Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Grading the defenseman and goalies

While this team was led by star forwards such as Johnny G, Chris Kreider, and Barry Almeida, the main reason we won the National Championship is because the defenseman improved drastically throughout the year and Parker Milner became the best goalie in the country. Here are the "final" grades.

Tommy Cross- A. After three years in which he was down with injuries, this was by far and away Tommy's best season at BC. He, along with Brian Dumoulin, were the anchors for this team on the defensive side of the puck. He had an outstanding season and I hope to see him in a Bruins jersey soon. future.

Brian Dumoulin- A +. While I am pretty young and don't remember the days of Mike Mottau and Andrew Albers too much, Brian Dumoulin is the best defenseman I have personally seen at Boston College. Ask Coach York himself, he would certainly say that Brian is one of the best overall players he has ever coached. He had an amazing year and will be a really solid player for Carolina someday.

Pat Wey- B. I don't think Pat Wey had a bad season by any means but he certainly will need to improve in the summer and prepare to be the #1 defenseman for this team next year. He, like Cross, has had some injury problems as of late so he needs to make sure he is healthy and ready to go next year. He could end up being Captain as well...

Patch Alber- B. Patch Alber, in my opinion, was one of the most improved players on this hockey team. He really started playing strong in his own zone this year, something that he struggled with in his previous two years. Look for him to have a very nice year next season.

Isaac Macleod- B. By far and away the most improved player on this team. Last year, he didn't play in every game but thanks to some hard work and close attention to detail, Isaac definitely improved his game this season. I really look forward to seeing his progress over the next two seasons.

Edwin Shea- B-. Out of his four years here at BC, Edwin Shea certainly had his best season this year. While he doesn't get very good stats, he tends to be a very solid defenseman most of the time. Sometimes however, he can struggle in his own zone. I wish him the best in his post BC life.

Mark Begert- N/A

Parker Milner- A. Yes, he struggled in the early goings of the season but once the team returned from Orono, Maine, something happend to Parker Milner. Thanks to hard work with Coach Louge, Parker became the best goaltender not only in Hockey East, but in the entire country. Next year could be a monster year for him.

Chris Venti- B-. While Chris didn't play too much, he certainly had a big impact on this team. He led the squad to a beautiful 3-2 win at Fenway versus Northeastern and was a real leader off the ice. Best of luck to Chris as he moves on from BC.

Brian Billett- He beat BU 6-1. That right there is just amazing.

Brad Barone- N/A.



 Grading the Defensemen and Goalies: A Comprehensive Evaluation



In the realm of hockey, success is often defined by the performance of defensemen and goaltenders. These unsung heroes play a critical role in ensuring a team's competitiveness and often determine its fate. In this article, we will embark on a comprehensive evaluation of defensemen and goalies, grading their performance based on various criteria and addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) surrounding their roles in the sport.

Section 1: The Vital Roles of Defensemen and Goalies

Defenders of the Blue Line: An introduction to the indispensable roles that defensemen and goalies play in the game of hockey.

The First Line of Defense: Exploring how defensemen act as the initial barrier against opposing attacks.

Section 2: Grading Defensemen

A deep dive into the criteria for evaluating the performance of defensemen:

Defensive Prowess: Assessing their ability to thwart opponent's scoring attempts and maintain strong defensive zones.

Offensive Contributions: Analyzing their involvement in offensive plays, including goals, assists, and power-play effectiveness.

Leadership and Communication: Evaluating their capacity to lead on the ice, communicate with teammates, and make sound decisions under pressure.

Shot Blocking and Physicality: Recognizing their willingness to sacrifice their bodies by blocking shots and engaging in physical battles.

Section 3: Grading Goaltenders

An in-depth exploration of the criteria for evaluating the performance of goaltenders:

Save Percentage: Discussing the significance of a goaltender's save percentage and its impact on the team's success.

Goals Against Average (GAA): Explaining how GAA reflects a goaltender's ability to minimize opposing team's scoring.

Consistency and Poise: Assessing a goaltender's ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations and maintain consistency over the course of a season.

Puck Handling Skills: Evaluating their proficiency in handling the puck and initiating offensive plays.

Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Defensemen and Goalies

Addressing common questions and discussions related to defensemen and goalies:

How do injuries impact a team's defensive performance?
Exploring the challenges posed by injuries and the strategies employed to mitigate their impact.

What makes a great goaltender?
Discussing the qualities that distinguish exceptional goaltenders from the rest.

What role does team chemistry play in defensive success?
Examining the importance of teamwork and communication among defensemen and goaltenders.

Section 5: Conclusion

Defensemen and goaltenders are the backbone of a hockey team, often working tirelessly in the shadows to secure victories and championships. Grading their performances involves a holistic evaluation of their contributions, from blocking shots to making acrobatic saves. As fans, coaches, and players alike, we understand that the success of a team is a collective effort, with defensemen and goalies playing pivotal roles in achieving the ultimate goal: victory. Their dedication, leadership, and exceptional skills deserve recognition, as they continue to be the unsung heroes of the game. With each new season, we eagerly anticipate the remarkable plays, clutch saves, and defensive masterclasses that will leave us in awe once again.




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