The Observer, November 16, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 11
Ice hockey falls against Allegheny
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Case's hockey club looks to redeem thmselves against Carnegie Mellon Nov. 17 after a disappointing loss against Allegheny College last Saturday, 6-4.
Practicing twice a week at the Cleveland Heights Community Center, senior club president Jim Lowe and the Spartans look to improve their 5-14 mark from the previous season.
"This week we were definitely more focused in practice after the loss and worked on power plays and defensive coverage that we struggled with as a team during the game on Saturday," said Lowe.
The almost two-hour drive to Allegheny proved negative, as the Gators jumped to the lead in the first period.
"We were looking at their record before we played them and were pleased. They had lost to some of the teams we had beaten; maybe we were overconfident. We just couldn't get anything going. Even the goals we did get weren't off set plays; not completely planned," said sophomore Matt Brianscon.
Being a club sport, hockey players are not supposed to take it as seriously as a varsity player would. Of course, they still enjoy winning.
"It wasn't a great week at practice to begin with. We had some good chances, but unfortunately a lot of the breaks didn't go our way. We tried to come out in the third period with fire and score early, maybe get some momentum. It didn't work out the way we wanted and Allegheny took advantage," said Rob Walls.
Walls, considered the "backbone" of the team, had a respectable night, allowing six goals.
"Other teams know when they play Case; it will be tough to get goals. I'd go out on a limb and say he's the best there is in the league. He definitely makes it easier to be competitive in those close games," said junior Mike Stork.
In previous game, a 7-6 shootout thriller, Case beat the league champions from last year, Hilbert College.
"Hilbert was just a crazy game. We'd be down a goal, and then come right back and be up a goal. It was all over the place. We came out slower in the third period than we wanted and they scored three quick ones to make it a game," said Brianscon.
Hilbert had a few talented, fast skaters that made it difficult for Case to score.
"During the last five minutes of every practice we actually spend a little time doing some breakaways and some less common things. Who knew it would end up helping? The Hilbert guys seemed a bit uncomfortable in the shootout, and Rob had a little more experience with that type of thing," said Brianscon.
Case has not played the Tartans of Carnegie Mellon since 2005, when the Spartans dominated 13-3.
"We haven't played them in two years so we don't exactly know what to expect. Since we kind of underestimated Allegheny, that is one thing we won't do. We practiced hard on Tuesday and are looking to win," said Lowe.
With a 3-2 record, the Spartans are playing in a different league, one where Case will be more competitive.
"We beat the top team in the league, Hilbert. If we don't have any more slip-ups, we have a chance and can compete with anyone in the league," said Lowe.
