If Some Madore is Good, More is Better

Burlington Free Press writer Ted Ryan recently wrote a piece in which he asks who should be the starting goalie for the UVM men's hockey team.

Ummm, Rob Madore.

While it's true that Rob hasn't looked like the same goalie who helped UVM reach the 2009 Frozen Four, let's not forget that his stats are improving, he's got defensemen in front of him who are playing better, and we're entering a critical stretch of the season - Winter break. Why is it even a question of who should start?

Rob has the hot hand and given the fact that UVM plays one team, Dartmouth, before Winter break and before having to play in the Catamount Cup, I want Rob to build upon his momentum rather than let it go to waste. Giving Rob the start would allow him to continue focusing on being calm in net and it would give him ample time to prepare for the Catamount Cup.

Keep in mind that this year's Cup will feature quality teams - Mercyhurst, Alabama-Huntsville, and Minn-Duluth. Alabama-Huntsville has wins over Notre Dame and Air Force. Mercyhurst is tied with Air Force at the top of the AHA. Minn-Duluth has beaten teams such as Col. College, Denver, Minnesota, and North Dakota.

I know Rob is mentally tough but Winter break can seem long and it won't benefit the team if he questions his abilities during the time off. If UVM wants to have success after the break, win the Catamount Cup and put themselves in position to receive another bid to the NCAA tournament, Rob must be #1, starting with Dartmouth.