[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign the following program is brought to.
[00:00:05] Speaker B: You in living color on Dell gazette.com or wherever you get your podcast.
The Daily Gazette Company presents the parting Shots Podcast. Now here's your host, Daily Gazette sports editor Ken Shots. Thank you, Scott Geezy, and welcome to the Parting Shots podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe today. Thanks for joining me. From the Parting Shots Podcast studio in Schenectady, New York. We have another great show for you. We're going to preview the College Football Playoff title game between Ohio State and Notre Dame on Monday night with Bill Rabinowitz. I worked with Bill at the York Daily Record. He covers Ohio State for the Columbus Dispatch. We had him on a few years ago talking college football, so I'm glad he had some time has some time to take to talk about the game Monday night down in Atlanta. Should be a lot of fun with Ohio State and Notre Dame battling for that College Football Playoff championship. We'll preview the Union Hockey Weekend for the men and women. The men host Dartmouth and Harvard this weekend at Messerink while the women go to Dartmouth and Harvard. Unusual schedule that way. For the men's side, we'll talk with Cullen Ferguson, Brandon Burr and Lucas Massey. And on the women's side, it's going to be assistant coach Sean Skelly, who took over for Tony Macy. Tony was away on some business, then players Mar and Friday, Matty Leaney and Amanda Kwon. And during these interviews I talked to both Massie and Quan. They're Southern California natives and I asked them some questions about the wildfires there in the Los Angeles area. So you'll hear what they had to say about that and more. College hockey. Eric Lang, the head head coach of the American International Men's Hockey Team, will join me. He'll talk about the stunning announcement back in November that the school was dropping the hockey program from Division 1 to Division 2. And also talk about something initiative he's going to have in April with a college hockey transfer portal workout. So we'll see. We'll talk to him about that as well. So coming up, it's Bill Rabinowitz won the College Football Playoff championship game between Ohio State and and Notre Dame. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast.
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[00:02:43] Speaker A: Hi, this is New York State Assemblyman Angelo Santa Barbara. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast.
[00:02:48] Speaker C: With Daily Gazette sports editor Ken Shot.
[00:02:51] Speaker B: Welcome back to the podcast. Monday night in Atlanta, the College Football Playoff championship game will take place between Ohio State and Notre Dame. And covering that game for the Columbus Dispatch is my good friend from the York Daily Record days, Bill Rabinowitz. Bill, how's it going? Welcome back to the podcast. Been a few years since we had you on.
[00:03:09] Speaker A: Yeah. Nice to be on with to talk to you.
[00:03:11] Speaker B: Good to talk to you. So just how it was drawn up. Number seven, number eight seed going for a title. I mean, how surprising is that?
[00:03:18] Speaker A: Well, I mean, first of all, they were really not 7, 8 in terms of the rankings. They were what, 5 and 6, just the way the bracket works. But I don't think anyone would have been surprised at the beginning of the year that Ohio State would be in it. And honestly, Notre Dame's not that big a surprise now after Ohio State lost to Michigan and after Notre Dame lost Northern Illinois, obviously that changed people's perspectives on those teams.
I actually went dead. Just do this silly little bracket thing before the playoff started and I picked Notre Dame to get to the finals. I didn't pick Ohio State, to be honest. You know, I just, I kind of lost faith in them and didn't know how they'd react. And I figured, well, let's go with Oregon. And I didn't want to be a homer, to be honest.
[00:04:00] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:04:02] Speaker A: But it doesn't shock me that Ohio State's in it even after the Michigan game because they've always had the talent and he knew that. And they just hadn't played to their ability until, until the playoffs. Tennessee, especially Oregon, you know, even last week, they really didn't play all that well. They kept shooting themselves in the foot with penalties on offense and, you know, but they, but their defense is really good and they found a way to win.
[00:04:27] Speaker B: Yeah. Let's talk about the. As you mentioned, the both teams had some significant loss results in the season. Let's start with Ohio State. I mean, they did lose Oregon in a wild game early in the year. And that Michigan game, it seems like Ryan Day cannot beat Michigan. Why is that?
[00:04:45] Speaker A: Well, I mean, I think you have to take them game by game, you know, the first two years.
First of all, they did beat him in 2019, beat him like a drum. And then they would have crushed him at 2020. Michigan, a terrible team. And then they canceled the COVID So even Michigan players told me the next year they would have been ugly. So, you know, but then 21, 22, you have to Factor in the Connor Stallions thing, where it does help if you get plays.
And in 23, Michigan had a great team. I mean, the national championship team.
And they. And it came down to the last drive. So that was, you know, kind of a 50, 50 game this year is inexplicable. I mean, it's, it's inexcusable.
They laid an egg, and I think some of it was psychological. I, I happen to think I don't have any evidence for this. They're not going to tell you this. You know, this kind of stuff. I think that when Will Howard got hit in the second quarter, that it affected him. And I think they lost confidence in his ability to throw, at least throw it downfield.
And they kept running into the teeth of Michigan's defense. I don't. I don't understand it. I don't think anyone understands it.
Coaches have been apologetic and kind of fallen on their sword about it. So I don't know that we'll ever really know what happened in that game. But. But look, that's an inexcusable loss.
[00:06:03] Speaker B: Yeah, but how, how much did this.
Sitting on this and then getting ready for the College Football Playoff. I mean, they came out and then, you know, dominated Tennessee. And then what we saw in the Rose bowl against Oregon, just the way they played that first half. Do you think they realize that they are talented team and maybe it's not all Ryan Day, the fact that they're a good team. How surprised were you how they've played so far in those first couple games in the playoffs?
[00:06:33] Speaker A: Well, I knew they had it in them. I mean, this is a really talented team, arguably the most talented team that they've ever had. I mean, I talked to Urban Meyer yesterday because he was inducted to College Football hall of Fame, and he thinks it's the most as talented team as he's ever seen, at least in recent years. So the talent was never the issue. The defense has been really good all year, except for the first Oregon game.
It's just that they didn't really put it together until the playoff. And I think what happened is they had a. A team meeting after the Michigan game, and I think that they just decided, okay, you know, we're over four against Michigan. This is the senior class. They're over the Big Ten. They didn't win the Big Ten because of those Michigan losses. This is all we got left. So we can either try to just mail it in and get on with our lives, or we can come and do what we came back this year. To do. And I think that resolve has carried them. They've been a united team, they've been a focused team and they've been for the most part a dominant team.
[00:07:33] Speaker B: Now we talk about Notre Dame, their early season loss in Northern Illinois at home, that, that could have been a devastating blow. So they, with them still being an independent, they have to run the table here. So if you look at that game, how much do you think that turned their season around?
[00:07:50] Speaker A: Well, I think it's almost exactly what you said. They realized they had no margin for error and fortunately for them, they didn't have a tough schedule. USC is down this year. They, you know, I think, you know, army was undefeated, but army, you know, let's face it, is army in terms of being a national power. And so they didn't really have a gauntlet to go through like Ohio State did with the Big Ten. And so they took care of business. They're a very good defensive team. They run the ball well.
Not much of a passing game, which I think is going to come back. It's going to be a big factor in this one because they're going to have to throw the ball.
But they, you know, they've been resilient. They, the Penn State, it was a 50, 50 game for the most part, but they made the place at the end.
[00:08:37] Speaker B: So the way this format is set up with the first year of the 12 team format, the top four seeds got first round buys and then the others got to play home games. Do you, do you like that format? Because obviously if you, we look at the first round teams got first round buys, all lost in the, in the next round.
[00:08:58] Speaker A: Right? Well, some of that is because two of those teams, Arizona State and Boise, you know, and a correctly seeded bracket wouldn't have been the third and fourth seats. Georgia had to play with their backup quarterback, of course, and Oregon had the misfortune. I feel bad for Oregon. I mean, they do everything right. They go undefeated, they win the Big Ten. And what's their first game? Ohio State.
I mean, so you kind of have to look at it individually. I like the format. I like having home games. The game against Tennessee was a really cool event. I mean, there were tons of Tennessee fans, more visiting fans I've ever seen at the Horseshoe.
They were quieted quite early, but. But it was, you know, fun. Fun to see that kind of atmosphere. And yeah, I like it. You know, people up here have always said, well, wait till the SEC team has to play in the cold and in December and in, in we got to see that and you know, it didn't go well for them. Yeah, I mean, before the Tennessee game that some of their linemen came out for pregame warm up shirtless, you know, like tough guy stuff. It's like, okay, you know, we'll see what happens.
[00:10:04] Speaker B: I've never done that in my life. Thank God. I'm not that silly. But how do you view this matchup on Monday night? I mean, what's going to be the key? First of all, for Ohio State to win it?
[00:10:17] Speaker A: I just think they have to not make the mistakes they made against Texas. They can't consistently commit these penalties that set them back.
You know, Will Howard can't commit turnovers. He has to be the Will Howard that he's been for 90 of the year and not the Will Howard has been for 10 of the year. You know, you threw a pick six against Penn State and lost a fumble at the goal line. Against Michigan he had the two interceptions. They were really costly.
Even in the Texas game, he under threw a ball. Didn't see a linebacker dropping back into an interception. If he could avoid that stuff and just play the way he's played the rest of the time, you know, I think I've seen is a really good chance.
I think guys, he's better. I mean, the. And the big difference is that they have explosiveness on offense that Notre Dame just doesn't have. And Notre Dame doesn't throw the ball very well. You know, they. They've gotten a little fortunate. I mean, they played Georgia with a backup quarterback and got some breaks in that game. And Georgia's been a dis. Was a disappointment all year, really.
And Penn State always seems to come up short in games. So, you know, I think. I think Notre Dame is mentally tough and I think it's mentally and physically tough. And I think that's going to be a challenge for Iowa State. Not that they aren't, because I think they are, but they're not going to run into a team that's going to get intimidated or roll over for them.
[00:11:36] Speaker B: Do you think these men are mental tough? Is that maybe a product of the coaching of Marcus Freeman?
[00:11:44] Speaker A: Oh, yeah, I think so. I mean, I think. I think everything flows from the coach and that's what he instills in those guys. And so, yeah, I mean, I credit the coaching, I credit the players. I mean, the players are the ones. You have to do it.
[00:11:58] Speaker B: What does Notre Dame have to do to beat Ohio State?
[00:12:02] Speaker A: That's a longer list. I mean, I think they've got to Find some offensive balance, because I don't think they can run the ball effectively if they can't throw to loosen up the Evans. Otherwise Ohio State will just stack the box and Cody Simon and Caleb Downs are just really good against the run and there just won't be anywhere to go. And Jeremiah Love, Notre Dame's main running back, well, they've got some good ones and he's a little banged up. And they, they're not going to have their left tackle, which is a problem against Ohio State's defensive ends. Jack Sawyer, you may have heard of, and change it to a molo.
You know, those are, those are really good players. And so they're going to have to find a way to throw the ball and, and loosen up Ohio State's defense one way or another. Maybe it's Riley Leonard running the ball. He's a pretty, He's a good runner. And that, that has given Ohio State some problems. Running quarterbacks in the playoff. That's been probably the other team's biggest, you know, way to move the ball.
Defensively, they play man, coverage. That's what they'd like to play. I, I can't imagine they're going to strictly play man all the time, because good luck. I mean, if you're going to cover those guys, Jeremiah Smith and Mecca, Luca Carnell Tate and then Travion Henderson out of the backfield and good luck. Yeah, I think they're going to have to mix up the coverages.
I, I think Notre Dame's best chance to win is they kind of muck it up like Michigan did, make it just a slug fest and hope to pull it out in the fourth quarter. I think that's Notre Dame's formula. I think Ohio State's formula is. Is play the way that they did against Tennessee and Oregon and blow them out and force Notre Dame to do something they can't do very well, which is throw the ball.
[00:13:43] Speaker B: Yeah, I think this year, the first year of the 12 team format we have seen, there's been a lot of exciting games. We wonder how we never had this format before. It was always the polls deciding things. I mean, how exciting has this been for college football? And what do you think it's going to be? Do we. I know it's early, just for the first year, the 12 team format, but do we see 16 teams down the road?
[00:14:09] Speaker A: I think expansion is inevitable in everything. So I wouldn't be surprised.
Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised at all. But, you know, I like the 12 team format, certainly compared to the 14 format. I. I love the idea of home games.
They do have to tweak it. I mean, there's no reason. I'm sorry. I mean, Boise Boys State had a great year. That's, you know, great year. But they shouldn't have been hosting games.
You know, and it also hurts those teams when the other team did their. Their first opponent has already played a game and has gotten momentum from. From winning. I think that's a bit of a disadvantage that they might have to address. Maybe you can't do anything about it and, And I think coaches would probably prefer to have it off week, you know, not risk injury, not risk, obviously losing.
[00:14:53] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:14:54] Speaker A: So there is an advantage to being in the quarterfinals right away, but I think they have to tweak the seating of it. But generally I like the format.
[00:15:02] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:15:03] Speaker A: And, you know, look, it gives teams like Indiana, which you said at the beginning of the year, Indiana will make the playoffs. You'd have been laughed at.
[00:15:08] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:15:09] Speaker A: You know, Arizona State. What do we have been laughed at? Well, you know, used to be in a 14 playoff that unless you were one of the maybe top 15 programs in the country, you really had no chance of getting in. I mean, Penn State has never been. Was never in the 14 playoff. You know, it was always Ohio State, Alabama, Clemson, you know, Georgia. Toward the end, those were the teams that dominated. And then you'd have the kind of the outlier every now and then, but that was it. Now it's just opened it up and. And it's decided much more on the field.
[00:15:38] Speaker B: What would it be? I know Michigan won last year, but if Ohio State wins, what does that victory mean for the Big Ten?
[00:15:46] Speaker A: Well, I think it certainly the Big Ten can stake a claim as being the best conference in the country. I mean, you would have never said that 10 years ago. You would have never said that. Maybe even, you know, three years ago. But Michigan winning last year and the SEC didn't have a finalist. It was Washington, which now, of course, is in the Big Ten, which is a whole different topic. You know, Ohio State playing Notre Dame.
You know, the SEC has did terribly this, this postseason. I mean, Alabama, you talk about the. Ohio State lost to Alabama. Michigan beat Alabama in the bowl game. When Michigan was missing more of their players. I mean, they were like, had nobody and they still beat Alabama.
And Alabama, their quarterback played, you know, highest. He crushed Tennessee.
You know, it's so. I mean, it's kind of funny, but yeah, I would have to say the Big Ten is the best conference in the country right now. Or at least they were this year.
[00:16:40] Speaker B: Have you gotten used to having Washington, UCLA, and USC in the Big Ten?
[00:16:45] Speaker A: Just weird. I mean, look, it was kind of fun to go to Oregon. I was still supposed to play them in Eugene in 2020, and they got canceled. Because of COVID Because of COVID So that was. That was cool. But, no, look, I don't know anybody who's happy that the Pac 12 is gone. At least the Pac 12 as we knew it. Yeah, it's. It was a great conference. And, yeah, you know, it didn't do great in the postseason. And I don't think sports in the. On the west coast is as, you know, ingrained in the culture as it is in the. With the SEC and even the 10. I mean, I don't think there's the passion among just kind of casual fans that there is here. But they belong. They belong. They should have a conference. The Western United States should have a conference of. To themselves. You can make a case that. That, you know, the schools that are in the Big Ten are a better fit for the Big Ten than the ones that are in the acc. I mean, Stanford playing in the ACC is just ludicrous.
[00:17:41] Speaker B: Yeah.
I don't know if you saw the video of the press box at Penn State being torn down.
You cover Penn State? Yeah.
What are your fond memories of that press box?
[00:17:54] Speaker A: Well, I think I always bump my knee in one of those little, you know, knobs or whatever under the desk. I usually tripped over one of those bumps that you, you know, they're just there for no reason.
You're walking, and all of a sudden, oh, there's a little step in the middle of this. It's. You know, it was like a maze, the sight lines. I mean, my sideline generally was okay because I was in the front row, but people behind me. No, when I saw that thing come down, I was like, oh, there are a lot of happy people and happy people there.
[00:18:23] Speaker B: I covered a couple games, was at the York Daily Record, and I just. All I remember is, you know, they tell you not to cheer in the press box, and you have people cheering on the press box. And I was like, stop it.
[00:18:35] Speaker A: They didn't have that when I was there.
[00:18:36] Speaker B: But.
[00:18:37] Speaker A: But the Penn State side is different, you know, from the visiting side. So I didn't hear. Hear any of them. And I know a lot of the Penn State writers, and they're good guys, good people. I'm sure they were not doing that, you know, good, good reporters. So I'm. I'm sure that didn't happen with them. But it was unique that, that you know, getting to state college is such a pain as you know, especially from Ohio. Yeah but, but the atmosphere, I'll say this, the atmosphere at Penny is the best. It really is the best. The White House are wonderful. The fans are into it.
It's. That part of the experience is great.
[00:19:11] Speaker B: How's your hockey game going?
[00:19:14] Speaker A: Played last night. Vandal Industries.
I hadn't played in a couple months. I kind of messed on my back a little bit. I'm. I'm old and, and out of shape and fat and that's usually not a good combination playing against 18 year olds. Only one four nothing.
[00:19:27] Speaker B: That's good. That's good. Remember, it's a lower body injury.
[00:19:31] Speaker A: It's a lower body. I think I've got a low upper body. I've got it all.
[00:19:36] Speaker B: Bill is always appreciate. By the way, you have a prediction for the, for the game Monday?
[00:19:41] Speaker A: Yeah, I think. Oh, I was just gonna win. I. I think. I don't remember this exactly. I think I had like 3113 or something like 3114, something like that. I. I can't remember. I. I think, I think Ohio State will win. I think they're a better team. I don't think it's a good matchup for Notre Dame, especially as banged up as they are.
But yeah, Notre Dame's good enough that if a highest it doesn't play well they. And they muck it up. Notre Dame can win.
[00:20:06] Speaker B: Yep. Well, Bill, as always appreciate. Where can people follow your Coverage Monday night?
[00:20:11] Speaker A: Dispatch.com and I'm on Blue sky at Bill Rabinowitz. R A B I, N, O, W I, T, Z at Blue Sky. I'm pretty much off Twitter. X, whatever. Right? Yeah, I'm pretty much off of that. So we're. Blue sky is where to find me.
[00:20:29] Speaker B: Well, Bill, I appreciate a few nights. I know you've been busy getting ready for this and safe travels to Atlanta. Please say hello to Aaron. Your wife for me.
[00:20:37] Speaker A: That's Anna Lord.
[00:20:38] Speaker B: I will do. Thank you, Silver. Ben with me back. We'll talk to you Kyle Chalki next here on the Parting Shots podcast.
[00:20:50] Speaker C: Man, I loved playing high school sports growing up and it's fun being a fan. Now don't get me wrong, but sitting in the stands feels like I'm missing out on all the action. You know, I wanted to get back in the game so I signed up to be a high school official. It takes me back to my playing days. I'm supporting students and I get paid to make the big calls. Do you want to see the game up close? Sign up to become an official in new
[email protected] hi, this is Union College men's hockey head coach Josh Helgi. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast with Daily Gazette sports editor Ken Shot.
[00:21:30] Speaker B: Welcome back to the podcast and we're getting ready for another weekend of Union College men's and women's hockey. We'll start with the men. They went up to the north country last weekend, split the games between Clarkson and St. Lawrence. They had a 31 lead against Clarkson early in the second period, but dropped a 53 decision, giving up four unanswered goals. It was the second consecutive game that Union wasted a two goal lead. They were able to come back against Yale and win 4:3 in the previous game, but were not able to do so against Clarkson. And then on Saturday, in a wild affair, Union won 8 to 5. The Garner Chargers jumped out to a 5 nothing lead in the first period and St. Lawrence made things interesting the third period. But Union prevailed. And it was the game was, as we mentioned in the top Brandon Burr had a hat trick and Lucas Massie, the freshman goaltender made his first collegiate start, played decently and who knows if he gets another start down the road. He did play the second period of the Alaska Fairbanks game, the second game of that two game series back in November, just played the second period in that one. But obviously Josh Algiers, he mentioned on Wednesday's podcast about giving Josh or Lucas a chance and he did the job. So Union came away with a split and their tie for second place with Clarkson in the ECAC hockey standings. This weekend it's Dartmouth and Harvard. Dartmouth was the team that knocked Union out of the ECAC Hockey Tournament quarterfinals last year, sweeping that series in two games. The best of three.
Dartmouth is struggling a little bit right now, just two 5 and 1 in their last eight games. After starting six 1 and 1. The Big Green were picked to finish third by the coaches in their preseason poll. Darth right now a couple points behind Union. As I said, Union tie for second with Clarkson. They're both six points behind Congress leading Quinnipiac. So let's hear from the Union players. Of course you heard from Josh Hauge on Wednesday, the head coach. So let's hear from defenseman Colin Ferguson, forward Brandon Burr and goaltender Lucas Massie.
For Cullen and Brandon, last time you guys faced Dartmouth they ended your season.
So what's this game going to be like Friday night? Is it revenge or just it's moved off in the last year?
[00:23:53] Speaker C: No, you definitely use it as fuel. At the end of the day you want to take whatever you can to fire yourself up for the game. And if that's what you got to do, that's what you got to do. We just want to make sure we get the job done.
[00:24:04] Speaker D: Yeah, I'd agree with that. Like we know what they did to us last year, so we're going to use that to fuel us for this game coming up.
[00:24:09] Speaker B: What do you remember about those two games up in Hanover? Me. How disappointing was it? I mean it was both close games.
You guys had chances to win them both of those games.
[00:24:18] Speaker D: Yeah, it was obviously heartbreaking losing like knowing as the seniors last games there, but yeah, it's just not great memories looking back on it, we know they're a hard working team so we got to make sure we're working hard when it comes to the game.
[00:24:29] Speaker B: Colin, what are your thoughts about those two games last year?
[00:24:31] Speaker C: Yeah, I mean they're a structured, disciplined team. They're going to work hard and we need to be ready for that on Friday night.
Yeah, starting down the line, just this is looking at the standings. You kind of have these two teams right behind you with Colgate in between. So just how important is this weekend.
[00:24:49] Speaker B: To kind of put in some separation.
[00:24:51] Speaker C: Between you guys and staying in that top four? Yeah, I mean I try to preach it every day to the guys that everybody, every game we play from now on out is the most important game of the year. It doesn't matter who we play, it is going to be the most important because the race is so tight and we want to make sure that we're giving ourselves a chance to be in that top four and have a buy in the playoffs.
[00:25:09] Speaker D: So yeah, I'd agree with that. Like every game we know it's three points, like a six point swing potentially. So if we can win all these games, like they're all playoff games now at this point.
[00:25:19] Speaker A: So.
[00:25:20] Speaker D: Yeah, I think it's kind of been said. I think I'm really learning how tight our conference is and yeah, every game just holds so much weight. So just being as prepared as possible.
[00:25:35] Speaker B: Yeah, Sean.
[00:25:36] Speaker A: Yeah, I'm good guys.
[00:25:37] Speaker B: You guys kind of ask my questions.
Cola. How big was that last Saturday? You had the 31 lead at Clarkson. You lost and lost 5 3. You guys came out with I guess some anger, scoring five first period goals. I mean how big was it to be able to come back, split the weekend and you know you're 3 and 1 in 20, 20, 25 right now.
[00:25:59] Speaker C: Yeah, I think it's just important to keep the. Keep the train rolling. I think we're a team that's confident in our scoring ability and we need to just keep that belief going throughout the rest of the season. We don't want to get too high or too low though. I think that's really important. We have a offensively gifted group, I believe so we just need to believe in each other and make sure we take care of our structure at our D zone and yeah, well, I think we'll keep winning games.
[00:26:25] Speaker B: Brandon?
[00:26:26] Speaker D: Yeah, pretty much. Like obviously that 5:3 loss at Clarkson wasn't too great. We blew that 3:1 lead. But to bounce back like we did against St. Lawrence in that first period was good. But again, probably shouldn't be letting up five goals a game either. So there's some positives and negatives.
[00:26:40] Speaker B: Take from that one positive for you, Lucas. You got your first start in your college career.
When did you know and how nervous were you when you found out?
[00:26:50] Speaker D: I think I got. I think I got told right before we ate lunch and did pre scout. So definitely a bit nervous. Maybe hard to get some food down right away, but I mean I've been wanting it and I was super excited more than anything. Thing.
Yeah.
[00:27:10] Speaker B: How much did it relax you that your teammates scored five first period goals there? Does that make it a lot easier for you?
[00:27:18] Speaker D: They definitely made my job pretty easy there, I think. I think at that point when you get up early, it just becomes about managing momentum. You know the other team's going to come with a push. So.
Yeah, I think, I think like you said, it's. It's nice knowing that you have a group that's going to score goals for you and yeah, they took care of me. So it was nice.
[00:27:41] Speaker B: Would it been nice to get a start or two? Maybe during the non conference season that way you could have gotten your feet wet a little bit instead of. I know you did play replace Kyle in one of the games early in the season, but to be able to get a start and play a full 60.
Would it. You think it would have been easier for you if he but lay less nervous going to your first start being a conference game?
[00:28:02] Speaker D: Yeah, I think obviously in a perfect world it would have been great, but it's out of my control and I think with the hot start we had, Kyle, you know, he's earned everything he's gotten and he's led us in a great direction and we'll continue to do so. So I don't really think of it that way. I just try to be ready for whatever comes my way.
[00:28:24] Speaker B: Colin, Me. How. How well do you think he played Saturday?
[00:28:27] Speaker C: Yeah, I actually watched the game back and I think he really stepped up when we needed him to. Like I said, you know, we got five goals, but sometimes there was times where our structure and our D zone fell apart a little bit, and I think he came up with some pretty big saves. There was a couple shots that they got in the slot and he came up big, so, I mean, I couldn't be happier for him.
[00:28:46] Speaker B: Brandon, how important is it to have knowing that Lucas can do the job in case Kyle gets hurt or stumbles down there?
[00:28:53] Speaker D: It's great to know that we have two very capable goalies. Three even, like Sherry's are really good as well. So it just puts a lot of confidence in our group.
[00:29:00] Speaker B: Lucas, I want to ask you, you're from California, right? Near the wildfires.
How's your family? Has your family been affected by it?
[00:29:09] Speaker D: Yeah, actually, my cousin and her boyfriend had to evacuate their home. They live. They live near Beverly Hills, so they were pretty close to it.
Other than that, my family's been pretty much okay.
We're. We're sort of out of the way, except for them, so. But they're. They're doing okay and haven't lost any of their property. And I just am thinking of everybody back home, not just my family, so. It's obviously sad, but. No, they're doing okay.
[00:29:38] Speaker B: How close are they to some of the. Those wildfires?
[00:29:41] Speaker D: They were. They were pretty close, within a few miles. My. My grandparents are maybe 20 miles from it.
And where I, My parents live now, they're maybe they're pretty far. They're up in Northern California is area, so they're. They're kind of out of the way.
[00:29:59] Speaker B: But you still have some family in that area?
[00:30:01] Speaker D: Yeah, yeah, relatively nearby.
[00:30:03] Speaker B: I mean, how much. How much has that been weighing on your mind? Obviously you got to worry about school, got to worry about playing hockey.
[00:30:09] Speaker D: I mean, how much it's been okay. I think it's nice taking solace knowing everyone's safe.
At least my family anyway. But it's obviously tragic to see how it's affecting people, but I'm confident in our. In the community, like, we've. We've dealt with things like this pretty, pretty frequently, so I'm not too worried about.
Too worried about it getting out of hand.
[00:30:35] Speaker B: Where your parents live in la. In California.
[00:30:38] Speaker D: They live in Mammoth Lakes.
[00:30:40] Speaker B: Where is that?
[00:30:41] Speaker D: Near sort of near Yosemite national park, that, that whole like, Sierra Nevada region.
[00:30:47] Speaker B: So you, you, when your school's over, you'll go back? Go back there?
[00:30:49] Speaker D: Yeah, I get to spend some time up there. It's pretty.
[00:30:56] Speaker B: Now, let's talk Union women's hockey. The Garner chargers lost their third and fourth games in a row over the weekend, dropping the 42 decision at St. Lawrence last Friday and a 4 nothing loss to Clarkson last Saturday.
The last four games union has played, as I've said, all losses were against nationally ranked teams. So it was a tough go for them. But maybe two, maybe crass to say they get a break this weekend when they play Dartmouth and Harvard. Two teams bringing up the rear and women's ECAC hockey play Dartmouth in last place, Harvard in 11th. The union did beat them earlier in the season, so maybe it's a good way to get back on track for the Garner Chargers and maybe stifle the talk about another second half collapse. In the last couple of years they've struggled in the second half. Of course, last year they lost their final 12 games of the regular season and made it 13 in a row when they lost to Yale in the Ecacchi tournament first round game.
So let's first hear from Union assistant coach Sean Skelly, who filled in for Tony Macy, who was away on some business. So let's see what Sean Skelly had to say about this weekend's games.
Sean, finally y'all get to play ranked teams this weekend.
I mean, I mean it was, it was a tough four game stretch there, but what did you guys learn from that four game stretch? And how do you apply it to this weekend when you go on the road to Dartmouth and Harvard?
[00:32:27] Speaker E: Yeah, I thought obviously coming out of the break, you hope that, you know, we're ready to go. I thought obviously against Quinnipiac, they were a little more ready.
Obviously the score dictated that. I thought our game was a little bit better the next night against Princeton. Started to build a little bit off of the break and then actually, you know, thought we played a really good hockey game against slu.
Obviously didn't, didn't come out on the right end of that one, but I thought we were building correctly.
And then Clarkson came in and that juggernaut, they took it to us a little bit. So kind of, kind of had a little setback there on the Saturday afternoon game. But, you know, for us, we're still in a good spot. Kind of everything is, you know, really up to us at this point, which is great. We're not having to worry about anybody else, either win or lose games. It's up to what we want to do. And the girls know that we've talked about it and, you know, hopefully we get a good week of practice here and be ready for, you know, this weekend.
[00:33:36] Speaker B: This is probably the last couple years that had rough second half. I mean, last year the team lost 13 or row to close out the season. Yeah, you didn't want to start the second half with four losses. But how do you keep the team's morale up and the confidence up and not, you know, try. Of course, you weren't here last year, last couple years. So, I mean, how do you try to tell these guys it's okay, we're still good shape?
[00:33:59] Speaker E: Yeah. You know what, Like, I think you got to understand the past, you know, and we have brought that up and, and within the room and, and understand that this is a whole different hockey team. No matter what. If there's girls that are a part of that from previous years, obviously our staff wasn't a part of it, and we don't want to be a part of, you know, the 12 or 13 game losing streak. So it's up to our staff to work extra hard and prepare our players moving forward to again put all eggs in one basket. And that's Friday night against Dartmouth and go from there, whether that is a win or a loss. But we're going to do our job to prepare our players both on and off the ice as much as we possibly can to flip that script and get back in the win column and again, take care of what we can. And right now we're ahead of them in the standings, and that's something that means a lot to us and we want to stay there.
[00:34:55] Speaker C: You kind of touched on it a little bit in your first answer, but how do you guys feel about where you are you're at right now?
[00:35:01] Speaker B: Because, you know, you look at the.
[00:35:02] Speaker C: Record, you got your five to eight in conference, but coming off of a.
[00:35:06] Speaker A: Gauntlet of that conference schedule with, you.
[00:35:09] Speaker C: Know, a nice chunk of it still ahead of you to even make up.
[00:35:12] Speaker A: Some ground kind of middle.
[00:35:13] Speaker C: Where do you just feel about where you guys are at?
[00:35:14] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:35:15] Speaker E: So I think again, we were playing teams that, you know, predominantly were above us in the standings, and we know that, again, we essentially control our own destiny to, to potentially be one of those teams that can host the first round game. And I don't think that that's ever happened here in the past. And that's something that is definitely on our List of something to accomplish, especially being the last year at Mesa, I think that would be a fitting end to the arena to be able to play at least one playoff game, if not hopefully more in the future later this year. But, you know, I think with what's in front of us here the next two weekends, three important conference games out of the four can give us, if we're able to take care of our business, we can separate ourselves immensely and really set ourselves up and put ourselves in the driver's seat to be able to be in one of those four spots to host a game.
[00:36:19] Speaker B: Dartmouth at harbor earlier the season. What's going to take to repeat and get the sweeps this weekend?
[00:36:23] Speaker E: Yeah, I think a lot of what gave us success before that, obviously we had really good goaltending. Didn't really give up a lot both of those games.
We had timely goal scoring. I think we had a couple power play goals in. In that. In that weekend as well. So special teams are going to be huge. We obviously gave up a few power play goals against over the last four. Four games. And so we're trying to clean that up, stay out of the box. That always is an easy one, but calls happen. And I think just playing our game, if we can play within our structure, play with pace, play very good defensively and score timely goals, that's been our recipe in the first half when we had success. We got to get back to that, and I think we'll be okay.
[00:37:09] Speaker B: Good.
Awesome. And now let's hear from the players. Here are defensemen Marin Friday and forwards Matty Leaney and Amanda Kwan.
Well, guys, for the first time in a while, you don't get to play ranked teams this weekend. How much does that maybe help you guys A little bit to play somebody who's not ranked in the Bulls?
[00:37:33] Speaker F: Yeah. Kwon, do you want to start? Yeah, I mean, I think obviously our league is so tight and every game matters. We're kind of right in the thick of it for competing for home ice or playoffs, and that's really our goal. We know going into every weekend, every game is a playoff game, and that's really our mindset. So even though there may not be a number next to their name like in our heads, we know it's a big game regardless.
Yeah, I think coming off break, we had tough teams to play against, and so I think we're not satisfied with our performances these last couple weekends. So I think going into this weekend, we have improvements that we want to make and we want to go back to. I think what Was working for us in the first half, which is just playing hard, Playing a hard, physical game and hitting the details.
Yeah. I think one thing we talked about was these teams right now are below us in the standings dcac. So for us, they're must win games. So that's kind of the main focus for us. Doesn't matter if they're ranked or not.
[00:38:25] Speaker C: Do you guys go down the line this way? Do you guys feel like right now coach is saying you kind of have everything in front of you because obviously you've gone through a bit of a gauntlet, but you still have all these opportunities? Is that kind of where your mindset is right now? Yeah.
[00:38:39] Speaker F: I mean, there's nothing we can do to change the past four games for us. All we can do is kind of learn from it and focus on what we do good and not, like, stray away from anything Just because the past couple games haven't worked out in our favor.
Yeah. I think just looking ahead to these next couple games, There are opportunities for us to kind of make a statement after these last couple weekends. And so I think we just want to approach them as a playoff game and know that they are incredibly important for playoffs.
Yeah, I agree with what these two said. I think every day is a new day for us. Even coming into practice, you know, each week we have a goal, and going into the weekend, we want to try and accomplish that goal. But obviously we've got playoffs coming up, and we really want to be hitting our stride by the time that time of the season rolls around. So everything is just a building step for us.
[00:39:26] Speaker B: I mean, guys are probably sick of me talking about the last couple of years, but how important is it to come away this weekend with two wins and maybe put that talk aside that, you know, the second half collapses? These guys had the last couple years.
[00:39:39] Speaker F: Yeah, I think it's incredibly important, But I think from our mindset, we're not even thinking about last season. That's out of our mind. I think we're treating this as a completely new season, new team. And so I think going into the next coming games, we're not thinking about past records. Instead, we're just thinking about the future and where we want to go with the program.
Yeah, I completely agree with marin.
There's nothing we can do to change what has happened in the past. So all we can do is look forward. And tony has even said, like, we're not the same group that we were, especially even last year year with what happened. Like, he's like, forget about it. We have this year to worry about. So we're not even thinking about it.
[00:40:18] Speaker B: You beat these two teams earlier in the season here at mess the rink. What's going to be the key to completing the sweep?
[00:40:24] Speaker F: Like I said, they're must win games for us. So just going back to what made us successful, especially in the first half against these two teams and I think we'll be just fine.
[00:40:33] Speaker B: Amanda, for you, do you have family down in the LA area in California Point? I mean what has it been like dealing with that? Have you been on your mind at all?
[00:40:43] Speaker F: Yeah, it's definitely been on my mind. It's honestly heartbreaking. You know, you scroll through social media and the news and that's really the first thing you see.
I think it's obviously means a lot to me and my family, especially my parents. Both of them grew up just about like 15 minutes away from both the Eaton fire and Palisades fire. And we've had loved ones and friends have to evacuate. I remember my dad was telling me a neighborhood burned down that he used to go see Christmas lights in. So honestly it's really hard but I'm so thankful for all the men and women on the front lines fighting their best, doing their best. I know containment has been up, but I've seen our community come out and I know how strong LA is and I'm so proud of us and I know we'll get through this.
[00:41:25] Speaker B: How do you obviously Bill and Michael, you got school in your mind. You have playing hockey on your mind. How do you try to juggle all that?
[00:41:33] Speaker F: Yeah, I think there's a time and place for everything. You know, when you're at the rink you're worrying about hockey. When you're in the classroom you're worrying about that. But you know, sometimes when I'm at home, you know, just checking in at night, seeing how things are up to but I definitely think like it's manageable and there's a time and a place.
[00:41:48] Speaker B: Coming up, I'll speak with American International men's head hockey coach Eric Lang. We'll talk about the stunning announcement back in November that the school was dropping their hockey program from Division 1 to Division 2. And then we'll talk about the organizing of the College Hockey Transfer Showcase by Eric. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast.
[00:42:19] Speaker F: Speed, Speed.
[00:42:20] Speaker B: Skill, Physicality.
[00:42:22] Speaker F: Home to college hockey's elite teams, coaches and student athletes.
[00:42:27] Speaker B: ECAC hockey.
[00:42:28] Speaker C: Twelve programs competing at the highest level. A league where champions are born and.
[00:42:33] Speaker F: World class professionals are trained.
[00:42:36] Speaker C: Where history is abundant and a commitment to the cutting edge is unrivaled.
[00:42:40] Speaker F: The best facilities, the fiercest competition.
[00:42:44] Speaker B: ECAC hockey. There's no experience like it.
What's up, everybody?
[00:42:50] Speaker A: This is Freddie Coleman from ESPN Radio's.
[00:42:52] Speaker B: Freddie and Harry Show, 3pm to 7pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. You're listening to the Party Shots podcast with my man Ken Shot, the Daily Gazette sports editor.
Welcome back to the podcast. My next guest has been coaching the American International men's hockey team since 2016. He's won four American American Hockey association regular season titles, I should say Atlantic Hockey association regular season titles, and three tournament titles. Unfortunately, back in November, the school announced that it was dropping its men's hockey program from Division 1 to Division 2. We're also going to talk about initiative. He's going to take run in April. Please welcome to the program, the podcast, Eric Lang of American International, the head coach of the team. Eric, how's it going?
[00:43:37] Speaker C: We could be better, Ken, but we're plugging away and appreciate you having me on here. We got two big games with Sacred Heart this weekend, so we're coming off a bye week and we're certainly excited about that.
[00:43:49] Speaker B: Yeah, let me ask you about that, Eric. I mean, in November, as I mentioned, at the top there, we were stunned to hear that announcement. How stunned was the team? How stunned were you? And I mean, you're a graduate of this school. Did you see this coming at all?
[00:44:02] Speaker C: You know what we, when we look at it from the hockey side of the barn, you know, we've been as good as any team in the country over the last six or seven years. You know, we've, you know, you made allude to the four regular season championships, three NCAA tournament births, and nine years ago was something I think at AIC was, you know, we couldn't really even dream about that. We were one of the, you know, the 50 to 50, you know, 50 to 60 ranked hockey team consistently. And, you know, so from a hockey side of things, we, you know, we've kind of held up our end of the bargain. Unfortunately, our school administration, you know, and in this, in this tough times of small liberal arts colleges, you know, we're. The hockey program was costing the school some money and I think they made a financial decision here to kind of dial it back to Division 2, which, you know, we were, we were completely blindsided by, in fact, you know, 30 days prior to the news, we were looking at pro formas, potentially for a rink on campus, and it felt like maybe we were gonna double down once again on our hockey program. Here and, you know, walked into a meeting and, you know, was. Was devastated by the news. I was. I was really numb walking out of there and, you know, immediately thought about, what am I going to do? And then secondarily, you know, thought about, well, now what about these poor players that are about to get this bad news? And, you know, our president wanted to deliver the news and she did. And then, you know, I shortly met with the team right after that. So all in the same day, if you can get a visual of that.
[00:45:51] Speaker B: Yeah, I mean, I just. I can picture a lot of angry players in that locker room when you met with them.
[00:45:57] Speaker C: You know what to watch their faces when our president told them the news. And, you know, I didn't have a whole lot to say at that time. It was just a lot of stunned looks. I saw some tears. I saw a lot of people grab their cell phone immediately and, you know, I didn't have a whole lot of answers for them, you know, right in that moment. And, you know, we met in the locker room probably about an hour later.
I just said, hey, guys, you know, you guys made a bet on American International and you made a bet on me personally. And, you know, I'm going to do everything I can to make sure we properly place you back into college hockey. And, you know, that's kind of. That was kind of the message. And, you know, I kind of ended with, you know, we've got four months left here together.
We're going to do everything we can to create the greatest experience we can for you guys. And you have our word on that. And, you know, we've been trying to deliver on that. It's been, it's been a heavy lift, Ken. There's no script for trying to coach a team game while we have, you know, really 25, 26 players. They're really fending for themselves right now. So, you know, we're trying to find different ways to motivate them. We've had a handful of players leave as well, so I thought we might have a major league movie type rally in us. And, you know, it hasn't quite come to fruition, but we have a good hockey team here and we're trying to get this thing on track.
[00:47:28] Speaker B: I mean, did the school ever, you know, you say you're blindsided. I mean, was there. Was there ever a thought for the school to probably look for fundraising efforts and try to keep the program at D1?
[00:47:40] Speaker C: You know, Ken, there wasn't a whole lot of collaboration and our school is in transition as well. We have an interim president and we have an interim athletic director.
And, you know, it's kind of, you know, I don't have an office on campus. My only office is at the MassMutual center, which is only about a mile away. But they're just, you know.
You know, hindsight is 20 20.
Maybe I could have taken a little more initiative just in terms of making sure we're financially stable as a program.
But at the end of the day, Ken, we're. We're operating with bare bones here at aic.
Prior to any of this, you know, I don't. I wouldn't think of AIC as a heavily resourced Division 1 hockey program. And we've always been in the solution business and try and find a way to. Yes, and we've been very creative through the years to stretch our dollar. We've been very creative to make sure we're creating a great experience for our student athletes.
You know, I'd still put us in the. In the bottom two or three schools in terms of how we're funded and the resources we are afforded. But, you know, we don't make any excuses. And, you know, like I said, I think we've. We've done a pretty darn good job over the years of what we've had. And, yeah, it's unfortunate and, you know, the. Kind of devastating to me personally as a. You know, I played there and I was fortunate enough to work for. Gary Wright was one of the most important people in my life. I was fortunate enough to go back and work for him. And, yeah, it feels like.
Almost feels like, you know, you built a business from scratch, and then it's, you know, it's. It's going to go bankrupt. That's kind of the best way for me to describe it.
[00:49:28] Speaker B: Yeah. I mean, there's. I don't think there's too many teams in Division 2, so how's AIC going to compete with that?
[00:49:35] Speaker C: You know, I haven't had any real conversation in terms of what the landscape moving forward is. I know one thing. I'm a. I'm a Pretty good Division 1 college hockey coach, and that's where I want to, you know, that's where I want to get back to on a. On a personal level. I don't have a whole lot of energy for, you know, for Division 2, and I don't mean that in any way, shape or form. I just, you know, I'm determined to be a Division 1 head coach somewhere, and, you know, that's. That'll be my focus after the season here.
[00:50:05] Speaker B: Yeah, I know there's a lot of open veteran coaches are stepping down after the season. Like Cornell's Mike Schaefer just announced Ferris State. Bob Dannen is going to be stepping down, Jim Jackson, Notre Dame. But a lot of these coaches that are stepping down, they already have coaches in waiting. So how patient do you have to be to wait for the perfect opening for you?
[00:50:31] Speaker C: Yeah, you know what, I've been really loyal to AIC in particular. Last five or six years I've turned down, you know, three opportunities to, you know, to remain at my alma mater. And you know, I always say it's a lot easier to get a job when you have a job. And you know, I think there may be some pro opportunity that may come to fruition here. My heart is with college hockey. I'd love to stay in college hockey, but you know, I'm, you know, I'm open, I'll be open to anything. The good news for me is, you know, I've a really good contract at aic and you know the, you know, financially I'll be okay for as long as it takes me potentially to get a job. But you know, I'm hoping that that's not going to take too long.
[00:51:22] Speaker B: Yeah.
How much did the COVID maybe coming out of COVID I think you get guys did play during the COVID season. How much did that maybe take a toll down the road here?
[00:51:36] Speaker C: You know, Ken, it's a really good point and you know, we've kind of tossed and turned just about every avenue of the why and you know, I think again, small liberal arts college tuition, tuition based institution.
You know, coming out of COVID our, you know, our not only, you know, our student athlete numbers are down, but our regular enrollment is down just a tad. And you know, I'm sure there are multiple factors that led into this decision and you know, the one thing we're proud of is we don't think the hockey on ice product. We certainly know that that didn't have anything to do with it.
[00:52:14] Speaker B: Yeah, I'm trying to recall. I mean Union and AIC have a little bit of a bond there. It was, it was AIC who was the opponent that Union faced when they celebrated the national championship. Banham, were you there that night or at the assistant coaches?
[00:52:29] Speaker C: My first, my first game that I coached as head coach at AIC was, was against Union. 53 loss in Springfield. So it had to be the following year because Union was returning a trip home.
[00:52:41] Speaker B: Okay, so yeah, I know because I know Gary Wright was coaching at that time, and there was a big celebration. I think Gary was appreciative of being a part of that celebration. But as far as the players are concerned, how important is it them knowing that the, this is their last year playing Division I hockey at aic? How important is it then for the. To play hard, play well, that way maybe other teams notice, other schools notice them.
[00:53:08] Speaker C: Yeah, for us right now, we're all really dependent on one another and, you know, it's, it's the most unbelievable team game. And yet these guys are kind of, and I totally understand it, but they're kind of in a, in a position where they need to fend for themselves and, you know, they're, they're more selfish. Play has showed up here and, you know, it's my job to get it back on the guardrails, but I totally understand why. And you know, through the years here at aic, the strength of our team has been the team. You know, we don't, you know, we don't run around with NHL draft picks and we don't have, you know, guys that are going to play in the National Hockey League when they graduate from here. And, you know, so that's been the biggest thing for us. And I think we're getting to a place, you know, as we're in the second half here that, you know what we are, we're dependent on one another. Our success depends on one another and, you know, hopefully we're getting, we can get back to playing a great team game.
[00:54:16] Speaker B: Yeah. Well, speaking of players, I mean, you are organizing the college hockey Transfer showcase that's going to take place in April 5th and 6th in Simsbury, Connecticut. What was the genesis behind this idea to have a college hockey transfer Showcase?
[00:54:36] Speaker C: You know, it stems to that meeting that we had in the locker room where I basically said, hey, I'm, you know, I'll be willing to do whatever it takes to make sure you guys, you know, remain in college hockey. And I'm hoping for most it's in the Division 1 level and for some it might be at the Division 3 level.
And I was trying to think about how am I going to make good on this because, you know, we're in a, we're in a position right now where we're having some roster shrinkage, where teams are opting down to 26 man rosters. And, you know, we have major junior, we have youth sports. So right now, college hockey has the opportunity to get as deep as it's ever been. It has the opportunity to get as good as it's ever been. And you know, I, you know, I put my own recruiting hat on and said, hey, well, maybe I would be patient right now if, you know, there were some AIC guys available. Maybe I, maybe I want to see if there's anything better out there. And it did get me thinking a little bit as, you know, what if we were able to just get a, you know, 50, 60, 70, 80 guys from the transfer portal, get them all under one roof and let's get them competitive and let's get them playing some games against each other. And it was, it was as organic and as genuine as that. And then I started to really think about it and I quickly just did a Google search and I did see that this does happen a little bit in soccer and it does happen in baseball and some other sports. And I just said, you know what, why not hockey?
[00:56:09] Speaker B: Yeah, I mean, it makes sense. I mean, with the transfer portal the way it is now, I mean, kids can basically act as free agents.
[00:56:18] Speaker C: And you know what? And I, and I also think about it from a coaching perspective and we've done a really good job in the transfer portal and we've also missed in the transfer portal. And I think one of the toughest things to do is to project on a player.
So we've, you know, Brian Kramer was a really good player for us last year, defensive player of the year in Atlantic hockey. He goes to Western Michigan now. Some of those kind of make sense and they're kind of easy to handicap. But the one that is really tough is, okay, there's a kid at Colorado College, you know, Danny Waite, and we got a kid or Sir Dackne. They haven't played a lot of hockey the last two years, but they had prolific junior careers. So. So what does that player look like two years down the road who's only played, you know, nine games in two years, and inside of those nine games, he's only played 45, 46 minutes, you know, so from a recruiting perspective, I think it's a no brainer. We get all these guys under, under one roof, we get to see them compete against each other. And you know, we're, it takes a little bit of the guesswork out of it, you know, a guy from Hockey east who's, you know, played 13, 14, 15 games. What does he look like versus a guy who's maybe in the CCHA who's, you know, a half a point a game guy. And I think each circumstance is different and unique and I think it'll be, I think it would be one of the most fun events to recruit because quite often when we go on the road we're looking to try and identify is he a college hockey player? Well, now we get to go to one location in Simsbury, Connecticut on April 5th and 6th and say, you know what, these are all college hockey players. It's just, is he a good fit for my program?
[00:58:02] Speaker B: And it's right between the regional final and the frozen four, so that's a good time for some hockey.
[00:58:08] Speaker C: Be great.
[00:58:09] Speaker B: Yeah. How do you think, I mean, obviously you're probably not recruiting, I mean, but how do you think allowing major junior players from the Canadian major junior is going to affect college hockey?
[00:58:26] Speaker C: You know, I think it, I think it has the opportunity to create deeper rosters for all. I think Atlantic Hockey can be an incredible beneficiary of it.
You know, the, the bigger the player pool at the end of the day, Boston College and the University of Michigan and, you know, they can only have so many players. Right. So now the pool has now has been open substantially and if you, you know, if you do your homework and you can get in, you know, there's 3, 4, 500 more eligible players right now for college hockey. I, I think it's going to make for a, for a deeper, better game and I think it's going to be good for, I know you do a great job covering union. I think it'd be great for the unions of the world and the RPIs of the world that, you know, maybe they don't, they're not able to go toe to toe against, you know, some of these Big Ten schools. But you know, there's just now more players available and I think Division 3 hockey is going to be an incredible beneficiary as well.
[00:59:24] Speaker B: I mean, do you see colleges that right now maybe have club hockey like, you know, Alabama, Georgia, maybe out west, ucla, usc, you see maybe those kind of schools adding college hockey to maybe get some more teams involved.
[00:59:41] Speaker C: Man, I just saw the University of Georgia opened up a brand new rink and that looks tremendous. And I think it takes one school to take a leap of faith. And you know, besides basketball and obviously football, hockey is the third best revenue generating sport there is. And I think it's a no brainer in some of these areas. You mentioned the SEC and even schools like Iowa State and Iowa out in the Midwest. And you know, there was rumors for a while about University of Illinois adding hockey.
[01:00:14] Speaker B: Has Navy been always talked about?
I'm sorry, Navy's been talked about a few times.
[01:00:19] Speaker C: Navy's been talked about. And you know, you have hockey out in Seattle now growing and now these Western Hockey League kids are now eligible. Maybe that trickles down into California. I mean, at the end of the day right now, here's one thing we know. There's not enough chairs at the table. So there's more great players that are not going to play Division 1 hockey right now because there's just not enough. There's just not enough opportunity.
[01:00:45] Speaker B: How do you think affects the junior leagues in the United States with the USHL and North American Hockey League? I mean, how bad?
[01:00:51] Speaker C: You know, it feels like a wait and see. And what is the trickle down effect here?
You know, the USHL in my opinion, is still the, you know, one of the top leagues in the world. And you know, we've done a good job in the ushl. We've done a good job of the North American Hockey League.
You know, it's going to be interesting to see, you know, how this all shakes out. And I think we're all, it's a lot of guesswork for all of us. And you know, I'm doing a lot of talking to coaches right now and man, there's been more assistance on the road for 10, 12, 13, 14 day stints just trying to get a grasp of things and you know, what does the top player in the OHL look like versus a top player in the ushl? And almost brings me back a little bit to that transfer portal. It'd be nice if you, if we're able to get them under one roof and evaluate but that, you know, that's not going to be the case.
[01:01:46] Speaker B: Well, Eric, I appreciate a few minutes. I mean, good luck with the rest of the season. Good luck with your situation. Hopefully you'll land on your feet in Division 1. And good luck with the Kawasaki Transfer showcase. It'd be interesting to see how many players turn out for that.
[01:02:02] Speaker C: Ken, this was great and I appreciate you having me on. You do a great job over there with union and love following your stuff. So thanks again.
[01:02:07] Speaker B: Well, I appreciate Eric. Thank you very much. That's Eric Lang. We'll be back up. Wrap up the podcast and our latest winner, Daily Gazette's you pick up football contest. In just a moment.
[01:02:55] Speaker C: Explore the benefits of subscribing to the Daily Gazette like our convenient E Edition app, personalized newsletters and unique reader rewards. When you join, start your membership today offers
[email protected].
[01:03:12] Speaker B: Hi, this is Craig Conroy, Calgary Flames.
[01:03:14] Speaker C: General manager, Clarkson hockey legend and new.
[01:03:17] Speaker A: York State Hockey hall of Fame. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast with Daily Gazette Sports editor Kenshot back.
[01:03:26] Speaker B: To wrap up the podcast. The Week 19 winner in the Daily Gazettes you pick'em football contest was Martha Chiplock of Albany with a 6.0record. Martha won the $100 Hannaford gift card. Congratulations Martha. The VIP winner was my buddy John Keller of Cadio Burns with a 5. 1 record. I went 42 to improve to 201 and 77. My Gazette colleague Adam Schinder went 3 3. He is 196 and 82 on the season. I'll announce the U Pickham 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 U Pickham Football banner.
Just because COVID 19 mandates are easing, that does not mean you should relax. Be vigilant. If you have not gotten vaccinated or received a booster shot, please do so. Do it for yourself, do it for your family and do it for your friends. Don't forget to download the Daily Gazette app and sign up for our E Edition so you never miss a headline. Subscribe today at www.dailygazette.com. we have a lot of great specials going on when credibility matters, Trust the Daily Gazette. That wraps up another edition of the Parting Shots Podcast. I want to thank members of the union men's and women's hockey teams, Bill Rabinowitz and Eric Lang for being a part of the show. If you have questions or comments about the podcast, email them to me at shot. That's s c h o t
[email protected] follow me on Bluesky X and Threads. Laptop the views expressed on the Parting Shots podcast are not necessarily those of the Daily Gazette Company. The Parting Shots podcast is a production of the Daily Gazette Company. I'm Daily Gazette Sports Editor Ken Schott. Thanks for listening and I'll catch you next time from the Parting Shots Podcast studio in Schenectady, New York. Good day, good sports and we remember Sam Moore of the soul group Sam and Dave, who died last Friday at the age of 89. They had hits like hold on, I'm coming, I thank you and this one, which got a second life in 1978 thanks to the Blues Brothers. Soul man. Rest in peace, Sam. Play it Steve.
[01:05:58] Speaker C: So don't worry cause I'm coming I'm a soulmate, I'm a soulmate, I'm a soulmate, I'm a soulmate I got it all that's what I got the hard way and I'll make.
[01:06:24] Speaker B: It better each and every day so.
[01:06:29] Speaker C: Honey, don't you make it? Cause you ain't seen nothing yet I'm.
[01:06:37] Speaker B: A soulmate.
[01:06:41] Speaker C: I'm a soulmate I'm a soulmate.
I was so mad I was brought up.
[01:07:14] Speaker A: Sa Sa.
