NTDP 2019-20 Season Thread

[Whalers Fan]

Last night's game between the U18's and Lake Superior State was very entertaining, with Team USA winning 5-4 in a shootout. The game included one of the most bizarre goals I've seen since the NTDP moved here to Plymouth, with defenseman Daniel Laatsch scoring shorthanded with a shot from inside the NTDP's own blueline. It appeared he caught the LSSU goalie napping. Ty Smilanic had a great game, as he was skating all over the place, had a couple of assists, and scored the game-winning goal in the shootout. We also had a very good-sized crowd of over 2,300. The U18's finished the NCAA portion of their schedule with four straight wins, including victories over Minnesota, Michigan and LSSU.

When these games versus NCAA opponents end regulation in a tie, we never know what to expect. This game versus LSSU first went to 3 on 3, then the shootout, as one might expect. Against North Dakota earlier this year, though, there were two overtime periods -- first a 5 on 5, then a 3 on 3, and then a shootout (our announcer Chris was just as confused as us, as he announced after regulation "we will drop two skaters and go to overtime!"). A couple of seasons ago versus Notre Dame, after regulation both teams just went to their locker rooms and the game ended in a tie.

 

[JMCx4]

... When these games versus NCAA opponents end regulation in a tie, we never know what to expect. This game versus LSSU first went to 3 on 3, then the shootout, as one might expect. Against North Dakota earlier this year, though, there were two overtime periods -- first a 5 on 5, then a 3 on 3, and then a shootout (our announcer Chris was just as confused as us, as he announced after regulation "we will drop two skaters and go to overtime!"). A couple of seasons ago versus Notre Dame, after regulation both teams just went to their locker rooms and the game ended in a tie.

All about the rules of the opposing NCAA team's conference, right? Though that doesn't spare anyone involved from the "WTFO?!" moments after the 3rd period horn sounds.

 

[Whalers Fan]

All about the rules of the opposing NCAA team's conference, right? Though that doesn't spare anyone involved from the "WTFO?!" moments after the 3rd period horn sounds.

I don't follow college hockey that closely. So you are saying there is not one set of rules for all of NCAA hockey, and each conference has its own set of rules regarding overtime? That's crazy!

As I think I've mentioned before in one of the NTDP threads, one of the things I miss from the days when the Ontario Hockey League played here is a single set of rules. The NTDP plays under USHL, IIHF or NCAA rules, depending on the opponent. There will be times when something happens -- such as a player shooting the puck over the glass from the defensive zone -- where we'll look at each other and ask "so, is that a penalty or not?". It's tough to remember all the nuances of the rules between the various organizations.

 

[JMCx4]

I don't follow college hockey that closely. So you are saying there is not one set of rules for all of NCAA hockey, and each conference has its own set of rules regarding overtime? That's crazy! ...

Applicable to the 2018-19 & 2019-20 seasons, the NCAA Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules Committee made several overarching rule changes. Included was an attempt to standardize the individual & differing conference rules for deciding how to proceed in a tie game at the end of regulation during their regular seasons. They managed to standardize NCAA cross-conference reg season rules in this area (5-on-5 for 5 minutes across all conferences); but the conferences pushed back during the official Comments period for rules changes, and got the committee to insert a new sub-rule allowing two OT options for each conference to select for their regular season in-conference play. See Page 2 of this Major Rule Changes list from the Committee. As someone who follows NCAA hockey - both men & women, in multiple conferences - it's just one more reason for me to loathe ice hockey's insistence on breaking ties for regular season games.

 

[ALF AmericanLionsFan]

Looking to find a little help if possible. Dylan Larkin bobblehead night is this sat and son would like one and so would I. I’d be willing to buy the tickets and pay for the help if anyone can. Thanks for the consideration.

 

[Whalers Fan]

Got to see Quinn and Jack Hughes today, along with coach John Wroblewski. They were handing out take out orders for CJ's Brewery (the restaurant at USA Hockey Arena) at the curbside pickup. We ordered a pizza to support the local business. It was great of these guys to give their time to help a local business -- there was quite a lineup of cars waiting to pick up orders.

 

[JMCx4]

TJHN: Three USA NTDP Members Test Positive For COVID-19

... On Friday the Governor of Michigan issued an executive order for face masks to be worn in public once again state wide. That order clearly came (too) late for three NTDP team members.

Three players from the U.S. National Team Development Program have tested positive for COVID-19 according to Katie Strang and Craig Custance of The Athletic (subscription required), throwing the viability of holding the World Junior Summer Showcase later this month into question.

Even though the other usual participating nations, Canada, Finland, and Sweden have pulled out of the event already, USA Hockey was still planning on holding the event in Plymouth, Michigan starting July 24. ...

 

[ALF AmericanLionsFan]

With both coaches jumping ship is that a sign that the ushl may not play? Surprised to see both go.

 

[JMCx4]

With both coaches jumping ship is that a sign that the ushl may not play? Surprised to see both go.

Count me as confused - source for this "jumping ship"?

 

[ALF AmericanLionsFan]

Report: Kings to hire John Wroblewski as head coach of AHL team

Buffalo Sabres: 3 takeaways from hiring Seth Appert as Amerks coach

 

[Barclay Donaldson]

With both coaches jumping ship is that a sign that the ushl may not play? Surprised to see both go.

USHL has always served as a springboard for coaches to go on to higher levels. Two coaches leaving at the same time shouldn't be an indication of anything other than the high quality of the USHL.

 

[ALF AmericanLionsFan]

USHL has always served as a springboard for coaches to go on to higher levels. Two coaches leaving at the same time shouldn't be an indication of anything other than the high quality of the USHL.

Yes, but the timing is not exactly ideal by any measure. Both groups have started orientation and practice. Wouldn’t think you would want to be doing a head coach search for both at that juncture.

 

[Barclay Donaldson]

Yes, but the timing is not exactly ideal by any measure. Both groups have started orientation and practice. Wouldn’t think you would want to be doing a head coach search for both at that juncture.

They've got over a month until the season began. The process behind coaches being hired and leaving at all levels means they certainly have had a decent warning and likely have candidates in place.

 

[ALF AmericanLionsFan]

Any word out there on possible replacements?

 

[ALF AmericanLionsFan]

Dan Muse and Adam Nightingale Named NTDP Head Coaches

 

[JMCx4]

Question asked, question answered. You're a one-man show.

 

[ALF AmericanLionsFan]

Ha I do what I can. Lol