Fellow Hockey-L'ers,
 
We are about 1/4 of the way through the season and I just wanted to
comment on the success of the UVM Cats so far.
 
First of all, we are 6-1-1. Not bad, considering the tough non-league
schedule, but we are still not where we should be. We could easily be
4-3-1 or 8-0-0, but here we are. Also, we are tied for first place in the
ECAC (where we were picked #1 by the coaches) after the first two
weekends of league play.
 
Next, Vermont is entering an important part of their season, the Holidays
and winter break. This is where UVM had problems last season. This week,
UVM travels to Maine for the Governer's Cup. Vermont will play U-Mass
Lowell (6-1-2 I believe) and either Maine or UNH (who they beat 7-4 in
the first game of the season.)
 
Vermont played well at home this weekend, even though they only came out
with 3 points. Cornell is just a good hockey team, and they beat UVM in
that game but Vermont found a way to tie to savlage a point. Colgate just
couldn't put the puck in the net, plain and simple. They had about 7 or 8
chances for an open net but couldn't settle for a shot. Tim Thomas and
the UVM defense were the big winners this weekend. They played incredible
against Cornell, to keep Vermont close and against Colgate for the
shutout. This was a big lift for a young defense that was searching for
some identity and may have found some this weekend.
 
People have been questioning the abilities of Eric Perrin this season,
because some feel that he isn't the "complete player", like his friend
and linemate Martin St. Louis. But due to St. Louis's injury, Perrin has
had to step up and in a big way.  Perrin has 19 points this season, on a
pace to score close to 80 for the season.  Whether or not he does this is
a different story. But his presence has helped this team when their
captain Martin has been out.
 
In closing, this is a team that is starting to get it together. After the
Phil Eboil (broken wrist) injury, people were concerned about Vermont's
ability to play without him in the lineup. However the Cats had responded
well and hope that they can continue to develop their youngsters until
his return.
 
If anybody has any questions about UVM Hockey, e-mail me at
[log in to unmask]
 
Till next time...
 
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* Howie Mansfield              email: [log in to unmask]  *
* South Burlington, VT 05403   phone #: (802) 864-3916        *
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* For UVM Hockey action, turn to my Homepage at...            *
* http://www.uvm.edu/~hmansfie                                *
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* University of Vermont Hockey / 6-1-1 overall, 3-0-1 ECAC    *
* Home of the Dynamic Duo - St. Louis & Perrin                *
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* GO CATS GO! We want Maine, we want Maine!                   *
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