[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign the following program is brought to.
[00:00:05] Speaker B: You in living color on elliot gazette.com or wherever you get your podcast.
The Gazette News Group presents the Parting Shots Podcast. Now here's your host, Gazette News Group.
[00:00:20] Speaker A: Sports Editor Ken Shot.
[00:00:23] Speaker B: Thank you Scott Kesey, and welcome to the Parting Shots Podcast, available wherever you get your podcast. Subscribe today. Thanks for joining me. From the Parting Shots Podcast studio in Schenectady, New York. We have another great show for you. Of course, it's Union men's and women's hockey. We talk about them twice a week here on the podcast. We have Josh Halge every Wednesday on the podcast during the season and I'm at the Tuesday media availability so you get a chance to hear what the players have to say about their upcoming games. And we'll talk with the men.
Colby MacArthur, Brandon Burr and Nate Hanley, all senior forwards, will talk about this weekend's matchup, the two games at Embers. Here. Talk about trying to get going on the power play, which went 0 for 6 in Saturday's 11 tie against Army West Point and then the Women off to a 3011 start, also got a vote in the USCHO poll, first time that's ever happened for the program.
They'll be taking on New Hampshire for a pair of games that are coming off at win and and a tie last weekend against Merrimack. We'll talk with head coach Tony Macy and players Megan Duplanty, who was named Rookie of the week after her two goal performance in Saturday's 22 tie against the warriors, and also Stephanie Bourque and Matty Leaney.
Staying on the hockey theme, we're going to talk with Eric Line, the new RPI men's head hockey coach. We'll talk about getting ready for this season. What was the off season like? Getting ready for it. They went through the transfer portal. A lot of players through the transfer portal, so we'll see how that turns out for them. The Engineers opened their regular season this weekend with games Friday and Saturday hosting Miami of Ohio. The Engineers had an exhibition game on Sunday against Boston University and lost three nothing. Eric will talk about some of the things, the positive things he saw out of that game against a Terriers team that's going to be challenging for the national championship.
And then we head off to the football field, Union College with another victory, beating Buffalo State last Saturday. And they'll get set for Hobart this weekend at Frank Bailey Field.
Our Union College football beat writer Will Springstead and associate sports editor as well. We'll talk about that game. And look ahead to talk about the Buffalo State victory. And look ahead to the Hobart matchup on on Saturday in Liberty League action. So coming up, we're going to talk Union College men's and women's hockey. So stay tuned here on the Parting Shots podcast.
[00:02:59] Speaker C: Speed, Skill, physicality.
Home to college hockey's elite teams, coaches and student athletes.
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[00:03:09] Speaker B: Twelve programs competing at the highest level.
[00:03:12] Speaker A: A league where champions are born and.
[00:03:14] Speaker C: World class professionals are trained.
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[00:03:30] Speaker A: Hi, this is Matt Dubray, the play by play voice of Union College Hockey. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast with Daily Gazette sports editor Ken Shop.
[00:03:41] Speaker B: Welcome back to the podcast. It's time to talk some Union College men's and women's hockey. Let's start with the men.
They got their first opportunity to play in M and T Bank center last Saturday, playing to a 11 tie before a standing room crowd of just over 2,200 at the New facility. It was a great experience.
Union came out a little slow in the game, but as it progressed they got better. They had some good opportunities, shanked some shots along the way, some off one timers off target as well. They were over six on the power play and that's something we'll discuss with the players in just a moment. But all in all it seemed like the fans enjoy themselves. There's some complaints if you read my Monday column with the final horn column they have to really get the sound system fixed in there. It is a little too loud.
Josh Hauge, the head coach of the men's team talked about that on Wednesday's podcast. So hopefully that the they'll figure things out and try to, you know, tone it down a little bit. You want it to be intimidating in there and loud, but not to the point where you can't hear the public address announcer making his announcements. So hopefully they'll figure that out. Give them time, they'll figure it out. So the men's scene will be hitting the road. Going to Erie, Pennsylvania to take on Mercyhurst for a two game series there. First time that Union is visiting Mercyhurst. The previous matchups all been at Messer Rink. It's also the final year of Rick Gokten as a head coach of the Lakers. He'll be retiring at the end of the season.
So on Tuesday was the media availability at M and T Bank center had a chance to speak with three senior forwards. Colby MacArthur, Brandon Burr at Nate, Hanley, Kaiser. I mean, it's only one game into the season, but I mean, the power play did not produce a goal Saturday night against Army West Point. What do you have to do to try to get some goals? Start with Colby.
[00:05:39] Speaker D: Yeah, I think we obviously didn't score any goals, but I think we had lots of good chances.
I think we stick to what we're doing. We'll get some in next weekend.
[00:05:49] Speaker B: Brandon.
[00:05:49] Speaker E: Yeah, I agree with that.
[00:05:50] Speaker D: We had those chances, just weren't able to capitalize.
[00:05:53] Speaker B: Nate?
[00:05:54] Speaker A: Yeah, goalie just played well.
[00:05:55] Speaker E: I mean, we got enough grade A's to score. We just didn't.
[00:05:58] Speaker B: Yeah, I mean, a lot of times on the power play and also probably on even strength, there's a lot of one timers that were either shanked or missed. What do you got to do to be more accurate with that?
[00:06:09] Speaker E: Just work on it after practice and.
[00:06:12] Speaker B: Get some reps in today.
[00:06:14] Speaker D: Yeah, just put in some more work and after practice hours and hopefully connect on them on the weekend.
[00:06:20] Speaker F: Yeah, I mean, I know you guys talked about getting off to a quicker start this week. What do you guys have to do in order to get out of the gates a little stronger against Mercyhurst?
[00:06:26] Speaker D: Yeah, I think we're having a hard week of hard week of practice.
Yeah, we'll start practice every day going 100% and that should translate to the games.
[00:06:36] Speaker B: Yeah, I think it comes down just being prepared for puck drop.
[00:06:38] Speaker D: Just right when that puck drops, you have to be going full speed, no easing into it.
[00:06:42] Speaker E: Yeah.
[00:06:43] Speaker B: Just really focus on the first drill.
[00:06:44] Speaker E: Of practice and then go from there.
[00:06:46] Speaker B: You guys are facing a mercy Urs team that got beat by Michigan by a combined 18 nothing over the weekend. How important is it to go out there and get on them early and not give them any hope?
[00:06:58] Speaker D: Yeah, no, they're going to be a good team. They're a D1 team, so obviously they're probably not too happy about their performance last week and they're going to come out hungry. So will we.
[00:07:06] Speaker B: Yeah, I think Kobe said it pretty.
[00:07:08] Speaker E: Well, but just get on them early.
[00:07:09] Speaker D: Just keep their confidence low.
[00:07:11] Speaker E: Yeah, I think Colby said it really well, but I think we just need to play hard and they're going to play hard.
[00:07:16] Speaker B: So how good is it to get on the road for the first time to see me other for a real game? I suppose the exhibition game you had on Sunday.
[00:07:23] Speaker E: Yeah, that's going to be fun to get a bus trip with the boys.
Yeah, it's always a good time, road trips, hanging out in the hotel.
[00:07:28] Speaker A: Yeah, it'll be a lot of fun.
[00:07:29] Speaker D: Obviously, our freshmen and first years will get their first chance to get on the road with the boys in the hotel. So it's always a good time.
[00:07:37] Speaker F: I mean, coach talked about trying to find a little bit of an offensive identity this week. What are you guys looking to do when you get into the ozone this time around?
[00:07:43] Speaker D: Yeah, I think this week in practice, every chance we get to score a goal, we're going to bear down maybe. Yeah, it will translate to the weekend. So that's our goal.
[00:07:52] Speaker E: I'd say just crash the net harder, just end with everybody there just slamming stakes.
[00:07:57] Speaker D: You know how it goes.
[00:07:59] Speaker E: Yeah.
[00:07:59] Speaker D: Big Netflix presence.
[00:08:02] Speaker B: Now let's talk about the Union women's hockey team off to a3.01 start, the best start in the program's Division 1 history.
Last weekend at M and T Bank center, The Garner Chargers went 1011 against Mermec, winning 42 on Friday night and getting a 22 tie on Saturday.
Union also getting a vote in the USCHO.com poll that had never happened before, just one vote. But it's significant.
They're getting some attention now.
As Tony Macy said after Tony, you'll hear from Tony Macy in just a moment about the poll.
He'll give his thoughts on what it means to the program and we'll also get the thoughts of the players as well.
I probably forgot to mention Tony Macy in the Open, so I apologize to Tony for that. But here's what Tony Maci had to say at Tuesday's media availability.
The Garner Chargers are getting ready to play New Hampshire for a pair of games at M and T Bank center on Friday night at 6:30 and Saturday at 3 o'. Clock.
Of course, that's a prelude to next weekend with the women's icebreaker coming to MIT Bank Center. Wisconsin, Vermont, St. Anson will be here.
So here's what Tony Macy had to say.
Tony, let's talk more about the discipline of the penalties in the last few games. I mean, I think it was like 14 to 17 penalties in the last three games. What do you got to do to cut back on that before you get the conference play?
[00:09:33] Speaker E: Yeah, I think some of it is partly ours and some of it is what we see at the beginning of every year with the refs trying to figure out games as well and feel out the play.
But we definitely have to be better on our end, making sure that we're taking the right penalties, if we are, and not ones that I would call unnecessary. You know, the hookings, the ones where you're not moving your feet, I can take the roughs. And the ones where we're trying to be physical, those ones we can always kill. It's always the, the other ones that normally come to bite you.
[00:10:06] Speaker B: The fact that really didn't hurt you in a way can be 301 right now. So, I mean, you feel fortunate that it really hasn't didn't come back to bite you this, the past, this past weekend especially.
[00:10:18] Speaker E: Well, we gave up two odd man goals this weekend, a four on four and then, you know, a power play. And, you know, at the end of the day, we're trying to keep our penalties somewhere in the range of two or three.
If you do that, typically by stats, you're. You're giving yourself a good shot to kill them off. So, you know, obviously we want to nip those things and try and not have them moving forward.
[00:10:45] Speaker F: You know, with that being said, you guys got off to the best start in program history. What's kind of contributed to some of the. To the quick start for this team?
[00:10:54] Speaker E: Yeah, I think, you know, we had a really good summers, everybody. I think the Incomers have done a good job of acclimating.
I think the returners have done a good job as well bringing those Incomers along.
It helps when everybody knows what you're trying to do. So we have a big group that does know what we're trying to do as a coaching staff and how we want to play and our identity. So, you know, I think that goes a long way with our record.
[00:11:21] Speaker B: You got for the first time in programs, Division 1 history, that they got a vote in the USCHO.com poll. It was just one point, but somebody's, somebody recognized this program. What does it mean to have a vote?
[00:11:34] Speaker E: Yeah, it's always good to get recognized. You know, obviously we want to get up into the top 15 there. I think that's our end goal.
But, you know, to have somebody recognize just our play so far this year. I think some of it has to do with us playing Merrimack, who knocked off Clarkson the week before. So sometimes it's circumstances, but, you know, we'll take it.
[00:11:56] Speaker B: Scouting New Hatcher, what do you know about them?
[00:11:58] Speaker E: Well, they're a good team. They're going to play with some structure. They, they do like to stretch things out like we saw last year.
You got to get to their goaltenders. She's pretty good. Both of them have played, have played well so far this year. So you Know, I expect a good tough game and we're just going to have to get to the tough areas this weekend.
[00:12:17] Speaker B: Carrie Ann says right now it's only Tuesday.
Things could change between now and Friday.
What's her status for the weekend?
[00:12:25] Speaker E: Yeah, I'll keep you posted. Game time.
[00:12:28] Speaker B: Megan gets rookie of the week. The two goal effort. How pleased were you with that?
[00:12:34] Speaker E: Yeah, I think it was great to see, you know, she was able to help us get to the tie.
And a lot of it's her energy and effort that she brings every shift. You know, she brings a lot of, a lot of that to practice and it carries over to the game really well. And being an older first year I think helps. There's not as many nerves like you see and maybe somebody coming right out of high school as an 18 year old. So I think she's just done a really good job preparing herself to have those opportunities.
[00:13:04] Speaker B: She went off there late in the overtime favoring her leg, but how she's.
[00:13:08] Speaker E: Doing right now, all she's got is just a precautionary fellow awkwardly and she was out skating today.
[00:13:15] Speaker F: You know, coach having a rally on Saturday, kill off a couple penalties. Have you liked the way your teams have handled the adversity early in the year and how can that kind of help build towards where you want to be?
[00:13:25] Speaker E: Yeah, I think, you know, we talk about adapting throughout the course of our core values and things and I think we've done a pretty good job adapting. I think we could obviously do better. That's the coach and me. We're always looking for more. But you know, I think so far this year we've done a pretty good job of taking what's given to us and then being able to apply what we've done in practices.
[00:13:49] Speaker B: We had a chance to talk with three players from the, from the Union women's team. Megan Duplante, Stephanie Bourk and Matty Delini. Duplanti scored both goals in Saturday's game, including the one with tying goal with just about 50 seconds left in regulation that sent the game into overtime.
Late night at overtime she appeared to suffer a left leg injury, but she was seen Tuesday's media availability. She said she was fine, no problem. So that's good news for Union hockey. So as we mentioned, they're getting ready to play New Hampshire this weekend. So let's hear from, from Megan Uplanti, Stephanie Bourque and Matty Deliney.
Good to go.
I think I'm going to start with you since we get a chance to Talk to you after the game Saturday. How was it, did it feel to score your first two collegiate goals and a crucial one to tie it up there late in the third period?
[00:14:42] Speaker G: I mean, it obviously felt great, but it was nice to have my teammates just support me all the way. And it was not only me, it was the entire team that worked through it.
[00:14:52] Speaker B: What did you see on that second goal?
[00:14:55] Speaker G: To be honest, I just saw the hole and I had to shoot. And I mean, there was 50 seconds left, so, I mean, it was the right play at the right time, so.
[00:15:02] Speaker B: Especially since mono had not been pulled yet either. So it was kind of you get the goal without the extra attack.
[00:15:09] Speaker G: Yeah, yeah, that's true. I mean, I mean, she was. She kept us through the whole game.
[00:15:14] Speaker B: So.
[00:15:15] Speaker G: Yeah.
[00:15:16] Speaker B: What is it, guys? You guys got a vote in the USCHO.com poll. First time program history that has ever happened. Stephanie, what does it mean to you? I mean, it's one vote, but it's a vote.
[00:15:27] Speaker C: Yeah, I mean, I like, we're definitely making noise and we're on the right track. You know, one votes better than nothing. And I think by the end of it, like, we're going to get a ton of votes. That's the goal here. And we want to make a lot of noise and we want people to be scared to play us. So I think we're on the right track right now.
[00:15:41] Speaker B: Maddie?
[00:15:41] Speaker H: Yeah, I think I agree with what Steph said. I think it's a token of all the work we've put in on and off the ice as a team and with our staff and all that. I think, you know, we have a lot of work still to do, and we're going into our third weekend of the year, but we're happy and we know there'll be more.
[00:15:56] Speaker F: I mean, you guys have gotten off now to the best start in program history. What's kind of led to the success early in the season.
[00:16:06] Speaker G: To be honest, I think, I mean, preseason we worked really hard, so, I mean, I feel like you're shows a lot of conditioning. You know, we're all focused on details and just following coach's instructions.
[00:16:17] Speaker C: So, yep, I think it's definitely holding ourselves to a higher standard. We know what to do. We have business to accomplish here. So it's just everyone's on the right page, and when everyone's like, all five of us on the ice, all know the systems, it's. It's easy to play. And if there's one figure sticking out, then that's when things starts to Break down. So just having everyone on the same page.
[00:16:37] Speaker H: Yeah, I think it's just holding ourselves to a higher expectation. We expect the best out of ourselves and all of our teammates, so showing up every day, in and out, no matter the circumstances, is crucial for us.
[00:16:48] Speaker B: Matty, let me start with you.
The guys are taking a little bit too many penalties the last couple games. What do you got to do to cut down on that? I'm not. I mean, I'm not going to say everybody's going to answer the question, but I figured start with you first.
[00:17:01] Speaker I: Fair enough.
[00:17:03] Speaker H: I mean, yeah, I think we need to be more disciplined. We know that penalties killed us in the games for sure. I think having, I think, what, 12 penalties being shorthanded for a period out of the weekend, you know, that doesn't help any of us win, so. We know that, and that's something we've really dialed in so far this week in practice, and we'll continue to do.
[00:17:22] Speaker C: Yeah, I think. I think Maddie touched on it. I think it's definitely just an issue of, like, moving our feet. I think not taking those, like, lazy stick penalties. I think that's what costs us. Just keeping your feet moving and being disciplined and still being aggressive. Not taking that out of our game because that's also part of our identity, but just being smart within it.
[00:17:40] Speaker G: Yeah, I mean, I agree with Steph. Like, it's just we just have to keep working hard, you know, and compete in the corners, still get out with the puck. And, I mean, you know, if it comes down to having a penalty, just fight it through it.
[00:17:51] Speaker B: So two other questions for you. First of all, how are you feeling as you left the game late in overtime? It looked like you were favoring your left leg there Saturday.
[00:17:59] Speaker G: I mean, so far, so good. I mean, the next day it wasn't feeling too great, but, I mean, I'm doing the best I can and just getting the treatment I need, so.
[00:18:07] Speaker B: And how'd it feel to be named rookie of the Week on Tuesday?
[00:18:10] Speaker G: I mean, it was kind of a surprise. I honestly was not.
I was quite surprised by it, but, you know, I'm just going to keep working and hopefully I'll get it again.
[00:18:23] Speaker B: Coming up, we're going to go across the Hudson river and talk with new RPI men's head hockey coach Eric Lang as he gets it set for his first season behind the Engineers bench. RPI opens its regular season this weekend with a pair of games against Miami Ohio. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast.
[00:18:44] Speaker E: It's the most historic Conference in college hockey.
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[00:18:54] Speaker B: 12 of the most prestigious universities and.
[00:18:57] Speaker E: Programs in the world and showcasing the best student athletes in the sport.
Top notch facilities and arenas, incomparable traditions, passionate fans, alumni who go on to.
[00:19:08] Speaker A: Become elite professionals, leaders and champions.
[00:19:12] Speaker E: ECAC hockey, there's no experience like it.
Hi, this is Colby Armstrong of sportsnet.
[00:19:19] Speaker B: Pittsburgh covering those Penguins out in Pittsburgh.
[00:19:22] Speaker E: TNT and sportsnet up in Canada.
You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast with Daily Gazette sports editor Ken Shot.
[00:19:32] Speaker B: Welcome back to the podcast. We've been talking about union hockey a lot on the podcast last couple weeks. Well, let's talk about some RPI hockey. There's some changes going on there. A new head coach and he was named in April. He's been hitting the ground running since then.
And we'll talk about his team which open ups regular season play this weekend when they host Miami of Ohio for two games on Friday and Saturday. It's Eric Lange. And Eric, welcome back to the podcast. I had you on about a year ago to talk about the transfer portal camp that they were going to have, which I guess never happened, but you had some more important things going on there. So welcome back to the podcast. How are things going?
[00:20:10] Speaker A: Things are going great, Ken. Thanks for having us having me on here. And I like we're talking RPI hockey and we can put union a little bit in the background here, which is nice.
[00:20:20] Speaker B: Yeah, you'll get used to the rivalry soon enough when you guys meet up a couple weeks now at the M and T Bank center on the Halloween night in Bedford, RPI on November 1. But let's talk about you. You were hired in mid April and what has the life of Eric Lang been like since then?
[00:20:39] Speaker A: You know what, Just kind of getting my feet underneath me in terms of everything, rpi, more logistics, getting used to the.
And you know, inside of that, you know, we had brought in 19, 20 players or so, you know, in April, which you know, obviously is not ideal, but we did a really good job. We were very strategic in the type of player we brought in. We want players with winning pedigree. We wanted players that we thought maybe that were in the transfer portal that went to school a year too early and maybe their best hockey was ahead of them.
So we were strategic in how we went about our business. And you know what, we're coming off a game here versus bu.
We liked what we saw. There was some small victories for us to celebrate inside of that game. Obviously not the result we want, and this is a result driven business. But for us right now, I say we're in a crawl, walk, run phase of our program. And inside of this crawl phase, there was lots of good stuff that we saw here on Sunday.
[00:21:40] Speaker B: Yeah, what was that like? I mean, the atmosphere, it was a 30 loss, but I mean, how good did it feel to see some of those positive signs in the exhibition game?
[00:21:52] Speaker A: Yeah, I think the one thing we're, you know, we have 28 new players, we have two new coaches and everything here is new. Our language is new, the systems are new, how we're teaching our video, everything is new. So it was really nice just to get on the ice against some bad guys and be able to evaluate where we are in terms of our conditioning and our compete level and our battle level.
For 50 minutes of that game, it was a 10 game. For 50 minutes of that game, I thought we went up and down the ice with a team that is as good as any in the country.
And again, lots of positives coming out of that.
The metrics and some of the data analysis from SportsLogic. We did some really good things. Our puck battle percentage was really high.
Our Grade 8 chances were about even with, you know, with a high powered BU offense.
You know, we limited some things that we wanted to do from them and things obviously that we have to clean up as well. So it's good to just get on the board in terms of playing, evaluate, do some video and clean some things up.
[00:23:06] Speaker B: Yeah, I mean especially that's a team that's going to, is considered maybe one of the favorites to maybe win the Frozen Four this year. So that had to be good. Even though it's a 3 nothing loss. I mean, it had a good feel, good to play well.
[00:23:18] Speaker A: Yeah, we gave up one five on five goal. They scored a goal off of a, they had a power play goal and then an empty netter to kind of put us away. And on the flip side of it, I think we only had one power play in the game. They had taken too many men on the ice pedal. So looking inside of that, you know, we, you know, we need to do some more things with the puck. We need to do a better job of getting on the inside so that we're drawing some power plays. But like I said, it was a one. We were, we were one shot away from 50 minutes and our first period was really good. You know, we felt like we were the better team in that first period and again, things that we can be encouraged about and Things for us to build upon.
[00:23:57] Speaker B: You mentioned the transfer portal. 20 players. I mean that's an incredible number to, to bring in. I mean the team obviously lost a few players with, with the coaching change.
How important was the transfer portal for you?
[00:24:13] Speaker A: It's really good just in terms of we're able to balance our classes and you know, if we had to bring in 20 freshmen, you know, that, that, that wouldn't, that wouldn't go so well. Right. So we're able to balance out our classes.
You know, last year they had graduated, you know, RPI had graduated a big class. They graduated 11 and then six of their better returners, you know, in that little window that we were, you know, that there was no coach in place, six of the better players statistically anyhow, you know, hopped in the portal. So it has made things in some regards easier. I still believe that the best way to build the program is to have four year players, players that love to put on that RPI jersey, that ultimately we have to get to that space. And your transfer portal players should be complementary. So I. E. You need scoring or ie you need a veteran defenseman or maybe you can find a game breaking goalie. But you know, RPI moving forward, we want to build this thing from within and that will be our plan moving forward.
[00:25:28] Speaker B: Of the 20 transfer portal players who, what couple? Give me a couple of players that stand out that could make an impact.
[00:25:38] Speaker A: Yeah, Luke Wilson is going to, you know, he's really highly skilled.
You know, at some point in his career in BC was one of the top players in bc.
He's coming over to Mankato. He's played at some tournament games. That was really important for us.
A kid that has really surprised us early is a kid by the name of Philip Sitar. He was a again played in tournament games for UConn last year, played down in their lineup.
But he's an 05 birth year so in theory could still be playing junior hockey and we think his best hockey is ahead of him.
Tyler Wallace, coming over from Niagara, he's going to score some goals for us.
Over the last two years he has scored as many goals as anybody in college hockey.
Those three guys offensively look strong for us. Gunner Van Dam will bring some veteran presence to a young decor. We like what Gunner is going to be. Cass Sobieski was at UMass and then transferred in here.
He was in the USHL, probably one of the better defensemen in the USHL. So we were able to get some, some good parts here and some parts for us to build around here for the future.
[00:26:50] Speaker B: About the returnee, the rig tournaments, who played last season, who catches your eye right now?
[00:26:57] Speaker A: Yeah. And one thing I'd love to say about those returners, they were guys that could have jumped for their own life raft. Right. Things were, there was some uncertainty here at RPI and you know, Dovar Tinling and Brad McNeil, Tapper Motta, we had some guys that just said, you know what, I still want to be a part of that. And that's really neat for us. Just, you know, those guys that want to wear that jersey. And like I said, when things got hard here, they stayed with it. And you know, they'll be very instrumental in our progress here and helping us pour the foundation and small things like where things are on campus or how to navigate the city of Troy, like they've been here, been helpful for me on a personal level and really helpful for our team.
And those guys are bringing tons of value to our program.
[00:27:49] Speaker B: You know, RPI has a passionate fan base. I mean, obviously they won a national championship in 1985.
You know, things have not gone well in the last few years. I mean, they came out of COVID and I think they alienated a lot of the fans when they only allowed on campus students and faculty and staff to attend games that first year out of COVID And I think the players who were there at the time did not like it. And a lot of them transferred, you know, two seasons ago. It was a last place Finish last season, 11th place finish, and it ended up costing Dave Smith his job. What do you have to do to win over these fans? And being at that press conference for your introduction, they were there, they were out there supporting. I know in talking with a lot of the former players, they were excited to have you come on board because they wanted you. So what does this fan base mean to you and how do you get them to get back to get their support?
[00:28:48] Speaker A: Yeah, you know what, winning cures a lot of this.
And we need to give them something to cheer about, make no mistake about it. And we do. You know, I've always watched the RPI fan base from a distance. It's a passionate fan base, It's a knowledgeable fan base.
You know, we need to give them something to get excited about. And that's the plan here. And you know, you're going to come into the Houston field house this year, you're going to watch a team work and you're going to be proud of the effort that we are going to play, you know, play with and you know, we've got some things inside of our program where we talk about every puck matters and every play matters. And I think if our fan base can come in and look inside of how hard this group is willing to work, I think we're going to bring them back and bring a high level of excitement back to the Houston field house.
Hey, we're excited for that challenge and you know, this is a pretty significant lift we have here in front of us. It's going to take everybody.
We need our fans. We need our fan support because that helps in recruiting. We need our alumni. We need our alumni support. That helps in recruiting and it helps build pride inside of our program. So this is an all encompassing lift here. We need our fan base and to.
[00:30:03] Speaker H: We need.
[00:30:04] Speaker A: We need our alums and we need our supporters.
And it will start with, when they walk in here, they're going to say, wow, this group is willing to work.
[00:30:14] Speaker B: And I think you have a president too that supports the program because I'll be critical. Shirley Jackson, I don't think she was really supportive of the program when she was there, but I think things have changed over there.
[00:30:25] Speaker A: Yeah, you know what, we have a dream team administration and as a coach, I would say like coaches and players, we can influence, influence some games. But administrators, presidents and our, you know, we've got a great athletic director, Chris Bowers.
They're born the foundation for championship roots. And you know, when looking at this job, that was one of the things that was really enticing, you know, from my end is, wow, we've got a president who wants this to be great. We have an athletic director that wants this to be great and we've had incredible collaboration.
And I'm telling you, I think there's going to be a point where RPI hockey gets good and then I think there's going to be a point where RBI hockey gets really good. And we feel really confident about that.
[00:31:10] Speaker B: What are the differences between recruiting when you're at American International and recruiting for rpi?
[00:31:18] Speaker A: It's a great question. You know, I have some really high end academic recruiting experience from my days at West Point Point. I think there's some similarity there. You have to do your homework prior to showing up in the rink and maybe you're not looking any.
[00:31:35] Speaker B: Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a minute. We got something. Loud noise there.
[00:31:42] Speaker A: I'm on my way to pick up my son from Rochester, but you know, maybe we're in the rink and we're only looking at four or five players and I actually think there's some real benefit of that. It can sharpen your focus and your focus can get really narrow.
And you know, in terms of the differences, there's so many players out there right now with Major Junior being available, the transfer portal, we will always have great ties into Europe.
We're being very selective right now and we are, you know, I always say, like our September, October recruiting, it's okay to get told no right now because that means we're recruiting the right players.
And you know, we want to get it to a point where RPI is on the forefront and we're building towards that.
[00:32:31] Speaker B: Looking at the schedule, at least here in October, as I mentioned, in the Open, you play Miami, you have Ohio for two, seven o' clock Friday, five o' clock on, I'm sorry, six o' clock on Saturday, and then two tough opponents in Boston College and Providence the following weekend. Then you go out to Minnesota State, Mankato, and of course then there'll be the Union games. When you look at that first month of the schedule, how tough is that?
What do you hope to accomplish in that first few weeks?
[00:33:02] Speaker A: Yeah, I just want to see our team get better. You know, that's really important for us right now to be able to have visible progress.
Hey, you know, Mankato is probably going to be an NCAA tournament team.
Boston College is going to be an NCAA tournament team. Providence is going to be an NCAA tournament team. These are teams that we want to be measured against. And hey, we're throwing right the deep end of the pool. The nice thing is we get a few of these games at home so our fan base gets to see some high level hockey and some high level players.
And you know what, we've got a tough October ahead of us. And then, you know, I do, I do like that preparation for, in terms of our first league games being against Union.
And so hey, at the end of the day, if you don't play them, you can't beat them. And we're excited about everybody that's on our schedule.
[00:33:57] Speaker B: Let me ask you something.
I have a campaign going on for years with the Mike, the refs, I want them. We went to hear what the reviewing of the video or announcing the penalties. Would you like to see the referees wearing microphones and letting the fans know what's going on when they're reviewing a play?
[00:34:18] Speaker A: Ken, I believe that we are moving towards that and I'm not, I'm not 100% certain that's for this season, but that is something that's in a lot of discussion just in, in terms of we don't need them mic'd up to hear, you know, coaches yelling at officials. I don't think there's a lot of value in that, but I do think, think you make a great point. Our fans need to know what's being challenged and what the ruling is on that challenge and a little bit of the why. Right. They do a great job in the NHL of that and keeping the fans informed. So I know we are moving to that. It would be great if that's happening as soon as this year.
[00:34:54] Speaker B: Well, Doug Christian and I have been talking about it.
I'll continue my campaign on the social media with miketherefs and it seems like the fans do enjoy that when I do that. So. But yeah, I think it's time because, I mean, they, I think the other leagues do it and they do it in the NCAA tournament, so why not?
[00:35:14] Speaker A: Hey, if you're looking for someone to help carry that flag, I'm with you. You know, we have, we get 2,3000 people in the building and they don't quite understand what's going on or even what's the challenge. And, you know, no indictment of the officiating. But sometimes they come over, they don't, they don't even come over to the coaches and relay what they saw. So I'm with you.
[00:35:38] Speaker B: Yeah. Warrick, well, good luck this season. Look forward to chatting with you a bit more and definitely see you at the Union games at the end of this month.
[00:35:48] Speaker A: Can't wait. Ken, thanks for having us on.
[00:35:50] Speaker B: All right, that's Eric Lang. Coming up, we're going to go leave the ice and go to the gridiron with Will Springstead, Gazette Associates sports editor. As we talk Union College football, you're listening to the Parting Shots podcast.
[00:36:09] Speaker E: Explore the benefits of subscribing to the.
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[00:36:27] Speaker B: Hi, this is Union College head football coach John Drock. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast with the Daily Gazette sports editor, Ken Shot.
Welcome back to the podcast. So after all that college hockey talk, we're going to talk some college football and specifically Union College. Another victory last Saturday when Will Springs said it here. Talk about that. And will 286 over Buffalo State.
I mean, I guess that's impressive. I thought, I thought maybe it'd be a little higher score, but they got the job done.
[00:36:58] Speaker I: I think we both thought it would be a little higher coming off the St Lawrence scheme. But you know what? As lacrosse player who appreciates the role of the Face off man, this was about ball control. And they put together some long scoring drives. And I think from what I saw on the tape or the stream, they'd have been happy to do that all day.
[00:37:22] Speaker B: Yeah. Looking at the total yards, it was pretty close. The union had 372 to Buffalo State's 311. But where it really is, the big difference came in the rushing guards. Buffalo State only had 52, Union had 241. And it's that part of that ball control you're talking about.
[00:37:38] Speaker I: It's that ball control. It's four rushers. And here we start to see a touch less of Patch Flanagan running the ball. He had 15 carries. Jasir Jones 13. We saw a little more of D.J. wright in his second week coming off injury. Five carries for 41 yards. And Michael DiNardo still impressive, nine carries for 34 yards.
[00:37:59] Speaker B: Yeah, just talk about how big, you know, obviously, as we said was, they should have rolled. We expect them to roll over Buffalo State, even though in Buffalo State had a 1 and O record in the Liver League play coming in. But for them to take care of business on the road at Buffal Estate, avoid the upset, how important was that?
[00:38:18] Speaker I: That was very important. It sets the right tone. It sends the right message.
They were a little slow coming out of the gate. Their first two drives didn't really do much from there.
They got things rolling. I think they realized they could run on Buffalo State and so they did.
And I think their defense allowed the one touchdown, faced a couple of other challenges, but always stopped them, including a nice one by the second team defense. @ the end of the game, they were quite close to scoring. Buffalo State was, but they were denied. So I think it's an era of good feeling for the Garnetch.
[00:38:56] Speaker B: I may have said 287 was actually 28 6. Apparently Buffalo State missed an extra point there. But is there any concern looking at the passing yards that union allowed 259, is there a concern with that? Especially against the Buffalo State team?
[00:39:10] Speaker I: There were some passes that I saw that I'm sure Union wants back. I think for the most part that was Buffalo State realizing it had to become one dimensional because of the 52 yards rushing.
And they tried a variety. Their quarterback ran some. They had a couple of running backs with some carries, but nothing was working. So I think it made them one dimensional. And if you throw that much, you're going to you're going to connect on some.
[00:39:38] Speaker B: Yeah, Flanagan, I guess looking at the press release here, 126 yards on the ground.
[00:39:45] Speaker I: He did.
[00:39:46] Speaker B: Sorry. 120.
[00:39:47] Speaker I: 120. Aided by his 41 yard touchdown late in the third quarter. That. That sort of sealed it.
[00:39:55] Speaker B: Yeah.
Now when the Union comes home, it's family weekend. A lot of activities going on, new president, President Kish being inaugurated over the weekend. So as we said, family weekend and Hobart comes in. So how big is this game?
How big of a test is this? Because if you look at the standings right now, actually Hobart struggling, struggled a little bit at 02. So we're a little surprised because we expected Hobart to be a little better than that.
[00:40:25] Speaker I: We did. And this past weekend RPI laid it on him hard and also threw for quite a few yards against Hobart.
So I think if you're a Union coming into this game, you've been wanting to establish the run these past two weeks and they have. And I think as we've spoken about before, Union knows it has receivers again this past game with Buffalo State, seven receivers with a catch. They've got athletes that they can get the ball to who can get you some yards after catch and make plays. So I don't think they're too worried. But I think maybe this Buffalo State game was with an eye to the future and against the Ithacas and against the RPIs. Ball control is going to help us down the road.
[00:41:09] Speaker B: If you look at the Standard Right now, Ithaca's 3 0, they have a half game lead over Both Union and RPI. St. Lawrence and Buffalo State 1 and 1. And then it's Rochester, Hobart and Hilbert at, should I say Hilbert's? 03. Rochester and Hobart are both 02.
Union will have a buy next week. So how big was this? How big of it would be going to the bye with a victory?
[00:41:35] Speaker I: It will be very big. And as we mentioned, Hobart's a little down this year, but they've shown glimpses and let's face it, it's Hobart. When Union and Hobart get together, you know, to speak a cliche, you can throw the records out the window. These two teams have battled for many, many years and I'm sure it'll be competitive. But if you can get a good solid victory over a Hobart team on your family weekend and then get a for Ithaca, you'll take that.
[00:42:05] Speaker B: Yeah.
Just looking at things here we talked about, look at what Union did against St. Lawrence to open league play a couple weeks ago. Is that what Union has, you know, Union jumped out big on them and took control in that first half. Is that what Union's got to do against Hobart?
[00:42:22] Speaker I: I think they would like to, but I think they would also settle for a more ball control game like this. I think when it gets to be a Hobart or an Ithaca or even an rpi, you will take the win by whatever means necessary. And I think one thing that we're also starting to establish with this Union team, this defense is pretty good. They will bend. They haven't really broken since week two in their game against Cortland. So I think you feel pretty good that you can beat teams different ways now.
[00:42:56] Speaker B: I mean, if you can give up 200, as I said, 259 passing yards and only give up six points, as you said, you know, Buffalo State trailing, they basically had a pass at that point. So if you can only give up six points when you're giving up 259 yards rushing, you're pretty good in bending and not breaking.
[00:43:14] Speaker I: Exactly. And that's what they have done. And as I mentioned the week prior, St. Lawrence completed one heck of a pass that set up their second score. And I know coach John Drock has talked about limiting the big plays and for the most part they did. If I recall correctly, Buffalo State's only score was result of a big penalty. I think a 15 yarder that gave them great field position. So they seem to be cleaning up some of the things that he knows they need to clean up. As the Hobarts and Ithacas come your way.
[00:43:48] Speaker B: Yeah, as I mentioned, I look at the penalties Union had against Buffalo State. Just three for 25 yards. And we had been talking about earlier in the season, they're taking too many penalties to see that, you know, just take three penalties in that game.
That seems to be a good sign.
[00:44:04] Speaker I: I think that is a good sign. I think that had been kind of constant through those first few games and obviously softened with the two wins they had. But I think the message was clear.
You're not just playing for this game ahead of you. And if you don't get in the habit of not making silly mistakes now, it will bite you down the road. So it is a good sign.
[00:44:28] Speaker B: Yeah. And looking at the third down and fourth down conversions, Union was 5 for 9 on third downs and a perfect 2 for 2 on fourth downs. To be able to, you know, convert third downs and fourth downs, I mean, you know, that keeps the defense on the field and tires them out and, you know, gives your offensive spark, adds.
[00:44:47] Speaker I: To that long drive mentality and that was one thing Coach Strock said in his comments to me last week. We want to establish holding onto the ball and scoring when we're in the red zone and finishing and in any sport finishing is important.
[00:45:03] Speaker B: Do you expect to win on Saturday?
[00:45:06] Speaker I: I do expect to win and I think it would as we've said it would mean an awful lot.
Stay healthy, get a win, head down to Ithaca and see what happens.
[00:45:16] Speaker B: And we should mention that Bob Weiner former Gazette writer doing stilling some stuff for us was golf column and other stuff bowling con right now going on within the pocket. He will be covering Friday's game because you will be away on family business.
[00:45:29] Speaker I: Family business. It's family weekend at Binghamton University where my son is a senior and well.
[00:45:35] Speaker B: Last go around I guess unless he decides to stay at fifth year.
[00:45:38] Speaker I: He is staying a fifth year to get his Masters but I don't think it'll have the same feeling.
[00:45:44] Speaker B: So well enjoy that weekend and catch up with Union talk maybe after after the bye since they'll have the next week off. So that sounds good. We'll appreciate a few minutes talking Union football.
[00:45:56] Speaker I: Thank you Ken.
[00:45:56] Speaker B: All right, that's Will Spring Sega. We'll be right back to wrap up the podcast and have the latest winners in the Daily Gazettes youth pick them football contest and the auto racing contest. And will let me just say the youth Pickham football contest was very ugly this past week. Both of us.
[00:46:12] Speaker I: I just. I'm just hoping for above 500.
[00:46:16] Speaker B: Let's put it this way, we didn't get above 5. We didn't get below 500. So one of those bad weeks. But I'm still mad at the Arizona Cardinals for screwing up that whole game because I had that as my survivor and I was all set in that running back for the Cardinals drops the balls before he gets in the end zone and turns the game around.
[00:46:38] Speaker I: Why do they do dad?
[00:46:40] Speaker B: Don't know.
Could you imagine that happened to you and John drive. What are you doing?
[00:46:46] Speaker I: I can imagine what might what our high school coach.
[00:46:50] Speaker B: Oh just it's. I cut the. I cut the players as they do that. That's the second straight week we saw that we had the Colts runner. Same thing. So anyway like I said we'll be back to wrap up the podcast and that'll let us winners in the Deli Gazettes. You pick a football auto racing contest in just a moment.
If you really want to know what's going on in your community you have to read the Daily Gazette.
[00:47:22] Speaker I: We don't take a side.
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[00:47:27] Speaker B: Our reporters and photographers are out in the field field bringing you updates every.
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Hi, this is Union College hockey alum Josh Juris.
[00:47:53] Speaker D: You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast with the other Daily Gazette support at their Ken shop.
[00:47:58] Speaker B: Back to wrap up the podcast. The Week 5 winner in the Daily Gazette's U Pick' Em football contest was Kara Reid of Amsterdam with a 104 record. Kara wins a $100 price chopper market 32 gift card. Congratulations, Kara. The VIP winner was Paul Little of Emmerich Sales and Service with a 77 record. Let's say the VIPs did not do too well last week. That includes me. I went 4 and 10. Ouch. I'm now 50, 27 and 1. My Gazette colleague, Associate Sports editor Will Spring said was also 4 and 10.
He is 45, 32 and 1.
I'll announce the U Pick' Em football contest winner's name and that winner's name will appear in Thursday's Daily Gazette. To play, go to dailygazette.com and click on the you pick em football banner.
The Week 33 winner in the Daily Gazette's auto racing contest was Paul Walker of Glenville with 90 points. Nine. Zero. How the heck did he do that? Paul wins a $50 gift card. Congratulations, Paul. The VIP winner was Scott Lucher of CapitaLand GMC with 40 points. I only had five. I'm not an auto racing expert, let's put it that way. I'll announce the auto racing contest winner's name and that winner's name will appear in Saturday's Daily Gazette. To play, go to dailygazette.com and click on the auto racing contest banner.
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That wraps up another edition of the Parting Shots Podcast. I want to thank Colby MacArthur, Brandon Burr, Nate Hanley, Tony Macy, Megan Duponte, Stephanie Bourk, Matty Leaney, Eric Lang, and Will Springstead for being a part of the show.
If you have questions or comments about the podcast, email to me at shot. That's s c h o t
[email protected] follow me on X threads and bluesky Lapshots.
The views expressed on the Parting Shots podcast are not necessarily those of the Gazette News Group. The Parting Shots Podcast is a production of the Gazette News Group. I'm Gazette News Group Sports Editor Ken Schottz. Thanks for listening and I'll catch you next time from the Parting Shots Podcast studio in Schenectady, New York. Good day, Good sports.
