Q&A with Clarkson hockey broadcaster Bob Ahlfeld

by Ryan Fay

With Union set for a trip to Clarkson on Friday, I chatted with Bob Ahlfeld, the voice of Golden Knights hockey.

Ahlfeld talks about Clarkson's recent turnaround as well as key players like Joe Zarbo, Pat Megannety, and T.J Moor. The play-by-play man also discusses Friday's game and how the top four in the ECAC may end up.

UNION HOCKEY NEWS (UHN): After a 5 game losing streak, Clarkson is 2-1-2 in their past 5. What's clicking lately that wasn't earlier?

BOB AHLFELD (BA): I realize it sounds simple but getting pucks to the net, and then finishing when they’re there has made a big difference. For example, in losses to Niagara and Mercyhurst, Clarkson got 40+ shots in each game but only scored one goal combined. It began in a 5-1 win at Harvard on January 25th when they got 20 shots in the first period on the Crimson. Not all of them were "grade A" chances but that mindset has helped. There is a bit more of a hunger around the goal and some of the goals have come from gritty areas. 

UHN: Joe Zarbo is busting out in his second year - his 12 goals are tied for third in the league. What's behind his improvement?

BA: Joe has really been moving his feet very well of late and has a great set of hands. Playing with his brother, Matt, has been a comfortable situation for him and Adam Pawlick adds some upper class leadership. While it is impressive how he’s put the puck away, one defining play for Joe was setting up James Howden for the game tying goal last Friday against Colgate. I’m sure most of the building, and certainly Colgate, expected him to shoot from the high slot and he waited long enough to get the puck to Howden for what turned out to be a huge point. He has the ability to create, even from a broken play, that few guys have. Plus, many of his goals have come at key times, whether it be to stop the momentum of the opponent or to add to Clarkson’s pressure. His play has made teams take notice and that will hopefully open things up for others.

UHN: Pat Megannety is tied for second on the team with 16 points despite being a freshman. What have you seen out of him this year? 

Ahlfeld (Clarkson)

BA: Pat has been a pleasant surprise on the points side of things. Very telling to me was the confidence the coaching staff showed in him by moving him to center (he had played wing all season long) this past weekend against Colgate and Cornell. He did not look out of place, and he, Simon Bessette and new addition T.J Moor had a lot of energy against the Raiders and Big Red. Some guys in junior come from teams that aren’t as system oriented as college teams, but that wasn’t the case with Pat. He’s made the transition to the college game fairly routine and doesn’t seem fazed at all by the speed or physical nature of college hockey.

UHN: Moor is the current ECAC player of the week after picking up three goals and an assist over the weekend. Overall, he has 7 points (3 g, 4 a) in 9 games this season. He didn't join the team until January, but what have you seen from him?

BA: T.J came in after working on his grades in the fall semester. The way he has moved seemingly seamlessly into the line-up makes you forget that he was not on the ice in the fall at all. He has made an immediate impact and even in the games when he’s not scored he’s created some chances for the team. He has made some very smart decisions with the puck in all three zones and is gaining confidence in every shift.

UHN: Clarkson is the most penalized team in the ECAC and their PK ranks near the bottom of the league. Union's PP is one of the best in the country. How much of a concern is that going into the game?

BA: Each of those can be a bit misleading. If you look at the top 10 in PIMs, there are some very good teams in there. Quinnipiac and North Dakota are just a shade behind Clarkson in penalty minutes. Denver and Duluth are ahead and those are all top 15 teams. Now with Quinnipiac they are at a 90 percent penalty kill and that stat is even more impressive when you see the number of penalties they take. 

I also believe there are certain penalties that can embolden a team depending on how they are taken. For example, aggressive penalties that make the opponents not as comfortable with the puck or a penalty that blunts a great scoring chance by the other team. Those kind are easier to kill in my opinion than ones that take you away from scoring chances or happen because of inattention to detail. 

As far as Friday’s game, I believe that Clarkson’s ability or inability to stop Union’s power play will be huge. Good teams like Union make you draw penalties. Withstanding the pressure of penalties and using the momentum of a great penalty kill will make a big impact for Clarkson.

UHN: How do you see the game unfolding?

BA: I’m forever wrong about how games will unfold. In fact, I think the last one I was right about was the Boston College vs. Yale NCAA game that I joked was going to be first team to 10 goals (and BC won 9-7). And in my mind I thought a good start against Cornell and getting a lead on Saturday was key and the Big Red scored 58 seconds in. Look how that one turned out -- Clarkson won, 6-3. 

I believe Union to be one of the strongest teams in the country and it will take a strong effort by Clarkson to overcome them. One thing going for Clarkson is that there are so many new players who don’t have a history of frustration against the Dutchmen. I have to believe the team and staff are excited to see how the teams match up.

UHN: How do you see the ECAC top four unfolding after Quinnipiac?

BA: Two things are sure, first and last. Quinnipiac has first and Harvard will most likely be the 12th seed. The rest is such a jumble that after Friday’s games we could figure on three teams to be solidly in for a bye, then if those same teams lose on Saturday they could be facing a home game in the first round.

Having not seen Union or RPI yet in person, I’d have to figure that both will be pushing for home ice and a bye (especially with the way RPI is coming on). St. Lawrence has gotten hot, and Dartmouth is dangerous especially at home. One figures with 16 points left, whichever teams are able to get 10 or more of them will be in a good position. Given their experience from last year, you would think Union to be in the top four when it’s all said and done, along with Yale since they are three points clear of third. After that, man, that last spot could come down to the 7th tiebreaker.