kj9
04-08-2002, 09:29 PM
First of all, I want to express just what a great event the NCT was. I watched parts of around 25 games, and saw some great competition. Something like this was barely even a pipe dream when I was involved with the Truman State club back in '95.
Now, for my observations.
What impressed me:
- Organization. There was little question about whether games would run (mostly) on time, what rink anything was on, or in general what was going on. The weekend flowed really smoothly. The banners, trophies, and medals were quite nice. (Though, I'd've announced the outstanding players/goaltenders during the awards ceremony after each final.)
- Level of play. Outstanding competition. Fast skating, hard shooting, crisp passing, evasive moves, inpenetrable goaltending--this tournament had it all, and then some. The level of play has increased tenfold since last I saw collegiate play (before the founding of CRHL).
- Facility. All-American is nice facility. Two top-notch rinks. The locker rooms lacked a little bit, but everything else was exceptional. (Okay, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the place stunk, mostly from all the gear and players. That, combined with fresh paint, was enough to almost knock me out on Friday.)
Disappointments:
- Officiating. For a non-check event, there was a lot of physical play allowed. What made it worse is that calls were not consistent, even within the same game. Too many cross-checks, too many hooks, too many tackles--and this is coming from someone that likes a hard-hitting game, when it's allowed in the rules. If it's going to be no-check, make it no-check.
- Sportsmanship off the ice. There were times that I was impressed with other teams coming out and cheering on the other teams from their reigon, the same teams they'd battled all season. But, mostly, I was quite annoyed and dismayed by the sheer veracity of taunting that came from the stands, especially from the California teams. Grow up, guys.
Kudos again to CRHL for putting on a top-notch event. It was good to catch up with Andy MacMillan (sp?!) and Huck, and to meet Rebecca (and her fingernails). They took some time out of a very busy weekend to say hello and talk about the tournament and the state of the game.
Keep up the excellent work!
-kj
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Now, for my observations.
What impressed me:
- Organization. There was little question about whether games would run (mostly) on time, what rink anything was on, or in general what was going on. The weekend flowed really smoothly. The banners, trophies, and medals were quite nice. (Though, I'd've announced the outstanding players/goaltenders during the awards ceremony after each final.)
- Level of play. Outstanding competition. Fast skating, hard shooting, crisp passing, evasive moves, inpenetrable goaltending--this tournament had it all, and then some. The level of play has increased tenfold since last I saw collegiate play (before the founding of CRHL).
- Facility. All-American is nice facility. Two top-notch rinks. The locker rooms lacked a little bit, but everything else was exceptional. (Okay, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the place stunk, mostly from all the gear and players. That, combined with fresh paint, was enough to almost knock me out on Friday.)
Disappointments:
- Officiating. For a non-check event, there was a lot of physical play allowed. What made it worse is that calls were not consistent, even within the same game. Too many cross-checks, too many hooks, too many tackles--and this is coming from someone that likes a hard-hitting game, when it's allowed in the rules. If it's going to be no-check, make it no-check.
- Sportsmanship off the ice. There were times that I was impressed with other teams coming out and cheering on the other teams from their reigon, the same teams they'd battled all season. But, mostly, I was quite annoyed and dismayed by the sheer veracity of taunting that came from the stands, especially from the California teams. Grow up, guys.
Kudos again to CRHL for putting on a top-notch event. It was good to catch up with Andy MacMillan (sp?!) and Huck, and to meet Rebecca (and her fingernails). They took some time out of a very busy weekend to say hello and talk about the tournament and the state of the game.
Keep up the excellent work!
-kj
http://www.pucknet.com/~kj/kj-ads01.jpg