After UVM's second lopsided loss of the season, a 6-2 drubbing from UMass, coach Kenvin Sneddon said, "We’ve got a lot of talent in there and it’s just not coming together for whatever reason right now."
I have a suspicion that one of the reasons for the team's up and down start is ineffective leadership. A harsh statement for sure but I don't totally fault this year's captains, Kevan Miller and Brian Roloff, for not providing the same level of leadership of Peter Lenes, Dean Strong, and Corey Carlson. Leadership like other skills improves with practice. Peter and Corey served as Assistant Captains for two years. As Captain, Dean led the Cats for two year too. Kevan and Brian will grow into their roles, but it will take time. That said, a loss like the one last night really makes you appreciate what Peter, Dean, and Corey brought to the team.
I also have the suspicion that one of the reasons "it's just not coming together" for the men's hockey team is that current players, maybe non more so than the freshman, are feeling a level of entitlement after the trip to the Frozen Four last year. Hopefully Kevan and Brian can impress upon the team that playing in the post season is earned but if not, I expect coach Sneddon's new policy of "tough love" to go a long way.
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