Justin Milo Kicked Off UVM Hockey Team

I know this is late but I had collected notes when this story broke and I'm finally getting around to putting them into written form.

The Burlington Free Press's writer, Ted Ryan, did a nice job following this story and the following quotes are from his piece, "Milo is off Cats' roster".

"We obviously spent a lot of time as a staff, with the support staff, and with the leadership and just felt it was in the best interest to move forward without him as part of our team," said Sneddon - UVM Men's Hockey coach. Anyone else bothered by the fact that Sneddon mentioned "leadership"? Does this mean the captains didn't want him on the team? Did they sell Milo out? Awwkwaardd.

Coach Sneddon also eluded to the fact that Milo's "focus wasn't there". Here's another point that raised my brow. Please remember that Milo was a varsity athlete on two DI teams - Baseball and Hockey. Plus Milo was drafted by the Yankees - albeit in the 300th round but still. I can't imagine a scenario where a drafted athlete and two sport varsity college athlete would lack focus. It just doesn't seem like a trait that an athlete of that caliber would have, does it? 

Also, Milo said, "my attitude and level of play were not consistent" Well, if that was really the case, was Dan Lawson on the hot seat early in the year? Lawson's play early on was horrendous. As a fan, I need more than "inconsistent play" as a reason for dismissal. 

All in all Milo's dismissal confirmed that UVM hockey is no longer a small town team - UVM Hockey is a national program. For example, this story made headlines at USCHO.com, INCH.com and CollegeHockeyNews.com. I dislike saying that there's a cost of winning but at this level I think there may be. I just hope that the average Vermont fan realizes that UVM hockey has entered the big time and knows what they're dealing with from this point going forward.

Side Notes:
Since this story broke we have heard nothing from Milo's parents. In today's world of helicopter parents, silence sounds odd.

Milo handled his dismissal with a ton of class, "To the UVM fans, he said, "It was always fin playing in front of them at the Gutterson arena and I had hoped to help the team turn the season around and make a push for the playoffs. I'm disappointed I can't be a part of that".

UVM Hockey - Making Headlines

The Monday after UVM unseeded #1 UNH in the Hockey East Quarterfinals, there were two sites that featured the Cats. Good stuff.

UVM Hockey - USCHO Cover

UVM Hockey made the front page of the USCHO website again. Now let's hope they make the Hockey East post season.

UVM Hockey - Student Section Shows Signs of Life

The UVM student section at men's hockey games is usually pretty weak. In fact, an observer wouldn't necessary know it's the student section except for the fact that nearly everyone is standing. I guess I should accept all victories no matter how small they are.

All this said, I'm very pleased to share some pictures from a recent hockey game, showing the student section  exhibiting signs of life! The SGA produced Green and Gold Scarves and handed them out to students prior to this weekend's games versus BU and guess what... students worn them (double exclamation point).

I sincerely hope the SGA makes more of these scarves and that they catch on - they really look good. I mean it doesn't look like BU's student section but one victory at a time.

And finally, how can I get one??

Rob Madore

Found this shot of UVM's goalie, Rob Madore. Very cool focus work.

 

On another note:

This is the way the UVM student section should look during every home hockey game...

UVM Hockey Photo From Late 60's

UVM men's hockey team - circa late 60's. Recognize anyone?

Oldest College Hockey Rinks, the Gut

UVM's hockey rink, the Gut, made ESPN's list of oldest rinks in the country. My first reaction was one of pride but I'm left wondering, "is this the list UVM really wants to make?"
 
Travel Ten: Oldest college hockey rinks

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.

UVM at Northwestern

UVM won the game but I forgot to post the pictures.

Enjoy http://www.flickr.com/photos/uvmathletics/sets/72157622892713514/show/

Included in the pictures is another shot of Madore's new helmet - sick.

Pre Game Thoughts - UVM at BU

After being asked what my thoughts were about tonight's hockey game between BU and Vermont, a few things came to mind - UVM's recent history vs BU, who will be in net, and can UVM maintain their intensity.

UVM played BU four times last year, splitting the the overall series and obviously the game that mattered most - the Frozen Four semifinal game. However, let's not forget that after getting thumped 5-1 early in the 08-09 season, UVM traveled to Agganis and swept BU - something that had never happened or certainly not since the invention of color tv. Even in last year's Frozen Four game UVM played BU tight, only surrendering in the final moments. In 2007-08 UVM split their series with the Terries and held a 2-1 advantage in games in 2006-07. If history is a guide, there's a good chance UVM will leave Boston with a win.

As far as goaltending this evening, I'm betting on Spillane, who seems to have the hot hand. Madore hasn't played as well as last year and doesn't look like the same goalie who helped lead the Cats to Washington but let's be honest, the defense has been penetrable. On paper Madore appears to be struggling but a comparison like this isn't fair to Rob. During some of the early games the defense completely collapsed in front of Madore. All fans should hope that Rob gets his form back if UVM wishes to make noise in Hockey East going forward, especially since he is the future, but tonight I like Spillane.

UVM's on a two game win streak, something they haven't done since October! For much of the season the Cats have been up and down but I'm thinking the "tough love" that coach Sneddon said he would implement after the Cats' 6-1 loss versus UMass is beginning to sink in.

The Catamounts should win tonight based on how well UVM has played against the Terriers and Spillane's hot hand. Enjoy the game!

Go Cats Go!

Old ECAC rivals meet at the Gut - Yale at UVM 11.30.09

Yale visited the Gut in a rematch of last year's NCAA regional in Bridgeport. Highlights below. Plus an article in which UVM Coach Kevin Sneddon recognizes the play of Proctor Academy alum, Jay Anctil.

Spillane's Shutout, Pacan's Goal Carry Vermont :: USCHO.com :: U.S. College Hockey Online

Highlights

Photos

An Issue of Leadership

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.

UMass at UVM 11.24.09

6-2 UMass over UVM.

Highlights

UVM Goalies - A Closer Look

Looks like Mike Spillane and Rob Madore have some new helmets this year. Check them out...
(last year's)

(this year)

UVM vs Providence

UVM defeated Providence 3-0.

Click here for highlights

Photos


Mike Spillane was the goaltender for this game and it'll be interesting to see how much playing time he gets going forward.

UVM vs UMass Lowell

UVM tied UMass Lowell.

Click here for highlights

Photos

UVM vs Boston College 10.18.09

UVM victory over Boston College. 4-1

Highlights

Climbing Catamounts

The Catamounts making headlines - this one from the USCHO webpage.

Cats Headed in the Right Direction

The way Vermont played at Denver last weekend made an impact on the guys at Inside College Hockey. As a fan it's always fun listening to others talk about the Cats. Enjoy. 

Oct. 13 INCH Podcast

Skys The Limit

Highlights