Ice Knights Preview 10/27-28

By Chris Morens

Two or three years ago this would not have been a match-up that captured anyone’s attention in the D-III hockey world. But, now that Geneseo has captured two straight SUNYAC titles and with Neumann almost making the playoffs last year, this two game series is going to be tough, competitive certainly crowd pleasing.

Neumann comes into town after rolling over Potsdam last weekend with 6-2 and 6-3 victories at Maxcy Hall. The duo of Neil Trimm and Kyle Casey each racked up 8 points over the two game set with the Bears, Trimm with 1 goal and 7 assists, Casey with a more balanced 4 goals and 4 assists. The Ice Knights will need to become familiar with this pair as Trimm assisted all 4 of Casey’s goals.

The Ice Knights started off their season a little rusty as they eventually knocked of SUNYAC hopeful Morrisville on Friday night 5-3 and then soundly defeated St. Clair College 7-4 the following afternoon. The biggest question was goaltending. Neither Junior Derek Jokic nor Sophomore Jeff Pasemko played their best but they both earned a win which at the end of the day is all that matters. The key for this week will be rebound control. Geneseo can’t give their opponents too many second chances.

That leads up to this weekend where the Knights play the Ice Knights in a broadcaster’s nightmare of a series regarding team mascots. On a more serious note, this series will be summed up in one phrase: no, not goaltending…work ethic. Neumann rarely gets outworked and that motivated style of play wins them games that they may not have thought possible based on their talent alone. This Neumann team is dangerous and could sneak out of Geneseo with at least one victory this weekend if the Ice Knights don’t get off to a strong start.

Of course goaltending will be crucial as well; Mike Collichio is always strong between the pipes for Neumann. Just two years ago he spoiled Geneseo’s opening weekend. After dropping a 5-1 decision on opening night, he put up the walls and kept his team in a 1-1 tie that left the Ice Knights rather frustrated. That could easily happen again.

The one area Geneseo needs to work on is team discipline. Eight of Neumann’s twelve goals last weekend against the Bears were on the power play. While Geneseo’s penalty killing is always dangerous, scoring four shorthanded goals the opening weekend, it needs work as it let in six goals of the eight that Geneseo surrendered against Morrisville and St. Clair. If the Ice Knights stay out of the penalty box and keep their offense reeling, they could sweep the weekend. The problem is that this is a big “if” and Neumann barely lost last year to Geneseo, dropping 3-2 and 2-1 decisions in Pennsylvania that could have gone either way. I’m sure the returning players will have nothing but revenge in mind.

Of course this is just my opinion and the real events will happen tomorrow and Saturday nights. D-III fans, you may be excited for Oswego and Elmira but this is another SUNYAC vs. ECAC-West battle that should not be overlooked. I heard the Ira might be serving waffles this weekend. I can only hope. Nothing beats quality college hockey with a delicious breakfast treat.