Previewing the Union Dutchmen

Whether it was Yale's stunning upset over Minnesota or unheralded Niagara giving North Dakota all it could handle, the NCAA tournament is off to a great start and it will certainly continue with a huge primetime matchup between BC and Union tomorrow night. For BC to advance and keep their title defense alive, they're going to need to play their best game of the season tomorrow. Union is not a good hockey team, they're as good as any team in the nation. They have solid goaltending, skilled puck-moving defenseman, and a deep group of forwards that can score in bunches  The Dutchmen, the 4th seed in the ECAC playoffs, have rolled through their past 6 games , culminating with an ECAC championship last Saturday night vs Brown. Before defeating the Bears in the championship game, Union got a huge victory over a Yale team that just defeated Minnesota today. Clearly, the Dutchmen are playing their best hockey of the year at the right time.

In terms of common opponents, Union and Boston College share 3. Union has wins over Harvard (x2) and Merrimack while they also lost to the Warriors to open the season and also fell to Vermont in late December up in Burlington. Astonishingly, this will be the first ever meeting between Union and BC, two teams that made the Frozen Four last season (Union lost to Ferris State). When I look at this Union team, I see a team that has great special teams as they rank in the top 10 ten in both PK and PP while they also have as deep a defensive core as you will find in all of college hockey. Whether it's guys like Coburn, Gosthisbere, or Bodie, the Dutchmen have some guys that can really play at a high level. In terms of offensive production, Union is 16th in the country, currently averaging 3.04 goals per game (BC is second with 3.48). While their offense is solid, the defensive side of the puck is where Union thrives as they rank 6th in the country in goals given up per game (2.08).

Look, I think the whole key to this game is what team stays more disciplined. Last week, I saw a BC team that completely dominated BU for a long time but suddenly started taking penalties and handing the game right over to the Terriers. If BC gives Union multiple power plays at key junctures, it's going to be hard for them to come out with a W. If they can play aggressive  yet smart hockey, I think they have a fantastic chance of winning this hockey game. I like the move the staff made by putting Linell back to forward with Johnny G and Arnold because I think he possess some intangibles that Destry Straight doesn't offer. His speed and solid defensive zone play should go along nicely with Johnny and Billy.

I look for tomorrow night to be an absolutely fabulous hockey game between two of the best teams in the whole country. I think BC has a great shot if they can do a couple things. Like I said earlier, they have to stay out of the box as power plays can do a lot of damage in games like these. Two, they have got to find a way to play better in their own end. I think the Terriers had 4 or 5 breakaways in the game last weekend thanks to some blown coverages on BC's part. The Eagles have got to avoid those. Finally, they have to come out with an us vs the world attitude. This isn't a year where BC is expected to steamroll everyone like years past and to be honest, I think that bodes well for this club. They have the talent and the experience to go out there and win this game and if they go out there and play BC Hockey, they can win this game.

Scouting Union 

Record- 21-12-5 (ECAC tournament champs)

Best Wins- vs Yale, vs Merrimack

Worst Loss- @ Vermont

Leading Scorers- Wayne Simpson (16-17-33), Kyle Bodie (9-24-33), and Dan Carr (16-14-30)

Goalie- Troy Grosenick- .928 save percentage and 2.06 GAA


GO EAGLES !!

 Previewing the Union Dutchmen: A Season in the Making

As the anticipation of a new season of college hockey fills the air, fans, players, and enthusiasts eagerly await the return of the Union Dutchmen. With high hopes and excitement, it's time to delve into the prospects of the upcoming season, explore the team's strengths and challenges, and answer frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive preview of what lies ahead.

I. A Look Back: Reflection on the Previous Season

Before we dive into the prospects of the upcoming season, it's essential to take a moment to reflect on the performance of the Union Dutchmen in the previous season.

Achievements and Highlights: The previous season may have brought about notable achievements, memorable victories, and individual player performances worth celebrating.

Areas for Improvement: Reflecting on the past can also help identify areas where the team may need to improve or build upon for the upcoming season.

II. The Roster: Key Players and New Faces

To understand the Union Dutchmen's prospects, we must examine the composition of the roster, highlighting key players and new faces set to make an impact.

Returning Stars: Recognizing returning players who have been instrumental in past successes, and their expected contributions in the upcoming season.

Fresh Talent: New recruits, often heralded as future stars, bring their skills and potential to the team. Their integration into the roster is crucial.

III. Strengths and Weaknesses

Every team has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Union Dutchmen are no exception. Identifying these aspects can provide insights into their performance potential.

Strengths: Is the team known for a formidable offense, a stingy defense, or perhaps exceptional goaltending? Recognizing strengths is key to leveraging them.

Weaknesses: Identifying areas of vulnerability, such as penalty kill, power play, or defensive lapses, allows for targeted improvement.

IV. The Coach's Vision

The vision and coaching philosophy of the head coach play a pivotal role in shaping the team's approach and performance.

Coaching Philosophy: Understanding the coach's philosophy regarding tactics, player development, and team culture provides insights into the team's direction.

Strategies: Knowing the strategies and game plans that the coach intends to implement can help fans and analysts anticipate the team's style of play.

V. Expectations and Goals

As the season approaches, setting expectations and goals is a natural part of the preview process.

Fan Expectations: Fans often have high hopes and expectations for their team, which can serve as a source of motivation and excitement.

Team Goals: Within the locker room, the team sets its own goals, whether it's winning a conference championship, making the playoffs, or developing young talent.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How have the Union Dutchmen historically performed in their conference?

Historical performance can vary, but the team may have a record of playoff appearances or conference championships.

Are there any standout players or rising stars to watch out for in the upcoming season?

The roster's talent pool can change from season to season, so identifying standout players and rising stars is essential for fans.

What challenges does the team face in their conference or division?

Challenges can range from facing tough opponents to dealing with travel schedules. Analyzing these challenges helps in preparation.

What are the home game schedules, and how can fans get tickets to support the team?

Information about home game schedules and ticket availability is crucial for fans planning to attend games.

VII. Conclusion

As the new season approaches, the Union Dutchmen stand on the precipice of another exciting journey in college hockey. The anticipation, hopes, and dreams of fans and players alike are palpable. It's a time to celebrate the achievements of the past season, recognize areas for improvement, and set ambitious goals for the upcoming campaign.

As we collectively embark on this new season, we are reminded of the enduring allure of college hockey—the camaraderie, the passion, and the unwavering support of fans who rally behind their team. The Union Dutchmen's season in the making promises to be filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments, and we eagerly await the puck drop to witness it all.