The Observer, December 8, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 13
Playoff chances fading in the distance for Case's hockey club
After its impressive 8-5 victory over Edinboro University on Nov. 3, the Case Hockey Club has lost four straight games. The team was hindered in the last loss, an 8-5 defeat at the hands of Penn State Altoona, by many old problems that have nagged the team all season.
The Spartans, down 5-2, rallied with three straight goals to tie the game. However, goalie Rob Walls, departing from his usual quality goal tending, allowed Altoona to slip three goals past him.
"We definitely could have and should have beaten Altoona," senior Dan Pawlowski said. "Rob Walls let in a couple of uncharacteristic goals, we played poorly in the second period, and we couldn't overcome that."
Both teams have losing records and were looking to get a win.
"We once again had trouble putting forth a solid effort through three periods," freshman Matt Briançon said. "We still haven't been sharp at the beginning of games."
Another issue, according to coach Scott Yuhnke and some players, is effort.
"We seem to have trouble with playing hard for the entire 60 minutes. At times the team looks lackluster and makes uncharacteristic mistakes," Pawlowski said.
Fatigue also plays a significant role. When the Spartans played California University of Pennsylvania, they did so with only 10 skaters. A fully manned hockey team usually plays with twice as many skaters. Case was tied with Cal, the best team in the league, for most of two periods. Once the fatigue set in, however, it was impossible for the Spartans to keep Cal at bay. Case lost the game 9-3.
"There's a reason hockey teams usually have three or four lines. It is tough for the top players to play 30 plus minutes a game," Pawlowski said. "We need more skaters."
The Spartan's worst loss this year came at the hands of Robert Morris University on Nov. 18. The final score was 13-2.
"It was embarrassing," said Briançon. "They got off to a quick lead thanks to a good power play. They move the puck extremely well on the power play, and got a few easy goals."
"After that, the game was basically over, since our team isn't really capable of offensive outbursts," Pawlowski said.
Case's next game is against Robert Morris on Jan. 19.
"Hopefully next time we will do a better job staying out of the box and be stronger on the penalty kill," said Pawlowski.
The Spartans have had difficulty adjusting to the rule changes in hockey this year. "You've been playing one way for 10 years, then suddenly they change it on you," said Briançon.
The playoffs are unlikely for the Spartans this year.
"At this point, we're 3-11, and just looking to finish the season strong," said Briançon. Said Pawlowski, "Right now, the playoffs are pretty much a long shot. Costly losses to Pitt and Altoona really hurt our chances, and we probably won't be able to recover."
There are five more games left this season. The only remaining home game will be on Feb. 3 against Ohio Wesleyan. It will mark the first time the two teams have met.
Finally, anyone interested in playing hockey should e-mail Patrick Sullivan at patrick.r.sullivan@case.edu.
