A different night with different Knights.
I must begin by correcting an error in my notes from Day 1--it is the men of Clarkson who are the Golden Knights, while the men from Army are Black Knights. Now that that is settled, let us be off to this evening's lesson.
It really was an entirely different set of Knights than those who took the ice last evening. There was composure on defense, measured precision on offense, and goaltending over which I will rave later in this entry. What is most stunning of all, however, is the fact that the Golden Nights of Clarkson are riding in last place in their conference, overshadowed by fellow ECAC members Princeton, Cornell, and Dartmouth who are all nationally ranked by the USA Today. But for these Knights, two evenings in Columbus, Ohio have set the table for what could be a promising remainder of their season.
Just before Ohio State dispatched of the boys from West Point last evening, Clarkson stunned everyone in Columbus who is plugged into the college hockey scene (all, like, 15 of them) by beating Miami (OH) 4-2. Tough enough, considering the commute for any Golden Knight fans coming from Potsdam, NY. Made tougher, however, when realizing that Miami is ranked #2 in the country! (A side note: The RedHawks can forget that spot after their showing this weekend at the Value City Arena, as they dropped this evening's game to Army, again by a score of 4-2.)
So the table was set tonight for these scrappy bottom feeders from Upstate New York to face off against an Ohio State team that was charging from a big win and looking to impress the home fans. But, someone forgot to tell Clarkson that they were bottom feeders. From the first drop of the puck, the pace was fast and the game was energized. Within the first five minutes, the referees had to pull players apart who were engaging in some "extracurricular activities" after the whistle. The Knights were out to prove a point, one that I believe they did, even when the final horn sounded and handed them a 2-0 defeat.
The Buckeyes' only real goal came in just the 8th minute of play when Hunter Bishop (our french fry man from last night) pushed the puck through a pig-pile in front of the Clarkson net. It did not appear as though much could be done to stop this goal, as the puck just found its way into the goal after traversing no less than four bodies on the ice. The Golden Nights then played 51 minutes of shutout hockey before Zac Dalpe tossed a wrister into an empty net with just under 40 seconds remaining.
This was a game of intensity. I was pleased to see more apparent thinking being done on the part of the teams. Offenses were set and defenses fought to clear the zone. Both Clarkson and Ohio State put on penalty killing clinics, as none of the 12 powerplays resulted in goals. And even though I bleed scarlet and grey, a small part of me was cheering for the green and gold tonight. These boys put on a show this weekend that should put their opponents on notice, and they did it in front of crowds that dwarf the capacity of Cheel Arena back in Potsdam. They took down a national power on night one, and fought the good (and nearly successful) fight against a home team which would be hard pressed to lose on their own ice on night two. Bravo Clarkson Golden Knights! Kick the crap out of those Ivy League boys!
Tonight's Dumb Question: What does someone do (or not do) to get kicked out of a face-off? From my seat, it seems to be one of those things that depends on the official's whims. I seem to remember hearing something about face-off etiquette at some point, having to do with who gets to put their stick down first. Is this sport really that worried about being nice to each other?
Tonight's Three Stars: 3. Hunter Bishop (OSU), I did not mean to belittle his goal by my description above. Bishop fought hard through the scrum to put home what ended up being the game winner. No fries tonight, though... 2. Dustin Carlson (OSU), When you notch a clean sheet, you are doing well. Columbus must just be the place for young goalies right now--as Carlson blanks the Golden Knights just as his professional counterpart from across town is putting up record-breaking rookie stats for the BlueJackets. 1. Paul Karpowich (CLK), In my admitted ignorance of this sport, I do not hold the Golden Knights' net-minder responsible for either goal scored tonight. Karpowich stopped 32 shots on goal, 21 of which came during powerplays. He stoned the Buckeyes' fast-break cold on numerous occasions, keeping his team in the game until the very end. The box score may read differently, but I would be willing to give this guy a clean sheet too.
Tonight's Trip to the Penalty Box: The Officials, 2 minutes for Interference. I know, it is cliché to rip on the refs, but for goodness sake, how many times do you have to get run over by an charging attacker before you get the idea that perhaps on the blue line, 2 feet in from the boards is a bad place to be?!?
Final Score: Ohio State 2, Clarkson 0
Next Session: 24. January, hosting Western Michigan
...oh, and if you have the means, check out Clarkson a week from Sunday (Jan. 11, 4pm) when the host St. Lawrence in a game which will be nationally televised on ESPNU.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Class Session 1 -- Understanding the Three-Man Backcheck (or not...)
Well, the first session was quite frantic and, at times, exciting. As with any good class there should be something to keep me wanting to come back. However, even to my admittedly lacking eye for what makes "good" hockey, I could tell this game left quite a bit to be desired. Our guests for this evening came from the United States Military Academy at West Point--that's right, the Army Golden Knights! And, if I may before delving into questions and notes from the proceedings, I would like to simply address one thing which stood out on the Army bench. Just as the keen observer can spy the cleric-wearing priest on Notre Dame's sidelines during any given autumn afternoon, the men from West Point had a man in uniform pacing behind the boys on the bench and barking orders. (And just so we're clear, I'm not talking about a tackle-twilled uniform from CCM, but rather OD Green complete with a hardware store attached to the chest.) It was actually kind of cool, but the other coaches were in a coat and tie. I'm just wondering why this gentleman felt the need to wear his Combat Infantryman Badge rink-side...
But all that aside, let's get to the bulk of today's lecture. I was doing my best to observe the attacking movement of a team on the offensive, especially by watching those who were moving without the puck. Sadly, the Army offense was so easily broken down that often our boys in white were running 3-on-2 breaks and rarely setting up anything that looked like, well, offense. It felt more like watching a basketball game which was stuck in fast-breaks and transition; and I was hoping for something along the lines of a soccer match with good interior passing and skillful finishing after patiently executed forward motion.
Now there were times when something resembling a more structured offense appeared. Ohio State was apt to push two men forward, attacking behind the net (forechecking?), while one remained in the center and the last two held at the points. Army, on the other hand, sent only one ahead to forecheck, keeping two to circle like vultures in front of the goalie and two sitting just inside the blue line. I am not sure what might account for the difference, but I must say the stronger forecheck was the more successful venture tonight--as it kept the area around the crease more free from clutter and did actually lead to a few goals.
The game was rather free of penalties, with the majority of sin-bin time belonging to the Buckeyes. On every penalty kill, Ohio State was able to keep consistent offensive pressure on their opponents--leading to, at one point, three Golden Knights behind their own net to defend a lone, shorthanded, Ohio State attacker. Needless to say, such a scheme did not lead to any power-play goals for Army. In fact, very little lead to goals for Army, as they would find the back of the net only once--to Ohio State's six.
There was one moment of unbridled, stereotypical hockey aggression in the closing minute of the game when a scrum developed in front of the OSU goal. With the issue no longer in doubt, perhaps the Army men were hoping to at least win a fight (something, I hope, they are training for at one level or another). Sadly, though, these Knights could not even prevail tonight in hand-to-hand combat, as two lost their helmets and a fair amount of blood before being escorted to the penalty box.
Now to the final quick notes...
Tonight's Dumb Question: There are four referees. Two with orange arm bands, two without. Each referee ended up getting involved in play at some point during the evening. They seemed to be in the way more than anything else. If there is any explanation of the officiating crew to be had, I would appreciate it.
Tonight's Three Stars (because I know that's a hockey thing): 3. Zach Pelletier (OSU) - Pelletier scored the evening's final goal by drawing the Army net-minder completely out of the play, breaking an Army defender's stick in half, and shooting successfull in a matter of about three seconds. 2. Hunter Bishop (OSU) - Bishop's second period goal put the Buckeyes' scoreline to 4, which won an order of free McDonald's french fries for the 4,800 people in attendance. Thanks, Hunter! 1. Dustin Carlson (OSU) - The Buckeyes' sophomore goalie notched 27 saves, including a fantastic impression of a wildly-flailing brick wall in the second period when he stopped a barrage of 5 shots in 15 seconds.
Tonight's Trip to the Box: The "Kiss-Cam" Operator, 2 minutes for running the damn thing during the duration of the ten minute first intermission.
Final Score: Ohio State 6, Army 1
Next Class: 3 January, hosting Clarkson
But all that aside, let's get to the bulk of today's lecture. I was doing my best to observe the attacking movement of a team on the offensive, especially by watching those who were moving without the puck. Sadly, the Army offense was so easily broken down that often our boys in white were running 3-on-2 breaks and rarely setting up anything that looked like, well, offense. It felt more like watching a basketball game which was stuck in fast-breaks and transition; and I was hoping for something along the lines of a soccer match with good interior passing and skillful finishing after patiently executed forward motion.
Now there were times when something resembling a more structured offense appeared. Ohio State was apt to push two men forward, attacking behind the net (forechecking?), while one remained in the center and the last two held at the points. Army, on the other hand, sent only one ahead to forecheck, keeping two to circle like vultures in front of the goalie and two sitting just inside the blue line. I am not sure what might account for the difference, but I must say the stronger forecheck was the more successful venture tonight--as it kept the area around the crease more free from clutter and did actually lead to a few goals.
The game was rather free of penalties, with the majority of sin-bin time belonging to the Buckeyes. On every penalty kill, Ohio State was able to keep consistent offensive pressure on their opponents--leading to, at one point, three Golden Knights behind their own net to defend a lone, shorthanded, Ohio State attacker. Needless to say, such a scheme did not lead to any power-play goals for Army. In fact, very little lead to goals for Army, as they would find the back of the net only once--to Ohio State's six.
There was one moment of unbridled, stereotypical hockey aggression in the closing minute of the game when a scrum developed in front of the OSU goal. With the issue no longer in doubt, perhaps the Army men were hoping to at least win a fight (something, I hope, they are training for at one level or another). Sadly, though, these Knights could not even prevail tonight in hand-to-hand combat, as two lost their helmets and a fair amount of blood before being escorted to the penalty box.
Now to the final quick notes...
Tonight's Dumb Question: There are four referees. Two with orange arm bands, two without. Each referee ended up getting involved in play at some point during the evening. They seemed to be in the way more than anything else. If there is any explanation of the officiating crew to be had, I would appreciate it.
Tonight's Three Stars (because I know that's a hockey thing): 3. Zach Pelletier (OSU) - Pelletier scored the evening's final goal by drawing the Army net-minder completely out of the play, breaking an Army defender's stick in half, and shooting successfull in a matter of about three seconds. 2. Hunter Bishop (OSU) - Bishop's second period goal put the Buckeyes' scoreline to 4, which won an order of free McDonald's french fries for the 4,800 people in attendance. Thanks, Hunter! 1. Dustin Carlson (OSU) - The Buckeyes' sophomore goalie notched 27 saves, including a fantastic impression of a wildly-flailing brick wall in the second period when he stopped a barrage of 5 shots in 15 seconds.
Tonight's Trip to the Box: The "Kiss-Cam" Operator, 2 minutes for running the damn thing during the duration of the ten minute first intermission.
Final Score: Ohio State 6, Army 1
Next Class: 3 January, hosting Clarkson
Class is in Session
I sure hope I am in the right room...
You see, I am an avid sports fan. If the game involves some sort of battle, be it a clash of physical prowess or crafted strategy, I am there and I am entertained. The sport I live for is soccer. The sport I might very likely die while watching is college football. I have, thus far in my almost 23 years, made valiant (and occasionally successful) attempts to compete in organized soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, badminton, and fencing. Throw in the pickup games of football at recess or with my older brother along with that time he and I thought we could luge down a wheelchair ramp on a Radio-Flyer and I contend that I have experienced an acceptable gamut of sports, both popular and a bit on the fringe.
And then comes hockey.
I adopted this sport as my winter sport in 2000 because, in America, professional soccer is a summer sport and I had yet to tap into the geyser that is European football (an obsession with which I have, by now, become about chest-deep). 2000 was the year Columbus, Ohio saw the premier of the Bluejackets--their brand-new NHL franchise. Before this time I engaged in a flirtation with the sport and the Detroit Red Wings, as I was growing up outside of Toledo, Ohio and "Hockeytown" was both close by and quite successful. But in 2000 a decision was made: hockey would become perhaps the spectator sport for me. Unlike my other athletic ventures, I have never had the experience of playing this sport in a team setting. My aforementioned brother and I would roller-blade around the blacktop and zoom embarrassingly weak wristers even more embarrassingly past each other, but never has belonging to hockey team been an experience of mine. Therefore, this sport became special--and, for me, quite misunderstood.
So now we arrive at the purpose of this course. As a graduate student at The Ohio State University, I am doing my best to broaden my horizions and take in as much of the academic experience as I can. My grandfather has graciously given me the remainder of his tickets for the OSU Men's home season, which I intend to use to finally learn something about this game beyond the jargon I have picked up from "Miracle" the CBC. This blog will serve as a place where I can post my notes from all the lectures and labs. It is my sincere hope that anyone who happens by will join the conversation, answer some questions, and help me to understand this sport which I have been watching for years in ignorance of its nuances. (Not to mention significant ingnorance of the more obvious matters, I am sure.)
Therefore, without any more ado... Welcome to Sport Studies 221: Advanced Studies in Hockeyology. The syllabus presents a semester of courses which will take place mostly on weekends and evenings. We will have visiting faculty from around the country, and I would encourage you keep up as best you can and get the notes from a friend if you should miss a day or two. I'm praying there won't be a final, but you never know. Like the deflected puck from a one-timer, a test might land in your lap before you have time to protect your beer!
You see, I am an avid sports fan. If the game involves some sort of battle, be it a clash of physical prowess or crafted strategy, I am there and I am entertained. The sport I live for is soccer. The sport I might very likely die while watching is college football. I have, thus far in my almost 23 years, made valiant (and occasionally successful) attempts to compete in organized soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, badminton, and fencing. Throw in the pickup games of football at recess or with my older brother along with that time he and I thought we could luge down a wheelchair ramp on a Radio-Flyer and I contend that I have experienced an acceptable gamut of sports, both popular and a bit on the fringe.
And then comes hockey.
I adopted this sport as my winter sport in 2000 because, in America, professional soccer is a summer sport and I had yet to tap into the geyser that is European football (an obsession with which I have, by now, become about chest-deep). 2000 was the year Columbus, Ohio saw the premier of the Bluejackets--their brand-new NHL franchise. Before this time I engaged in a flirtation with the sport and the Detroit Red Wings, as I was growing up outside of Toledo, Ohio and "Hockeytown" was both close by and quite successful. But in 2000 a decision was made: hockey would become perhaps the spectator sport for me. Unlike my other athletic ventures, I have never had the experience of playing this sport in a team setting. My aforementioned brother and I would roller-blade around the blacktop and zoom embarrassingly weak wristers even more embarrassingly past each other, but never has belonging to hockey team been an experience of mine. Therefore, this sport became special--and, for me, quite misunderstood.
So now we arrive at the purpose of this course. As a graduate student at The Ohio State University, I am doing my best to broaden my horizions and take in as much of the academic experience as I can. My grandfather has graciously given me the remainder of his tickets for the OSU Men's home season, which I intend to use to finally learn something about this game beyond the jargon I have picked up from "Miracle" the CBC. This blog will serve as a place where I can post my notes from all the lectures and labs. It is my sincere hope that anyone who happens by will join the conversation, answer some questions, and help me to understand this sport which I have been watching for years in ignorance of its nuances. (Not to mention significant ingnorance of the more obvious matters, I am sure.)
Therefore, without any more ado... Welcome to Sport Studies 221: Advanced Studies in Hockeyology. The syllabus presents a semester of courses which will take place mostly on weekends and evenings. We will have visiting faculty from around the country, and I would encourage you keep up as best you can and get the notes from a friend if you should miss a day or two. I'm praying there won't be a final, but you never know. Like the deflected puck from a one-timer, a test might land in your lap before you have time to protect your beer!
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