Thursday, April 14, 2011
PREDATORS GO DUCK HUNTING
The Ducks hosted the Predators in front of a sellout crowd at the Honda Center Wednesday night. Two goals from Mike Fisher and a 27-save night by Pekka Rinne led the Predators to a 4-1 win over Anaheim in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarters of the Stanley cup Playoffs. Next game will be at Honda Center Friday night for game two as the Ducks will look to even up the series.
DUCKS GRAB 4TH SEED
now that the college season is over, its time for playoff hockey in the NHL. The Western conference had a dramatic finish to it's regular season with a few seed changes happening all on the last day of regular season games. Anaheim was tied with Chicago for the last 8 seed, but a Coyotes loss and two Duck wins on the same weekend, bumped the ducks into the fourth seed.
the playoff picture is now set for the DUCKS to take on the Nashville Predators.
the playoff picture is now set for the DUCKS to take on the Nashville Predators.
WEBER LOOKS TO NEXT YEAR
Weber State Hockey will guarantee to be a top contender next year with top recruits. Over 80
recruitment letters and player packages are being sent out this week to the top Junior A teams
in the northern and western region to coaches and general managers by Coaches Steve Soto
and Paul Pfleegor. Captain Braxton Green and General Manager Linlee Jones also sat down
Monday to discuss target players and teams they think will benefit by coming to play for WSU.
The structure of Junior hockey is to allow players 15-21 an outlet to play high level hockey and
develop for either the college or professional hockey ranks. The target players discussed in
the meeting are those of players 20-21 years old, or players who have voiced to their coaches
that they are looking to go to college sooner. “By sending out so many packages, it becomes a
numbers game and we are really only going to get a handful of the players we would like,” said
Pfleegor.
The player packages being mailed contain information on the school and the team’s history,
mission statement, contact info as well as the benefits WSU has to offer for prospective players
to consider in their college options. “We want to give some of these junior players an option
when they’re aging out of the league and looking to pursue education,” said Soto. After a
disappointing and terrible 2010-2011 season of a WSU team that went 6-27, WSU is looking
to get back on track of traditional Weber hockey. “If you look at the rosters of most national
contenders, their rosters are chalk full of guys from these leagues.”
Pfleegor has been long time coach of the WSU hockey team, coaching Soto when he was a
player at WSU. “We are ready to move forward once again as an organization and once again
become a top club,” said Pfleegor, “and that can’t ever be done without heavy recruiting in
the off season.” Some of the packages are being asked to be dispersed to the entire team by
coaches to just spark interest in future players, but only some will be considered
As the team representatives sat down at the Weber County Ice Sheet and discussed their
target teams, the Western States Hockey League was discussed frequently. With over 13 teams
ranging from Southern California to Texas and up to Idaho, the target players won’t be asked
to move too far away from “home” if they come to play for Soto. All stats of players being
featured are available on pointstreak.com conveniently for Pfleegor and Soto to compare and
discuss pros and cons.
The main interests discussed were players with attributes of speed to compliment the line of
Roberts and Green. Top prospects mentioned are Weston Cydell of San Diego Gulls and Brad
Atkinson of the Idaho Jr. Steelheads. “Either of these guys would be a great addition for myself
and Roberts,” said Green. Nothing is guaranteed but the coaches are extremely hopeful and
are in contact with many coaches in the league as playoffs are still resuming in their respective
leagues.
The second target league is Northern Pacific Hockey league that operates under “NORPAC”.
Players such as current WSU forward Junior Josh Guidice are a product of this league (Billings
Bulls) and have proven not to disappoint. “Josh was recruited out of NORPAC by Braxton
(Green) and Chris (Roberts) and has done well for us both seasons,” said Jones.
By the end of the hour meeting one goal was clear, WSU wants to be a powerhouse next year
and is taking the necessary steps to do so through heavy recruiting and off season preparation.
The next step is following up with the said organizations after playoffs to check interest of
prospects and continue preparing.
recruitment letters and player packages are being sent out this week to the top Junior A teams
in the northern and western region to coaches and general managers by Coaches Steve Soto
and Paul Pfleegor. Captain Braxton Green and General Manager Linlee Jones also sat down
Monday to discuss target players and teams they think will benefit by coming to play for WSU.
The structure of Junior hockey is to allow players 15-21 an outlet to play high level hockey and
develop for either the college or professional hockey ranks. The target players discussed in
the meeting are those of players 20-21 years old, or players who have voiced to their coaches
that they are looking to go to college sooner. “By sending out so many packages, it becomes a
numbers game and we are really only going to get a handful of the players we would like,” said
Pfleegor.
The player packages being mailed contain information on the school and the team’s history,
mission statement, contact info as well as the benefits WSU has to offer for prospective players
to consider in their college options. “We want to give some of these junior players an option
when they’re aging out of the league and looking to pursue education,” said Soto. After a
disappointing and terrible 2010-2011 season of a WSU team that went 6-27, WSU is looking
to get back on track of traditional Weber hockey. “If you look at the rosters of most national
contenders, their rosters are chalk full of guys from these leagues.”
Pfleegor has been long time coach of the WSU hockey team, coaching Soto when he was a
player at WSU. “We are ready to move forward once again as an organization and once again
become a top club,” said Pfleegor, “and that can’t ever be done without heavy recruiting in
the off season.” Some of the packages are being asked to be dispersed to the entire team by
coaches to just spark interest in future players, but only some will be considered
As the team representatives sat down at the Weber County Ice Sheet and discussed their
target teams, the Western States Hockey League was discussed frequently. With over 13 teams
ranging from Southern California to Texas and up to Idaho, the target players won’t be asked
to move too far away from “home” if they come to play for Soto. All stats of players being
featured are available on pointstreak.com conveniently for Pfleegor and Soto to compare and
discuss pros and cons.
The main interests discussed were players with attributes of speed to compliment the line of
Roberts and Green. Top prospects mentioned are Weston Cydell of San Diego Gulls and Brad
Atkinson of the Idaho Jr. Steelheads. “Either of these guys would be a great addition for myself
and Roberts,” said Green. Nothing is guaranteed but the coaches are extremely hopeful and
are in contact with many coaches in the league as playoffs are still resuming in their respective
leagues.
The second target league is Northern Pacific Hockey league that operates under “NORPAC”.
Players such as current WSU forward Junior Josh Guidice are a product of this league (Billings
Bulls) and have proven not to disappoint. “Josh was recruited out of NORPAC by Braxton
(Green) and Chris (Roberts) and has done well for us both seasons,” said Jones.
By the end of the hour meeting one goal was clear, WSU wants to be a powerhouse next year
and is taking the necessary steps to do so through heavy recruiting and off season preparation.
The next step is following up with the said organizations after playoffs to check interest of
prospects and continue preparing.
Friday, March 18, 2011
words of a soldier
THE FOLLOWING IS AN INTERVIEW CONDUCTED WITH A USMC SOLDIER CPL, AND PERSONAL FRIEND, THROUGH INSTANT MESSAGING (all text is unedited) HE WILL BE IDENTIFIED AS "CPL" FROM HERE ON IN TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS:
ME:I'm trying to support getting you guys pulled out of there
in the house so it can go to senate
CPL:trust me we would rather stay
ME:why is that?
CPL: when there is a war we have a purpose,
have you ever asked why some of us come out here?
ME:to protect freedoms
is my assumption
defend americans
and the constitution
right?
CPL:we fight because it is taught that the right thing is to stand in front of the flag but this war this war is different no one is attacking the constitution no one is attacking our freedom and the only defense we are doing is giving them a chance to shoot an american in afghanistan instead america wich for the most part they cant go anyway because of security and because of funds we for the most part dont fight for america
we fight to test ourselves
to kill the enemy so too speak
an some just fight because of too much video games
war is an intersting thing and we are all tourists
but mostly we fight because its what you do when your in the service
there is a million reasons but freedom and america are not popular ones
ME: let me start off by telling you this; i support all of you boys out there for having the courage to do what is asked of you
from your words bro, it sounds like an empty war... is that your feelings?
CPL: and we thank you in kind lol oh yeah thats one more thing i fight for individual americans and you are no exception you have helped shape my future no matter how big or small the role was and this is how i will repay all of you i will be that american that gets shot at lol so thank you jordan for helping me find the here an now
ME:i personalyy think it is so... especially with friends like you, del martinez, david w, and jerry byrne serving it hits close to home no matter how close i am to any of you; some close some seemingly not' either way i feel something towards you all
CPL: it is an empty war and you can (quote) it lol Cpl that is my rank
ME: let me ask you, if you had it your way, in the best interest of america's freedom and fiscal interest; would you support pulling out of both afghanistan and iraq? considering this war was not declared thru congress and only demanded by bush in retaliation of 9/11.
honest thoughts bro, no judgement here
just lookin for soldiers thoughts
CPL: iraq we helped crushed a dictator and his cabinet of assasins and help end a very long genocide plus they were decent enough to keep a govt an support us through our campaign any way they could i would stay in iraq so that we can support them on their young govt just as they supported us they are an educated culture that deserves a fresh start and for whatever reason we went there i dont care we still helped an they still appreciate us so pull out no but stay till they get on there feet without us yes now afghan well....
ME: still here and i see youre still typing, no worries
CPL: thats a different ball game until the old men die off with their teachings. the younger generation wants us; they want too learn and thrive but they keep getting murdered by the talibanas. we fight the taliban; they make more and more of themselves. they have a very long standing out here and its hard to dig in. they have no "real" govt and the corruption goes too high and culturaly they are very lazy people, not as bad as arabic, but they take no responsability for any of their actions and are quick too blame and call jihad or to just fight outright over nothing. its very hard and taxing. im with a mentor team. i teach them what i can so they can conduct combat operations but they blame more than they train. the taliban will never leave. they are an idea; one that gets passed through religious teachings, one that will not be forgotten. america will never change them only allah can and even then they are so uneducated they would probably miss it.
ME: do you think its AMERICAS job to govern other nations? dont we have turmoil back in the states to deal with like the fed reserve and recession and job loss and the deficit?
CPL:yea you play hockey right
ME:yes sir
CPL:and you have a captain right either the best guy or one that governs the respect of the team right
ME:yes
CPL: and as a captain you look to him for more than just governing the team but you can confide in him an trust him to at least try an show you another way which is by far not his job title or description right?
ME: correct
CPL: and even so you would expect these things of him..... an so does the rest of the world expect this of our country
ME: right, so is america's young soldiers the "team captains" of the world?
CPL: no and not by far but when things get bad we are leaned hard upon to make the choice. we are looked at and expected to jump into the midst and give a clear even head
that is why we do this that is why we are always in it.
that an telling a country to "fuck off" is not something you do when you have the ability to help.
we are not the worlds guiding light but we are expected to be responsible ones. its both dumb and something to be proud of but ultimately it does affect the head count abroad america.
make sense?
ME: but is that something you feel should be a burden of a country who is soviergn in respect to the world? are we responsible for every other country's turmoils? mothers fathers brothers sons daughters and friends are to be responsible for a country not their own?
CPL: and your right you are absolutely right but just remember no one put a gun to my head or anyone elses we know what we give to take these jobs we know what we give up an for those that dont well the adapt an catch up quickly or get ran over by this green machine we know the stakes an the freedoms we no longer rate and remeber another thing for every crisis we assist more jobs are made available for those who need just a little bit of hope to survive right?
in our country we have issues yes but issues are everywhere at any time we are just one of few countries that dont demand a full govt make over with the help of military
ME: i absolutely understand a soldiers point of view, you know what you signed up for, and at no point is fiscal concern greater than that of impact on family/death. you state " we are just one of few countries that dont demand a full govt make over," yet do you feel we have strayed from the constitution put in place by our forefathers who knew what would come if government began to grow and overcome the population?
CPL: "change is change and change is infinite, if we are to stick to the laws of our fathers then how do we expect to turn the wolves and their cunning to the hills." we are the idea possibly of what was to become of a land not our own but of others an to reap a different reward than that wich was sown of false regrets and changed rewards.
ME: who is that by?
CPL: i wrote both of these on an MRE box when i was in okinawa when i realized the type of country i was serving and how far we have strayed from the idea you just entertained.
ME: wow, thats very intriguing. in as short as possible , what type of country do you feel you serve today?
CPL: i serve a country, no i serve an idea that is far beyond me but allows me to dream of better life that is what i serve. i serve to preserve our dreams.
ME: dont wanna take up too much of your time so in closing what are your last thoughts on the things we discussed?
CPL: no trouble at all my thoughts are the same as they were we all have a job to do but what makes us different is our conviction to get it done and no matter why we fight or what business we are into that as long as we have an idea of what we do. what we do we will continue to survive and thrive as a nation of dreams this all seems very fantastic and other worldy but it is true i will do what is asked of me as long as what im doing protects my ideals and hopes lol a little ignorant yes but in a day of high speed internet and volumes of inforamtion at your fingertips who isnt lol
i hope i helped a little bit
ME: SURE DOES BUD
THANKS VERY MUCH FOR THE TIME HERE, AS WELL AS IN THE BATTLEFIELD. IT REALLY IS APPRECIATED.
BE SAFE OUT THERE AND STAY IN TOUCH
---------END
ME:I'm trying to support getting you guys pulled out of there
in the house so it can go to senate
CPL:trust me we would rather stay
ME:why is that?
CPL: when there is a war we have a purpose,
have you ever asked why some of us come out here?
ME:to protect freedoms
is my assumption
defend americans
and the constitution
right?
CPL:we fight because it is taught that the right thing is to stand in front of the flag but this war this war is different no one is attacking the constitution no one is attacking our freedom and the only defense we are doing is giving them a chance to shoot an american in afghanistan instead america wich for the most part they cant go anyway because of security and because of funds we for the most part dont fight for america
we fight to test ourselves
to kill the enemy so too speak
an some just fight because of too much video games
war is an intersting thing and we are all tourists
but mostly we fight because its what you do when your in the service
there is a million reasons but freedom and america are not popular ones
ME: let me start off by telling you this; i support all of you boys out there for having the courage to do what is asked of you
from your words bro, it sounds like an empty war... is that your feelings?
CPL: and we thank you in kind lol oh yeah thats one more thing i fight for individual americans and you are no exception you have helped shape my future no matter how big or small the role was and this is how i will repay all of you i will be that american that gets shot at lol so thank you jordan for helping me find the here an now
ME:i personalyy think it is so... especially with friends like you, del martinez, david w, and jerry byrne serving it hits close to home no matter how close i am to any of you; some close some seemingly not' either way i feel something towards you all
CPL: it is an empty war and you can (quote) it lol Cpl that is my rank
ME: let me ask you, if you had it your way, in the best interest of america's freedom and fiscal interest; would you support pulling out of both afghanistan and iraq? considering this war was not declared thru congress and only demanded by bush in retaliation of 9/11.
honest thoughts bro, no judgement here
just lookin for soldiers thoughts
CPL: iraq we helped crushed a dictator and his cabinet of assasins and help end a very long genocide plus they were decent enough to keep a govt an support us through our campaign any way they could i would stay in iraq so that we can support them on their young govt just as they supported us they are an educated culture that deserves a fresh start and for whatever reason we went there i dont care we still helped an they still appreciate us so pull out no but stay till they get on there feet without us yes now afghan well....
ME: still here and i see youre still typing, no worries
CPL: thats a different ball game until the old men die off with their teachings. the younger generation wants us; they want too learn and thrive but they keep getting murdered by the talibanas. we fight the taliban; they make more and more of themselves. they have a very long standing out here and its hard to dig in. they have no "real" govt and the corruption goes too high and culturaly they are very lazy people, not as bad as arabic, but they take no responsability for any of their actions and are quick too blame and call jihad or to just fight outright over nothing. its very hard and taxing. im with a mentor team. i teach them what i can so they can conduct combat operations but they blame more than they train. the taliban will never leave. they are an idea; one that gets passed through religious teachings, one that will not be forgotten. america will never change them only allah can and even then they are so uneducated they would probably miss it.
ME: do you think its AMERICAS job to govern other nations? dont we have turmoil back in the states to deal with like the fed reserve and recession and job loss and the deficit?
CPL:yea you play hockey right
ME:yes sir
CPL:and you have a captain right either the best guy or one that governs the respect of the team right
ME:yes
CPL: and as a captain you look to him for more than just governing the team but you can confide in him an trust him to at least try an show you another way which is by far not his job title or description right?
ME: correct
CPL: and even so you would expect these things of him..... an so does the rest of the world expect this of our country
ME: right, so is america's young soldiers the "team captains" of the world?
CPL: no and not by far but when things get bad we are leaned hard upon to make the choice. we are looked at and expected to jump into the midst and give a clear even head
that is why we do this that is why we are always in it.
that an telling a country to "fuck off" is not something you do when you have the ability to help.
we are not the worlds guiding light but we are expected to be responsible ones. its both dumb and something to be proud of but ultimately it does affect the head count abroad america.
make sense?
ME: but is that something you feel should be a burden of a country who is soviergn in respect to the world? are we responsible for every other country's turmoils? mothers fathers brothers sons daughters and friends are to be responsible for a country not their own?
CPL: and your right you are absolutely right but just remember no one put a gun to my head or anyone elses we know what we give to take these jobs we know what we give up an for those that dont well the adapt an catch up quickly or get ran over by this green machine we know the stakes an the freedoms we no longer rate and remeber another thing for every crisis we assist more jobs are made available for those who need just a little bit of hope to survive right?
in our country we have issues yes but issues are everywhere at any time we are just one of few countries that dont demand a full govt make over with the help of military
ME: i absolutely understand a soldiers point of view, you know what you signed up for, and at no point is fiscal concern greater than that of impact on family/death. you state " we are just one of few countries that dont demand a full govt make over," yet do you feel we have strayed from the constitution put in place by our forefathers who knew what would come if government began to grow and overcome the population?
CPL: "change is change and change is infinite, if we are to stick to the laws of our fathers then how do we expect to turn the wolves and their cunning to the hills." we are the idea possibly of what was to become of a land not our own but of others an to reap a different reward than that wich was sown of false regrets and changed rewards.
ME: who is that by?
CPL: i wrote both of these on an MRE box when i was in okinawa when i realized the type of country i was serving and how far we have strayed from the idea you just entertained.
ME: wow, thats very intriguing. in as short as possible , what type of country do you feel you serve today?
CPL: i serve a country, no i serve an idea that is far beyond me but allows me to dream of better life that is what i serve. i serve to preserve our dreams.
ME: dont wanna take up too much of your time so in closing what are your last thoughts on the things we discussed?
CPL: no trouble at all my thoughts are the same as they were we all have a job to do but what makes us different is our conviction to get it done and no matter why we fight or what business we are into that as long as we have an idea of what we do. what we do we will continue to survive and thrive as a nation of dreams this all seems very fantastic and other worldy but it is true i will do what is asked of me as long as what im doing protects my ideals and hopes lol a little ignorant yes but in a day of high speed internet and volumes of inforamtion at your fingertips who isnt lol
i hope i helped a little bit
ME: SURE DOES BUD
THANKS VERY MUCH FOR THE TIME HERE, AS WELL AS IN THE BATTLEFIELD. IT REALLY IS APPRECIATED.
BE SAFE OUT THERE AND STAY IN TOUCH
---------END
Monday, February 7, 2011
Lumberjacks Axe 'Cats
The 'Cats dropped both home games this past weekend to Northern Arizona. Fridays absence of Roberts led to a 9-3 loss. "It's hard watching from the stands, I'm going to see how I feel in warm ups tomorrow," said Roberts after Fridays game. The following night Roberts dressed and proceeded to play the duration of the contest.The 'Cats took a 12-1 beating with the only goal for the 'Cats coming from the point off the power-play by Roberts. Next Weekend will be a big test as the 'Cats host Arizona (D1). The last time they met Arizona took both wins with a decisive 7-3 victory being the closest game.
Score sheet
Friday, February 4, 2011
Game Night Pre-view: WSU vs.NAU
This weekend the Wildcats host the NAU Lumberjacks for a two game series. The 'Cats are overall 5-21 with a 3-9 record on home ice. NAU has a record of 14-12 with a road record of 10-9. The 'Cats are also 2-4 since the break while NAU is 3-5.
Wildcats: 5-21 Overall. 3-9 Home record. 2-4 Since Winter Break.
Top Scorers: Chris Roberts (34) Braxton Green (28).
Injuries: Chris Roberts (out indefinitely, left wrist sprain level 3)
NAU: 14-12 Overall. 10-9 Road Record. 3-5 Since Winter Break.
Top Scorers: Nicholas Short (27), Brett Buckowich (24), plus four more with over 20 points.
Injuries: None
Keys to the Game: With Roberts out, Green will have to keep his scoring streak going after missing the second game of last weekend's series against Utah with a shoulder injury.
NAU has 6 players exceeding 20 point seasons, so Wildcats' blue liners need to stay on their toes and contain every single line they face.
Wildcats: 5-21 Overall. 3-9 Home record. 2-4 Since Winter Break.
Top Scorers: Chris Roberts (34) Braxton Green (28).
Injuries: Chris Roberts (out indefinitely, left wrist sprain level 3)
NAU: 14-12 Overall. 10-9 Road Record. 3-5 Since Winter Break.
Top Scorers: Nicholas Short (27), Brett Buckowich (24), plus four more with over 20 points.
Injuries: None
Keys to the Game: With Roberts out, Green will have to keep his scoring streak going after missing the second game of last weekend's series against Utah with a shoulder injury.
NAU has 6 players exceeding 20 point seasons, so Wildcats' blue liners need to stay on their toes and contain every single line they face.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Utes Down 'Cats
After what was a tight back and forth barn burner on Friday night, the 'Cat's took to the road to play against the Utes for the second game of the weekend series. The 'Cats went down 10-3 at the final buzzer. Absent of Captain Braxton Green (shoulder), the 'Cats first line was missing its hottest scorer. Soto put Mayer up on the top line with Roberts and Snowball. Just as on Friday night, The Utes once again opened up scoring in the first notching a 2-0 lead after the first with goals by Reed and Huras(power play). The second period was no better for the Cats as the Utes scored one more before Senior Reid Mayer tallied a goal. The Utes fired back with three consecutive goals. Meyer put up his second goal of the game with 6:08 in the second to give the Cats a glimpse of hope, but that would be the last goal they put in for the period while the Utes took a late momentum boosting goal by Huras(his 2nd) with only 0:57 on the clock. The steamroll continued into the third where the Utes laid on 3 more goals while the Cats only third period goal came unassisted by Roberts. The Utes not only hurt the already falling record of the 'Cats, but also managed to injure two top forces on the team. Tim Brownell, who was already icing his shoulder before the game, took a hit into the boards at center ice early in the third that left him on the bench for the remainder of the contest. Roberts suffered a level 3 sprain of his right wrist in an open ice hit by #10 German Charles with under 1 minute to play. Roberts is expected not to play until the Cats' last game series in Vegas as they take on UNLV the weekend of Feb. 18. Green will return this weekend as the Cats host Northern Arizona for a 2 game home stand.
Score sheet
Score sheet
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wildcats End Streak
The Wildcats came into tonight's contest at 3-2 on the second half of the season with three straight victories. An addition of previously injured Reid Mayer gave the Wildcats some much needed help on the blue line for Weber. Mayer suffered multiple shoulder separations in the fall semester and missed more than 10 games "Lets get it to four tonight boys!" said Snowball in the locker room before the game. Even though the game was closely matched,Weber couldn't hold off the Utes in the third session of play. The game was physical off the bat with Brownell and Schindler making it a point to hit everything that touched the puck. Scoring was started right away by the Utes, but Weber was quick to answer with goals by Snowball and House in the first leg of play. The contest was a back and forth shooting gallery. Utah was persistent to keep leading scorer Chris Roberts off the score sheet. Roberts took 6 shots on goal, notching none. A late questionable penalty to Roberts at 2:48 left in the third sealed the deal for the Utes putting them on the powerplay during what could have been the Wildcats' last head of steam. The 'Cats came out with a 6-5 loss on home ice.
Score sheet
New Leadership, New Trends
The Wildcats Hockey team is on a three game win streak after the break. They split a weekend with Oregon then defeated BYU and steamrolled Boise State 9-3. The new leadership appointed by Coach Soto may be the reason. Seniors Tim Brownell and Chris Deitsch were appointed Assistant Captains under new Captain, Sophomore, Braxton Green. "They're your new leaders, don't disrespect them and listen to what they have to say," said Soto in the locker room.The new leadership was made known after the first game back after break against Utah State, but wasn't shown to be a factor until the tight two game home stand against the Oregon Ducks the following weekend where they lost the first game 5-3 then responded two nights later by flipping the score on the ducks and taking a win. The momentum carried over onto the next two contests against the Cougars and the Broncos. With a second half winning record of 3-2, it appears the young guys are now having that need met where they look for on ice leadership. the Wildcats will look to continue the win streak this weekend starting tonight at 8:30pm on the Ice Sheet in Ogden as the take on the "U".
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Young Wildcat Team Looking Ahead After a Discouraging 1st Half
Saturday night the Weber State hockey team took on in state rivalry Utah State Aggies for their first game of the second semester block. Weber looked to change their ways from last semester after going 3-17-1 before the break. "We've only got two lines so we're trying to make the goals fairly easy... Hard work, just not giving up and staying out of the box staying disciplined... it's tough to come out and play against a number two ranked team when you only have 10 guys, a lot of freshman who are inexperienced," said Coach Steve Soto. He also named captains before the game including seniors Tim Brownell and Chris Deitsch as Assistant Captains to newly named Captain Braxton Green.
The Aggies opened up scoring early and often in the first period scoring three goals off their first four shots resulting in Weber Goalie Jonas Torgerson being replaced by the newly acquired Tyler Wolfey. Soto commented, "We need to get lots of shots on goal and also take care of our goalie." Wolfey faced a flurry of 50 shots in his debut and stopped 36 of them putting on a pretty decent performance despite the 16-2 loss. Weber's total shot count reached 35 burying only 2 of those against the Aggies. "The guys in the locker room know the rivalry but just don't grasp it... Utah state wants to bury us every time, we need to be the same way and we're not yet," Said Soto. He attributes this to the overall age of the team.
The shot count and score weren't the only thing that was lopsided, Weber faced a total of 15 penalty minutes against while Utah State faced only 8. Five of those minutes in period 3 were due to a hit from behind into the boards on Aggie Junior #88 David Reeve resulting in a disqualification to Weber's freshman #9 Josh Meyer. After a weary 15 minutes of on ice evaluation by medical staff, Reeve was carried off by emergency medical personnel on a spine board and stretcher showing a thumbs up as he was being rolled off the ice. Reeve was later reported to be Okay by Meyer who, after being DQ'd, went to the hospital where Reeve was being treated to check on his condition.
Despite this loss Weber is looking to be optimistic this weekend against unranked Oregon in their 2 game homestand. The key to the Wildcats success this weekend will be to contain 2 point per game scorer Senior Kevin Trihey and trying to put pucks past the goaltenders for Oregon who collectively only faced 72 shots in 10 games. Game times this weekend are on Friday at 20:30 and Sunday at 19:30, tentatively at the Weber County Ice Sheet, across the lot from the Dee Events Center.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)