SIMSBURY, Conn. – Senior Max Myers scored the game winning goal and junior Kevin Litinsky made 46 saves to help lift the Colorado Buffaloes hockey team to the 4-3 victory over the Grand Valley State Lakers in the second game of pool play at the ACHA D-II National Championships.
“We told them that today was our 200th day of hockey, we started in September and it came down to a 60 minute game,” Fikis said. “If we didn’t win today, then we would be like CSU and going home tomorrow. They knew it was do or die today.”
Friday, March 19, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
CU Hockey Survives Day One at Nationals
SIMSBURY, Conn. – Montclair State scored with under 90 seconds to play but the Colorado Buffaloes hockey team held on for the 4-3 victory in the first game of pool play at the ACHA D-II National Championships at the International Skating Center of Connecticut.
The Red Hawks took an early 2-0 lead, but the Buffs scored four unanswered goal to take control of the game. J.T. Baxter scored with 1:28 remaining for MSU, but CU goaltender Kevin Litinsky stopped Montclair State’s final shots for the win.
The Red Hawks took an early 2-0 lead, but the Buffs scored four unanswered goal to take control of the game. J.T. Baxter scored with 1:28 remaining for MSU, but CU goaltender Kevin Litinsky stopped Montclair State’s final shots for the win.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
CU Hockey Looks for Second National Championship
BOULDER – The University of Colorado hockey team will begin its pursuit of their second national championship this week as they will travel to Simsbury, Connecticut to compete in the 2010 ACHA D-II National Championships. The Championships will be held at the International Skating Center and are hosted by the Super East Collegiate Hockey League.
The Buffs finished the season with a 22-9-0 record and first place in the ACHA West, which allowed them to get an automatic bid to nationals.
CU’s top finish in the west makes them the favorite to come out Pool D at the tournament. However the Buffs will play some tough competition if they want to get out of pool play for the first time since 2003.
The Buffs finished the season with a 22-9-0 record and first place in the ACHA West, which allowed them to get an automatic bid to nationals.
CU’s top finish in the west makes them the favorite to come out Pool D at the tournament. However the Buffs will play some tough competition if they want to get out of pool play for the first time since 2003.
Justice for Matt Frattin
http://www.uscho.com/news/college-hockey/id,18404/WCHASuspendsNorthDakotasFrattinforHit.html
By Herbert Kyles
First, before you read this, watch the YouTube video of Matt Frattin’s (UND) hit on Kevin Wehrs (Minnesota). With a single, quick view you see Frattin charge Wehrs and jump into him, absolutely dropping him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX6wqVuAQ6w
This is not the chase whatsoever.
I argued the same point with my friend, who told me to quit being so decisive and actually watch the video with my eyes. So I did, and if you watch the video closely, you will see the most amazing hit of your life.
At the 17-second mark, Frattin appears in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. He is skating full speed for the puck. That is the proper play a good hockey player makes.
Frattin quits moving his feet and totally breaks stride at the 18-second mark at the dot. He is a little over 20 feet away from the puck. Did you catch something though? In a half-second he makes his way from the blue line to the dot! The kid is flying and battling for the puck, which is how you play the contact sport of hockey at elite levels.
So he quits moving his feet approximately 22 feet away from the puck, as Kevin Wehrs is about the same distance from the puck as well. Not to mention, he has the option of continuing to move his feet to the puck and through because he is NOT going to hit Frattin and take the puck. He needs to gain possession and move the puck up the ice while TAKING the hit.
While Frattin stays low and finishes his hit, Kevin Wehrs breaks his stride and does that awful C-cut you see so many defensemen do around the net. As Frattin hits Wehrs, Wehrs’ feet take out Frattin’s legs and he falls onto Wehrs. A skirmish follows, which is no big deal because I would defend my teammate in the same way if I was on either team. Anyone should.
This hit was quality and does not deserve a playoff suspension, but in-game discipline due to the injury of Kevin Wehrs. The WCHA and Aaron Marvin now have something in common; they go after the most dynamic player of the weekend. While UND is deep enough that the loss of Frattin will not make them incapable of beating UMD, his stat line through 21 games indicates he is convenient to have.
Also, any young defenseman watching this video- that is why you skate through the puck! When you pick it up behind the net and use your feet to skate THROUGH the puck, you’ll be a lot better off. Wehrs still gets rocked, but he would be fine afterwards.
By Herbert Kyles
First, before you read this, watch the YouTube video of Matt Frattin’s (UND) hit on Kevin Wehrs (Minnesota). With a single, quick view you see Frattin charge Wehrs and jump into him, absolutely dropping him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX6wqVuAQ6w
This is not the chase whatsoever.
I argued the same point with my friend, who told me to quit being so decisive and actually watch the video with my eyes. So I did, and if you watch the video closely, you will see the most amazing hit of your life.
At the 17-second mark, Frattin appears in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. He is skating full speed for the puck. That is the proper play a good hockey player makes.
Frattin quits moving his feet and totally breaks stride at the 18-second mark at the dot. He is a little over 20 feet away from the puck. Did you catch something though? In a half-second he makes his way from the blue line to the dot! The kid is flying and battling for the puck, which is how you play the contact sport of hockey at elite levels.
So he quits moving his feet approximately 22 feet away from the puck, as Kevin Wehrs is about the same distance from the puck as well. Not to mention, he has the option of continuing to move his feet to the puck and through because he is NOT going to hit Frattin and take the puck. He needs to gain possession and move the puck up the ice while TAKING the hit.
While Frattin stays low and finishes his hit, Kevin Wehrs breaks his stride and does that awful C-cut you see so many defensemen do around the net. As Frattin hits Wehrs, Wehrs’ feet take out Frattin’s legs and he falls onto Wehrs. A skirmish follows, which is no big deal because I would defend my teammate in the same way if I was on either team. Anyone should.
This hit was quality and does not deserve a playoff suspension, but in-game discipline due to the injury of Kevin Wehrs. The WCHA and Aaron Marvin now have something in common; they go after the most dynamic player of the weekend. While UND is deep enough that the loss of Frattin will not make them incapable of beating UMD, his stat line through 21 games indicates he is convenient to have.
Also, any young defenseman watching this video- that is why you skate through the puck! When you pick it up behind the net and use your feet to skate THROUGH the puck, you’ll be a lot better off. Wehrs still gets rocked, but he would be fine afterwards.
Stepping Out of the Shadows
http://www.bcheights.com/sports/stepping-out-of-the-shadows-1.1267573
By Herbert Kyles
Appears the Boston College ACHA team is heading in the right direction. This article shows the true meaning of ACHA hockey. It is a chance for players who chose to go to a university and found a way to play competitive hockey at a solid level. The respect between the two BC teams is awesome. Hats off to the Boston College NCAA captain for supporting the other hockey team in that fashion.
By Herbert Kyles
Appears the Boston College ACHA team is heading in the right direction. This article shows the true meaning of ACHA hockey. It is a chance for players who chose to go to a university and found a way to play competitive hockey at a solid level. The respect between the two BC teams is awesome. Hats off to the Boston College NCAA captain for supporting the other hockey team in that fashion.
Monday, March 15, 2010
NCAA Division I Tournament Outlook Cont.
By Herbert Kyles
A lot happened over the weekend in DI Men’s Hockey. Once I found out unranked Niagara University defeated a well respected (7) Bidmidji State squad I wanted to throw a story on the blog, but I waited. Apparently the CHA will have TWO of their four teams in the tournament this year as Alabama-Huntsville, a 12-17-3 team, defeated Niagara University (12-20-4) to win the CHA crown. Talk about upsets.
This is good for Alabama-Huntsville because they are the lone CHA program to not have a home for the upcoming season. If they have a strong showing at the NCAA Tournament, hopefully a conference steps up and saves this program. It won’t be the 2010-11 season, but maybe 2011-12 season?
Also, if you kept in mind the Scott Darling suspension for Maine, it looks like their season is over. With a loss to UMass-Lowell they can go on Spring Break trips now.
Michigan State and UNO are done, and possibly Alaska with a first round loss in the playoffs. So it could be a two team year for the CCHA. Did you ever think the CCHA and CHA would have the same amount of times in?
In the ECAC while Yale took a shocking exit from the playoffs, they should still make the tournament. Union and Cornell need to make statements though.
Meanwhile in Atlantic Hockey, there is a chase for the Auto-bid. Air Force, Sacred Heart, Canisius and RIT will battle for it this weekend in Rochester.
Everyone in the WCHA Final Five is safe.
This is a crazy weekend in NCAA Hockey as teams try to punch their tickets to the tournament and seniors try to extend their careers for one last hurrah.
A lot happened over the weekend in DI Men’s Hockey. Once I found out unranked Niagara University defeated a well respected (7) Bidmidji State squad I wanted to throw a story on the blog, but I waited. Apparently the CHA will have TWO of their four teams in the tournament this year as Alabama-Huntsville, a 12-17-3 team, defeated Niagara University (12-20-4) to win the CHA crown. Talk about upsets.
This is good for Alabama-Huntsville because they are the lone CHA program to not have a home for the upcoming season. If they have a strong showing at the NCAA Tournament, hopefully a conference steps up and saves this program. It won’t be the 2010-11 season, but maybe 2011-12 season?
Also, if you kept in mind the Scott Darling suspension for Maine, it looks like their season is over. With a loss to UMass-Lowell they can go on Spring Break trips now.
Michigan State and UNO are done, and possibly Alaska with a first round loss in the playoffs. So it could be a two team year for the CCHA. Did you ever think the CCHA and CHA would have the same amount of times in?
In the ECAC while Yale took a shocking exit from the playoffs, they should still make the tournament. Union and Cornell need to make statements though.
Meanwhile in Atlantic Hockey, there is a chase for the Auto-bid. Air Force, Sacred Heart, Canisius and RIT will battle for it this weekend in Rochester.
Everyone in the WCHA Final Five is safe.
This is a crazy weekend in NCAA Hockey as teams try to punch their tickets to the tournament and seniors try to extend their careers for one last hurrah.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Hockey looks to win ACHA
An entire year’s worth of dedication, hard work and preparation has come down to five days for the CSU hockey team.
Starting on March 17, the Rams (25-8-2) will begin their first game of the ACHA Division II National Tournament in Connecticut against the University of Maryland-Baltimore College and a chance at the national championship.
After a successful regular season, the Rams have earned a two seed in their respective pool, finishing second behind CU-Boulder.
Head coach Kelly Newton believes this team has a chance to build from previous years and make it all the way to the end.
“Last year we got to the semifinals,” Newton said. “This year is time to get to the next step and go to the finals.”
Starting on March 17, the Rams (25-8-2) will begin their first game of the ACHA Division II National Tournament in Connecticut against the University of Maryland-Baltimore College and a chance at the national championship.
After a successful regular season, the Rams have earned a two seed in their respective pool, finishing second behind CU-Boulder.
Head coach Kelly Newton believes this team has a chance to build from previous years and make it all the way to the end.
“Last year we got to the semifinals,” Newton said. “This year is time to get to the next step and go to the finals.”
Hope hockey team finishes as national runner-up
Holland, MI —
Hope hockey coach Chris Van Timmeren said it was bittersweet losing to defending champs Saginaw Valley State in the ACHA national title game 6-4 Saturday.
Hope (25-6-1) finished national runner-up for the second time in program history as it also finished second in 2002.
“We had a great season,” Van Timmeren said. “We got to the championship game. We just fell short, but I told them I was really proud of the way we played this year, and it was by far the best team I’ve ever coached at Hope College.”
Brett Kopinski had two goals, Matt Schrader had a goal and Jake Green also scored a goal.
Hope trailed 2-1 after the first period and 3-2 after the second.
“We just had some defensive mistakes, defensive breakdowns late in the third period, and that allowed them to get a couple goals and get momentum, and we just couldn’t get it back,” Van Timmeren said.
Hope hockey coach Chris Van Timmeren said it was bittersweet losing to defending champs Saginaw Valley State in the ACHA national title game 6-4 Saturday.
Hope (25-6-1) finished national runner-up for the second time in program history as it also finished second in 2002.
“We had a great season,” Van Timmeren said. “We got to the championship game. We just fell short, but I told them I was really proud of the way we played this year, and it was by far the best team I’ve ever coached at Hope College.”
Brett Kopinski had two goals, Matt Schrader had a goal and Jake Green also scored a goal.
Hope trailed 2-1 after the first period and 3-2 after the second.
“We just had some defensive mistakes, defensive breakdowns late in the third period, and that allowed them to get a couple goals and get momentum, and we just couldn’t get it back,” Van Timmeren said.
Friday, March 12, 2010
ACHA Division 3 Nationals Schedule, Scores, and Results
ACHA Division 3 Scores and Schedule
ACHA Division 3 Standings
Big games left in the tournament with both teams are undefeated. Winners will advance to the Semi-finals.
California PA loses to Central Florida, 8-7
College of Canyons loses to Saginaw Valley, 4-1
Hope College defeats Colorado, 12-5
Florida Gulf Coast defeats Farmingdale State, 4-3
Semi-Finals
Saginaw Valley defeats Central Florida, 4-1
Hope College defeats Florida Gulf Coast, 3-1
Finals
Hope College loses to Saginaw Valley, 6-4
Congrats to Saginaw Valley State University
ACHA Division 3 Standings
Big games left in the tournament with both teams are undefeated. Winners will advance to the Semi-finals.
California PA loses to Central Florida, 8-7
College of Canyons loses to Saginaw Valley, 4-1
Hope College defeats Colorado, 12-5
Florida Gulf Coast defeats Farmingdale State, 4-3
Semi-Finals
Saginaw Valley defeats Central Florida, 4-1
Hope College defeats Florida Gulf Coast, 3-1
Finals
Hope College loses to Saginaw Valley, 6-4
Congrats to Saginaw Valley State University
Thursday, March 11, 2010
ACHA Hockey...More Than a Club
By Herbert Kyles
Club hockey no longer refers to recreational hockey players in mismatched uniforms scrimmaging aimlessly. Club players do not “play to ten” with Johnny, from Room 220, playing goal for the first time. Club hockey, now referred to as Non-scholarship or Non-varsity hockey, is organized under the ACHA (est. 1993).
Club hockey no longer refers to recreational hockey players in mismatched uniforms scrimmaging aimlessly. Club players do not “play to ten” with Johnny, from Room 220, playing goal for the first time. Club hockey, now referred to as Non-scholarship or Non-varsity hockey, is organized under the ACHA (est. 1993).
NCAA Division I Tournament Outlook
http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/03/09/big-names-on-ncaa-hockey-bubble/
By Herbert Kyles
Western College hockey fans will be glad to see the WCHA is returning to the conference of national power after a couple seasons off. Any time half of your conference has the opportunity to make the tournament, and be over a third of the field, that helps with recruiting. Especially with the CCHA way, way down this year, that could help influence top recruits.
This happens while Atlantic Hockey continues to be the cellar dweller, even though history expects Auto-bid team to make a statement, along with the soon-to-be defunct CHA. Bemidji appears like they could make a great transition to the WCHA and compete quickly.
What will happen with Alabama-Huntsville next year though? Someone needs to save this college hockey program because college hockey does not want to lose another.
Looks like a wild couple weeks for some college hockey programs as a few prepare to remain in their top spot and others scrap just to gain a spot.
Pioneers have hockey dreams
By John Rowe
Even with the early exits of its men's and women's basketball team from the Division III national tournaments, there's still something to cheer about at William Paterson.
The WPU men's hockey team has advanced to the American Collegiate Hockey League national tournament, next Wednesday through March 20 in Simsbury, Conn., for the second consecutive season. The Pioneers (24-8-1-1) lost to two-time national champion Davenport last year.
"Last season was the first experience on the national stage for the team," said Bob Carnathan, director of hockey operations and assistant coach. "While we still have a relatively young team this year, a few of our returning guys, our leaders, know what to expect this time around. They are very excited to have another shot at the national championship."
The Pioneers boast one of the top goaltenders in the nation in Chris Bauer, a freshman from Scotch Plains, who leads the country with 19 wins. Their offense is led by Albert Campbell of Wayne, who has 28 goals and 53 points, and John Gomez of Fairfield, with 29 goals and 42 points.
William Paterson hockey is funded by the university's Student Government Association and by player tuition. In its 37th year, the team has no ties to the university's athletic department
Even with the early exits of its men's and women's basketball team from the Division III national tournaments, there's still something to cheer about at William Paterson.
The WPU men's hockey team has advanced to the American Collegiate Hockey League national tournament, next Wednesday through March 20 in Simsbury, Conn., for the second consecutive season. The Pioneers (24-8-1-1) lost to two-time national champion Davenport last year.
"Last season was the first experience on the national stage for the team," said Bob Carnathan, director of hockey operations and assistant coach. "While we still have a relatively young team this year, a few of our returning guys, our leaders, know what to expect this time around. They are very excited to have another shot at the national championship."
The Pioneers boast one of the top goaltenders in the nation in Chris Bauer, a freshman from Scotch Plains, who leads the country with 19 wins. Their offense is led by Albert Campbell of Wayne, who has 28 goals and 53 points, and John Gomez of Fairfield, with 29 goals and 42 points.
William Paterson hockey is funded by the university's Student Government Association and by player tuition. In its 37th year, the team has no ties to the university's athletic department
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