We are now six games into the season for Chris Wells' squad, and the results haven't exactly been fantastic. The Saints own a 0-5-1 record after series with Northeastern, Clarkson and BC, which includes five straight losses after an opening tie against the Huskies.
Despair not, fellow Saints, there is yet hope! These are no pushover opponents. Both Clarkson and Boston College ranked well within the top ten of national rankings and Northeastern boasts the talent to do so as well. You might ask... Why such a tough schedule to begin?! Wells likes his teams to face stiff competition to begin the year, almost in a baptism by fire mentality. Sure, the results aren't great, and they usually aren't, but the plan behind it makes sense. Play the big guns now and get used to the pace of games, rather than just practice. Then when ECAC play comes around, the Saints are a well oiled machine, ready to play every night. And that has gotten them into the ECAC tournament every year under Wells and saw them win it in 2012.
No, the stats don't exactly instill confidence in the average fan. But ignoring the defensive lapses which are not all unexpected given the need to replace Carmen MacDonald, likely with a freshman goalie, the numbers aren't horrendous. Kennedy Marchment has 5 goals in six games, which isn't too shabby of a pace, if I may say so myself. It may just take a skater on the men's team until Christmas to reach that mark, the way things have gone so far. The first year forwards have looked quite good as well.
So no, don't expect to see a top five defense in Appleton Arena this year. But, SLU has quite the collection of scoring talent, and we may just see a maturation process with the experienced defense and young goaltending by the end of the year. Just remember the early season doubts that surrounded the ladies counterparts, who went from 11th to 2nd in preseason to final standings.
Plus, Wells and his staff have a rather unique coaching style, including pulling a goalie for such a long period of time it surprises even Patrick Roy. Never underestimate the fiery former Skating Saint's ability to get results from his team. (Think back to the tie with BC last year, where he went full tilt cheerleader while SLU's potentially tying goal was reviewed then eventually allowed)
The fact remains that this Saints team has historically enjoyed a lot of success both in the ECAC and on a national scale. It may not look like they have a chance to continue that trend this season, but remember: it is early, they've played six games against three of the best teams in the country. There is room for improvement, no doubt. But there is also hope, especially for a team with such talent.
SLU has a chance to begin the turnaround this weekend with a home and home series against UVM. They'll host UVM on Friday after playing the Catamounts in Burlington on Thursday.
Despair not, fellow Saints, there is yet hope! These are no pushover opponents. Both Clarkson and Boston College ranked well within the top ten of national rankings and Northeastern boasts the talent to do so as well. You might ask... Why such a tough schedule to begin?! Wells likes his teams to face stiff competition to begin the year, almost in a baptism by fire mentality. Sure, the results aren't great, and they usually aren't, but the plan behind it makes sense. Play the big guns now and get used to the pace of games, rather than just practice. Then when ECAC play comes around, the Saints are a well oiled machine, ready to play every night. And that has gotten them into the ECAC tournament every year under Wells and saw them win it in 2012.
No, the stats don't exactly instill confidence in the average fan. But ignoring the defensive lapses which are not all unexpected given the need to replace Carmen MacDonald, likely with a freshman goalie, the numbers aren't horrendous. Kennedy Marchment has 5 goals in six games, which isn't too shabby of a pace, if I may say so myself. It may just take a skater on the men's team until Christmas to reach that mark, the way things have gone so far. The first year forwards have looked quite good as well.
So no, don't expect to see a top five defense in Appleton Arena this year. But, SLU has quite the collection of scoring talent, and we may just see a maturation process with the experienced defense and young goaltending by the end of the year. Just remember the early season doubts that surrounded the ladies counterparts, who went from 11th to 2nd in preseason to final standings.
Plus, Wells and his staff have a rather unique coaching style, including pulling a goalie for such a long period of time it surprises even Patrick Roy. Never underestimate the fiery former Skating Saint's ability to get results from his team. (Think back to the tie with BC last year, where he went full tilt cheerleader while SLU's potentially tying goal was reviewed then eventually allowed)
The fact remains that this Saints team has historically enjoyed a lot of success both in the ECAC and on a national scale. It may not look like they have a chance to continue that trend this season, but remember: it is early, they've played six games against three of the best teams in the country. There is room for improvement, no doubt. But there is also hope, especially for a team with such talent.
SLU has a chance to begin the turnaround this weekend with a home and home series against UVM. They'll host UVM on Friday after playing the Catamounts in Burlington on Thursday.
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