As the weather begins to get cold, revenge in college hockey continues to heat up en vogue.
Several schools and individuals earned some revenge over the weekend. Chris Bergeron, whose Bowling Green team's season ended in OT to Minnesota Duluth, defeated the Bulldogs with his new Miami team. The RedHawks entered Friday 2-5-2 and being handily swept by North Dakota, who earned a win and tie over a Denver team who ended the Fighting Hawks' 2018-19 season in the same building. Out East, Cornell defeated Clarkson in a battle of top-10 teams and rematch of the 2019 ECAC championship game.
Still, as fun as it can be to discuss teams and individuals earning revenge for what happened last season, the weather changing is a good time to remember how it's becoming more important to get revenge for what's happening this season. Records are being set. Identities are being formed. As the weather begins to get cold, 2019-20 has been heating up as a whole.
As always, here's what is going on throughout the college hockey landscape. This week's stock report recaps who is doing well, who is on their way down, and what trends should be followed.
Up: Michigan State
Picked to finish seventh of seven teams, the Spartans are getting off on the right foot with bragging rights to boot. Michigan State began Big Ten conference play 3-1 after sweeping in-state rival Michigan for the first time since October 2009. Danton Cole's team has shown flashes but is getting help from its depth that MSU missed.
Perhaps no game shows it better than Saturday's 3-0 win, in which Michigan State's John Lethemon earned his second shutout in as many weekends while the Spartans scored three goals from players not named Patrick Khodorenko or Mitch Lewandowski.
Down: The other Big Ten "M's"
Besides Michigan's follies against the Spartan, Minnesota was swept by Penn State at home. Both schools expected some early struggles. However, it's the way those struggles are happening that are worrying.
For Michigan, the Wolverines are dropping fast from the young team that beat Western Michigan. Mel Pearson's team has 1 Big Ten point in six games. Sure, injuries aren't helping, but it's concerning nonetheless. Four of those games came against the other teams picked to finish near the bottom while looking worse with each passing week.
(Heck, even Canisius is getting in on the Wolverines' style with throwback sweaters that look like the GLI love child of Michigan and Michigan Tech.)
For Minnesota, the Gophers turned a scoreless first period Friday into an 8-2 loss. Saturday's game featured 2-0 and 3-1 leads going away and losing 6-3. (One silver lining: Cullen Munson getting his first collegiate goal...as a junior.) Through six weeks, Minnesota has blown multiple tie games and third-period leads. Young team or not, that's not the identity any group wants yet one the Gophers, unfortunately, can claim.
Showing posts with label Stock Report. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stock Report. Show all posts
Monday, November 18, 2019
Monday, November 11, 2019
College Hockey Stock Report: November 11, 2019
Sometimes the best-laid plans do not work out.
Before the season began, the entire WCHA women's league scheduled itself to be idle this weekend. The idea was that since many teams would be missing players for the Four Nations Cup,
Turns out, no team was missing players for the Four Nations Cup. The annual tournament ended up canceled by host Sweden after its national team declared its intentions to boycott as part of an ongoing dispute over equal pay and conditions. Instead, only a few players are in Pittsburgh playing in a USA-Canada rivalry series with most of them being on teams playing.
Another team with changing plans was Denver, whose 44-0-0 dream came to an end in Duluth. Kobe Roth and Noah Cates erased a 3-1 third period deficit Friday in a battle of NCHC contenders before the Bulldogs became the other one in Denver's 8-1-1 record.
Each weekend sees ups and downs as players and teams adjust to new situations. That's the fun and joy of the sport and one that bodes well for a handful of new trends on a weekend where not everything went to plan.
As always, here's what is going on throughout the college hockey landscape. This week's stock report recaps who is doing well, who is on their way down, and what trends should be followed.
Before the season began, the entire WCHA women's league scheduled itself to be idle this weekend. The idea was that since many teams would be missing players for the Four Nations Cup,
Turns out, no team was missing players for the Four Nations Cup. The annual tournament ended up canceled by host Sweden after its national team declared its intentions to boycott as part of an ongoing dispute over equal pay and conditions. Instead, only a few players are in Pittsburgh playing in a USA-Canada rivalry series with most of them being on teams playing.
Another team with changing plans was Denver, whose 44-0-0 dream came to an end in Duluth. Kobe Roth and Noah Cates erased a 3-1 third period deficit Friday in a battle of NCHC contenders before the Bulldogs became the other one in Denver's 8-1-1 record.
Each weekend sees ups and downs as players and teams adjust to new situations. That's the fun and joy of the sport and one that bodes well for a handful of new trends on a weekend where not everything went to plan.
As always, here's what is going on throughout the college hockey landscape. This week's stock report recaps who is doing well, who is on their way down, and what trends should be followed.
Monday, November 4, 2019
College Hockey Stock Report: November 4, 2019
Welcome to November where the Ivy League men's teams finally play.
Seriously, it will be good to not need to bring up that fact each week. Everyone is underway. Everyone! The Dartmouth men's hockey Twitter is now back up to 80-20 hockey versus dog content just in time as teams are already tossing teddy bears.
And there will be plenty to discuss as conference play begins in full. With a last-minute goal, Ohio State opened its Big Ten slate by sweeping Michigan to advance to 6-1-1 on the season. Notre Dame sophomore defender Nick Leivermann continued to score at Mariucci and nowhere else. The Boston College men's and women's teams each beat Providence. Army upset AIC. Long Island University got its first program win ever by defeating St. Michael's 5-2 on Friday.
As always, here's what is going on throughout the college hockey landscape. This week's stock report recaps who is doing well, who is on their way down, and what trends should be followed.
Seriously, it will be good to not need to bring up that fact each week. Everyone is underway. Everyone! The Dartmouth men's hockey Twitter is now back up to 80-20 hockey versus dog content just in time as teams are already tossing teddy bears.
And there will be plenty to discuss as conference play begins in full. With a last-minute goal, Ohio State opened its Big Ten slate by sweeping Michigan to advance to 6-1-1 on the season. Notre Dame sophomore defender Nick Leivermann continued to score at Mariucci and nowhere else. The Boston College men's and women's teams each beat Providence. Army upset AIC. Long Island University got its first program win ever by defeating St. Michael's 5-2 on Friday.
As always, here's what is going on throughout the college hockey landscape. This week's stock report recaps who is doing well, who is on their way down, and what trends should be followed.
Monday, October 28, 2019
College Hockey Stock Report: October 28, 2019
It's hard to believe October is already nearly over! At this rate, the season will fly by. Heck, even the Ivies finally started to play! (Well, the women's teams did. The men still wait until next weekend.) October ending means the start of full conference play is around the corner, as teams begin to discover their identities and contenders start to emerge.
As always, here's what is going on throughout the college hockey landscape. This week's stock report recaps who is doing well, who is on their way down, and what trends should be followed.
Up: Being Able To Read Ohio State's Numbers
For a second consecutive year, Ohio State unveiled black sweaters against Minnesota. For a second consecutive year, Ohio State wore the black sweaters in both October games.
And for the first time, I can read the numbers on Ohio State's black sweaters.
After last year's illegal uniforms (link), the Buckeyes made sure version 2 can be read. Ohio State can continue to want to be Darth Vader (Link) and pull off continuing to give Minnesota fits on and off the ice. (The Gophers also wore gold third sweaters in Friday's game, which saw OSU defeat the previously undefeated Gophers.) At this point, I wouldn't expect anything other than these every time Ohio State faces Minnesota.
After all, it's working.
As always, here's what is going on throughout the college hockey landscape. This week's stock report recaps who is doing well, who is on their way down, and what trends should be followed.
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| Photo credit: Ohio State Hockey |
Up: Being Able To Read Ohio State's Numbers
For a second consecutive year, Ohio State unveiled black sweaters against Minnesota. For a second consecutive year, Ohio State wore the black sweaters in both October games.
And for the first time, I can read the numbers on Ohio State's black sweaters.
After last year's illegal uniforms (link), the Buckeyes made sure version 2 can be read. Ohio State can continue to want to be Darth Vader (Link) and pull off continuing to give Minnesota fits on and off the ice. (The Gophers also wore gold third sweaters in Friday's game, which saw OSU defeat the previously undefeated Gophers.) At this point, I wouldn't expect anything other than these every time Ohio State faces Minnesota.
After all, it's working.
Monday, October 21, 2019
College Hockey Stock Report: October 21, 2019
Another weekend gone answered some questions.
We learned Wisconsin can win defensive battles. We learned the Stefanos Lekkas and Jeremy Swayman experiences continue on for another season. We learned it's never too early for a players-only meeting, as was the case after Penn State followed up a 7-0 shutout win with a 4-0 shutout loss. (We're also learning that Hockey Bear is taking no prisoners this year.) We heard the Battle Hymn in Minneapolis, had an amazing matchup in Mankato, first wins for Merrimack and Colgate, and upsets in Columbus and Boston.
We saw the first-ever instance of 3x3 OT in women's D1 hockey when Minnesota State "defeated" Ohio State to take the extra conference point. Once again, Robert Morris took it to a perennial powerhouse, tying and falling 6-5 to Clarkson.
All in all, it was a quality weekend. Here's what is going on throughout the college hockey landscape as this week's stock report recaps who is doing well, who is on their way down and what trends should be followed.
We learned Wisconsin can win defensive battles. We learned the Stefanos Lekkas and Jeremy Swayman experiences continue on for another season. We learned it's never too early for a players-only meeting, as was the case after Penn State followed up a 7-0 shutout win with a 4-0 shutout loss. (We're also learning that Hockey Bear is taking no prisoners this year.) We heard the Battle Hymn in Minneapolis, had an amazing matchup in Mankato, first wins for Merrimack and Colgate, and upsets in Columbus and Boston.
We saw the first-ever instance of 3x3 OT in women's D1 hockey when Minnesota State "defeated" Ohio State to take the extra conference point. Once again, Robert Morris took it to a perennial powerhouse, tying and falling 6-5 to Clarkson.
All in all, it was a quality weekend. Here's what is going on throughout the college hockey landscape as this week's stock report recaps who is doing well, who is on their way down and what trends should be followed.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
College Hockey Stock Report: October 16, 2019
It's the offseason no more.
Besides the Ivies, the season is now underway. D1 women's hockey is nearing the end of its first month while a large portion of D1 men's hockey teams opened their season last weekend. Ohio State took home the Ice Breaker trophy. Several teams took home surprising results. I'm still not sure what to make of Colorado College's Friday sweaters.
Anyways, it's time for another edition of the college hockey stock report, recapping who is doing well, who is on their way down and what trends should be followed.
Slightly different than previous editions is ending this with who I thought won the week. It can be a team, a player, a coach, or anything that signifies the best in college hockey. Let me know who you think should win the week in the comments.
At the very least, talk of last season is trending downward.
Up: Players scoring first goals and getting first wins
One of the highlights each September and October is seeing players score their first collegiate goal or goaltenders getting their first win. There is something special to witness decades of work coming together into a single moment of celebration. It comes annually. The leaves fall and red lights get lit, but that doesn't make it any less special.
Hold: Any Minnesota Duluth championship hangover storyline
Banner raising night did not go well for the Bulldogs. After losing an exhibition game to Alberta, Minnesota Duluth opened the season with a 3-2 loss to UMass Lowell. The team did follow up the next day with a 2-1 win but lost the No. 1 ranking to Denver.
Sure, this wasn't the best opening stretch for UMD, but you know what else wasn't a great opening stretch? Last season. The Bulldogs tied and lost to Minnesota. Neither game was as bad as the scoreboard made it seem, which can also be said about this past weekend. UMD nearly came back from a 3-0 deficit, however, more importantly, the team outshot the River Hawks by a 2:1 margin. On Saturday, UMass Lowell had nine shots on goal at even strength.
It's not the result wanted, but the Bulldogs continue to give itself opportunities. If that continues, it wouldn't be a surprise to see a repeat of where Minnesota Duluth followed up its opening weekend last season with eight straight wins.
Besides the Ivies, the season is now underway. D1 women's hockey is nearing the end of its first month while a large portion of D1 men's hockey teams opened their season last weekend. Ohio State took home the Ice Breaker trophy. Several teams took home surprising results. I'm still not sure what to make of Colorado College's Friday sweaters.
Anyways, it's time for another edition of the college hockey stock report, recapping who is doing well, who is on their way down and what trends should be followed.
Slightly different than previous editions is ending this with who I thought won the week. It can be a team, a player, a coach, or anything that signifies the best in college hockey. Let me know who you think should win the week in the comments.
At the very least, talk of last season is trending downward.
Up: Players scoring first goals and getting first wins
One of the highlights each September and October is seeing players score their first collegiate goal or goaltenders getting their first win. There is something special to witness decades of work coming together into a single moment of celebration. It comes annually. The leaves fall and red lights get lit, but that doesn't make it any less special.
Couple firsts for the #Gophers last weekend in Colorado...— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) October 15, 2019
Congrats to Jared Moe (First Win) and Matt Staudacher (First Goal)! pic.twitter.com/5BZezNGsDL
Hold: Any Minnesota Duluth championship hangover storyline
Banner raising night did not go well for the Bulldogs. After losing an exhibition game to Alberta, Minnesota Duluth opened the season with a 3-2 loss to UMass Lowell. The team did follow up the next day with a 2-1 win but lost the No. 1 ranking to Denver.
Sure, this wasn't the best opening stretch for UMD, but you know what else wasn't a great opening stretch? Last season. The Bulldogs tied and lost to Minnesota. Neither game was as bad as the scoreboard made it seem, which can also be said about this past weekend. UMD nearly came back from a 3-0 deficit, however, more importantly, the team outshot the River Hawks by a 2:1 margin. On Saturday, UMass Lowell had nine shots on goal at even strength.
It's not the result wanted, but the Bulldogs continue to give itself opportunities. If that continues, it wouldn't be a surprise to see a repeat of where Minnesota Duluth followed up its opening weekend last season with eight straight wins.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
College Hockey Stock Report (July/August 2019)
One more offseason month to go.
July 1st technically kicks off the season, as it's the date teams officially switch conferences or begin. There was one in Division 1 this year as Long Island University kicks off its inaugural women's hockey program. For the most part, we're still asking #IsItOctoberYet (or #IsItNovemberYet for those who are Ivy League schools). There's still a month (or two) until games begin.
Right now, players are coming back on campus. Classes are underway. Teams are starting up practices or even exhibition games.
With one more offseason month to go, it's time to bring back the stock report and take a measure of what's going on over the past two months. And if this isn't enough, make sure to follow along my "60 Days. 60 Teams. 600 Words (or Less)" series profiling all sixty D1 men's hockey programs.
July 1st technically kicks off the season, as it's the date teams officially switch conferences or begin. There was one in Division 1 this year as Long Island University kicks off its inaugural women's hockey program. For the most part, we're still asking #IsItOctoberYet (or #IsItNovemberYet for those who are Ivy League schools). There's still a month (or two) until games begin.
Right now, players are coming back on campus. Classes are underway. Teams are starting up practices or even exhibition games.
Guys crushed the run test this morning & came back in great shape. First on ice practice tomorrow. No matter how many times you have done it, start of a new season is so exciting #300s #passfail #dayone— Derek Schooley (@derekschooley) August 27, 2019
With one more offseason month to go, it's time to bring back the stock report and take a measure of what's going on over the past two months. And if this isn't enough, make sure to follow along my "60 Days. 60 Teams. 600 Words (or Less)" series profiling all sixty D1 men's hockey programs.
Friday, June 28, 2019
College Hockey Stock Report (June 2019)
Another offseason month has come and gone.
October remains several months away, or as a question whose answer is "no." That doesn't stop news from happening, however. With plenty to discuss in June, it's time to go through what is trending up and what is trending down in the world of college hockey.
(7/1 Update: This was published about an hour before seven WCHA teams announced intentions to leave the conference in 2021. I wrote more about that decision and what it means for college hockey here. Obviously, things are trending down for the three blindsided schools not invited to the party.)
Up: Jerry York
No one's stock has been moving up faster after the past week. For good reason. College hockey's winningest coach (1,067 wins) received one of hockey's highest honors when York was announced as one of six Class of 2019 inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The longtime Boston College head coach, who has won five national championships between BC and Bowling Green, will be going in as a "Builder" along with current Pittsburgh GM Jim Rutherford.
Besides being well deserved, it is truly a big milestone for college hockey. Other NCAA coaches such as Herb Brooks and Bob Johnson are in the Hockey Hall of Fame, but York is the first who got in without coaching in the NHL. His induction may open the door to get other longtime college coaches into the HHOF as builders (or players/builders in the long overdue case of Red Berenson).
If the Hockey Hall of Fame honors was not enough, York's 2019-20 team received honors of its own. Three incoming Boston College freshmen - Matthew Boldy (Minnesota), Spencer Knight (Florida) and Alex Newhook (Colorado) - were selected among the top 16 picks. No other school had more than two first round picks.
Down: NCAA Tournament teams getting first rounders
Boston College's three were among nine players with collegiate were selected in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft. None of them went to teams who made the 2019 NCAA Tournament.
On one hand, it's a far cry from recent drafts. Six years ago, one player with NCAA ties was drafted and he ended up going to the CHL. On the other hand, there's no better way to sum up college hockey in 2019 than the stat of every NCAA team to get a first-round pick went to a big name school who missed the last NCAA Tournament.
October remains several months away, or as a question whose answer is "no." That doesn't stop news from happening, however. With plenty to discuss in June, it's time to go through what is trending up and what is trending down in the world of college hockey.
(7/1 Update: This was published about an hour before seven WCHA teams announced intentions to leave the conference in 2021. I wrote more about that decision and what it means for college hockey here. Obviously, things are trending down for the three blindsided schools not invited to the party.)
Up: Jerry York
No one's stock has been moving up faster after the past week. For good reason. College hockey's winningest coach (1,067 wins) received one of hockey's highest honors when York was announced as one of six Class of 2019 inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The longtime Boston College head coach, who has won five national championships between BC and Bowling Green, will be going in as a "Builder" along with current Pittsburgh GM Jim Rutherford.
Besides being well deserved, it is truly a big milestone for college hockey. Other NCAA coaches such as Herb Brooks and Bob Johnson are in the Hockey Hall of Fame, but York is the first who got in without coaching in the NHL. His induction may open the door to get other longtime college coaches into the HHOF as builders (or players/builders in the long overdue case of Red Berenson).
If the Hockey Hall of Fame honors was not enough, York's 2019-20 team received honors of its own. Three incoming Boston College freshmen - Matthew Boldy (Minnesota), Spencer Knight (Florida) and Alex Newhook (Colorado) - were selected among the top 16 picks. No other school had more than two first round picks.
Down: NCAA Tournament teams getting first rounders
Boston College's three were among nine players with collegiate were selected in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft. None of them went to teams who made the 2019 NCAA Tournament.
On one hand, it's a far cry from recent drafts. Six years ago, one player with NCAA ties was drafted and he ended up going to the CHL. On the other hand, there's no better way to sum up college hockey in 2019 than the stat of every NCAA team to get a first-round pick went to a big name school who missed the last NCAA Tournament.
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