The PotashCorp University Cup presented by Co-op is closer than I first anticipated.
Of the first seven goals scored in the event, only one of them has been at even strength.
New Brunswick-Saskatchewan
The University of New Brunswick has a much different dynamic than in years past. The Varsity Reds are smaller, less physical, deeper up front and extremely mobile on the back end.
Don’t know how routine it is for UNB, but Ben Shutron went on a five-minute diatribe of nothing in particular and in preacher-like fashion for off-ice warm-up.
The V-Reds appealed the five-game suspension to Cam Crithchlow and lost. He will not be available for the duration of the tournament.
Converted defenceman Daine Todd has made huge strides and the possibility of a pro contract is closer than it ever has been. He should’ve been the Player of the Game for UNB.
The man of many hats, Roger Shannon, will give up his duties with UNB upon completion of the Cup. Shannon has taken a full-time position with the Moncton Wildcats as director of player personnel and assistant general manager.
Nothing better than a school band playing in the rink! The Huskies’ band was some fired up a good hour before puck drop.
Based on their age-long Canada West rivalry, Huskies supporters weren’t terribly sad to see Alberta drop its opening game.
This tournament has its quirks, especially with goal differential in play. That’s why the Huskies couldn’t pull their goalie down two with under three minutes left.
And that’s why head coach Dave Adolph was so adamant about his team’s poor effort on UNB’s third goal. Todd went end-to-end before dishing to Antoine Houde-Caron with a wide-open net.
Both Adolph and captain Brennan Bosch were visibly upset sitting at the podium having to face the media.
Other than the third goal, Saskatchewan played well, had its chances and is not out of it yet.
What’s up with the resurgence of the long lid? The University of Saskatchewan has more hair than a barber shop floor.
Waterloo-Alberta
In my six years of doing this event, I haven’t seen a bigger upset than Waterloo beating Alberta.
It was perfect execution on the part of the University of Alberta Golden Bears’ final offensive zone faceoff. With under four seconds left, the Golden Bears won the draw, made four passes and hit the crossbar before time ran out.
Add four posts to the mix and, as my partner RJ Broadhead said, “The puck luck didn’t go their way.”
In the post-game presser, coach Ian Herbers mentioned the lack of first-period fire, special-teams play, Hartigan’s fine play in goal and the number of times his team hit iron as reasons why they came up short.
Undoubtedly, Keaton Hartigan was named Player of the Game for Waterloo. His save on Jordan Hickmott around the midway mark of the first period was game-changing.
Waterloo head coach Brian Bourque (pronounced Burke) did his best to bridle his excitement after the win. Not only was he relieved, but also super excited.
It’s an amazing rise to prominence for Justin Larson of the Warriors. Admittedly, I didn’t see this type of production coming when he left the CHL.
And, pro scouts are now sniffing around.
Colin Behenna is magical with the puck. He makes things happen just about every time he’s out there.
New CEO
Get ready for some sweeping changes in the CIS with new CEO Pierre Lafontaine aboard. His energy is infectious.
University Cup on Sportsnet
Our games are now set for Saturday.
The 1:30 p.m. (local time) game features Waterloo vs. Saint Mary’s, then at 8:30 p.m., UNB takes on the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR).
We will have the final for you Sunday at 5:30 p.m. (local time).
Be sure to check sportsnet.ca for times in your region.
Here’s more on the University Cup.
Friday Night Hockey
Don’t forget FNH goes Friday night from Kingston. Rob Faulds, Greg Millen and Tony Ambrogio have the call.
For more on the game, here’s Patrick King’s preview.
By the way …
All told, 118 players in the U-Cup have graduated from the CHL’s Scholarship program, accounting for about 85 per cent of the total number of players.