The
RIT Men's Hockey team has rebounded nicely from a dismal start to the 2009-2010
season. The Tigers started the season 0-5, struggling in non-conference
play. They have turned their season around by not losing in 10 games for
a 9-0-1 record. The Tigers are winning all the games that they are
supposed to win, however they are not beating any of the teams they will need
to beat to advance the season into the NCAA tournament. When I say into,
I mean win a game in the NCAA tournament, not just make it. In order to
even make it to the tourney they need to beat tough teams, not just middle of
the pack AHA teams.
As always, the AHA Championship will come down to RIT, Air Force and
Mercyhurst. RIT went out to Air Force for the first two conference games of
the season and came home winless. In all fairness, that is a tough trip
out to Air Force. Much is made of mountain air; I can tell you that it is
all true. You will be sucking wind out there after 20 seconds of a
shift. I know this because while playing at RPI we made that trip and it
was tough. The Tigers did play Air Force tough while losing in OT the
second night. They have beaten Mercyhurst twice on the road and I think
they will take two from Air Force at the Ritter Arena.
The Tigers have a chance to win some non-conference games in the next three
games. They host Niagara this Saturday night and then go out to Minnesota
State after the holidays for a two game set. I think they can win all
three of those games. If they want to be an NCAA tournament caliber team
then they need to win those three games.
"You are what your record says you are," Bill Parcells is known for
saying. That statement can be used in many different contexts. The
Tigers have been on fire lately, riding some sick goaltending, solid defense,
and timely scoring. They have not lost in forever and that is only
accomplished by outworking your opponent for 60 minutes, 10 games in a
row. I am impressed with the maturation of this team; they have played
well this season. Their 9-5-1 record tells the story regardless of who
they are playing.
As I write this blog I am watching Wisconsin vs. North Dakota, two WCHA
teams. I got to tell you, these are some quality hockey teams! If
the Tigers want to start working their way up the ladder of college hockey then
they need some big wins! I believe that the team is improving every
weekend. They absolutely are a top 20 college hockey team, now they need to win
games against tough opponents; teams that a lot of people do not believe they
should beat.
Come check out RIT vs. Niagara Saturday night at Ritter Arena 7:05
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