Saturday, February 07, 2009

Saturday: UAA 2 - St. Cloud 1

An overall team effort by the Seawolves was responsible for salvaging a split tonight. With Tommy Grant and Paul Crowder in the stands and Kevin Clark providing color commentary for Kurt Haider the Seawolves repeated their effort from last Saturday night and got the well-deserved win. The work ethic through the whole game was good for UAA but it wasn't until they tied the game that they began to dominate. The 2nd period was all Seawolves but they could only manage one goal to tie the game. Same story in the 3rd. Sometimes the ice was even tilted in UAA's favor. It wasn't until about 7 minutes had passed in the third that SCSU even registered a shot.

There was no real issue with St. Cloud forcing/trapping in the UAA zone tonight as the Seawolves were didn't sit back with the puck but instead moved it forward right away. Having Mat Robinson back in the lineup contributed to a better transition as he is always strong carrying the puck out.

I thought the referees did everything they could to help St. Cloud win the game. The last 3 or 4 penalties called on UAA were pretty much bogus calls. If an SCSU Skating Angel did happen to go to the box you could guarantee that a Seawolf was going to join him. Nevertheless, the Seawolves capitalized on a bad defensive error while killing one of those many penalties and from behind the net Josh Lunden found Craig Parkinson barrelling up the middle. Parky found a way to get the puck in. On the replay it looked to me that the puck crossed the line by all of about an inch before it came back out.

The Seawolves fully, wholly and totally deserved the win. Bryce was sharp in net which after Jonny O's sharp play last night means we're likely to continue to see a rotation next weekend in Minneapolis.

Everyone on the ice tonight deserves a pat on the back for their effort. Congrats to August Aiken for his first collegiate goal. He finished it well and since he's joined the team I've noticed he has a good nose for the net and he has a dangerous shot from the top of the circle on down. Craig Parkinson will do whatever it takes to win a face-off or at least make it a push. Tonight he did that and much more. He was strong on both ends of the ice and deserves some recognition for the number of shots he blocked this weekend. Karma loves a committed shot blocker and rewarded him with the game winner.

Tonight was the result that Coach Shyiak was hoping for by disciplining the team. Coupled with last Saturday's win this team now has to have learned that they can win when they play as a team no matter which players are on the ice.

44 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agreed. I really enjoyed the game tonight, except for the many great passes that were not handled properly (ie, the score could have been much higher in favor of UAA). Bales would have about 40 assists by now if the guys could just be ready for his great passes. Really pleased with our freshmen class tonight.

superseawolffan said...

That's what I'm talking about! Coach Shyiak has made his point clear. We win or lose as a TEAM. This team has tons of talent. I've pretty much seen every team in the WCHA play this year, and I think UAA is right up there with the best. Tommy Grant and Paul Crowder are wonderful talents that any D1 program would die to have on their team. I am really positive about this team, they have bounced back from adversity, where in the past they would have folded. Go Wolves Go!!!!

Anonymous said...

UAA prevails! BTW the Gophers lost to Wisconsin tonight and are on a 4 game losing skid. Beware Minnesota......The Seawolves are on their way to the Mariucci to kick butt!

Anonymous said...

I am impressed that these guys came together and played a helluva a game. They sure made me eat some crow tonight, but I'd be happy to do that for the rest of the season. Good going guys, now let's take it to Goldy next week.

DC said...

Thanks guys!!!!

Anonymous said...

Not to put a damper on the night, but the first period seemed horrible. It seemed very disjointed and like nobody was in the game. The good thing was that SCSU wasn't very into the game either. Could have dug a big hole.

Next two periods were a perfect example of team hockey. Now we just need some more finishing and consistency from the goaltenders and we will win some more games

Anonymous said...

Tonight was a great rebound for the special teams!!

All the new line combos may have been a major reason for the slow start. For the first half of the game the 5 on 5 play pretty much went to SC. Bummer to see Bales and Selby split up tonight. They worked well toghether Friday night. I think if you put a hard-nosed, corner-lovin, net-crashin winger like Moir with them they'd make things happen...

Great game by Bryce!

Anonymous said...

Great game tonight guys. Another well deserved win. From the drop of the puck the team was aggressive and ready to win. Setting some of the leading scorers has help tap into the talent depth that's on this team. There are alot of guys that are over looked just because they don't have many points.

Once again,AWESOME game!

Wo were the other players who set out tonight?

Anonymous said...

From what I know:

Crowder
Grant
Smith
Clark
Sidor

Anonymous said...

First off, GREAT game (first period not my favorite part..) for the UAA Seawolves. That game was a well deserved win. I could keep praising for all the fantastic changes that have been going on, but I have a question: why were some of the players benched and why was Robinson stripped of his captain title? Just curious. Tonight was amazing!

Anonymous said...

Can anyone name the Last Goalie for UAA to have A winning record in the WCHA in the last ten years in the middle of February.

Anonymous said...

According to the SCSU radio guy, SCSU played their worst game in years...they turned the puck over many times and committed many UNFORCED errors. COngrats on the win, but know that you beat a team not even close to resembling themselves.

Anonymous said...

Seawolves have made more than one team not resemble themselves (whatever the hell that means) this year.

DC said...

Typical St. Cloud... can't admit when another team beat them.

Anonymous said...

It had nothing to do with the Seawolves...that is what UNFORCED errors mean...what dictionary do you go by up there? Wow. I said congrats on the win RWD, but SCSU played a horrible game. They beat themselves also. One question: Whay is Christiansen not the main guy...he has way more upside than Olthius. That's a coaching issue.

Anonymous said...

The ENTIRE UAA athletic department, starting with Cobb and McDiffet, need to take a SERIOUS look at the direction of this program.

Less than 3000 fans is not acceptable. Players are going to start to leave, the coaches won't be able to recruit the top talent. Get off you asses and do you JOBS!!

Start NOW working on getting students there for the next home series against the Sioux. Come up with some incentives, get the word out, do something before this program is DEAD.

Anonymous said...

Agreed, UAA, come on....promote, promote, promote. This isn't the era of a one hockey team town any longer. Sure, it's student athletics (which is pretty darn important in itself) but if it's going to survive you better realize you need a PLAN, it can't be left to chance.

Too many people over the years have worked to elevate this program to where it is, failure is not an option. A team is only as good as the support behind it from the bottom up. It takes more than a pat on the back.

If they could get at least 200 students to the game, break them up in blocks of 50. Seat them in different sections of the arena to get the sound and excitement distributed, heck it might become infectious.

Home series incentive to get students there....FAST FOOD coupons! Get on it.

Local bloggers, promote, promote, promote. If you post on local news blogs, there's lots of them, remind people about Seawolf hockey coming up Feb 20 & 21st. Don't forget your Facebook and Myspace friends!! Make sure you link 'em up, to this blog and Goseawolves for instance. If you have tickets and can't be there, please make an effort to give them to someone who can!! Lets just get some butts in the seats and make some noise.

Dig out the cowbells and irritate!!

Gator Girl

Anonymous said...

Watching the game now on GCI 1, gotta say Kevin Clark was great as color with Kurt! Note to self, bring little radio to game, Kurt brings such excitement to the game, too bad we can't pipe that into the Sully, lolol.

SCORE Parky!!!!!!! 2-1 Seawolves!

*big grin*

Gator Girl

DC said...

Dear Anonymous:
Please think for yourself rather than letting broadcasters think for you.
When St. Cloud and tUMD played at the Xcel and at the DECC, tUMD beat them 5-1 both times, and completely dominated. The St. Cloud fans would have rather made out with their cousins (wait... I think I need a better comparison... how about would have rather given up their snowmobiles?) than admitted tUMD dominated: they just said "Oh we were terrible and tUMD was slightly less terrible." I watched both games and know that was absolutely not the case.
So your comments just illustrate a continuing pattern of St. Cloud fans AND analysts refusing to give their opponents credit.

Anonymous said...

I agree that Bryce has the edge in the goal tending department, he handles the puck more confidently. But you can't deny Jonnie O had an outstanding game on Friday (better than Bryce did on Saturday). It was NOT his fault the team lost. Hard to win games when you only score one goal.

He made SEVERAl amazing saves to keep the team in the game on Friday night.

Anonymous said...

whoops, "Bryce", thanks Suze ;)

Jonnie-O definitely rocks!

Gator Girl

Anonymous said...

Good Win Seawolves. I really think some brain storming needs to happen on-campus as a priority 1 situation about how to seriously pack the Sullivan Arena. I think I have recruited more UAA "Fans" here in Lousiana than those that show up at the stinkin Sully!!! I wish I was up there, because I am tired of this.

GOOD WIN UAA!

Anonymous said...

By the way, just bought another UAA house flag from here: http://www.collegeflagsandbanners.com/university_of_alaska_flag_18962_prd1.html
this is a 3' X 5' which is bigger than my other house flag. I recently got in the mail and LVOE IT! I hope someone would by this and waive it at the UND game!!!! Let me know what you think! GO SEAWOLVES!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Donald, I just ordered one. Hopefully it makes it here for the next home series!!

Anonymous said...

Aside from Tuton, does anyone know which players are NOT going to be benched for missing curfew?

Anonymous said...

The flag I ordered came to my house in 3 days...

Anonymous said...

Dear RWD:

I watched the games...did you? I also listened via the SCSU broadcast. Did you? If your answer to those questions is no, then shut the hell up. SCSU played a terrible game....again without any of UAA's help. Missed passes, fanned on shots, failure to make a decent decision...those are not UAA forced probs. The games were night and day performances from Friday to Saturday. By the way, for the third time, I said congrats on the win. Oh, why are you so concerned?

Ummm, I don't remember one SCSU fan that said UMD was "slightly less terrible", but nice try on the lie. I for one thought UMD in those games was head and shoulders above SCSU in those games. But I do rememeber alot of whiny UMD fans at the NHC and after when SCSU put the hammer to your squad for two games. Blame the refs again...what's new for UMD fans. Nevermind that your tender helped give SCSU 4 points for his uncontrollable feet and psyche. But maybe selective recall is a contagious disease. You are hereby infected.

Donald Dunlop said...

RWD:
Nicely said. But if I may add to your excellent refutation of the inbreds comment ...

AnonWHINEYSt.Cloudfan:
Your team got WORKED Saturday night by the Seawolves WHiP line. And their PK shut off the ONE effective tactic that SCSU's employs on their power play. Plain and simple as that ... be glad your goaltender played a decent game.

But for the future feel free to come back and whine here whenever it suits you. I'll be happy to WORK you the in much the same way.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone have any specifics on what exactly all those benchings were for, and why all the captains are changing? I would think that if everyone got in trouble, like it seems they did, there would be no point in changing captains.

Anonymous said...

Great win!!!

Anonymous said...

Great win!!!

Anonymous said...

Not all the players missed curfew. Jared Tuton was the only player who I saw with a letter on his sweater, he wore one of the "A's".

MeanEgirl said...

Way to go, UAA! Now do it again against Minnesota! Don't let them get any points! Make them a traveling team like yourselves and Tech for playoffs! Muahaha!

Max said...

We haven't played that bad all year.

Anonymous said...

Start the Bus, I don't suppose you want to give credit to UAA for making your team look bad?

Usually when one team looks really bad, it's due in large part to being outplayed by their opponent.

Anonymous said...

I've already worked you...no more need to. Pummeled, in fact.

Donald Dunlop said...

Dear "wishingYOU'dPummeledMe":
The only thing you've worked is yourself into some sort of a mad froth.

You "watched" the game but listened to the most well recognized HOMER on WCHA radio waves (which is all fine by the way); but then you use that in your argument to what???

Umm ... Show that some other HOMER said this information before you typed it here? What's the deal? Are you his parrot?

You come here first reposting opinions from the radio guy and bust one of my regualr readers chops for noticing a clear pattern in your fanbase. Do you think any of us haven't seen the depth of whining excuses that Fluffkies fans have spewed again and again.

The SCSU fanbase has an unrepresentative number of assholes. Unfortunate but true ... plenty of 'em that never recognize to others that their team was outplayed. It's always "We sucked it up" with you morons.

Maybe something interesting will happen and the two teams will get a chance somehow to meet again this season. I'll be looking forward to your team stinking up the joint while looking at a scoreboard that shows UAA winning again.

Anonymous said...

Winning again? How many times has UAA beaten SCSU in the last ten years or so? Oh, and let's not forget about that impressive win streak UAA has at the NHC.

And we're not even going into the impressive UAA meltdowns both on and off the ice in years past. Trend or mirage? TREND.

Then again, I'm talking to the delusional one who seems to think year in and year out his team has a chance at the top 5 and home ice.

Worked again.

Anonymous said...

Because in college sports where players have 4 years of eligibility, 10 year trends are indicative of a team's abilities this year...right?

Why is it so hard for people to accept the fact that UAA is no longer the joke that it was 6 years ago? We're only 5 points out of 5th place and 10 points out of first. Are we going to go on a rally and take the league title? Probably not, but we're not punching bags any more. Get over it.

Anonymous said...

If Jan Brady State was truly an elite team it wouldn't need to defend itself when it takes a loss to the likes of UAA or Michigan Tech. Get over yourselves...you're not even a blip on the radar in your own state.

Anonymous said...

WCHAHOCKEYGUY....neither are your Goofers at this point. Impressive 4-game losing streak. Maybe this weekend will make 6? OUCH.

Donald Dunlop said...

Winning "again". Yes dumbfuck.

See dummy ... the context of the conversation is about the last game that was played. You set the context with your initial whining.

UAA won the game this past Saturday and will win "again" if the teams were to meet again this year.

But if you think changing the context of the convo and obfuscating it with something that wasn't part of the conversation mean you worked me then my dear ineffectual dunderheaded fool, you go right ahead and do so.

Shall we talk about how many NCAA wins your team has? Yeah ... I didn't think so.

Anonymous said...

Sure, my team has zero. I am not delusional like you...pining like your team is legit, when it's a bunch of dumbfucks...to be honest.

You know UAA will win again if they play SCSU? Not likely to happen,since you will be at or near the bottom("again") and we will be in the middle of the standings come year end. But if you make it to the Final Five by some miraculous scenario and happen to play us, then I'll be happy to shred your team from my X seat for 2 1/2 hours. Long 6-hour flight to get pounded....eh?

Oh, and that Friday game was such a stellar UAA performance...we should NEVER talk about that one in which you could not stop the smallest player on the ice. We should only concentrate on the one in which my team played like shit and your team eeked out a one goal victory. Ohh, I shudder.

Don't you get sick of being worked? You want more and more and more and.....

Anonymous said...

Who will be the temporary captains and assistants for the remaning games, want to drive minnesota nuts and the referees, pick clark,
hunt and grant, these guys all have great sense of humors, and work hard to win every game.

Fan

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