Almost Halfway
The halfway point of the season is here, but there is still a lot of hockey left to be played over the next two months.
Let’s take a look at the standings points-wise:
Team GP Record Pts
1. Harvard 9 5-2-2 12
2. Yale 10 4-4-2 10
3. Cornell 6 4-1-1 9
4. Princeton 10 4-6-0 8
Clarkson 5 3-0-2 8
6. Dartmouth 6 3-2-1 7
Brown 8 3-4-1 7
8. Rensselaer 5 2-2-1 5
Vermont 5 2-2-1 5
10. Colgate 6 2-4-0 4
11. Union 5 1-3-1 3
12. St. Lawrence 5 1-4-0 2
Now from a winning-percentage perspective:
Team WinP%
1. Clarkson .800
2. Cornell .750
3. Harvard .667
4. Dartmouth .583
5. Rensselaer .500
Vermont .500
Yale .500
8. Brown .438
9. Princeton .400
10. Colgate .333
11. Union .300
12. St. Lawrence .200
Now this is what you want to look at until after the Beanpot is done.
Let’s take a look at each team as it heads into the second half of the season.
Clarkson
The Golden Knights have been great within the conference, at 3-0-2, but outside of the conference, a 2-7-1 record is nothing to be too happy about. But, in the end, it’s all about where you sit in the ECAC, and the Knights are at the top right now, winning percentage-wise.
The Good
The conference record is a definite good. Struggling outside of the conference, the Knights have known no losses within the league. Also, the upperclassmen are stepping up in terms of scoring, with Kevin O’Flaherty (5-8–13) and Matt Poapst (4-8–12) leading up front; the emergence of sophomore Tristan Lush (3-8–11) and freshman Jay Latulippe (2-9–11) bode well.
The Bad
Special teams have not been kind to the Knights thus far. The power play is at 15 percent in and out of the league, while the penalty kill is 79 percent overall and 75 percent in the league.
To The Cleary Trophy
The Knights need some more scoring and for their special teams to step up. If Mike Walsh can continue his good goaltending within the conference, then the Knights should be right there contending as usual.
Cornell
Cornell has quietly made an impact nationally. There isn’t a lot of talk about the Big Red, but they have one of the more fundamentally sound teams in the nation. If they keep it up, this team will go far.
The Good
The offense is up, something Big Red fans have been waiting for. The Big Red have scored 41 goals in 11 games, while allowing opponents only 18. The Big Red averaged 2.21 goals per game last season, 2.00 within the league. This season, the Big Red are averaging 3.73 goals per game and 3.50 within the league.
The Bad
There really isn’t any except for the fact that the Big Red have two great goaltenders and only one can play per night. We don’t mean to ignite a goaltending controversy, but this is something that Mike Schafer has got to love and hate at the same time.
To The Cleary Trophy
The same kind of play and the Cleary Trophy is all theirs.
Harvard
Harvard was a team that began the season with high expectations tarnished by a few lingering questions. Despite a few bumps in the road, the Crimson has been able to hold its own in league play to put itself in good position heading into the final half of the season. Barring major injuries, this team should continue to improve and threaten the top three spots heading down the stretch
The Good
The Crimson has found some consistency in net with the solid-not-stellar play of Will Crothers (7 games, 2.53 GAA, .916 save percentage) and Dov Grumet-Morris (5 games, 3.14 GAA, .891 save percentage). And despite the unforeseen losses of Jesse Lane and Graham Morrell, the team defense has been able to hold its own for the most part. The offense has been a workhorse, doing what needs to get done to win. Late game-winning and game-tying goals are naturally harder to come by during the latter part of the season, but the best news for Harvard is that stars like Dom Moore, Tim Pettit, Brett Nowak and Tyler Kolarik have yet to play even close to their best hockey yet.
The Bad
The team has more depth than it has in years, but it is still very much susceptible to injuries. A few key losses and the Crimson will suffer. This could come into play more over the next few months because of its arduous road schedule — eight of its last 13 league games are on the road.
To The Cleary Trophy
This team is probably still a year or two away. However, if all elements work together and everyone stays healthy, this year’s team has the ability to beat just about anyone.
Dartmouth
Stuck in the middle is Dartmouth with a 3-2-1 league record. It’s not a terrible place to be, but it’s not exactly the team predicted to be a national powerhouse this season. Still, the Big Green has been plodding through the season and is in striking distance of the top spot.
The Good
Dartmouth has been outscoring its opponents, relying on consistent production from Mike Maturo (7-8–15) and Kent Gillings (3-9–12). It has also been able to utilize some non-league contests to work through some kinks and generate some confidence and momentum heading into the final stretch of league play. Another bright spot has been freshman Lee Stempniak (3-1–4) who has proven to be a fine third-line player for Coach Bob Gaudet. Although his numbers are modest, a promising freshman was a welcome surprise for a team heavily dominated by its upperclassmen.
The Bad
Consistency, consistency, consistency. This team continues to play below expectations. Nick Boucher, not himself this year, has yet to have that breakout season that everyone has been waiting for. The junior goaltender was pulled in the third period at Vermont and has since been replaced by backup Darren Gastrock. There is no telling when and if Boucher will earn his spot back, but solid goaltending is the linchpin for Dartmouth no matter who stands between the pipes.
To The Cleary Trophy
No matter what they have done thus far, you can’t discount the Big Green. If they get their act together, this team is a threat right up until the end — just look what happened last year in Lake Placid.
Rensselaer
It’s been up and down all year for the Engineers, who have been hampered by injuries in the latter portion of the first half. The talent is there and it’s showed itself a few times.
The Good
The big guns are firing for the Engineers. Marc Cavosie (9-10–10), Nolan Graham (5-8–13) and Matt Murley (7-3–10) have carried the team offensively.
The Bad
The Engineers have spent 33 more minutes in the penalty box than their opponents and have been outshot by 64 in the first 11 games this season. With Nathan Marsters and Kevin Kurk struggling a little bit, this adds up to a bad ending.
To The Cleary Trophy
It certainly is there for the Engineers. They need to get more scoring distribution and have Marsters and Kurk return to form, take shots on goal and stay out of the penalty box.
Vermont
The Catamounts are sitting at .500 in the ECAC, someplace that many did not expect given their non-conference record. But that just shows the parity of the ECAC.
The Good
The Cats have done well on special teams, scoring 24 percent within the league and allowing only 20 percent on the penalty kill. And the Cats have also gotten scoring in their five conference games, 17 goals in all. Compare that with 10 seven non-conference games and you can see the difference.
The Bad
The Cats are getting outshot pretty badly this season, by a whopping 105 shots overall, and by 67 in league play in only five games. Through 12 games, the Cats have had a hard time finding a consistent game-to-game scorer. The leading scorers on the team — Patrick Sharp, John Longo, Bryson Busniuk and Jeff Miles — all have nine points.
To The Cleary Trophy
Cutting down on the number of shots given up and giving Shawn Conschafter a chance is one of the keys and playing as they have been in-conference. The Cats can be dangerous, but you have to wonder which team will show up.
Yale
Decimating expectations, this Yale team has done more in its first 10 league games than many thought it would do all season long. A Yale team without Jeff Hamilton in the lineup has proven not to be so bad.
The Good
Chris Higgins. The Yale coaching staff knew this freshman would be good; they just didn’t expect him to break out so soon. He leads the team with 11 points (six goals, five assists) and has scored in all but two games this year. More to the point, he is responsible for one game-winning, two game-tying and three power-play tallies. Higgins has also plugged up the hole on the first line quite well, complementing the play of Luke Earl and Nick Deschenes.
The Bad
The Bulldogs don’t exactly have depth on offense, and are a team that thrives on momentum. In order to be successful on a long-term basis, the team needs increased offensive production from the likes of Spencer Rogers (1-3–4) up front on the second line and Jeff Dwyer (2-2–4) along the blue line. The team has also needs to find ways to take pressure off of Dan Lombard, who right now is averaging just under 28 saves per game with a .921 save percentage
To The Cleary Trophy
It’s not as much of a stretch as it was a few months ago. The keys will be Lombard, Dwyer and Higgins. If those three can step up their level of play, this team is a threat for home ice during the playoffs. And as history has proven, anything is possible at the Yale Whale.
Brown
There is no question that the Bears have been the most-improved team in the league this season. Stealing points whenever they can is no longer a necessity — the Bears can simply take those points.
The Good
The sophomore and junior classes have stepped up to the offensive plate this season. Brent Robinson (2-6–8) and Adam Saunders (4-2–6) have provided an offensive spark, while Tye Korbl (3-3–6) and Paul Esdale (2-6–8) have chipped in with a game-winning goal each. Those guys along with Keith Kirley (1-4–5) have given Roger Grillo some flexibility and a lot of confidence in his first two lines. Brian Eklund has shown that he can keep this team in a game. Although he has not been flawless, his play has saved his defense on many an occasion. The dependable play of Yann Danis has also kept a fire lit under Eklund.
The Bad
The Bears still haven’t managed a level of consistency and are very susceptible to major defensive lapses. Good teams have been able to capitalize with multiple goals in a short period of time. Brown also doesn’t have a potent scorer, or a proven third line and that makes it very difficult to pull out the tight games — something that Brown will face many times throughout the rest of the season.
To The Cleary Trophy
The reality is that this team now has the ability to challenge on a nightly basis and will most likely secure a decent playoff position come March. That was not in the cards last season or the year before. It many not be the Cinderella story Brown fans were hoping for, but it’s certainly a case of taking the necessary baby steps towards rebuilding this program.
Princeton
It’s a long season, but the Tigers have already been a thorn in the side of three ECAC contenders in Yale, RPI and Vermont. Perhaps the most unpredictable team in the league, Princeton has the potential to get blown out of a rink one night and respond with an overtime win the next. And with Yale catching some attention with its strong first-half play, the Tigers have been able to strike when guards are down.
The Good
The team has four wins this season and all four have come against league opponents. Picking its moments well is something that the Tigers have done well this year, snatching at least a point in four of its five league weekends thus far. Good news for the Tigers is the fact that Brad Parsons if finally back in the lineup to fill out the first line. The most prolific returning scorer for the Tigers, Parsons has played in only four games this season. Matt Maglione is another key component to this team who fell victim to the injury bug. The return of both players will make a huge impact on both ends of the ice.
The Bad
Princeton has trouble keeping its opponents off the board and that in turn places a great deal of pressure on an offensive corps that is still trying to find its way. The team is allowing 3.69 goals per game and is scoring at a 1.85 clip. Netminder Dave Stathos has also been pelted for over 30 shots per game. Not matter how you slice and dice the statistics, the team is not putting itself in position to win games.
To The Cleary Trophy
It may be too much to ask for this team to capture a title of any sorts. At this stage of the game, a solid final half of the season and a decent playoff berth will be a victory in and of itself.
Colgate
It’s been a learning experience for the Raiders this season as an extremely young team is taking its share of hard knocks. The Raiders have only one win out of conference, and have not found any consistency.
The Good
Young players have gotten plenty of ice time and experience that will only benefit them in the future. Dmitry Yashin (5-3–8) is tied for the team lead in points and Adam Mitchell (1-6–7) has also contributed. Kyle Doyle (2-5–7) has also begun to emerge.
The Bad
The Raiders have been outscored by 24 goals this season. Granted, a lot of that was one series in Minnesota (9-0 and 8-0 losses), but the Raiders have not mustered the offense that was once so prevalent. At the same time, the goaltending of Jason LeFevre and David Cann has not been stellar as well.
To The Cleary Trophy
It will take a lot of hard work to get to the top of the league standings for the Raiders. The youth has to step up it up further than they already have and that may be asking too much for the experience level of this squad.
Union
The Dutchmen have shown flashes of greatness this season and at other times have shown that they just don’t have it.
The Good
There is a lot of playing time involved for a young team and the team is a lot speedier than in years past. The Dutchmen have a different style and it’s beginning to gel. They’ve gotten leadership from senior Jeff Hutchins (4-3–7) and juniors Nathan Gillies (2-7–9) and Kris Goodjohn (3-4–7).
The Bad
Special teams are a cause for concern for the Dutchmen. The power play is scoring at a 15 percent clip, while the penalty kill stands at 81 percent overall, but 73 percent within the league.
To The Cleary Trophy
The youngsters have to keep learning, the upperclassmen have to continue their drive. With Brandon Snee behind the Dutchmen, there is a great chance that they can push towards the top of the standings.
St. Lawrence
The Saints know what it is like to experience hard lessons in growing as a team. The Saints sit at 3-12 thus far and are still looking for that little push to get them over the hump.
The Good
The Saints have gotten good experience for their youngsters, especially in goal. Kevin Ackley and Mike McKenna have played in 15 games and have been thrown into the fire. Each has shown flashes of improvement.
The Bad
This can also be looked on as a good, as the Saints have lost nine games by one goal. The Saints are keeping it close and while they haven’t been able to get the tying goal or take the lead, it can only lead to a better future.
To The Cleary Trophy
The Saints have to turn those one-goal losses into wins and if they do, the Saints can be a force down the stretch, especially with only five ECAC games played so far. The whole season is in front of them and to get over that hump will be a key.
Notes
The last time out we told you about Harvard head coach Mark Mazzoleni’s father, Palmiro “Paul” Mazzoleni, who was one of the top ten finalists for induction into the Green Bay Packer FAN Hall of Fame.
Well, congratulations to Mr. Mazzoleni, as he was elected.
He received 18 percent of the total votes cast amongst the ten finalists and will be feted with a salute on the Lambeau Field JumboTron board during the Packers’ final home game of the season, against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 30.
He also will receive a $500 Packers Pro Shop gift certificate and a road trip for two to a 2002 Packers away game (including tickets, air fare and hotel accommodations). In addition, he will be recognized at the Packer Hall of Fame Dinner in July.
For more information on this accomplishment, go to the Green Bay Packers official site.
If It’s So Easy, You Try It
The Iron Columnists are enjoying their time off.
The competition thus far:
Vic Brzozowksi t. The Iron Columnists – 7-2-1
The Iron Columnists d. Vic Brzozowksi – 8-3-1 to 7-4-1
Ben Flickinger d. The Iron Columnists – 11-4-2 to 10-5-2
The Iron Columnists d. Ben Flickinger – 5-1-4 to 4-2-4
It’s the holiday season and even the Iron Columnists need a break, so until January, the Iron Columnists have been sent to hone their skills.
And remember that if you are interested in putting your money where your mouth is, drop us an email to be eligible to be chosen.
