that it is ok to mess up in college because hockey is more important. It's a bunch of BS. I think that you should have to go to the school to be able to play for the team. FAU has a strong team, but I think that the SECRHL should streghthen their rules of eligibility before it just becomes a joke. There is no doubt that Kasey Densenvich went to TCC last year and couldn't play for FSU because FSU wants to keep their club teams, straight up for FSU students. SO what does Kasey do; he transfers to PBCC to play for FAU. Point is i'm not complaining that FAU has a good team, but rather that the league needs to correct their mistakes before it becomes a joke and kids start going to college to play roller hockey. THe league should rather promote good competition from student athletes from schools that they actually attend. In the long run it will say a lot more about character and not about some pointless NCHRA championship that means nothing in the real world.

[Jkahn09]

Just to add something. sorry to call out FAU, nothing against you guys. This post was more about the SECRHL and the way the league is run.

[FAUplayer]

Is TCC on the same campus as FSU (from my understanding it is two separate campuses)?

Even NCAA (the largest governing body of college sports) allows players at the community college level to play at the "big sister" school if their community college does not offer that sport. PBCC and FAU share a campus and share amenities within the campus, therefor PBCC students are able to have FAU Owl cards (FAU identification cards). FAU and PBCC are pretty much one in the same; a lot of FAU students actually take classes at both PBCC and FAU.

Also, the majority of our team goes to fau; we went through this last year with people bitching, but we had 3 players from pbcc last year.

You just sound a little more disgruntled because Kasey didnt play with your FSU team and he went to your local community college. By the way, he did not transfer to PBCC to play hockey.... he actually lives down here and wanted to come home and get out of Tallahassee.

The feuds between FSU and FAU just never ends..... ;)

[Jkahn09]

First off i don't care about any feud between us and you, that wasn't the point of the post. The point is if not every school has the oppurtunity to have community college students play for their school, then it needs to be sanctioned by the league. A couple of years ago TCC players were allowed to play for FSU because they were "sister schools". However, because of insurance issues and FSU wanting the sports clubs to be mainly for FSU students, those TCC players lost the oppurtunity to play. TCC doesn't have a roller team, and actually the league said it was fine for them to play. But when we explained this to FSU they said they weren't having it. So the point is if not every school has the same oppurtunity, then the league needs to step in a take a bigger role on promoting kids to do better in school so that they can transfer to the actual university. The way it is set up with "sister schools" it makes it seem like it is okay to just go to Community college and play hockey and say forgettaboutit it to your grades. Like I said before, and obviously you missed it FAUPLAYER, it's not about FAU it is the SECRHL in general becasue there are a couple of teams that have the same advantage. If we were allowed to use TCC players maybe we would have a goalie (actually three came out to tryouts last year from TCC and we had to turn them down), and actually compete in a College league.

[Jkahn09]

Just to add something in... If PBCC or any community college has players at their school, then they should have their own team. That was the reason for creating the JUNIOR COLLEGE division. ANYWAYS write back i want to here what people have to say about this issue.

[streetlegend9]

first off i moved to tally to play basketball for TCC, not for hockey never had any desire or even thought of playing for fsu as all my time would go to playing a real school funded sport. All of that came crashing down as i tore my ACL, MCL and both meniscus's during are second day of offical team workouts. Im still not fully recovered enough to play basketball at that high of a level therefor, i have moved back home to save money nothing to do with hockey at all. Secondly for the first semester i am dual enrolling at fau with the second semester most likely being fulltime there. TCC isnt even close to FSU where as FAU and PBCC share the same campus and classes. You also didnt seem to mind when your school allowed you guys to pick up from TCC now they dont not the league so theres no need to be bitter about it.

[FAUplayer]

The college league has widely allowed players to play with their sister school; the league has never stopped that from happening. Your school has done it in the past (you said so yourself), but when your SCHOOL decided against it, you are no longer in favor of the rule, because it now excludes you on your school's end of things, not the league (bit of a double standard?)? That is not something to deal with the league about, try dealing with the school. This whole thing about it not being fare... well, life is not fare. Is it fare that Lindenwood gives scholarships and can obtain players ? No, it is not something the league can do anything about it, but it is the SCHOOL that has set that up. Do we cry to the league and tell them not to allow Lindenwood to play or give scholarships? No, you go to your own school and try to achieve the same and in return help bettering the growth of the sport. On another note, the Div3 is the college league is an absolute joke. You play with 4 or 5 teams at national's, and most if not all would beat 70% of the D1 schools. There are NO RULES stating that community colleges have to play D3, and that upon approval they can play D1. The D3 division should be removed entirely and be placed in D1. On another note, FAU has been nothing but a pain to deal with; no one there is willing to help or work with you, and refuse to give us any funding. Since your stuck on this whole thing about being fare, how is it fare that FAU receives no money, where other teams get 15-30 thousand dollars a season from their school.... should I complain to the league that players cannot play with our team because they cannot to afford to play on their own dime, and therefore disallow all teams from using school given money? No, because that is just the way it is! Similar to your "sister school" issue, you go to your school and you get stuff done, not complain about it not being fare.


* Kasey just pointed out that TCC and FSU are not located together, I myself have gotten approval from the league BECAUSE we are on the same exact campus.


** And another, off topic, point. You keep talking about student athlete and community college is pretty much bull and an easy way to play hockey for cheap at university...... More and more people are going to community college because it is cheaper, there are more community colleges available to get into than universities, and after a few years you can transfer to a university. It is not about athletics that make people go to a community college, but its the fact that Florida has decreased it's bright futures scholarships and not everyone can afford 5 years in a state university. It is bad economic times and realistically a degree is a degree, whether it is done at a community college or a university, it is more affordable for people to go to community college. Instead of bitching about that case of student athlete, the league should be strengthening the policies that make players eligible to play based on classes and grades. Paperwork should be done at the beginning, middle, and end of each semester documenting grades and classes for eligibility.

[Jkahn09]

I agree with a lot of your points. Pretty much it boils down to the leagues not having set established rules and not every school can fund club sports in bad economic times. If anything the league should cut down the fees of entering the league, 4000 is a little much plus travel and equipment. In a recession, where schools, Esp. Florida schools that have had huge budget cuts and are giving little to zero money to club sports, the league needs to lower the enterence fee. Like you said life isn't fair, and teams just got to work with what they got. Whatever it is, it still just college hockey, but when your paying so much money to compete against other schools you want at least a well run league. Ever since I started playing in the SECRHL 3 years ago I have encountered plenty of problems with the way the league is run and the administrative staff. But saying it on here gets nothing done, so any issues that there are will be brought up in future meetings. Anyways good luck this season, and represent Florida and the SECRHL at the best of your ability.

[wednthavddr]

I do not see a decrease in fees. The NCRHA charges spectators at Nationals because there is not enough profit made between all of the regions.

[whoover]

What about d2 teams in ECHRA? Who will be good?

[Rebel48]

anybody know if UCSD out in the west is gonna make the move to D1? They have the talent, but I dunno if theyre losing anyone. and is SDSU gonna be returning all of their players? They can be a good team when they all show up & stay out of the box. Any major changes down in AZ w/ ASU?

[alex]

anybody know if UCSD out in the west is gonna make the move to D1? They have the talent, but I dunno if theyre losing anyone. and is SDSU gonna be returning all of their players? They can be a good team when they all show up & stay out of the box. Any major changes down in AZ w/ ASU?

99% sure Tommy Neer said he's graduated so I don't think they'll have him back.

For ASU, we've picked up a few guys, no major losses, we'll be a little better but nothing special.

[William Bourque]

I do not see a decrease in fees. The NCRHA charges spectators at Nationals because there is not enough profit made between all of the regions.

Just to clarify, the NCRHA and the member regions are not-for-profit organizations. None of the regions make a profit from the league fees, all the money that is being collected for league fees pays for everything that is needed to run the leagues. That means paying staff, referees, rinks, legal and all the other costs associated with running an organized league. You could get a copy of the budget and how your money is being spent by going through the proper channels if you are so inclined.

[RowanPhil]

sooooooooo the ecrha's money goes to NARCH free dinners and such? What's that under the budget?

[wednthavddr]

Sorry. Profit was the wrong word. I knew they charged spectators to make it so they break even on all the things they do. Not necessary to look at the budget. Thanks for the offer though.

[Jkahn09]

yeah but in a time of recession where people are losing jobs left and right they need to cut the refs budgets or higher better qualified refs. I don't know how it works in other regions, but the secrhl refs are over paid for their quality of work. These miss calls left and right, they mistake who scored goals and the such. It just seems like they want to get paid for just being there. In all honesty, i can remember in the last three years one ref in SECRHL who is qualified to ref colleigate level games, and he only works the games in SC. So at least in the SECRHL $4,000 is little bit rediculous for 16 game season, when the schools sports club budget have decreased substanially and the money to pay for equipment, practicing and league fees is coming straight from our pockets.

[GoRangrHky]

sooooooooo the ecrha's money goes to NARCH free dinners and such? What's that under the budget?

This is clearly not the proper channel that Bill is referring to. If you have a question about it, ask for it.

(By the way- I believe, at least in the past, that the money for that dinner comes through a deal with one of the league's sponsors.)

[MBurke]

This is clearly not the proper channel that Bill is referring to. If you have a question about it, ask for it.

(By the way- I believe, at least in the past, that the money for that dinner comes through a deal with one of the league's sponsors.)

In the ECRHA, it's not even directly part of the budget. We help support the players who travel to NARCh to help represent the ECRHA and NCRHA by trying to defray some of the costs of attendance (such as food).

We use "unexpected" revenues from things like apparel sales and sponsorship agreements to help with investing back into the league or giving back to the players instead of putting that money into the pockets of staff.

I'm not sure if the story is the same nationwide, but our expenses on things like rink time have gone up over 25% in the last 4 years, while team fees have risen only a fraction of that percentage.

[catch]

it is really sad to hear the great plains is folding

[TourFLA98]

Everyone should really watchout for UCF. Jeff Cohen is the author of "Life as a collegiate hockey player", and could be the fastest & most skilled veteran in the NCRHA!

[NCRHA]

FYI Jeff's article is posted here:
http://ncrha.org/article.php?article_id=53775

For players already in the league, it may seem like no new information.

But for youth and parents alike, it is a good description of what they have to look forward to.

[Calig]

Catch, whats this about Great Plains???

[ianmackie]

Catch's response is one of two things...an attempt at humor or some misinformation he heard from someone.

The Great Plains has a great history and also a great future. Tom Fussner does a good job running it and this year will be another fun year with the different rinks being utilized. I'm looking forward to it!

[NCRHA]

Thanks Ian for your response.

I spoke to Tom Fussner yesterday and the Great Plains is alive and well.

[ISFN]

..Although using any rink besides Mattesons isn't a great thing, no other rink in St.Louis is up to par by any means.

[ianmackie]

..Although using any rink besides Mattesons isn't a great thing, no other rink in St.Louis is up to par by any means.

Matteson's has 1 rink now and that means other rinks will be used. Have you been to the other 3 in the area lately? All 3 have updated and each have something special to them. I know I am at one of the rinks, but I am also a fan of each of the rinks in St. Louis.

I remember playing ice hockey growing up and I liked each of the rinks for something differet; Creve Coeur because it was my home rink, North County for the great ice, Granite City for the old school chain link "glass", South County and Queeny for the stands, Cahokia and Kirkwood because it was freezing outside, and even Decatur because it was a road trip.

Then we played roller hockey at Spinning Wheels at 1:30 am...now we have to have perfect rinks? I may be a west county kid, but I am a fan of any rink that supports the sport I play...I'm old school.

Sorry, just had to ramble...

[ISFN]

You can change everything about a rink but if you don't touch the floor then its all pretty much pointless, I dont play college anymore so its all pretty meaning less to me I just can't imagine the horriable atmosphere, I of course have no idea how the great plains is going to run this but spreading out the teams to various rinks only hurts the atmosphere even more. Maybe make the event start a day ealier, easy solution I would think.

[Ben Lambert]

Each area rink besides Omni has a floor that is certainly up to par as far as facilities go. Midwest looks great and is probably my favorite rink in St. Louis right now, everyone already knows about MSG, and All-American is more than acceptable as far as college quality rinks go. I have heard the Rec-Plex in St. Peters might host a college weekend at one of their rinks. Don't know if there is any truth to that at all, but it would certainly be nice to expand our horizons a little bit as far as rinks go.

GP has great leadership and isn't going anywhere. I expect this season to be the best one we have in a while as I think there will be some new ideas looked at this upcoming season.

[JLambertUMSL]

I remember playing ice hockey growing up and I liked each of the rinks for something differet; Creve Coeur because it was my home rink, North County for the great ice, Granite City for the old school chain link "glass", South County and Queeny for the stands, Cahokia and Kirkwood because it was freezing outside, and even Decatur because it was a road trip.



Yes!! Thanks for the reminder! I also played ice in the days before St. Peters, Chesterfield, etc. Those old rinks had character. I learned how to skate on that North County (Valley) ice.

Remember the completely uncovered outdoor rink at Webster Groves? I loved playing there. Practices at the Florissant Civic Center's outdoor rink were awesome.

Roadtrips to Champaign were great too.

These damn pampered kids. :p

[JLambertUMSL]

Each area rink besides Omni has a floor that is certainly up to par as far as facilities go. Midwest looks great and is probably my favorite rink in St. Louis right now, everyone already knows about MSG, and All-American is more than acceptable as far as college quality rinks go. I have heard the Rec-Plex in St. Peters might host a college weekend at one of their rinks. Don't know if there is any truth to that at all, but it would certainly be nice to expand our horizons a little bit as far as rinks go.

GP has great leadership and isn't going anywhere. I expect this season to be the best one we have in a while as I think there will be some new ideas looked at this upcoming season.

The Rec-Plex south facility is beautiful. I just saw it for the first time a few weeks ago. It would be awesome to convert those sheets for a college weekend (but probably too expensive, and who has the floor to do it with?).

[UmmaDoMe23]

UCF, Buffalo, UMSL, LU- Final Four

..And you better believe UMSL is repeatin'

Anyone know the players that Buffalo is losing? I liked watching them play last year they were big and fast. Interesting how Michigan State has gotten no talk. They return ALL of their skaters, lose thier goalie who from what I saw last year didn't win them any games. I also heard they are getting Andrew James who has been a solid NARCh platinum player for as long as I can remember.

[topshelf]

Long Beach State made it to the Elite Eight where they were eliminated by Lindenwood. They return the entire team and add two more elite players to their roster. Don't count them out!

[JLambertUMSL]

Long Beach State made it to the Elite Eight where they were eliminated by Lindenwood. They return the entire team and add two more elite players to their roster. Don't count them out!

They didn't seem to play very well at Nationals last year, whereas the year before they came about two minutes away from knocking off UMSL in the playoffs. They should be very, very good this coming season.

[Rebel48]

Long Beach was a little off its normal game at nationals. They are a very good team with a lot of speed. They play a well developed team strategy & have strong defense. If they can pick up a solid tendy they'd be very strong contenders for a Final Four berth. I'd pick them to be favorites for tops out in the West.

Mich St. is a fast team too, but they would benefit from more of a defined defense. They score a lot but they also allow a lot as well.

Buffalo is always strong & if they return a lot of their players they will be yet again. Who's the possible favorite for the east this year so far?

[JLambertUMSL]

So, since Omni will be one of the GPCIHL rinks now, does that mean UMSL gets to put up a banner there next to all the LU ones? :)

Just kidding.

But did you know UMSL is losing its Division I coaching staff? :eek:

[danglsauce]

Buffalo is losing at most 3 players on D1. We have a few quality freshmen coming in as well.

[ianmackie]

So, since Omni will be one of the GPCIHL rinks now, does that mean UMSL gets to put up a banner there next to all the LU ones? :)

Just kidding.

But did you know UMSL is losing its Division I coaching staff? :eek:

Did UMSL move practice facilities? I wouldn't think so since the man in charge now owns a rink...but who knows?

[JLambertUMSL]

Did UMSL move practice facilities? I wouldn't think so since the man in charge now owns a rink...but who knows?

Yeah I know. ;)

Either way, it looks like my brother (and I, by extension) will most likely be involved with a college team this year. There have been some interesting developments over the past few days.

[JLambertUMSL]

Apologies in advance for a semi-gratuitous UMSL update. If you are one of the people who get annoyed and fire shots at me whenever I talk UMSL on this board, please stop reading now because I don't like having enemies. (You know how parents love talking about their kids, some of them just a little too much? That's me and UMSL Hockey. Just call me Barry McConnell (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0332562/).)

And now.....there have been a few more interesting developments, as of today, that (should the Athletic Department see eye-to-eye with us) may see UMSL Hockey placed back into at least some of the loving hands that carried it to the top.

Sorry to post these stupid vague updates, but I figure some might be interested in knowing what's going on (or that something is indeed going on) with the defending national champs. :D

(Interestingly enough, today is the two-year anniversary of PJ Tallo's enrollment at UMSL (http://www.ncrha.org/article.php?article_id=51801)...AKA the day that changed everything (http://www.ncrha.org/article.php?article_id=51809). I still remember the text from my brother that said simply "it's officially official." Today may be the same sort of day. We shall see.)

And speaking of defending national champs, I gotta give some props to my favorite UMSL player of all time (sorry Jake Shepard, sorry Mike Donley, sorry PJ, Andy, Clarkie, but...) UMSL goalie Jimmy Steger -- '09 NCRHA DI MVP -- continued his rise to superstardom by winning the MVG award in the Junior AAA division at State Wars. (Just ask Michigan stud Chad Spezia how good Jimmy is.)

Oh, but he wasn't good enough for anyone's NARCh team. :eek:

[catch]

I don't know what is going on at UMSL nor do i have any complaint about talking up your own team, however, I'd like to know why P.J. Tallo and several other UMSL players where inclined to play in an ice hockey tournament in Springfield Missouri against a bunch of C league players. Embarassing! So shameful Pete Chilcutt said he could hardly sit in the stands and watch the onlsaught. I would note members of the Bears had declined to play in the tournament given the level of play. Is this what UMSL has come to?

[Hockey Coach]

Westchester is a team to watch this year.

[puckz1223]

westchester still needs to get through neumann, which seems to be difficult the last few yrs

[Ben Lambert]

I don't know what is going on at UMSL nor do i have any complaint about talking up your own team, however, I'd like to know why P.J. Tallo and several other UMSL players where inclined to play in an ice hockey tournament in Springfield Missouri against a bunch of C league players. Embarassing! So shameful Pete Chilcutt said he could hardly sit in the stands and watch the onlsaught. I would note members of the Bears had declined to play in the tournament given the level of play. Is this what UMSL has come to?

ha ha ha I heard about that. If I wouldn't have hurt my knee I would've played in a tourney down there. Some guys from my Thursday elite team went down there. They must've played in a different division though because they said that they got worked and these two guys are super good players.

I don't see what's wrong with PJ playing down there, he can't stop on ice so I'd think that would qualify for C League, no?

Anyway, good luck this year Catch.

[catch]

I think there were 2 different tournaments, the first of which was a weekend before some of the UMSL guys came down. The first one was a good tournament, the second weekend was the C league. I think they meant to come the weekend before. I'm looking forward to the season and wish the best to UMSL.

[dan sangiorgio]

westchester still needs to get through neumann, which seems to be difficult the last few yrs

even with mariotti thinking of playing next year neumann loses 6 of there top seven point guys and all defensemen but dom ( if he plays). unless they get a really strong freshman class (unlikly) chances are neumann would be lucky to make the playoffs let alone beat a west chester team remianing mostly intact.

[Hockey Coach]

Neumann will be just fine this season. They have some strong freshman arriving from North and South Jersey.

[Ben Lambert]

Neumann will be just fine this season. They have some strong freshman arriving from North and South Jersey.

So they're moving up to D1 then, right?

[teamcarramrod]

So they're moving up to D1 then, right?

of course not. gotta, ride that out for as long as possible.

[JLambertUMSL]

I don't see what's wrong with PJ playing down there, he can't stop on ice so I'd think that would qualify for C League, no?


PJ needs to work with Diana Schaefering. She'll teach him how to use those big-toe edges to stop.

I learned a ridiculous amount about skating from watching her teach our little cousin for a week. www.powerplayhockeystl.com.

[Ben Lambert]

UCF, Buffalo, UMSL, LU- Final Four

..And you better believe UMSL is repeatin'

Not without Tallo Clarke Propp and no recruits to take their spots. Chapman, Baugh, Matteson wont be there and a couple of recruits decided to go elsewhere when they heard who was making a little power play to take over the entire thing...

I said it before and I'll say it again: Here's to the end of an era!

It was awesome while it lasted and I'm glad I got to experience what I did.

[puckz1223]

Neumann will be just fine this season. They have some strong freshman arriving from North and South Jersey.

Does Neumann even have a goalie? MArriotti is a good player, and if its true they have freshman coming in then theyll be a strong team, anyone know who is coaching that squad

[whoover]

What freshmen does Neumann have coming in?

[thereal54]

So they're moving up to D1 then, right?

I thought West Chester was going to move up to D1. I mean, by the logic presented about Nuemman the best D2 team should just be in D1 to get killed (which wouldn't happen) and others seem to think West Chester is the favorite.

[mestfan04]

whos in charge at umsl now?

[Seven]

It appears.. UMSL.

[GoRangrHky]

I thought West Chester was going to move up to D1. I mean, by the logic presented about Nuemman the best D2 team should just be in D1 to get killed (which wouldn't happen) and others seem to think West Chester is the favorite.

I agree. I think there are several teams that could, and they're definitely one of them.

[thereal54]

As for teams to watch out East at least I'll say both west chester, buffalo and PSU teams (my bias is showing). I could see buff in the final 4 w/ lindenwood and two different from last season this season. Love to see some more D2 games at nationals, some of those were fantastic to watch.

[Ben Lambert]

It appears.. UMSL.

I'd really like to know. At this point, your guess is as good as mine. Hope they find a coach soon!

[NCRHA1]

Penn State will be a team to watch this year as they did not graduate a single player and now have a core nucleus of seniors that have been playing together for a couple years now

[Seven]

Penn State will be a team to watch this year as they did not graduate a single player and now have a core nucleus of seniors that have been playing together for a couple years now
And here I thought that was something only Lindenwood could be proud of.

[show2606]

What about d2 teams in ECHRA? Who will be good?

I am assuming that the top 5 teams form last year will probably be the teams to beat again this year. As people have said neumann had a bunch of seniors so it depends who comes back, either way I don't see them as dropping too much talent. West Chester had a couple stand out players and other than that I though everyone else blended in but they were all solid and worked well together. Rowan apparently lost a kid or two. My team (Brockport) has gotten a lot more interest this year so we will see who ends up on the team after ice tryouts are all said and done. Ship played well together as well so they could be in a position to do well. It all depends on which teams have who coming back and who graduated. There are only a handful of individuals in the league who can make or break a game in my eyes so I think the depth of smart and reasonably talented hockey players each team gets is more important.

[InlineMBA]

I'll go out on a limb and predict Buffalo to win it all this year.

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

[Meade]

I'll go out on a limb and predict Buffalo to win it all this year.

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

Awesome team, could easily happen.

[betteronice]

FAU could be tough coming out of the SE this year.

[William Bourque]

I am assuming that the top 5 teams form last year will probably be the teams to beat again this year. As people have said neumann had a bunch of seniors so it depends who comes back, either way I don't see them as dropping too much talent. West Chester had a couple stand out players and other than that I though everyone else blended in but they were all solid and worked well together. Rowan apparently lost a kid or two. My team (Brockport) has gotten a lot more interest this year so we will see who ends up on the team after ice tryouts are all said and done. Ship played well together as well so they could be in a position to do well. It all depends on which teams have who coming back and who graduated. There are only a handful of individuals in the league who can make or break a game in my eyes so I think the depth of smart and reasonably talented hockey players each team gets is more important.


From what I heard Shippensburg should be solid this year. I am not coaching them anymore and haven't really talked to anyone on the team for more than a few minutes. They are losing Tom Cavanaugh and Jeff Kulp from last years team. Sean Sheridan will be out for the first semester (study abroad) but should be back for the second half of the season. They also pick up some solid freshman. They still have a very talented goalie.

[JLambertUMSL]

I'll go out on a limb and predict Buffalo to win it all this year.

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

Only if they've added depth, because it's going to go through LU first. LU is still the favorite (yes, the championship game last season was a monster upset) and you can't beat LU with seven guys. Coach Beilsten typically uses 12 (sometimes 10, but when they have 12 they use all 12).

They've only lost twice in five years and both times it was against a team that rolls 3 pairs of forwards, 2 pairs of defensemen, and still sits back and traps to conserve energy (and doesn't shorten the bench until the final few minutes).

It's not sexy, so to speak, and it's hard to get some players to buy into it, but conserving energy is a big part of any formula to knock off LU. They've been pushed several times, but are rarely in jeopardy of losing because they've got so much depth and can just skate the other team into the ground.

UMSL went 0-7 over the last two seasons playing man-on-man against LU. They're 2-2 playing a 1-3 or 1-1-2 trap.

I was adamant about playing the 1-3 in the championship game last season, after beating our heads against the wall playing man-to-man the first four times we played them. There was some debate about it before the game, but I sure am glad we decided to do it that way.

You need a great goaltender too, and Buffalo definitely has that.

And having one guy who can take over a game at both ends of the floor...PJ Tallo...doesn't hurt either. He was a huge key from a puck-control standpoint (let alone the five points he had).

I'm not saying Buffalo doesn't have the ingredients...I'd like to know a little bit more about their matchup with LU in Pittsburgh last January. What was their strategy?