Tommies goaltender Charles Lavigne was both saviour and goat tonight in the 2nd installment of the Battle of the Hill at the Aitken Centre as the $quirrels downed STU 3-2 in overtime.
The $quirrels controlled the first period, outshooting the Tommies 10-3. While STU did a good job of controlling the middle of the ice in their own zone, including killing off 3 penalties, the $quirrel attack was too much and finally resulted in John Scott Dickson's goal at 18:42 when he redirected Luke Gallant's point shot to put UNB up 1-0.
STU regrouped for the second period and had stretches of maintained pressure. The Tommies capitalized early on their first power play of the game when Alex Labonte got his stick on the puck, tipped by Devan Praught off Kenton Dulle's shot, and STU evened the score at 1-1. Shots were not so lopsided in the second, favouring UNB 14-11 for a 40-minute total of 24-14.
The $quirrels came back with a vengeance in the third period, and if not for several big saves by Lavigne, they would have taken the game in regulation. Swarming the Tommies' net several times, one flurry proved too much as Chris Culligan one-timed a Dickson pass home for the go-ahead goal at 4:58. But at 13:04 of the third, Andrew Andricopoulos sent a pass forward to Matt Eagles who gained the zone and fed Labonte in the left wing circle, who rifled a wrist shot past Travis Fullerton in the UNB net for his second goal of the game on just the 3rd shot of the period for STU. The Tommies held on the rest of the way to force overtime. Shots on goal after regulation were 41-17 for the $quirrels.
Both teams exchanged chances in the overtime period, but at 3:10 Kyle Bailey gained possession after Lavigne mishandled a clearing attempt from behind the net and could not get back in position in time to stop Bailey from taking advantage of the lucky break and scoring the OT winner.
The Tommies finish the first half with a 4-8-2 record for 10 points and remain 1 point ahead of Dalhousie, who lost 6-5 in overtime to Saint Mary's. The Tommies will see exhibition action over the Christmas break, next hosting Moncton on December 28th at 3pm at the LBR as part of the Pete Kelly Cup tournament. Daily Gleaner: Net result UNB still unbeaten (Thanks to the Gleaner staff who participate in discussion here and at UNBHockeyfans.com. We are sure that the vast majority of readers appreciate your TIMELY comments)
Not much class displayed by Lavigne after Bailey's winner - leaving the ice without a handshake. POOR BABY.
ReplyDeleteDoes STU just have the 1 exhibtion game during the Christmas break?
ReplyDeleteIt would seem kind of a waste to have it so close to Christmas. Many of the guys wouldn't be able to make it home if they wanted.
Speaking of unclassy.....what the hell is with the dollar signs for "Squirrels"...it was a good game and STU played well...they even showed more class then this website is doing. Grow up..at least unbhockeyfans.com doesn't resort to this crap
ReplyDeleteI'm a UNB fan. Never took notice to the $quirrels before. Not offended. Just curious if there is any purpose behind it.
ReplyDeleteRob
Well, UNB is far more superior than STU, playing, recruiting, etc. Stu is far more superior when it comes to internet warriors and blogging though.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about the whole thing. In the university ranks, does Video Guys ignorance gain STU anything?
- Big Man on Campus
I'm not offended either...but the whole Squirrel thing is starting to wear a little thin...
ReplyDeleteBig Man On Campus, yet another keyboard warrior calling me out. So passe!
ReplyDeleteanyways, i was present at game tonite. UNB played a usual UNB hockey game with lots of shots and lots of pressure down low. Picture perfect home game. I totally expected STU to trap but they opened it up a bit and i think thats great. Lavinge looked really hurt and UNB could only get 2 past him. Anyone notice Bailey's stick that was BROKEN before he scored in OT? I had a picture perfect view as did the fans around me.
Big Man on Campus, does this count for ignorance even tho I applauded both teams.
UNB is more dominant, no question, but STU has taken them to OT twice this season, what does that say?
~Tommies Video Guy~
It says that even though STU's goalie can completely stand on his head and play spectacular...and Fullerton can have an off night (terrible 2nd goal against) and UNB still will beat STU
ReplyDeleteit was a good shot by Labonte that beat him. The first goal was the fluke bounce. Seems like a UNB person not to give STU ANY credit.
ReplyDelete~Tommies Video Guy~
Spoke to Lavigne afterward and he was apologetic about storming off the ice the way he did and wanted to apologize to UNB. Hope that silences some of his critics.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious... was Lavigne upset at himself for letting the goal in or at a UNB player for something that happened?
ReplyDeleteSomeone used the dollar sign in a post to discuss the $TU sign on the new rink. I think the arguement that the hockey players get unlimited funding while all other sports have to fund raise, yet hockey is sinking over a million bucks to have their stuff in the new rink. Video Guy uses the term "calling me out" as a term for anyone who disagrees with him.
ReplyDeleteTo Bill Hunt,
ReplyDeleteIt will silence some fans who are just watching a game and impartial as to who wins. It won't silence the hard core UNB fans and the STU fans won't protest to begin with. But, in reality, you represent the press so what could he do? by your own admittance, you said in an earlier post that you wait for players and coaches to cool before you talk to them. I think he lost his cool and then used the media to try and right things via the Gleaner. What happens if he loses it with you? That would confirm a tarnished image, would it not? It smells a little like a WWE reality show where the bad guy becomes the good guy to the fans. If I were a coach and in the UNB room after the game, i would have a motivational speech about chasing the number one goalie,albeit at the twenty minute mark, and if I was the coach of the STU game, Lavigne would be red shirted for the next practice. Remember when eagles did not shake hands his first game here because he did not know it was an expectation at the University level? He soon heard how that was viewed, and he made an honest mistake. To let a player away with it cannot be allowed. What if two players did it...three, half the team? I was at a Tommies game years ago and watched a STU defenceman get kicked out of a game and start beating the Zamboni with his stick after he left the ice. That was the last year I purchased a season ticket. But Tommies need the points so eagles will not be able to discipline his star player, so what message is being sent. I guess we just have to take your word for it that he is remorseful, in church today, feeding sparrows in the park this afternoon, teaching the importance of good sportmansship to the little kids he coaches in the evening, and not overly upset the way he is being the talk of the town, in small freddy beach. etc etc.
Shouldn't Bill Hunt be reporting this stuff in the Gleaner before posting comments on fan sites?
ReplyDeleteNot sure. Perhaps he lives in residence at STU. LOL
ReplyDeleteI was not trashing Bill Hunt. My long post was simply an attempt to bring out a discussion that a player's remorse in an interview is an often used strategy to do what you want and say "sorry" later.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I don't think this Lavigne thing is a big deal at all...should he have stuck around for the handshakes? Yes, but I don't think he should be punished for leaving early, an apology is enough...he played a heck of a game and his misplay of the puck single-handedly cost STU the game, he was probably furious at himself and he is an emotional player who probably let his emotions get the best of him at that very moment. I believe him when he says he is sorry for what he did, he probably just got caught up in the moment... I can't really see this be the beginning of any kind of 'trend' or anything...
ReplyDeleteLavigne is a former Q goalie. It's his first season here. Probably just force of habit to come off the ice after an overtime goal.
ReplyDeleteHow did Bailey's stick break on that play? Was it before the goal or after? Curious.
This blog is bitter. It's not even fun to read anymore. The comments are just two sides fighting in every story.
I agree with both of the last two posts. The Zamboni beater was an ex "Q" player also. perhaps lower standards for those draft picks should be written in their recruiting process, and how could one expect a player to remember he has to shake hands only half way through a season? i wonder if he figured out where his team mates were when he was in his room alone? and heaven forbid Eagles bring it up, to him.
ReplyDeleteAs for the second post, the website is bitter. Perhaps make it a private blog that only STU hockey players and paid staff can log onto using student id's or something. I see most discussions here being valid points and open to opinion.
I agree...it is bitter and it is getting a bit tiresome...and it will probably get to the point where the people who do have access to the teams and can let us in on some inside info won't even bother posting anymore...the back and forth bickering between a few people over every single issue is ruining it for the true fans who come on here looking to have a good debate or to find out any inside info that we can.
ReplyDeleteOn a lighter note, I guess Gerry Dee said the UNB coach looked like one of the Simpsons. Which coach and which Simpson, not sure...
ReplyDeletePerhaps STU should purchase UNB and then the games could go with an intramural billing? It is with out question that UNB is down sizing and STU is expanding.
ReplyDeleteWhat would be the logo if they bought them out..STUN, BUNS,
ReplyDeleteBUST, or NUTS? I think STU should do it! Use the woodlot to develop a parking lot for the new rink and any left over money could be used to buy the students Costco memberships, and might as well purchase NB Power while they are at it.
To the Gerry Dee comment, I'm gonna say he said Gardnier looked like Ned Flanders...
ReplyDeleteI use the term "calling me out" because people challenge me on this site on a daily basis. I could care less if people disagree with me. People only attack me because they have nothing to respond about so they attack me on the internet. I am a fan just as much an employee for STU so of course I am pro STU. People cant get over that fact that people maybe pro-STU.
ReplyDeleteAnd this site just is not enjoyable anymore. Why cant we just talk about the beauty game last night and talk about the pros of STU. Lavinge left the ice last night out of fustration because of his mistake. No need to call him a baby because people would have done the EXACT same thing. People get fustrated. No need to throw him under the bus.
~Tommies Video Guy~
so...Lavigne played great last night. He is a great goalie, not disputed; Should Eagles let the handshake deal go unchallenged or not? Simple question. How would you handle it as a coach? anyone.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't like he damaged property. I'm a UNB fan and I don't think it is that big of a deal. The other fans I've talked to don't care that much either.
ReplyDeleteYou could tell during the game that he is an emotional guy who is really involved in the action.
Plus, he was probably aggrevated by the groin that was obviously giving him problems.
Rob
Eagles has to at least acknowledge it somehow.
ReplyDeleteMaybe so...but I don't think it is something that warrants sitting out a game...I think an apology would be enough but threaten more serious punishment if it happens again.
ReplyDeleteMan I praise STU's play and I was edited out for mentioning the likeness of all the players to one of STU's biggest fans who happens to be a very good friend....yet poor Gardie is getting beat up -- Ned Flanders -- and it stays on the site. Double standard :-)
ReplyDeleteThat was a good game and STU could have won,even with only 19 shots.I did not find UNB played all that great. They were able to generate more shots. For STU to take another pointis huge. It shows that they can play with them and possibly beat them.
ReplyDeleteAcoording to this website STU next game is on DEC 28th at 3pm. Well I do believe it is Dec 29 at five oclock. STU plays on on Jan 2 vs UPEI.
OilSlick
To those who wondered about Lavigne/my reporting it in the Gleaner first, etc:
ReplyDeleteLavigne was apologetic afterward, that's all I said. I thought it might save some fans the trouble of ripping him if you knew he was remorseful. Obviously he knows about the protocol of the handshake...he's been here for half a season. But he was I think upset at himself for the miscue that led to the goal after his team worked so hard.
Should I be reporting it in the Gleaner first? Well, they pay my salary. But I browse these boards, and as I said, I thought it important to the fans who browse these boards regularly to at least know that he was apologetic. If you suspect that he's trying to curry favour and be the good guy, I guess that's up to you. I've dealt with a lot of kids and a lot of coaches who wouldn't have gone to the trouble to address the situation and answer the questions. I give the kid credit for that.
Again, regarding my putting information on this board, or the UNB board before it gets into the Gleaner, you're right -- as a rule, I don't do that. But when there was some concern over Bryan Main's injury, when I heard he walked out of the hospital the same night, I thought it important that those who were worried about him should know the most current information.
So, as a rule yes -- please, read it in your Gleaner. But under exceptional circumstances, I don't think it's out of line to address certain situations here.
Not that it matters now but did Bailey score the O/T goal with a broken,thus an illegal stick and did referee Shaunessy ignore requests to answer? that question satisfactorally? if so what kind of incompetance is that? and should referees of that incompetance be working such high caliber games? I was too far away from the play to see for myself( I live in London,Ontario) but would any fan who was there please clarify this for me,Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBarry Collrin,BA 68
You could see him shoot with a "normal" stick, there is no way he could of pulled the puck around the net the way he did with a broken stick. Barry before you call the ref incompetent you should ask, did you question it based on watching it on the webcast or hearing it on STU radio?
ReplyDeleteDoes Video Guy have the goal on tape? That way we should be able to tell for sure.
ReplyDeleteThere was no comment on the broken stick on STU radio. Randy Corey said there seemed to be some confusion after the goal, that was it.
ReplyDeleteI did hear yesterday that the top of Bailey's stick was broken, the upper shaft part. If that is the case, not saying it is, then it should have been no goal and Bailey should have been assessed a 2 minute minor for playing with illegal equipement. Rule 3.2 Hockey Canada
hey, i dont do road games. But I was sitting 3 rows up in the STU end and Bailey's stick was clearly broken. There was no one around him AFTER the goal so it had to have been broken before he scored. Sanderson backs me up as he was sitting beside me
ReplyDelete~Tommies Video Guy~
WOW, ok, can somebody tell me why this board has become a place to whine and gripe??
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I am a UNB fan; I am a UNB alumni, twice; I have been a season ticket holder at UNB for a little over a decade, and have watched games there since my first degree 20 years ago.
Now that is out of the way...
I am a fan of CIS hockey!!!! My loyalty is to UNB, but when they are out of town, or they are not playing, I am at the LBR, cheering on a the other local CIS team, STU. CIS hockey is the best level of hockey within hundreds of miles, and more importantly, these are student athletes, they are working hard to earn degrees, while still playing the sport they love. I admire their determination and their work ethic.
As hockey fans, what credit are we giving them when we complain about poor officiating, or loss of temper by players. They are human, they make mistakes, and they get emotional.
I honestly hope the players DON'T read this board, cause they deserve better then what we give them here.
They are also supposed to be role models> the two teams in this city coach hundreds of kids to raise money for their respective university teams. How many nights did Calvin Watson from UNB set an example of being a great sport,,the answer is every night. When players wander off that track, they need to be brought to task.
ReplyDelete