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
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Its awesome to see you taking such an interest in the coolest sport on earth :-)
ReplyDeleteThe reason for four zebras is simple. Two real refs (these are the only guys who can call penalties) and two linesmen. There used to only be one ref, and two linesmen, but the NHL started using 2 refs a few years ago to call more penalties in an effort to increase goal scoring. The two linesmen are primarily there to call offsides, drop the puck in faceoffs, and to try their best not to get pummeled while breaking up fights.