For the second time in three weeks, the Eagles will step out of conference play, this time to take on former ECAC rival, Dartmouth College Saturday afternoon @ Kelly Rink. While a non conference game, this game has some big time implications as the Big Green currently rank right behind BC in the pairwise rankings at #4. The Eagles haven't faced Dartmouth since the 2008 season in which they defeated the Big Green by a 2-1 margin in Hanover. Tomorrow's game however is not a game vs a lowly ECAC team that is just showing up to try and beat the #1 team in the country. No, tomorrow is a game vs a team that doesn't just think they have a chance tomorrow, but believe they will win. Why do I say that ? Well, you can't say the Big Green are not a good club as they have, like BC, lost just one game on the season, a road loss @ Colgate. Besides that one blemish in Hamilton, the Big Green have beaten some pretty quality hockey teams like Yale, Union, and have an impressive tie vs Cornell in Ithaca. Look, BC knows tomorrow is not going be to a roll over game for them...they know it's a big non conference game that when push comes to shove at the seasons end, will have big time NCAA tournament implications. Right now, a win over a top 5 pairwise team would go a long way in helping BC in the confidence column and in the pairwise column. One stat to watch out for when looking at Dartmouth ? They have the #1 penalty kill in the country as they have killed of 28 of 29 penalties so far this year which will be a great test for a BC power play that to me, looks a little out of sorts right now. There was that nice goal to cap the comeback vs Merrimack last week but other than that, the Eagles have not scored once in 14 other power play chances. Basically, 1/15 since the game vs Notre Dame is not going to cut it. It's not that they look awful and are not getting any shots at all, because both units are getting chances but they have either been turn away by the goalie or missed the net and cleared. Shot selection has been a bit of an issue the last couple of games for both units. There is no need to be worried too much about either unit but scoring one or two goals on the man advantage would go a long way in winning tomorrows game.
In terms of the ECAC standings, the Big Green rank first and still have two games in hand on second place Cornell. In goal, it is not known who will play for Dartmouth as they started freshman Charles Grant in the tie @ Cornell but have played Jr Cab Morris in 6 of their other games so far this year. Grant has 5 goals against compared to Morris' 8 and he also beats Morris in the GAA category with a 1.63 GAA compared to Morris' 1.97 GAA. Up front, the Big Green are led by Eric Robinson (8-3-11), Tyler Sikura (5-7-12), and Matt Lindblad (3-3-6). Robinson currently leads the ECAC with those 8 goals on the season and Sikura, who has five goals on the year, also ranks in the top 10 in that same category. In terms of their power play, the Big Green have converted on just 17 % of their chances, a stat that ranks them 7th in the ECAC. As we mentioned earlier, their PK, which ranks #1 in the country, has killed off an astonishing 96 % of their penalties. It should be interesting to see two of the best penalty kill units in the country go at it tomorrow as BC's PK has also looked very sharp, killing off 14 of their last 15 penalties (the last goal coming in the final seconds @ BU).
With Destry Straight out tomorrow with a high ankle sprain, BC is once again going to need some strong play from their bottom 6 forwards, particularly Mike Sit, Danny Linell, and Brendan Silk. Last weekend, I thought the second, without Destry, looked a little bit out of rhythm but that doesn't mean Quinn Smith played bad in his new spot. I actually think Smith's style of play goes hand in hand with guys like Arnold and Hayes. I think the staff likes how Smith really goes hard after pucks and gets them to Hayes and Arnold who are expected to make the plays. Obviously, they key for any team when they play BC will be how they control the first line. You can't stop them so you just have to basically hope they don't decided to turn it into high gear and score a goal every other shift. Tomorrow should be a good hockey game between two really good teams that have proven they can win vs tough opponents. Hopefully, the Eagles play like they did in the final 35 minutes of Friday's game vs MC and take it to the Big Green.
Keys for the Eagles-
1. The second line's play. After a bit of a tough game last week, it would be nice to see Kevin Hayes and Bill Arnold get back to the way they have been playing all year. When the top two lines are scoring, BC is a really tough team to beat.
2. Playing a full 60 minutes- Last week, BC got away with it and played maybe 45 good minutes vs Merrimack. Tomorrow, a full 60 minute effort will be needed in order to get a victory.
3. The Power Play- If the PP gets back to the way it was in the games vs UMass, NU, Lowell, and Maine, they will start scoring again.
All Time Series- BC leads 60-30-0...Last Big Green win was in 2002.
Players to watch-
Tyler Sikura- 5 goals and 7 assist on the year. Leads team in points.
Eric Robinson- 8 goals and 3 assist so far this year. Leads team, and league, in goals.
Prediction- BC 3 Dartmouth 1
Injury Note- Destry Straight is out.
GO EAGLES !
NOTE- REMEMBER TO BRING AN UNWRAPPED TOY....
Previewing the #11 Dartmouth Big Green: A Closer Look at College Athletics Excellence
In the realm of college sports, the Dartmouth Big Green holds a special place as an institution with a rich history and a commitment to excellence. Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, is home to a diverse array of athletic programs, each contributing to the institution's proud tradition of athletic achievement. In this article, we will delve into the world of Dartmouth athletics, with a specific focus on the #11 ranked Dartmouth Big Green, providing an in-depth preview of what makes this athletic program so special.
Chapter 1: A Brief History of Dartmouth Athletics
Dartmouth College has a storied history in college athletics, dating back to the 19th century. The college's commitment to physical education and sportsmanship has laid the foundation for a thriving athletic department. Dartmouth's athletic teams, collectively known as the Big Green, compete at the NCAA Division I level and are members of the Ivy League, one of the most prestigious athletic conferences in the country.
The Big Green have a strong tradition of excellence in various sports, including football, hockey, basketball, and track and field. Dartmouth athletes have achieved success both on and off the field, exemplifying the college's commitment to the scholar-athlete model.
Chapter 2: Dartmouth's Athletic Facilities
Dartmouth's commitment to athletic excellence is reflected in its state-of-the-art athletic facilities. The college boasts impressive venues that provide student-athletes with top-notch training and competition spaces. Here are some notable facilities:
a. Memorial Field: This iconic football stadium has a seating capacity of over 11,000 and serves as the home of Dartmouth football. It's a place where the Dartmouth faithful gather to support their team on crisp autumn afternoons.
b. Leverone Field House: An indoor facility that houses the college's track and field programs, Leverone Field House provides athletes with a place to train year-round, regardless of the weather.
c. Thompson Arena: Home to Dartmouth's hockey teams, Thompson Arena offers a fantastic atmosphere for fans and an ideal playing surface for the Big Green's talented players.
d. Scully-Fahey Field: This field is the epicenter of Dartmouth's soccer and lacrosse programs. It's a place where fierce competition and sportsmanship come together.
Chapter 3: A Closer Look at the #11 Dartmouth Big Green
Dartmouth College's athletic programs have achieved notable success over the years, with several teams earning national recognition. Among these, the #11 Dartmouth Big Green stands out as a program that consistently competes at a high level across various sports. Let's take a closer look at what makes this ranking so special:
a. Women's Soccer: The Dartmouth women's soccer team has a history of excellence, often competing in the NCAA tournament. Their strong recruiting and coaching have propelled them to national prominence.
b. Men's Hockey: Dartmouth's men's hockey program is another powerhouse. With a rich tradition and dedicated fan base, they consistently contend in the tough ECAC Hockey conference.
c. Men's Lacrosse: The men's lacrosse team at Dartmouth has a growing reputation for excellence. They regularly face off against some of the toughest competition in Division I lacrosse.
d. Women's Track and Field: Dartmouth's track and field athletes consistently perform at a high level. They've produced national-caliber competitors in various disciplines.
e. Women's Basketball: The women's basketball team is known for their competitive spirit and strong presence in the Ivy League.
Chapter 4: The Student-Athlete Experience
Dartmouth College places a strong emphasis on the student-athlete experience, where academic excellence is as important as athletic achievement. Student-athletes at Dartmouth are expected to excel in the classroom and on the field, embodying the values of dedication and balance.
Dartmouth's coaching staff is committed to helping student-athletes succeed both academically and athletically. They provide support for academic pursuits, ensuring that athletes have access to resources and tutoring when needed.
Additionally, Dartmouth fosters a sense of community among its student-athletes. The camaraderie that develops among teammates and the support from the wider Dartmouth community contribute to a well-rounded college experience.
Chapter 5: Notable Alumni
Dartmouth College has produced numerous notable alumni who have gone on to excel in both sports and various other fields. Some of these alumni include:
a. Dr. James Naismith: The inventor of basketball, Dr. Naismith was a physical education instructor at the International YMCA Training School, which later became Springfield College, where he created the game of basketball.
b. Jay Fiedler: A former Dartmouth quarterback, Jay Fiedler played in the NFL for several years, most notably with the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets.
c. Katie Weatherston: An Olympic gold medalist in women's ice hockey, Weatherston played a significant role in Canada's victory at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
d. Mindy Kaling: While not a professional athlete, Mindy Kaling is a Dartmouth alumna known for her successful career as an actress, writer, and comedian.
Chapter 6: Frequently Asked Questions
Now, let's address some frequently asked questions about Dartmouth athletics:
Q1: How many Ivy League championships has Dartmouth won?
A1: Dartmouth College has won numerous Ivy League championships across various sports. The exact number varies by sport and season, but the Big Green consistently competes at a high level within the conference.
Q2: Are Dartmouth athletic events open to the public?
A2: Yes, many Dartmouth athletic events are open to the public, and the college encourages community support for its teams. Check the Dartmouth Athletics website for information on schedules, ticketing, and event details.
Q3: Can Dartmouth athletes go on to play professionally?
A3: Yes, several Dartmouth athletes have gone on to play professionally in their respective sports. Dartmouth's strong athletic programs often produce athletes who have the skills and talent to pursue professional careers.
Q4: Does Dartmouth offer scholarships for athletes?
A4: Dartmouth College, like other Ivy League schools, does not offer athletic scholarships. However, they do provide financial aid packages based on need, making it possible for student-athletes to attend and compete.
The #11 Dartmouth Big Green embodies the spirit of excellence and tradition that defines Dartmouth College's athletic programs. From their storied history to their commitment to the student-athlete experience, Dartmouth's athletes and teams continue to make a mark in the world of college sports. As they compete at the highest level and contribute to their community, the Dartmouth Big Green will undoubtedly remain a source of pride for the college and its supporters for years to come.
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