Players To Watch This Weekend

This weekend the Dutchmen travel to the North Country to take on Clarkson and St. Lawrence. Union won both meetings with these teams earlier this season as they topped the Golden Knights 8-1 and the Saints 3-1. The Dutchmen have outscored Clarkson 24-4 over their past three meetings.

Union has won seven straight games, which is the longest streak in the country. Also, if they win Friday they will set the record for longest win streak in Union's D-I history.
Clarkson
Brandon DeFazio: the senior captain leads the team with 11 goals and 20 points.
Allan McPherson: the freshman forward is second on the team with 11 assists and is tied for second with 19 points.
Jake Morley: the junior forward leads the team with 15 points.

St. Lawrence
Greg Carey: the freshman forward is a very serious candidate for ECAC Rookie of the Year. He leads the Saints with 15 goals and averages a point per game. Carey also leads the team with six power-play goals.
Kyle Flanagan: the sophomore forward leads the team with 20 assists and is tied with Carey with the team lead in points with 30.
Aaron Bogosian: the senior captain is second on the team with 11 goals, and has scored three goals in his past four games.

Union
Matt Hatch: the freshman forward scored twice last Friday against Cornell and has been a great asset to the first line. The games in the North Country are very close to his hometown (Massena, NY), so I assume a lot of family and friends will be there. He should have some extra jump.
Mat Bodie: the freshman defenseman is very close to breaking Mike Schreiber's '10 record for assists in a season by a defenseman (21) and most points in a season by a defenseman (29). The younger Bodie currently has 20 assists on the season.
Daniel Carr: the freshman has 18 goals on the season which is tied with Chase Polacek for most in the ECAC. He also leads the league with 11 power-play goals. Carr has scored six goals in has past seven games.
For more on the weekend check out:
Union Athletics
Clarkson Athletics
St. Lawrence Athletics

Clarkson's Bonesaw Brigade:


Puck Art With SLU's equipment manager:

Things To Watch For This Weekend

This weekend the Dutchmen host the Yale Bulldogs and Brown Bears, in what might be the toughest home weekend of the season. The Bulldogs come into the weekend as the #1 team in the country and sport the nation's top offense, which is clicking at a 4.79 goals per game (BC is second with 3.74), and the third best defense allowing just 2.05 goals per game (Union is tied for tops in the country with Wisconsin with 2.04). While the Bears aren't ranked, they are still an extremely tough team as they proved last season when they shocked RPI and Yale in the ECAC playoffs.

My biggest concern about this weekend is the possibility of falling into a "trap game" with Brown. While the Dutchmen are not overlooking the Bears right now, there is a lot of focus being placed on Yale. I'm just afraid that the Dutchmen will put all of their energy and emotion into the Yale game and won't match it the following night whether if they beat Yale or not. Let's just hope the guys play hard against Yale and no matter what happens they instantly put the game in the past.

I think a great way to make sure this doesn't happen is to make a few lineup changes on Saturday night. I think that it might be smart if Leaman plays faster guys like Justin Pallos and Kyle Bodie to match Yale's speed on Friday night, but then replace them with Luke Cain and Stephane Boileau on Saturday night to match Brown's hard-hitting game style.

Also, the Dutchmen offesne is relying too heavily on the underclassmen (Carr, Welsh, Jooris, Mat Bodie). In important games like these you need the seniors to step up their game and take control. The experienced players need to set the tone, and the younger guys will follow. But, this doesn't mean that the underclassmen have an excuse to be intimidated. They, along with the rest of the team, should follow the example of Matt Hatch who flies all over the ice with no regard for his body. That's the type of hard work and intensity that will win big games.

Here are some fun facts:
- The last time Union played the top-ranked team in the country was on January 2, 2009 when they lost 3-1 to Nortre Dame at the Shillelagh Tournament. Brendan Milnamow '09 scored Union's lone goal and Corey Milan picked up 24 saves.
- In Union's first game back from the Shillelagh Tournament they traveled to Princeton where they beat a fifth-ranked Tigers team 3-2. This was the last time Union has beaten a Top 5 team. In the game Mario Valery-Trabucco '10 and Stephane Boileau scored goals, while Matt Cook scored the game-winner back in his hometown (he's from around Princeton).
- The last time Union played a #1 team in league play was on November 9, 1996 when they hosted Vermont. The Catamounts had future NHL stars Tim Thomas (Boston) and Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay) on the team that year. Union lost to Vermont that night 1-0 behind 43 saves from Thomas.

Yale
Ryan Rondeau: the senior goaltender has only lost one game this season and is third in the nation with a 1.80 GAA.
Broc Little: leads the team with 13 goals and 27 points. He is extremely fast.
Brian O'Neill: second on the team with 12 goals and is third with 25 points. Also leads the team with five power-play goals.
Andrew Miller: leads the team with 21 assists in 19 games, meaning he sets up a goal every game. He has only scored five goals this season, but four of them have been game-winners.
Chris Cahill: has been a beast in ECAC play, leading the Bulldogs with eight goals and 19 points.

Harry Zolnierczyk

Brown
Jack Maclellan: leads the team with 13 goals, 16 assists, and 29 points.
Harry Zolnierczyk: the Bears captain has the reputation of being one of the dirtiest players in the league and has accumulated 83 penalty minutes in just 18 games this year. But, Harry Z can also put the puck in the net as he is second on the team with 11 goals, 12 assists, and 23 points. In Brown's upset of Yale, he picked up a 10 minute misconduct penalty only to return to score the game-winning goal late in the game. Also, watch out for him and Maclellan on the PK as they have both netted two shorthanded goals this season.
Dennis Robertson: the freshman leads all Brown defenders with five goals and 12 points. Four of his five goals have come on the power-play, which is tied for best on the team with Captain Harry.

Union
Adam Presizniuk: this is the type of weekend when your best player needs to show up and contribute. His line is really clicking right now and he just got the pin taken out of his thumb, so this could be the weekend where he finally explodes.
Brock Matheson: Captain Brock has been stellar of late and needs to lead the defense this weekend as they take on fast Yale forwards and hard-hitting Brown forwards. He needs to be the one to prove that they are not going to give the opposing forwards too much respect.
Daniel Carr: the freshman phenom leads the team with nine power-play goals. Union's special teams has been struggling a bit of late, but if they want any chacne to knock off Yale they have to convert on these PP opportunities. Carr will be the go-to guy.

For more about this weekend check out:
Union Athletics.com
Daily Gazette
INCH
Yale Daily News
Brown Bears.com

Here are highlights from Union's 5-0 loss at Yale earlier this season:

Union Has Up And Down Weekend

The reason why I have this title is because they won a game where they came back from behind in the third period for the first time this season (Harvard), but lost a game that they needed to win (Dartmouth).

Actually, if you really think about it this was a disappointing weekend for the Dutchmen. This was a weekend where they absolutely needed four points. With a win over Dartmouth, Union would have finally won that PWR game that they desperately needed and solidified themselves as a contender for the NCAA tournament. But, now they are back to being on the cusp of a tournament bid.

Here the question of the week: Are the Dutchmen ever going to win the PWR game? Maybe they will next weekend...

Here are some things I took away from the weekend:
- Dartmouth played really well. They jumped all over Union right from the drop of the puck with a hard hitting game plan.
- Ryan Carroll is excellent against the Dutchmen. I was pretty worried going into the third period down 1-0.
- I think Matt Hatch is the missing link on the Prezie-Zaj line. His past few performances have really proven that he belongs on that top line. He skates really hard and very fast and is always willing to fight for the extra inch and throw his body around. I've said it before, but he really looks like an upperclassman out there.
- Good articles about the team might actually affect the team. Coach Leaman said that there might be a hex around feature stories on INCH, as most ECAC teams that get featured end up losing the following weekend. So, players DO NOT read the papers or any other coverage... I'm just kidding. But, it was interesting how Leaman mentioned that after the Dartmouth game.

Here are some recaps of the games:

Dartmouth
Union Athletics.com
USCHO
INCH

Harvard
Union Athletics.com
USCHO
Times Union.com

Go to the "Official" Union Hockey Blog for post-game quotes for both games.

Also, check out this feature on the Simpson Brothers from the Boston Globe.

Tonight's Lineup vs. SLU

Here's Union's lineup tonight:



Matt Hatch

Carr - Welsh - Jooris
Presizniuk - Zajac - Hatch
Sullivan - J. Simpson - W. Simpson
Buote - Pallos - K. Bodie

Forgaard - Ingoldsby
Coburn - Stuart
M. Bodie - Matheson

Kinkaid
Milan
Grosenick

Notes:
- Matt Hatch will get his shot to flill the missing link on the Prezie-Zaj line. I think it's worth a try considering Hatch is a hard-working and speedy player. Let's see if it works out.
- The Simpson brothers are back on the same line. It seems that Leaman is unsure if this is a good combo since they are separated and put back together every few games.
- Mike Ingoldsby returns tonight from his concussion.
- Stephane Boileau and Nolan Julseth-White are both out of the lineup tonight.

Union romps over RIT 7-2

Adam Presizniuk scored two goals last night

Last night the Dutchmen completely dominated the Tigers. They were opportunistic on the power-play and Keith Kinkaid came up big when his team needed him to. When I talked to RIT Head Coach Wayne Wilson after the game he completely agreed. He wasn't happy with the refs, but gave Union a lot of credit and was really impressed with the depth of the forwards and Kinkaid. Anyone in Union's lineup is capable of scoring a goal, and they have plenty of "go to guys" like Prez, Zajac, Welsh, Wayne Simpson, Jooris, Carr, etc. This is why Union has the #1 scoring offense  in the country averaging 5.67 goals/game. On a negative note, Welsh's five game goal streak ended last night, along with Jooris' five game point streak.

Also thanks to Keith Kinkaid, Union has #3 defense in the nation averaging 1.83 goals allowed/game.

The Union power-play was so impressive last night as they looked unstoppable in the first period. They controlled the puck very well and dictated the play, causing the RIT penalty kill to run around. The great thing about the Union power-play is that they have 10 guys that can got out there and execute a perfect series. Each player they put out there is unselfish, but can bury the puck when they need to. Union's power-play is clicking at a 41.9% rate (13-of-31), which is tops in the nation.

It's also great that the Dutchmen have been dominant at home. In four games at home this season the Dutchmen have outscored their opponents 29-6. They are proving that it will be very difficult to come into Schenectady and come out with a 'W.'

For more on the win go to:
USCHO
Union Athletics.com
Ken Schott's Blog
Times Union.com

While all of these stats are very impressive, we still have to remember that four of Union's six games (and all of their games at home) were against Atlantic Hockey teams. I'm not here to bash on the AHA, but let's be honest... the AHA is by far the weakest conference in college hockey. Sacred Heart and Niagara are not very good, and RIT is obviously not as good as last year considering they lost their goaltender Jared DeMichiel and top defenseman Dan Ringwald. While RIT is the best team in the AHA, they are just a good team. I expect the Dutchmen to skate all over UConn on Thursday, but we will truly see what this team is made of when ECAC play begins in a few weeks. So, be excited about this team (I am!), but we have to see how they do against the likes of Cornell and Yale before we start talking about being a Top 15 team.

One thing Union fans should be excited about is freshman Matt Hatch. Yes he's only played in two games, but I'm telling you this kid is legit. We saw this last night when he picked up his first two career goals and assist. The reason why I'm so confident in Hatch is because of his speed. I'm a huge believer in "speed kills." A fast player can wreak havoc on the ice causing opposing players to rush their decisions and commit turnovers. Expect Hatch to be in Union's lineup more and more as the season goes on. After the game last night I was able to catch up with Matt and talk about his great night:



Also, here are some highlights from the epic Union-RIT game in the 1984 NCAA semifinals (start video at 7:10 mark):

Photos from Media Day 2010

Here are some photos that I took from Media Day 2010. I had such a great time attending this year mainly because of my new Droid X. It allowed me to take some real nice photos and HD Video. Since I'm having trouble posting the videos, they will hopefully be up tomorrow. Sadly, this was my last Media Day, but it was definitely the best. SID Eric McDowell and assistant SID Jeff Weinstein put on a great show.

The view from center ice at Messa Rink

Sign outside Union's locker room

Good buddies Brock Matheson and goaltender Corey Milan take a photo with each other. Brock and Corey were roommates their freshman year (and lived on my floor).

Freshman Josh Jooris (#7) heads off the ice with senior Justin Pallos (#11), freshman Kevin Sullivan (#16), and freshman Cole Ikkala (#18)

The Dutchmen hang around waiting to get interviewed

Senior assistant captain Andrew Buote talks to the media

Coach Leaman and the Class of 2011

And here are your 2010-11 Union College Dutchmen!

Coach Leaman makes the final adjustments for the team photo

Freshman Matt Hatch will wear Mario Valery-Trabucco's number this season. As you can tell Union has made some small make overs on their jerseys adding some black trim on their jerseys and changing their socks among a few other things.

Five players remain to be told where to sit for the team photo

Senior captain Brock Matheson sits in the middle of the team photo

Freshman Mat Bodie

Head Coach Nate Leaman

Dutchmen announce Class of 2014

Union Head Coach Nate Leaman announced that he will be adding eight student-athletes to his roster next season. There will be five forwards, two defensemen, and a goaltender joining the Dutchmen for their 2010-11 campaign. Five of the players are from the States, while the other three a hail from Canada. These guys have some big shoes to fill after the likes of Mario Valery-Trabucco, Jason Walters, and Mike Schreiber have all graduated.

The five forwards are Daniel Carr, Matt Hatch, Cole Ikkala, Josh Jooris, and Kevin Sullivan. The two defensemen are Mat Bodie and Mike Ingoldsby. Troy Grosenick is the lone goaltender.

I am very excited to see all of these guys take the ice in Union uniforms, but I am most interested to see Mat Bodie, the younger brother of Kyle Bodie. From what I have read the younger Bodie is a tremendous offensive defenseman and will make an immediate impact. There is a very high chance that he will be starting lineup once the opening of the season comes around. Ingoldsby sounds like a great blueliner as well and should compete for playing time in his first season. Grosenick sounds like a solid goalie, but will probably have to wait for his senior year to see any real playing time as it seems Keith Kinkaid's position in between the pipes is pretty solidified.

Offensively, it sounds like Leaman has recruited a diverse bunch of players. I think all could make an impact in their first season in Schenectady, but it should be interesting how true freshman like Carr and Sullivan adapt to the college game. And I'm going to call it right now... I think Cole Ikkala will be a fan favorite in his four years. With a last name like that and a gritty style of play he should draw some praise from the Union faithful.

For more on the Class of 2014 check out Union Athletics.com and Ken Schott's Blog.

Can't Wait for the 2009-10 season to start? How about the 2010-11 season?

Even though the 2009-2010 season hasn't even started yet it's always fun and exciting to look at next season. So, lets get a preview of the four players that have already committed to Union for next season (according to Chris Heisenberg's list: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=rZN-GJH1Q0NQeXIJG47g-ug&gid=1).

Kevin Sullivan (Left Wing): committed 1/29/09... 6' 180 lbs, born 1-25-91... from Darien, CT... played last season with Berkshire Prep where he had 17 goals and 24 assists in 33 games (1.24 points per game), along with 48 penalty minutes.

Matt Hatch (Center): committed 4/6/2009... 6'1"180 lbs, born 5-22-90... from New York public school hockey powerhouse Massena... in 2008-09 he played at the Philips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire where he was the second leading scorer on the team with 19 goals and 52 assists in 35 games... this season he is playing for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the BCHL where he has already accumulated a goal and two assists in five games... Bulldgos Head Coach Nolan Graham says Hatch "is a very strong skater who sees the ice very well. His speed is going to make him an offensive threat, but it will also prove to be valuable in penalty killing situations... Matt's puck moving, and playmaking abilities will make him a valuable offensive player."

Mat Bodie (Defense): committed 9/3/2009... 6' 160-170 lbs, born 3-7-90... from East St. Paul, Manitoba... played for the Winnipeg Thrashers (Midget AAA) where he was named MVP and Top Defenseman at the 2008 Telus Cup... was teammates with Nolan Zajac, the younger brother of Union sophomore forward Kelly Zajac, in Winnipeg... was named Rookie of the Year in BCHL last season where he posted a goal and 41 assists with the Powell River Kings... Heisenberg has Bodie rated as the #2 defenseman in the BCHL... is the younger brother of Union freshman forward Kyle Bodie

Daniel Carr (Left Wing): committed 9/18/2009... 6' 185 lbs, born 11-1-91... from Leduc, Alberta... in the 2008-09 season with the St. Albert Steel (AJHL) he tallied 27 goals (14 on he powerplay) and 28 assists in 59 games, along with 81 penalty minutes... in seven games this season with St. Albert he has already amassed five goals and eight assists... Carr is Heisenberg's top recruit from Alberta... known for his speed

It seems like Leaman is already doing a great job in replacing the Class of 2010. The Dutchmen will be losing top forwards Jason Walters and Mario Valery-Trabucco, along with offensive-minded defenseman Mike Schreiber. Maybe the next Union core will be Hatch, Carr, and the younger Bodie. Bodie will have to put on some weight though in order to survive defensively on the NCAA level.