Apologies for a minimalistic recap, but my computer has died so this is being written on my iPhone.
I was impressed by the Minutemen defensively last night. Yes they allowed a ton of shots, but they limited Merrimack to a lot of non-quality chances and when they did get a good look Paul Dainton was there to stop them. The defense also did a good job of sweeping rebounds from in front of the net or getting between the Merrimack forwards and the loose pucks. Overall, I don’t have too many complaints about the effort defensively against this high scoring offense that put up 11 last time they met in this building.
The UMass offense however was nonexistent. The started the game with 7 shots in the first and unfortunately the totals went down from there. This team, as it’s currently built, seems completely unable to compete on small ice. The forwards just do not seem to have the strength to maintain possession when bringing the puck into the zone and too often they’re stopped in the neutral zone before even getting there. One positive offensively is that UMass scored on the power play for the second straight night, with both coming on the four on three.
This was a very beatable top ten team,made even more beatable with the fact that they were missing their best player. A win or more would’ve been a feather in the cap of this UMass team going forward and show that they’re making progress from when they first assembled last fall. I think they showed they can compete but is lacking enough to truly be able to win key games. Unfortunately I think what they’re lacking is all mental. Key mistakes, lack of consistent focus, and shaky confidence from some of the younger players is limiting this team’s ability to win. Unfortunately things get much tougher from here with a home and home with Boston College. Fortunately Northeastern just showed that the Eagles are in fact human.
Fear The Triangle Player of the Game -Paul Dainton
Despite being peppered all night the only two pucks that got past Dainton were on a 2 on 1 and on the power play. If Dainton is not on the top of his game last night this could’ve been a repeat of another 11-2 disaster.
^
Sorry, can’t do links to the game recaps at this time.
Vermont’s tie with UNH lifted them into 7th place with UMass. The Minutemen still own the tiebreaker. Providence lost and remain 3 points back in 9th place. The Catamounts have two at BU next week while Providence has a home and home with Lowell.
^
It appears that South Kent forward Joseph Manno has committed to UMass and is scheduled to come to Amherst this fall.
(Sorry for the misinformation, but it now appears that I received bad information or Manno backed out. I cannot confirm his committment at this time – MC)
Fear The Triangle - UMass Hockey Blog 
Lester
/ February 20, 2011If what you are saying is correct, do you think Manno will play on a regular basis as a Freshman? If so, what do you think he can bring to the lineup?
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Michael
/ February 20, 2011Though I have never watched Manno play, I heard he is a very solid power forward who can bring energy to any lineup. Also I’ve been hearing that he has pretty good speed and uses his big frame to power through d-men. If more information pops up about Manno I will be glad to post it.
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rocks22
/ February 21, 2011Please share if you find anymore on Manno. Thanks.
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paulie
/ February 21, 2011Just what we need another guy who brings energy and cant score HELLO
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Michael
/ February 21, 2011Just so you know Paulie, Manno has 15 goals and 26 assists in 21 games, which is good enough to lead his team in scoring, and 19th in the prep hockey league. I think scoring will not be an issue.
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Lester
/ February 21, 2011I think Michael is right. Manno plays with an edge, a chip on his shoulder. I am getting reports that he scores big goals at opportune times. I checked out the history in the Midget AAA league he played last year. He is tied for most overtime goals in playoffs. I would also agree with Rocks22 in LaRue’s playing time. Manno will bring another dimension to UMass if he decides to go and he is played regularly.
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rocks22
/ February 21, 2011I haven’t found too much about him to know enough. I’ll try to see him play, but being so late in the season I might not be able to. Out of the freshman I think LaRue will definitely see regular time next year. But whether Manno will, I’m not sure as of yet.
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mike
/ February 21, 2011Guess I’ve seen almost all the games in the Toot era and have never seen them pushed around so much in the corners. Size and strength have really become issues this year. The team really needs some beef up front.
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Puck Pagan
/ February 21, 2011Depends on the role coach wants Manno to play. If he uses him only as a big body to bang any offensive skill will be lost.
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rocks22
/ February 21, 2011But at the same time, big bodies who bang is also something this team needs desperately. A combination of the two isn’t a bad thing either. I think the team as its currently created could use an Alex Berry-type player.
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Michael
/ February 21, 2011I had a chance to watch Manno versus Berkshire, and he indeed has a big frame, but boy can he see the ice well, and find open space. Tonight he had probably missed 4 chances to score on great opportunities created by himself. His speed is impeccable for the big body that he has. All in all if he is truly committed to UMass, theres no doubt in my mind that he will see playing time.
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rocks22
/ February 21, 2011Michael, thanks for the update in Manno’s scoring as well as the first hand comments on Manno’s game.
Hopefully I’ll be able to see him play before the season is out.
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Michael
/ February 21, 2011South Kent plays there final game versus Winchendon at Winchendon isn’t that near UMass?
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rocks22
/ February 21, 2011Not too far away. Northern part of Central Mass. Unfortunately I’ll be in Boston for the game vs BC that night. Hoping to catch a playoff game.
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Bullmoose
/ February 22, 2011You mean Chestnut Hill/Newton, not Boston, right? 🙂
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rocks22
/ February 22, 2011The pregame will be taking place in Boston and then proceed out of the city to Conte for the game of course.
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Bittym87
/ February 22, 2011Oh hey I don’t live too far from Winchentucky (as we central massers like to call it). Maybe if I’m bored I’ll check it out.
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Anonymous
/ February 22, 2011tough decisions friday, pond club or other bars for better beers…hmmmmm
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rocks22
/ February 22, 2011I feel a Sunset trip coming on.
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Lester
/ February 23, 2011I wouldn’t put too much stock in Manno committing to UMass. There are sources close to the family that say he may be looking at other programs or taking a different route all together. At this point it is a wait and see situation but it would be a pitty to lose a bonafide power forward that can help our team as of next season.
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rocks22
/ February 23, 2011You may be right. I had info from two different sources that signalled he had committed. Perhaps not.
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