Episode Transcript
[00:00:03] Speaker A: The following program is brought to you in living color on dailygazette.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 Schott. 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 podcast studio in Schenectady, New York, as we have another segment with Union men's head hockey coach Josh Halgey and week two of the podcast. And of course, the opening weekend saw an exhibition loss and a regular season opening win for first of all, Josh, how you doing?
[00:00:46] Speaker B: I'm doing well.
[00:00:47] Speaker A: Yeah. Yes, we said the season got underway last weekend, starting with the exhibition game against Providence, a four one loss. Did you get what you wanted to see out of that game?
[00:00:56] Speaker B: Yeah, I think so. I think we got, you know, a lot of guys minutes. You know, everyone, everyone played and, you know, maybe some guys that were fighting for ice time got more minutes than, you know, we kind of sat guys that would, would be considered maybe our top six right now.
[00:01:11] Speaker A: Nate Hanley scored the only goal in that game, and I wrote about how good of a playmaker Hanley is. But if there's one thing he probably needs to work on or improve on is his goal scoring. He also scored in Sunday's game against Army West Point, and we'll talk about that going a little bit. Hanley entered the season with nine career goals in his two seasons. The perception is that maybe he needs to shoot the well, if you look at his stats the last two years, he's led the team in shots each of those, of those seasons. So he's getting chances. So how important is it for Hanley to burn those shots and gain some confidence?
[00:01:43] Speaker B: Yeah, I think it's really important. I mean, you know, he's, for us, is, is a guy that everybody kind of looks to all the time. He's, he's a guy that, you know, he, what he says in the locker room really matters. And when he's working as hard, you know, as he can, it really makes a difference. And he's had, you've just seen a noticeable effort and the way he is every day in practice and it's been great to see. And he just needs to keep doing that for us. And if he does that, he's going to continue to score.
[00:02:12] Speaker A: How important is that going to be if he get the double digits and goals?
[00:02:15] Speaker B: Yeah, I think you're looking for guys to elevate their game in different ways. And he creates a lot for us offensively already, so if he adds a few more goals, that's going to be huge.
[00:02:26] Speaker A: Well, the exhibition game marked the return of former union head coach Nate Lehman to Mesa, the first time he had been back since leaving in April 20 eleven to become as head coach. He seemed to enjoy being back and you're talking to me, he's very relaxed and just enjoyed the whole seeing some old friends and what did you think being back and how much fun do you think he had?
[00:02:47] Speaker B: Yeah, he was. He was great. And, you know, we both kind of talked about, you know, different things before and after the game. And I think he was just, you know, kind of relishing, you know, this is his last time he's going to coach in the, in the building and, you know, it was fun to have him back. He's got a great hockey team and it was a good test for us.
[00:03:03] Speaker A: What kind of team you think to have? I mean, they looked like a lot of.
[00:03:08] Speaker B: Yeah, you know, they were big, they were fast, they were impressive. I mean, again, it was a good test for us and hopefully we get an opportunity to play them again.
[00:03:17] Speaker A: Well, I was going to ask you about that because they're going to RPI next year for a game, just one game. And I asked Nate what a chance to come back here to play and say, maybe we can get it done. So can Providence come back to Mohawk Harper arena next season?
[00:03:30] Speaker B: Yeah, I mean, right now we don't have them on the schedule. We're still kind of finalizing it, but, yeah, we'd love to play them. We want to keep elevating the level of competition we. We play every year. And, you know, playing a team like Providence definitely, you know, prepares you for your regular season.
[00:03:45] Speaker A: Let's discuss the final Messer, Inc. Opener, which was against Army West Point. Of course, Army West Point will help open Mohawk Arbor arena next year. It was a throwing back and forth game. Union had three one goal leads in regulation only to see army tie it. The game goes overtime, and John Prokop wins at 58 seconds into overtime on a spectacular play by Colby MacArthur. We'll discuss that a moment. First, what did you think of your team's effort in that game?
[00:04:07] Speaker B: For the most part, I was pleased. I thought we controlled a lot of the play, had the puck a little bit more and had the better of the opportunities. Ideally a couple penalties I wish we didn't take and a couple calls that I didn't really love other than that, up and down the lineup, I thought there was a good effort and a good step for us as a team.
[00:04:28] Speaker A: Nate Hanley scored the game's first goal. It started with a nice feathering chip pass by freshman forward Ben Muthersbog in the left circle, and then Hanley chipped it over the army goalie. Evans are shoulder 223 into the game. What did you think of the play and in particular the pass?
[00:04:43] Speaker B: I mean, it was a big time play all around, and, you know, those two have found a little bit of chemistry together. They've, you know, with Brandon beer, like, that's. That's been a really good line for us in practice. So unbelievable pass, and then I don't know how I finished that one. Like, I mean, I don't even know if it hit the ice. He just. I mean, one timed it and it was a sauce pass.
[00:05:02] Speaker A: Yeah, it didn't look like it hit the. I saw. I mean, I just said it was right below me at the press box on that end of the ice. And it was a nice chip and a nice pass. Nice chip and tip, and it was like it was in the night. I mean, Zari had no chance whatsoever.
[00:05:16] Speaker B: No, not at all. I mean, it was. It was one that, you know, it's. It'll be on the highlight video. Video at the end of the year and, yeah, I mean, to get that as your first was nice.
[00:05:24] Speaker A: It's one game in, but I don't want to get too excited. I thought was one of the unions best players on Sunday. Had three shots on goal and took several more shots. He missed on a tie breaking goal late in the third period when his one timer hit from the bottom of the right circle, hit the side of the net. How would you assess his performance?
[00:05:43] Speaker B: I thought he was great. You know, he's. He's somebody that's getting more and more comfortable every single day. He's a guy that's gonna, you know, we're gonna look to produce for us offensively and, you know, to play big minutes. So he's, you know, he's a welcome addition. We're really excited about him.
[00:05:59] Speaker A: Yeah, you recruited him and got him here a couple years ago. I mean, I guess he had suffered some injuries last year, but he seems to be over that. Help me. How important is that, that he's healthy?
[00:06:09] Speaker B: Yeah, it's huge. I mean, he's going at, you know, full tilt now. He's just a guy that can, you know, do a lot of different things and, you know, for us to add more scoring depth and he's only going to get better the more and more experience he gets. So he's. He's somebody we're really fired up about, you know?
[00:06:25] Speaker A: The freshman Connor Smith collected his first goal. Luther's bog got the secondary assist on that, but it was defense. And Colin Ferguson skating from the left point to the back of the net. He comes out the right side of the net, feeds the puck to Smith for the second period goal. Very good play by Cullen.
[00:06:40] Speaker B: Yeah, a lot of poise to, you know, bring that puck around and then throw it to the back post where, you know, Smitty was there to bury and, you know, he was pretty fired up and, you know, great for him to get his first in his first game.
[00:06:50] Speaker A: Well, for the third straight year, Carter Korpi scores in the opening game of the season. And for the second straight year, he scores a shorthanded goal against Army. Corpi has a nose for scoring shorthanded goals. He had three last year, which tied him with third most in the country. How does he do it?
[00:07:05] Speaker B: You know, he's. He gets that puck and, you know, on a breakaway, and you feel pretty confident that he's going to finish. He's.
He's got great speed. He can anticipate well. And then, you know, again, like, you give him space and a time to finish, he's. He usually does it.
[00:07:19] Speaker A: And then pro golf's game winner, as we said, 58 seconds ends over time. The key play was a diving effort by junior forward Colby MacArthur to keep control of the puck with three armored players around him. He gets the puck to an open procop in the slot. Pro cop makes a couple of dekes and puts the puck in the net to end the game. I mean, just talk about Colby's effort, because if he doesn't get that puck, it's possible. Army has. Is going on either three 10 or three one break.
[00:07:41] Speaker B: Yeah, it's a, you know, it's a diving effort, and he, you know, got to stick on it and, you know, then has the wherewithal to get up and, you know, make a play with it, too, which, you know, is. Is even more impressive. So, you know, great play all around. And, you know, it started for us with, you know, Parker Lindauer winning that. That opening face off and giving us.
[00:07:59] Speaker A: Pop, possession and pro comp. Just the moves he make, it's just. Just not surprised.
[00:08:05] Speaker B: Yeah. I mean, I think you take it for granted sometimes. Just some of the stuff he can do.
[00:08:09] Speaker A: Well, let's hear from John prokop, Korpi and Ben Mothersburg after Sunday's game.
[00:08:18] Speaker C: Well, John, let's talk about the game winning goal.
What did you see the first one? Nice play by Colby to get the puck.
[00:08:27] Speaker D: Yeah, Colby. I mean, it started off, Lindy kept it in, and Colby gave me a one timer. I put it right into his chest, and it looked like they were going for a breakaway. And Colby made a diving effort, won his stick battle, and gave it to me. And then I got lucky on my move and put it in.
[00:08:41] Speaker C: Yeah. Talk about the move there. What were you trying to do?
[00:08:45] Speaker D: Just, I knew I was gonna d cam. I just didn't know how. So, luckily, it went in.
[00:08:51] Speaker C: I know when you came, I sort of kidded you about the penalty, but, I mean, what, what were you thinking.
[00:08:55] Speaker A: When they called holding on you so you were the one giving you pull down?
[00:08:59] Speaker D: Yeah.
[00:08:59] Speaker E: I don't know.
[00:08:59] Speaker D: I thought I had body position, and then he put a stick in there, and, you know, it's a call, so I'm not going to complain about it, but I just got to be better. I know I turned it over right before that, too.
[00:09:10] Speaker C: So is this a nice way to.
[00:09:13] Speaker A: Open the final season mess that we.
[00:09:14] Speaker C: Have a victory like this?
[00:09:16] Speaker D: Absolutely. It's always kind of, you know, nice to win, and especially in over time. I think we got more as a team, but it's a good start.
[00:09:25] Speaker C: Carter, what are your thoughts about that opening up with the win in the final year?
[00:09:29] Speaker F: I think it's a good start. I thought we came out strong. Some bounces, didn't call us, didn't go our way, but we didn't quit, and we kept going and we battled through.
[00:09:38] Speaker C: This was a game where you guys.
[00:09:40] Speaker A: Had one goal leads.
[00:09:41] Speaker C: Army kept coming back to tie it. I mean, how frustrating was it? You get a lead and weren't able to hold it?
[00:09:46] Speaker F: I mean, it happens. It's the way of the game, and sometimes bounces don't go YOur Way. You just got to keep plugging along ANd do what you do.
[00:09:53] Speaker C: You scored a goal in the opening.
[00:09:55] Speaker A: Game each of your three seasons here. You scored a shorty last year against army.
[00:09:59] Speaker C: You did it again today. Talk about that goal.
[00:10:02] Speaker F: Lucky bounces.
[00:10:04] Speaker C: Well, you probably check the puck past the army player there. That's got you on the breakaway, though.
[00:10:08] Speaker F: Lucky bounces.
[00:10:10] Speaker A: Good show.
[00:10:12] Speaker C: Ben, for you. I thought you were really very impressive.
[00:10:14] Speaker A: In your union debut today.
[00:10:16] Speaker C: You were getting a lot of shots. You set up. First, I want to talk to you about the assist you had on Hanley's goal. It looked like it was a nice chip feathering pass, and Nate chips it over the goaltender's shoulder.
[00:10:28] Speaker A: What did you see on that?
[00:10:29] Speaker E: Yeah, all credit to him, you know, great effort by him, getting in behind the d, and I saw him and just an unreal shot by him.
[00:10:37] Speaker C: How confident were you? You seem confident out there. You're getting, like, getting shots. Almost took the lead there in the third period. That shot hit the net. So how do you think you did today?
[00:10:47] Speaker E: I mean, yeah, it's a team game. You know, it's hockey, and this is just game one. We got a long season.
[00:10:54] Speaker C: Josh was mentioning me before that you had an injury that you had to recover from.
How important was it to get healthy and be ready for this season?
[00:11:05] Speaker E: Yeah, no, I feel good. And like I said, it's a long season, so this is just a start.
[00:11:09] Speaker C: Yeah, I mean, how would you describe your game?
Are you offensively creative? Do you like to shoot a lot or.
[00:11:18] Speaker E: Yeah, I mean.
I mean, I'm a forward, so, yeah, I guess offense, offense comes along with that.
[00:11:25] Speaker C: For us, this will be your only season. Investor ring, so. But how important was it for this team to get a victory in the final home opener?
[00:11:33] Speaker E: Yeah, it's a big win. We had a good crowd and, you know, just, you know, it was a collective team win.
[00:11:39] Speaker C: John, how would you say Ben played today?
[00:11:41] Speaker D: I thought he was lights out. I thought he had a swagger just like all the freshmen. And it's. It's really impressive when they come in and, you know, they have the confidence that, you know, they've been playing college hockey for a while and all credit to them. They played their hearts out, too, so.
[00:11:55] Speaker C: Yeah, Smith also scored there, too, so that's.
[00:11:57] Speaker A: That's a good sign, I think, right? Yeah.
[00:11:59] Speaker C: Yeah. Carter, for you, your thoughts on that?
[00:12:01] Speaker F: Yeah, same thing. They came in ready to go. All of them are in shape, ready to go, and they've been working hard in practice and meshing well a lot with the guys. They're perfect fits, including the transfers and Parker and Brendan. And I'm excited to see what they can do for us.
[00:12:16] Speaker C: What do you guys have to do today to better protect leads?
[00:12:23] Speaker F: I mean, bounces happen. It's not more protecting leads, it's just playing confident and keep moving forward one step at a time.
[00:12:32] Speaker C: For you, it's all always the bounces, right?
[00:12:34] Speaker F: Yeah, always bounces.
[00:12:39] Speaker A: Well, before they go to break, let's, first of all, you mentioned some questionable penalties in the game. Brandon Burr was ejected for a grabbing the face mask at the end of the first period. John Proko was called for quote unquote holding when he was basically pulled down by an army player behind the union net and there was an army penalty for hitting from behind, which didn't look like a hit from behind at all. Just, I mean, don't want to get you trouble with the conference. You don't want to get fined. But, I mean, the first game, maybe referees just had a tough, tough day. But did you have a chance to watch the video of the end of the first period and what did. Was that call correct?
[00:13:15] Speaker B: You know, yeah, they were getting into it. And, you know, if you get your, your fingers in the mask at all and it looks as if you pull, like that's a face mask. And, you know, it's frustrating when, you know, he's grabbing, you know, Brandon by the head and, you know, underneath his chin and trying to rip his helmet off. And that, that's nothing. But again, I mean, the rule is if you get your fingers in there and pull, it's, it's a, it's face masking. And that's, that's what he did.
[00:13:41] Speaker A: Unfortunately for Tyler, stan Hooty got a shot at that. So to show it after the podcast is over. But of course, army coach, head coach Brian Riley, that was retiring at the end of the season, was touched by the applause you received during the starting lineup introductions. And then you two had a conversation at the end of the game. What did you two talk about?
[00:13:59] Speaker B: You know, we had just talked before the game, just about, you know, where our programs are at and, you know, different ways to make them better. And I just thanked him for everything he's done for me and just, you know, he's always been, you know, an ear if I need it and, you know, really respect the way he does things and wanted to thank him for everything he's done for college hockey. And he was really complimentary about our group, so it was, yeah, just a nice talk.
[00:14:20] Speaker A: You gotta make sure he has a ticket for the homo hawk arboretum.
[00:14:24] Speaker B: He's more than. Yeah, he can be our guest if we'd like.
[00:14:27] Speaker A: Well, coming up, we'll have another mess of rank memory. And from one of your former union players, I'll ask Josh about Coley MacArthur and preview this weekend's road games against Stonehill and third ranked Boston university. I want some questions from our listeners. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast.
[00:14:53] Speaker G: It's the most historic conference in college hockey. It's a battle night in and night out. ECAC Hockey, an iconic conference home to twelve of the most prestigious universities and programs in the world and showcasing the best student athletes in the sport.
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[00:15:46] Speaker E: Hi, this is Union College hockey alum Josh Juris. You're listening to the parting Shots podcast with Daily Gazette support editor Ken Schott.
[00:15:56] Speaker H: I'm Joel Beale. I played for Union college men's hockey from 2001 to 2005. My most vivid memory of playing in Messi rink was an overtime win against Yale.
Not an overtime win, it was a third period win. Scored late. Two to one secured us home ice that year in the playoffs, and it happened to be my 100th point. That's probably my most pivot method.
[00:16:18] Speaker A: Welcome back to the podcast with Union men's hockey head coach Josh Halge. Let's talk about more about Colby MacArthur. He came to Union from the Summerside Western Capitals of the Maritime Hockey League. It's not a league that's really heavily recruited by college hockey coaches. He had 75 points his final season with the team in 20, 21, 22. He struggled in his freshman season, but as he earned more ice time last season, his confidence grew. He won the team's most improved player. How did he work his way into a regular spot in the lineup?
[00:16:49] Speaker B: You know, it's one of those things where he just, you know, kind of put the work in, and every single day you just, you know, hey, notice them. You notice them. And then all of a sudden, let's try to try him with, you know, this player, and, you know, the next thing you know, there's a little chemistry and he's feeling he's playing with a little bit more confidence. And, you know, it just comes down to him playing with confidence because he has, you know, some high end abilities. He's got some poise and patience with the puck, and he can make plays. So just once he kind of, you know, felt comfortable. I think it was. It just, it just took off for him.
[00:17:18] Speaker A: I spoke with Colby during unions media availability on Tuesday, and you'll hear that interview Thursday on the podcast. Colby was recruited when Rick Bennett was the head coach. When you took over in April of 2022, what did you say to him to reassure him that you were interested in having him come to union even though you did not recruit him?
[00:17:34] Speaker B: Yeah, the first thing I did with any, any recruit was watch some video on them and just kind of give them my thoughts and maybe how we thought we could use them. And then, you know, from there, kind of just had some, you know, get to know you conversations and see where everybody was at and, you know, the staff had done a really nice job with him. He was committed to union. I didn't have to, you know, I have to sell him on it. And it was just, hey, we think you can come in and make plays and we're going to encourage you to, you know, you're going to make some mistakes but continue to grow and that's what he's done.
[00:18:03] Speaker A: Can he be a big point producer?
[00:18:04] Speaker B: I mean, I think he's a guy that definitely can, you know, take a good step for us and, you know, we're, we're looking for him to go from, you know, secondary scoring to primary scoring.
[00:18:14] Speaker A: Well, let's look ahead to this weekend. It's the first road games of the season for the Garner Chargers and it's two very different teams. You play at Stonehill, which is in its second division one season, on Friday, and then on Saturday you had the Boston University to take on the third ranked terriers who reached the frozen four last season. How do you prepare for a team that is trying to establish itself as a division one program and the other a team a rich history?
[00:18:37] Speaker B: Well, I think we go about our business really the same no matter who we're playing. You know, Stonehill is coming off, you know, a big win for them in their first game and, you know, they're going to be playing with a ton of energy with it being their home opener. So it's a tough place to play. It's, you know, it's not this fancy building. It's, you know, you know, kind of like a rec rank, so it'll, it'll present its own challenges. But they're, they're playing pretty well and, you know, they're limiting teams opportunities. Even in their exhibition against unh, I thought they did a nice job, so, and then, you know, obviously going to be you. Like they're, you know, their roster speaks for itself. They're, they're extremely talented and we're gonna have to be physical and hard.
[00:19:16] Speaker A: Yeah. Stonehill went two and 34 last season. You, you beat them twice that Mesa last season over the Thanksgiving break. It had they have a new coach in David Berard. The team won, as you mentioned, won its opener Sunday a three two overtime triumph at Merrimack. What does David bring to the program?
[00:19:32] Speaker B: Well, I think just organization and structure. Like he's known to really have teams that defend hard and limit opportunities and it's night and day difference, the amount of structure they have in their game already this season compared to what they had last year. So I think he's doing a great job and just.
He's trying to build that program.
[00:19:52] Speaker A: Yeah. As I mentioned, the Terriers are one of the elite teams in college hockey. Head coach J. Pan Dolfo has got to be you. To two straight frozen, four appearances. And of course, the goddess arena is a tough place to play. What will that be like going in there on Saturday?
[00:20:05] Speaker B: Really looking forward to that as well. I mean, it's, it's a place that I've never coached a game at. Just seen games there before and, you know, obviously always have, have a great turnout and great crowd. And I think they have like 13 NHL draft picks again. So another team that's going to be, you know, very talented, a lot of high end skill, and we're going to have to make, you know, make it a long night for them.
[00:20:25] Speaker A: Well, at least you won't have to worry about trying to stop Ford Macklin Celebrini, who won the Hobie Baker award last year as a freshman. Celebrini was the number one pick by the San Jose Sharks in June's NHL draft. He signed with the Sharks, will make his debut on Thursday. I mean, how happy are you that you won't have, you have. Don't have a plan to defend them?
[00:20:42] Speaker B: Yeah, it's, I mean, they have, you add that into what they already have, it'd be, you know, even more scary. But like they, they're pretty talented on the power play. You give them time and space, they'll make you pay. I think that's up and down their lineup. It doesn't matter who it is.
[00:20:54] Speaker A: What is the goal of the weekend for the team?
[00:20:56] Speaker B: Well, I think just to continue to take steps as a, you know, as a team, I think that, you know, we want to. We want to win on the road and it starts with that opportunity for us on Friday night. And then after Friday night we'll reevaluate and we're going to, we're going to get after the game and the goal is to win on Saturday as well.
[00:21:14] Speaker A: I want to go back to that Stone Hill Merrimack game just for a second there. Merrimack had to use a student manager as the goaltender. Has that ever you ever seen that before?
[00:21:22] Speaker B: No, that's. I mean, that's crazy. I've seen it where it's been a backup. I was a backup baseball player, you know, backed up for Kinesius a few years back, but he got in limited action at the end of the game, but not to have one start and, you know, young man did a great job. Really impressed with what he did on video. He did a. Did a great job for, you know, not. He really hadn't even practiced that much with the team.
[00:21:43] Speaker A: Yeah, I think he hadn't skated since 2020. Mermac or goaltending situation between injuries and suspensions. They were, they were desperate. So. And I think that I read he has to play, maybe play again this weekend when they go out west.
[00:21:54] Speaker B: Yeah, I think he's. There's one more. The goalie has one more game on suspension.
[00:21:59] Speaker A: Well, I forgot to mention this last week, but union is going back to Belfast, Northern Ireland for the friendship four tournament November 20 and 29th and 2025. Joining union will be Rit, Sacred Heart and Miami of Ohio. Union went there in 2018 and won the tournament, beating Yale and Boston University. How much fun is that going to be?
[00:22:18] Speaker B: It's an amazing trip and you know, I've been lucky enough to do it once before and, you know, the guys, that'll be something they talk about, you know, in their whole college career. This will be one of the best trips, if not the best road trip they have.
[00:22:31] Speaker A: On Tuesday, the NCAA division council is going announced that we'll vote on the CHL rule in November. And what that means is the players who play in the major juniors in Canada, the who, OHL and QMJHL right now ineligible to play NCAA hockey, could be eligible to play that May. The proposal could start next season. What are your thoughts about that? Is there, I mean, is it, is this going to be a wild, wild west situation?
[00:22:57] Speaker B: Yeah, I think. I think it is. I mean, it's, you know, nobody really knows how this is going to, you know, transpire and what everybody's going to do with it.
You know, I think the one thing we try to do as a program is be honest and, you know, if we make a commitment, we keep it where, you know, I am worried that there's going to be a lot of people that just, you know, cut all their committed kids and open it back up and, you know, there's also going to be people that, you know, it's just a crazy atmosphere right now as what could go on and just all the speculation. But I hope there's guidance. I hope there's rules that are in place and I hope it's well thought out and not just a panic decision.
[00:23:36] Speaker A: Of course. I mean, there's players who, if they're drafted by NHL teams and signed contracts and still playing a junior, they're not going to be eligible at all, correct?
[00:23:44] Speaker B: If. Yeah, if you're signed, basically the whole sticking point is what is a professional? And right now, you know, major junior hockey is considered a professional and they're looking to take that away.
[00:23:53] Speaker A: Yeah, the NHL is kind of funky compared to other sports where, you know, the NFL and NBA, you're drafted players, then they're going to appear right away next season. But in any show you can, you know, you can be drafted but still play either college or junior hockey.
[00:24:06] Speaker B: Yeah, it's, it's, you know, hockey has its, you know, its own rules and it's its own animal. But this will be interesting to see how everything kind of, you know, goes forward.
[00:24:16] Speaker A: Well, we encourage listeners to send us questions to shot dailygazette.com or if you post on my Facebook page or the Union Hockey fans Facebook page or the parting shots podcast Facebook page.
Got a couple questions. Jim Callon asks a lot of new names on the roster. How does the coach juggle lines, defensive pairings to find the best combinations? Is there a method to the madness?
[00:24:39] Speaker B: You know, I think the biggest thing is just early here, trying to give a lot of different people a lot of different looks with people in practice and then, you know, shuffle it around in games a little bit. Obviously, if you find something that sticks, you usually tend to go with it for a little bit, but you don't want things to be stale and you want to have guys being able to fight for positions and spots in the lineup. So I do think it's good to kind of juggle here early as well.
[00:25:04] Speaker A: Yeah, I think it was like six or seven first year players, six freshmen when Parker Lindau, the other first year player, coming as a transfer from Maine. So we saw a lot of youth in the four lines.
[00:25:14] Speaker B: Yeah. And, you know, we had some seniors last year that, you know, scored a lot of goals and, you know, had career years. So, you know, those guys are going to be tough to replace. But I think there's some guys in house that we think can take a step as well as the first year guys coming in.
[00:25:29] Speaker A: Another question from the ex, formerly Twitter. The platform likes to shut me down during games for some God unknown reason.
Cause I guess Elon Musk, I like to call him Leon Musk, just to insult him. But Elon Musk, apparently somebody doesn't like college hockey, but at Union Bob, one's asking, I did not get to the whole question. Now if you could give me 1 second, I thought I'd copy the so give me a second here to do.
Here we go. I'll find the question for you.
Are you making any adjustments or changes for this weekend, especially Bu?
[00:26:09] Speaker B: You know, I think that we're going to kind of be who we are, but you know, we're definitely, definitely aware of when certain people will be on the ice for Bu. And I think, you know, we're going to have to continue to take steps defensively is how hard we play or stick detail. Just getting back to the net front and protecting the house.
We want to continue to hold on to pucks and make plays offensively. So I think that is something we're going to have to be a staple of our program no matter who we're playing. But yeah, I definitely think we got to limit BU's ability to transition both teams who play this weekend. If you give them time and space, they'll make you pay.
[00:26:48] Speaker A: Well, Josh, appreciate a few minutes. We'll do this again next week as we get set for Union facing mercy Hearst for two games next weekend.
[00:26:55] Speaker B: Sounds good.
[00:26:55] Speaker A: All right, that's Josh Alge. Coming up on Thursday's podcast, we'll have interviews from Tuesday's Union Hockey's media day.
The availability day. On the men's side will be a Colin Ferguson, Kaden Vagus, and Colby McDonald. For the women, Coley MacArthur. Excuse me. And for the women is assistant coach Sean Skelly and players Maddie Souter and Jill Willis. Plus, my gazette colleague Adam Schindler will join me to talk union and you all. And as I mentioned, we encourage your questions. You can send them to shot. That's sch o t tailygazette.com. you can follow me on x and threads at slap shots 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 hockey.
