Tonight's Lines (1/28)

Union

Cole Ikkala-Mark Bennett-Sam Coatta
Matt Hatch-Kelly Zajac-Wayne Simpson
Daniel Carr-Jeremy Welsh-Josh Jooris
Daniel Ciampini-Kyle Bodie-Max Novak

Mat Bodie-Shawn Stuart
Shayne Gostisbehere-Greg Coburn
Nolan Julseth-White-Taylor Reid

Troy Grosenick
Colin Stevens
Dillon Pieri


St. Lawrence

Gunnar Hughes-Kyle Flanagan-Chris Martin
Sean Logue-Kyle Essery-Patrick Doherty
Jacob Drewiske-Mark Armstrong-Justin Bruckel
Greg Carey-Tommy Thompson-Max Mobley

George Hughes-Riley Austin
Nelson Armstrong-Pat Raley
Jordan Dewey-Mac Strtford

Matt Weninger
Robby Moss


Notes


• St. Lawrence is currently in the middle of a six game league winless streak (0-5-1)
• Kyle Flanagan is the Saints leading scorer with 26 points (10g, 16a)
• Union has won six straight against St. Lawrence
• The Saints power play is scoring at a 20.2% clip. It’s penalty kill is at 78%.
• Kelly Zajac is two assists away from tying Adam Presizniuk for the all-time assists lead in Union College history.
• Jeremy Welsh is one goal away from tying Olivier Bouchard and Chris Ford for 4th all-time in Union College history. He is also one power play goal away from tying Jordan Webb for most power play goals all-time
• Daniel Carr is only one power play goal behind Welsh, so is two away from tying the mark

Tonight's Lines

Matt Hatch-Kelly Zajac-Wayne Simpson
Cole Ikkala-Mark Bennett-Sam Coatta
Kevin Sullivan-Kyle Bodie-Trevor Mingoia
Daniel Carr-Jeremy Welsh-Josh Jooris

Shawn Stuart-Mat Bodie
Nolan Julseth-White-Charlie Vasaturo
Greg Coburn-Shayne Gostisbehere

Troy Grosenick
Colin Stevens
Dillon Pieri


Notes


• Union on longest winning streak in rivalry with eight straight victories. Outscored Clarkson 45-14 during that stretch.
• Clarkson currently on a 5-game unbeaten streak (3-0-2) in ECAC play.
• Goaltender Paul Karpowich has posted a .931 save pct and a 2.10 gaa, and five shutouts this season.
• Last two times Clarkson has played at Messa Rink: 11-2 loss, and, more recently, an 8-1 loss. A win would be the first at Messa Rink since March 6, 2005.
• Nick Tremblay is on a 4-game point streak. Tied with Louke Oakley for scoring lead with 23 for Clarkson.
• Union is 20-0-0 when it scores 5 or more goals over the past two seasons.
• Kelly Zajac one point from tying Jason Walters for 2nd most all-time. 3 assists away from tying Presizniuk’s all-time assist record.
• Jeremy Welsh 1 goal from tying Olivier Bouchard and Chris Ford for 4th most all-time goals.

Dutchmen Details: Five Short of a Seven Nation Army

Welcome to the Dutchmen Details, where we scour the internet for Union Hockey related news so you don't have to!

• As we noted yesterday, Union will unveil a new goal song tonight at Messa Rink when the Dutchmen take on Clarkson (11-10-5). Hopefully the stylings of Jack and Meg White will inspire the crowd. Remember, the chorus is an eminently unforgettable "Oh, oh, oh." 
• Just in case you need a reminder: 

***

Women's Hockey

• The Dutchwomen take on rival RPI today at Messa Rink at 3:00. Union (2-10-2 ECAC) looks to gain some ground on the Engineers (3-9-2 ECAC). A win today will propel Union into a tie with RPI in the standings
• Senior goaltender and Minnesota native Kate Gallagher continues her stellar campaign. Much like her counterpart on the men's team, Gallagher is climbing the leaderboards in the ECAC. Her 1.88 GAA is good for fifth in the ECAC. Her stellar .945 save percentage leads the conference.
• After a win and a tie last weekend, the surging Dutchwomen look to make it a successful weekend. Union Athletics has a nice rundown of today's vital stats.
• You can listen to today's game here courtesy of 91.5 WRPI.
• The Dutchwomen complete what should be a fun home-and-home tomorrow in Troy. A successful weekend could see them pick up four points over their rivals.

Men's Hockey

• The #13/14 Dutchmen face two 
• Joe Meloni of CHN has Troy Grosenick listed as a "Hobey Hopeful." Only two other goalies (Joe Cannata, Merrimack; Shawn Hunwick, Michigan) are listed. Only one other ECAC player makes the list: Colgate's always-dangerous Austin Smith.
• Speaking of goaltenders, Union Hockey's Official Blog has a nice interview as a part of their "Meet the Freshman" segment with Colin Stevens.

• Again, Union Athletics has a nice rundown of what to expect this weekend against Clarkson and St. Lawrence.

Check back later today for a pre-game look at tonight's Dutchmen-Clarkson game.

New Goal Song at Messa Rink

The Dutchmen will be installing a new song to celebrate goals this weekend:



In years past Messa Rink used to be drowned out with the sounds of the "Hey Song" and fans used to add their own chants to accompany it. Recently, the administration has looked to move away from that tradition, but the songs they have picked have not elicited the same fan response.

If that Michigan video can show you anything, it is how fun and intimidating this song can be if the whole crowd gets into it. So spread the word, and make sure everyone is prepared to drown out the arena in this fun tune. Hopefully two wins will accompany this new tradition!

And, lest we forget, a classic music video:

Game Time: Union at Brown

Union (13-5-6 overall)
15 Matt Hatch - 19 Kelly Zajac (A) - 21 Wayne Simpson
9 Daniel Carr - Jeremy Welsh (A) - 18 Max Novak
16 Kevin Sullivan - 12 Kyle Bodie - 29 Trevor Mingoia
23 Cole Ikkala - 10 Mark Bennett - 11 Sam Coatta

28 Shawn Stuart - 22 Mat Bodie
14 Shayne Gostisbehere - 20 Greg Coburn
2 Nolan Julseth-White (C) - 4 Taylor Reid

1 Troy Grosenick
30 Colin Stevens

Brown (4-5-2 overall) 
Matt Lorito - Jack Maclellan - Ryan Jacobson
Bobby Farnham - Massimo Lamacchia - Jarred Smith
Chris Zaires - Francis Drolet - Jeff Ryan
Matt Harlow - Michael Juola - Mark Hourihan

Dennis Robertson - Matt Wahl
Kyle Quick - Mike Wolff
Richie Crowley - Jeff Buvinow

Mike Clemente
Marco De Filippo
Anthony Borelli

***

Union (7-2-3) holds a slim lead for first place in the ECAC coming into tonight's game against Brown (4-5-2) in Providence. After a stellar win last night at the Yale Whale Ingalls Rink, the red-hot Dutchmen look to continue their five game winning streak. Coach Bennett keeps the same lines intact from last night's Yale contest. Max Novak slides into Josh Jooris' spot as he nurses an injury.

Follow Along

• Hopefully Union's radio feed will work tonight. 
• If not, try Brown's feed, although it may cost you. 
• Either way, Live Stats are a good thing.
• Follow Union Hockey and Ken Schott on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.

Update:

After one, Union leads 2-0. Following a recent script, Jeremy Welsh potted the first goal, with assists from Shawn Stuart and Max Novak. The second goal came from the always offensive D-man Mat Bodie, with another assist for Kelly Zajac.

Also:
Congratulations to the Dutchwomen, who beat Yale today at home 2-0 during "Pink at the Rink" to improve to (2-10-2) in ECAC play.

College Hockey Video of The Week: 1988 Stunner

It's been a while since we've done a college hockey video of the week, but coming off the heels of Union's 5-1 win last Saturday against RPI, it seems fitting to select this one--an oldie, but a goodie.

Remember, as of the 1988-1989 season, Union was not yet a Division I school. RPI was. Union, beaten the previous year 13-0 by the Engineers, looked to win their first ever game against their Troy rivals.

Also, isn't it great to see boards sans ads?

Reflections from November 5, 1988

Edit: Jim Teresco, who put together this page, comments, quite nicely, below:

Great video and great memories. I was going to post a link to my old writeup of this game, but I see there is already a link to it. In there, I say I that after seeing Union beat RPI that night, I hadn't missed more than a handful of home games in 10 years. I haven't missed many more since then, still a season ticket holder now back for my 24th season following the team.

You can follow Jim on Twitter here.

Pink At The Rink

In a post to our Facebook wall, frequent reader Steve reminds us that this Saturday, the Dutchwomen will be hosting Pink at the Rink for the fifth straight year. Be sure to wear pink to Messa Rink on Saturday at 4:00 PM to support the Dutchwomen against Yale, and more importantly, to support the fight against breast cancer. Stop by their table in Reamer Campus Center this Friday to find out more and purchase pink apparel. 

Remember, admission to the game is free with a donation to the American Cancer Society. Help the Dutchwomen continue an outstanding tradition and help raise cancer awareness and donate to end it once and for all. 

Sweater 'Sthetics: Mercyhurst vs. AIC

Welcome to the inaugural "Sweater 'Stethics," a soon-to-be weekly feature here on UHB that will pluck two teams from the world of college hockey and compare them based on their jerseys alone. Vote below, and we'll announce the winner next Thursday.


Today's competition pits two Atlantic Hockey foes against each other.

Mercyhurst

Courtesy Mercyhurst Athletics

Courtesy theophilsyslo.com

***

American International

Courtesy American International Athletics

Courtesy USCHO.com

Courtesy American International Athletics
(Third Jerseys)

Your Favorite Jersey For This Week's "Sweater 'Sthetics"

(The results will stay posted on the blog's sidebar for a week)

Game Time: RPI at Union

No Bounties on Anyone's Heads, OK?

The Union Athletic department must have figured that the best way to break the student body out of the winter doldrums was to schedule a game at (Frozen) Fenway Park, immediately followed up by a prime-time Saturday matchup versus rival RPI. The fans will be excited, that's for sure, but can the players carry over some of the effervescent energy that was on display last night in Boston?

Coach Bennett is counting on it, sending in a carbon copy of last night's lineups to the printer tonight. Tonight's lines are as follows:


#14/13 Union (11-5-6 overall, 5-2-3 ECAC)
15 Matt Hatch - 19 Kelly Zajac (A) - 21 Wayne Simpson
9 Daniel Carr - 27 Jeremy Welsh (A) - 7 Josh Jooris
16 Kevin Sullivan - 12 Kyle Bodie - 29 Trevor Mingoia
23 Cole Ikkala - 10 Mark Bennett - 11 Sam Coatta

28 Shawn Stuart - 22 Mat Bodie
14 Shayne Gostisbehere - 20 Greg Coburn
2 Nolan Julseth-White (C) - 4 Taylor Reid

1 Troy Grosenick
30 Colin Stevens
31 Dillon Pieri

RPI (4-16-1 overall, 1-7-1 ECAC)
22 C.J. Lee - 23 Brock Higgs - 7 Zach Schroeder
9 Mat Neal - 21 Mark McGowan - 39 Ryan Haggerty
15 Jacob Laliberte - 27 Marty O'Grady - 28 Matt Tinordi
24 Josh Rabbani - 13 Joel Malchuk (C) - 14 Greg Burgdoerfer

10 Curtis Leonard - 8 Mike Bergin (C)
3 Guy Leboeuf - 29 Nick Bailen
5 Luke Curardi - 4 Pat Koudys

34 Scott Diebold
32 Bryce Merriam



Lineup Notes:

• Coach Bennett is finding his preferred lines, or so it seems. These are virtually the same lines from the 7-1 win against Dartmouth, save for some slightly different defensive pairings. (Also, Charlie Vasaturo played instead of Greg Coburn last Saturday).
• It's important to have Troy Grosenick in there as much as possible--after all, the Man with the Golden GAA has been outstanding. Bennett is banking on the Wisconsin native to follow up last night's shutout with a typical Troy effort. Except, if Colin Stevens was ever to get a start, tonight would be the night. The Niskayuna native would not only play in front of a raucous Capital Region crowd, but could provide some needed relief after an emotional game and long ride back home. (If Grosenick is anything like me, he needed 12 hours in bed to recover from the drive to-and-from Boston. But there's a reason I'm not a Division 1 athlete...)

Intellectual Smack Talk:

The inimitable RPI blog Without A Peer throws the gauntlet for tonight's game. Ah, the beauty of rivalry.

There's a natural way of things. The ratio of a Euclidean circle's circumference to its diameter is pi. When gravity equals drag, terminal velocity is achieved. And the hockey program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is superior to that at Union College. Some things in nature, of course, get upset from time to time, but there's a reason the expansion from 10 to 12 teams in the ECAC playoffs was referred to as the "Union rule," and why RPI's record is presently described as "Unionian."

Editor's Response: 

I'll abstain from my own two cents. If you have nothing nice to say, don't type it at all, right? Whatever the outcome tonight, we can take solace in the fact that one thing will always be as "constant" as Euclidean Geometry: the fact that RPI and Union have one of the best rivalries in college hockey. 

USCHO.com Prediction:

Culled from Nate Owen's picks:

Union goalie Troy Grosenick is tops in the nation in goals-against-average (1.74) and third in save percentage (.932). RPI meanwhile, simply can’t score, averaging 1.52 goals a game, second to last in Division I. Union 5, RPI 0

Programming Notes:
We'll post the game recaps from tonight and last night's win against Harvard tomorrow in one neat package of weekend recaps.

Tweet of the Day:
Matt Hatch works the public relations angle:

Game Time: Union vs. Harvard

Update: Game time has been pushed back to 7:30 because of high winds.

Last week at this time, we talked about what #14/13 Union needed to do to beat a sometimes underwhelming, sometimes stunning, and always interesting Harvard team. "Play well in the first." Check. "Finish the game strong." Not so much.

Ted Donato's bunch had fight in them , coming back to tie the Dutchmen 3-3. The Crimson have made a habit of clawing back into games this season. Tonight, the Dutchmen try to avenge what was otherwise a deflating tie.

Tonight is no "normal" ECAC game, however. It may well be the palpable fruition of a program's ascension into the upper echelon of college hockey .

Coach Bennett, his players, and the devoted horde of Union fans en route to the game. While typing this up (on my phone) we've seen several cars with Union stickers salute us in solidarity. The fans are giddy, as are the players.

The Harvard contingent must be experiencing a similar phenomenon. Harvard may be the hometown team and technically the home team (meaning we're likely to see Union on garnet tonight), but the cheers rising from the Union contingent may challenge that.

Below are tonight's lines, courtesy of Union's Official Blog. Nice to see senior Taylor Reid get in there; after a solid game against Dartmouth, coach Bennett rightly rewards one of the hardest working players on the team.

Troy Grosenick, the man with the Golden GAA, starts. Bennett keeps his forward lines intact from last game. And why not? Their chemistry was superb against Dartmouth.

As always, follow us on Twitter. Also give @concordiensis, the school's paper, which will be tweeting live as well.

Photo courtesy of our buddy Dan Greene.

Links to consider:
http://unionhockey.tumblr.com/post/15789003399/pictures-and-links-from-fenway-park