ELynah Forum

General Category => Hockey => Topic started by: BMac on March 22, 2025, 07:19:07 PM

Title: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: BMac on March 22, 2025, 07:19:07 PM
One last trophy for coach!

Nothing to lose, four more wins let's goooooo
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: adamw on March 22, 2025, 07:22:43 PM
Coaching
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: BearLover on March 22, 2025, 07:24:04 PM
Quote from: adamwCoaching
One of the all-time greats!
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Larry72 on March 22, 2025, 07:27:21 PM
Thank you Schafer!
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Tom Lento on March 22, 2025, 07:28:40 PM
Quote from: BearLover
Quote from: adamwCoaching
One of the all-time greats!

Absolute legend. Two great games in Placid and back to back titles to close out his ECAC coaching career.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Snowball on March 22, 2025, 07:29:34 PM
Quote from: Larry72Thank you Schafer!

+1
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: djk26 on March 22, 2025, 07:32:13 PM
Stealing ugarte's quote from the Q thread.

Quote from: ugarteThat highlight reel was so satisfying. Playing Clarkson for the title in Schafer's last ECAC tournament feels so right.

It was always going to be Clarkson for Schafer's last ECAC game. It HAD to be them. Other than Cornell, Clarkson is the most ECAC team there is (and the championship game was the day after we beat the least ECAC team there is, at least among ECAC teams.)

So in the playoffs we beat four teams (Yale, Colgate, Q, Clarkson) that each beat or tied us during the regular season. I don't know what the NCAA tournament holds, but I love the script this team is writing. LET'S GO RED.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Tom Lento on March 22, 2025, 07:35:48 PM
Quote from: Larry72Thank you Schafer!

Mike Schafer has led Cornell to as many ECAC titles (7) as all other Cornell men's hockey coaches *combined*. Thank you Schafer, indeed. What a hell of a run.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: BearLover on March 22, 2025, 07:36:46 PM
Quote from: Tom Lento
Quote from: BearLover
Quote from: adamwCoaching
One of the all-time greats!

Absolute legend. Two great games in Placid and back to back titles to close out his ECAC coaching career.
Closed it out the way it opened.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: BearLover on March 22, 2025, 07:39:18 PM
One of the most beautiful days, maybe the most beautiful day, since I became a Cornell hockey fan!
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: chimpfood on March 22, 2025, 07:40:11 PM
Last years tournament win was nice but I'll remember this one forever. Going through the two toughest teams and having that crazy comeback against quinnipiac won't be easy to forget
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: arugula on March 22, 2025, 07:41:06 PM
As Herb Brooks said, "the name on the front of the sweater is a hell of a lot more important than the name on the back"  The best TEAM won as it usually does.  Schafer is a master.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Larry72 on March 22, 2025, 07:41:33 PM
Quote from: Tom Lento
Quote from: Larry72Thank you Schafer!

Mike Schafer has led Cornell to as many ECAC titles (7) as all other Cornell men's hockey coaches *combined*. Thank you Schafer, indeed. What a hell of a run.

Every year of his career at Cornell, Schafer has preached positioning Cornell Hockey to win the ECAC Championship. To pull that off this season with all the adversity that this year's team faced is quite remarkable!
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: imafrshmn on March 22, 2025, 07:42:55 PM
A legendary trophy run befitting a team
of characters and a legendary coach. Have yourselves a special drink tonight, Cornellians, and pour one out for those watching from upstairs.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Jordan 04 on March 22, 2025, 07:43:58 PM
What a tremendous run. Congrats Schafer and the team!
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 22, 2025, 07:45:48 PM
Here's what the NCAA holds, IMO:

Manchester:  BC, Providence, Denver, AHA Winner

Toledo:      Michigan State, BU, Ohio State, Cornell

Allentown:   Maine, UConn, Quinnipiac, Penn State

Fargo:       Western Mich, Minnesota, UMass, Minnesota State

FWIW, the only game that impacts the brackets is the NCHC final.  If Western wins, they finish 4th and Minnesota 5th, and Providence finishes 8th and Denver 9th.  If Denver beats Western, those two pairs swap (Minny 4th and Western 5th, Denver 8th and Providence 9th).  Either way, each pair of teams would probably still end up in the same location.

So, I think we get to play Sparty in Toledo, with BU or OSU if we win.  Can you imagine CU vs BU for a ticket to the Frozen Four?
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Tcl123 on March 22, 2025, 07:46:00 PM
Quote from: arugulaAs Herb Brooks said, "the name on the front of the sweater is a hell of a lot more important than the name on the back"  The best TEAM won as it usually does.  Schafer is a master.

+100
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Chris H82 on March 22, 2025, 07:46:11 PM
Quote from: BearLoverOne of the most beautiful days, maybe the most beautiful day, since I became a Cornell hockey fan!

+1
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: BearLover on March 22, 2025, 07:50:04 PM
Quote from: Jeff Hopkins '82.Can you imagine CU vs BU for a ticket to the Frozen Four?
Happened two years ago.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 22, 2025, 07:53:41 PM
Quote from: BearLover
Quote from: Jeff Hopkins '82.Can you imagine CU vs BU for a ticket to the Frozen Four?
Happened two years ago.

Yeah, but this time it'll be on neutral ground.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Give My Regards on March 22, 2025, 07:59:11 PM
If the Big Red does get Michigan State in the NCAA's, it'll be another 30-years-flashback for Coach Schafer, whose first game as Cornell head coach was 11/3/1995 -- at Michigan State.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: BearLover on March 22, 2025, 08:02:07 PM
NCAA bid in 7 of the last 8 seasons. Likely would have  made it in 2021 if the season wasn't canceled. Only miss was in 2022 after half the team was essentially forced to transfer out or sign pro. Insane run of success.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: stereax on March 22, 2025, 08:20:40 PM
LET'S GOOOOO
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: marty on March 22, 2025, 08:22:12 PM
Quote from: stereaxLET'S GOOOOO
Highlights that are GREAT!!! (https://youtu.be/I95Bp6oqNlU?si=rY_zE_mJtSBrvfKt)
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: stereax on March 22, 2025, 08:22:47 PM
Quote from: Jeff Hopkins '82Here's what the NCAA holds, IMO:

Manchester:  BC, Providence, Denver, AHA Winner

Toledo:      Michigan State, BU, Ohio State, Cornell

Allentown:   Maine, UConn, Quinnipiac, Penn State

Fargo:       Western Mich, Minnesota, UMass, Minnesota State

FWIW, the only game that impacts the brackets is the NCHC final.  If Western wins, they finish 4th and Minnesota 5th, and Providence finishes 8th and Denver 9th.  If Denver beats Western, those two pairs swap (Minny 4th and Western 5th, Denver 8th and Providence 9th).  Either way, each pair of teams would probably still end up in the same location.

So, I think we get to play Sparty in Toledo, with BU or OSU if we win.  Can you imagine CU vs BU for a ticket to the Frozen Four?
Instead of maybe dying I would for SURE die. This does involve getting through Mich State, though... but if anyone can do it...
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: stereax on March 22, 2025, 08:23:19 PM
Quote from: marty
Quote from: stereaxLET'S GOOOOO
Highlights that are GREAT!!! (https://youtu.be/I95Bp6oqNlU?si=rY_zE_mJtSBrvfKt)
I'll watch soon's I get home and get to relive the moment :)
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Tom_Hamill on March 22, 2025, 08:28:18 PM
I got to see it start in '96, Brad Chartrand, Mike Sancimino, Kyle Knopp, Vinnie Auger et al.   Quite a run you've given us, Coach Shafer.  Thank you, now four more!
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: chimpfood on March 22, 2025, 08:29:09 PM
Looks like I'll have a prelim conflict with our first round game, gonna have to figure out my priorities
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 22, 2025, 08:33:24 PM
Quote from: marty
Quote from: stereaxLET'S GOOOOO
Highlights that are GREAT!!! (https://youtu.be/I95Bp6oqNlU?si=rY_zE_mJtSBrvfKt)

Thanks for that.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Dafatone on March 22, 2025, 08:35:02 PM
This rules.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: stereax on March 22, 2025, 08:38:28 PM
This team really went "why care about pairwise, when winning ecac do trick?"
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: RichH on March 22, 2025, 08:47:53 PM
Quote from: Give My RegardsIf the Big Red does get Michigan State in the NCAA's, it'll be another 30-years-flashback for Coach Schafer, whose first game as Cornell head coach was 11/3/1995 -- at Michigan State.

If you wrote this script - the bookends of repeat titles, then also consider this fact - people would think it was too outlandish or sappy.

Storybook.

I have a couple screenshots of Schafer's celebration tonight, and as Scersk97 pointed out, I've never seen him happier.  I remember in '97, coach was walking around the on-ice celebration holding his infant son.  Today, I watched him wave his family into the team photo. I don't know if he's a grandfather, but there were some babies in there.  

The chant "Thank you Schafer" rained down a lot in 1996 and 1997. I hope it was heard again, one last time in that building.

14 ECAC Championships.  One guy has half of them. Two to start, two to finish, 3 more along the way.

299 Losses. Let's keep that from rolling over.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 22, 2025, 08:48:56 PM
Quote from: RichH
Quote from: Give My RegardsIf the Big Red does get Michigan State in the NCAA's, it'll be another 30-years-flashback for Coach Schafer, whose first game as Cornell head coach was 11/3/1995 -- at Michigan State.

If you wrote this script - the bookends of repeat titles, then also consider this fact - people would think it was too outlandish or sappy.

Storybook.

I have a couple screenshots of Schafer's celebration tonight, and as Scersk97 pointed out, I've never seen him happier.  I remember in '97, coach was walking around the on-ice celebration holding his infant son.  Today, I watched him wave his family into the team photo. I don't know if he's a grandfather, but there were some babies in there.  

The chant "Thank you Schafer" rained down a lot in 1996 and 1997. I hope it was heard again, one last time in that building.

14 ECAC Championships.  One guy has half of them. Two to start, two to finish, 3 more along the way.

299 Losses. Let's keep that from rolling over.

He is a grandfather.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: ugarte on March 22, 2025, 08:56:36 PM
i am still buzzing
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Ben Rocky '04 on March 22, 2025, 08:59:11 PM
Quote from: BearLoverClosed it out the way it opened.

This all I've been thinking about.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: arugula on March 22, 2025, 09:13:02 PM
Unkillable.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Robb on March 22, 2025, 09:16:32 PM
Quote from: Ben Rocky '04
Quote from: BearLoverClosed it out the way it opened.

This all I've been thinking about.
How it started: 2 ECAC championships as the #4 and #2 seeds.
How it's going: 2 ECAC championships as the #2 and #6 seeds.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: stereax on March 22, 2025, 09:24:10 PM
I told you guys. It's all in the script.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Tcl123 on March 22, 2025, 09:25:32 PM
Guess we won't always be disappointed. Haha
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: andyw2100 on March 22, 2025, 09:31:10 PM
Worth watching:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BfihWccaL/
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: chimpfood on March 22, 2025, 09:36:28 PM
Michigan state coughs up a 2 goal lead to Ohio state in the B1G final
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Robb on March 22, 2025, 09:43:29 PM
Quote from: andyw2100Worth watching:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BfihWccaL/
Reminds me of the locker room scene from Ted Lasso.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 22, 2025, 10:00:01 PM
Denver up 3-0 over Western.  All 3 goals scored in the 2nd.  And they just had a 4th waived off for offsides.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Beeeej on March 22, 2025, 10:28:17 PM
At the risk of getting more personal here than usual... my father (Cornell '60) passed away unexpectedly a few days ago, a week short of his only grandchild's second birthday. dss28 and I briefly considered postponing today's birthday party for Isaac, but a) we'd already postponed, then canceled, his first birthday party last year because he got sick with severe daycare-itis both times it was scheduled, and b) Dad would have hated, I mean absolutely loathed, the idea that his dying should be the reason we had to postpone yet another birthday party for Isaac. So we let everyone know, and to their credit, they all showed up to our building's lounge prepared for a little awkwardness and some random crying fits, but ready to make it a joyous occasion for a little boy who thankfully doesn't yet understand. And that's exactly what it was, right up through 5pm when we fired up the AppleTV for the gradually thinning crowd. We watched the Big Red complete their improbable run of knocking off three higher seeds in a row to win another ECAC title for Coach Schafer's now-extended-remix swansong. Joyous doesn't begin to cover it. Isaac's frequent shouts of "Hockeyball!" and "Bah bo wed!" were the icing on the cupcake. It's a complicated and bittersweet weekend, but as many others have already said, the bookending of 1996 & 1997 (for both of which I was present) with 2024 and 2025 (for both of which I was changing diapers at home) is pretty damn sweet. It's like I've been saying to Daina ever since the beginning of the Yale game two weeks ago: There is no reason in the world we can't win nine games in a row. There certainly wasn't anybody who thought we'd win these last five in a row.

Go ahead, Schafer's boys, I dare you - make our Passover Seder plans complicated, too.

I love this team.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: stereax on March 22, 2025, 10:33:43 PM
"hockeyball"... your son's a gem, Beeeej :')
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Will on March 22, 2025, 10:33:50 PM
Quote from: BeeeejAt the risk of getting more personal here than usual... my father (Cornell '60) passed away unexpectedly a few days ago, a week short of his only grandchild's second birthday. dss28 and I briefly considered postponing today's birthday party for Isaac, but a) we'd already postponed, then canceled, his first birthday party last year because he got sick with severe daycare-itis both times it was scheduled, and b) Dad would have hated, I mean absolutely loathed, the idea that his dying should be the reason we had to postpone yet another birthday party for Isaac. So we let everyone know, and to their credit, they all showed up to our building's lounge prepared for a little awkwardness and some random crying fits, but ready to make it a joyous occasion for a little boy who thankfully doesn't yet understand. And that's exactly what it was, right up through 5pm when we fired up the AppleTV for the gradually thinning crowd. We watched the Big Red complete their improbable run of knocking off three higher seeds in a row to win another ECAC title for Coach Schafer's now-extended-remix swansong. Joyous doesn't begin to cover it. Isaac's frequent shouts of "Hockeyball!" and "Bah bo wed!" were the icing on the cupcake. It's a complicated and bittersweet weekend, but as many others have already said, the bookending of 1996 & 1997 (for both of which I was present) with 2024 and 2025 (for both of which I was changing diapers at home) is pretty damn sweet. It's like I've been saying to Daina ever since the beginning of the Yale game two weeks ago: There is no reason in the world we can't win nine games in a row. There certainly wasn't anybody who thought we'd win these last five in a row.

Go ahead, Schafer's boys, I dare you - make our Passover Seder plans complicated, too.

I love this team.
"Hockeyball!"
I love this.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: andyw2100 on March 22, 2025, 10:54:35 PM
Quote from: BeeeejAt the risk of getting more personal here than usual... my father (Cornell '60) passed away unexpectedly a few days ago, a week short of his only grandchild's second birthday.

Very sorry about your dad, Beeeej. Glad to hear that you and Daina were able to make Isaac's party work.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 22, 2025, 11:02:53 PM
NCHC Final going to OT.  Big 10 Final in 2nd OT.

Sparty wins in 2nd OT, 4-3.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Snowball on March 22, 2025, 11:23:57 PM
Quote from: BeeeejAt the risk of getting more personal here than usual... my father (Cornell '60) passed away unexpectedly a few days ago, a week short of his only grandchild's second birthday. dss28 and I briefly considered postponing today's birthday party for Isaac, but a) we'd already postponed, then canceled, his first birthday party last year because he got sick with severe daycare-itis both times it was scheduled, and b) Dad would have hated, I mean absolutely loathed, the idea that his dying should be the reason we had to postpone yet another birthday party for Isaac. So we let everyone know, and to their credit, they all showed up to our building's lounge prepared for a little awkwardness and some random crying fits, but ready to make it a joyous occasion for a little boy who thankfully doesn't yet understand. And that's exactly what it was, right up through 5pm when we fired up the AppleTV for the gradually thinning crowd. We watched the Big Red complete their improbable run of knocking off three higher seeds in a row to win another ECAC title for Coach Schafer's now-extended-remix swansong. Joyous doesn't begin to cover it. Isaac's frequent shouts of "Hockeyball!" and "Bah bo wed!" were the icing on the cupcake. It's a complicated and bittersweet weekend, but as many others have already said, the bookending of 1996 & 1997 (for both of which I was present) with 2024 and 2025 (for both of which I was changing diapers at home) is pretty damn sweet. It's like I've been saying to Daina ever since the beginning of the Yale game two weeks ago: There is no reason in the world we can't win nine games in a row. There certainly wasn't anybody who thought we'd win these last five in a row.

Go ahead, Schafer's boys, I dare you - make our Passover Seder plans complicated, too.

I love this team.

This is simply wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Robb on March 22, 2025, 11:51:13 PM
Quote from: BeeeejAt the risk of getting more personal here than usual... my father (Cornell '60) passed away unexpectedly a few days ago, a week short of his only grandchild's second birthday. dss28 and I briefly considered postponing today's birthday party for Isaac, but a) we'd already postponed, then canceled, his first birthday party last year because he got sick with severe daycare-itis both times it was scheduled, and b) Dad would have hated, I mean absolutely loathed, the idea that his dying should be the reason we had to postpone yet another birthday party for Isaac. So we let everyone know, and to their credit, they all showed up to our building's lounge prepared for a little awkwardness and some random crying fits, but ready to make it a joyous occasion for a little boy who thankfully doesn't yet understand. And that's exactly what it was, right up through 5pm when we fired up the AppleTV for the gradually thinning crowd. We watched the Big Red complete their improbable run of knocking off three higher seeds in a row to win another ECAC title for Coach Schafer's now-extended-remix swansong. Joyous doesn't begin to cover it. Isaac's frequent shouts of "Hockeyball!" and "Bah bo wed!" were the icing on the cupcake. It's a complicated and bittersweet weekend, but as many others have already said, the bookending of 1996 & 1997 (for both of which I was present) with 2024 and 2025 (for both of which I was changing diapers at home) is pretty damn sweet. It's like I've been saying to Daina ever since the beginning of the Yale game two weeks ago: There is no reason in the world we can't win nine games in a row. There certainly wasn't anybody who thought we'd win these last five in a row.

Go ahead, Schafer's boys, I dare you - make our Passover Seder plans complicated, too.

I love this team.
Love it!  

My kids called every sport "baseball" for years, which is especially weird because I *never* watch baseball.  Like, ever.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Swampy on March 23, 2025, 08:36:14 AM
Quote from: BeeeejAt the risk of getting more personal here than usual... my father (Cornell '60) passed away unexpectedly a few days ago, a week short of his only grandchild's second birthday. dss28 and I briefly considered postponing today's birthday party for Isaac, but a) we'd already postponed, then canceled, his first birthday party last year because he got sick with severe daycare-itis both times it was scheduled, and b) Dad would have hated, I mean absolutely loathed, the idea that his dying should be the reason we had to postpone yet another birthday party for Isaac. So we let everyone know, and to their credit, they all showed up to our building's lounge prepared for a little awkwardness and some random crying fits, but ready to make it a joyous occasion for a little boy who thankfully doesn't yet understand. And that's exactly what it was, right up through 5pm when we fired up the AppleTV for the gradually thinning crowd. We watched the Big Red complete their improbable run of knocking off three higher seeds in a row to win another ECAC title for Coach Schafer's now-extended-remix swansong. Joyous doesn't begin to cover it. Isaac's frequent shouts of "Hockeyball!" and "Bah bo wed!" were the icing on the cupcake. It's a complicated and bittersweet weekend, but as many others have already said, the bookending of 1996 & 1997 (for both of which I was present) with 2024 and 2025 (for both of which I was changing diapers at home) is pretty damn sweet. It's like I've been saying to Daina ever since the beginning of the Yale game two weeks ago: There is no reason in the world we can't win nine games in a row. There certainly wasn't anybody who thought we'd win these last five in a row.

Go ahead, Schafer's boys, I dare you - make our Passover Seder plans complicated, too.

I love this team.

Deepest sympathy, Beeeej. Wonderful story. Life has a way of tossing us bitter lemons. It's wonderful that you'll always have this year's Whitelaw to remember your bitter sweet lemonade.

How soon before Isaac will be saying the 4Q's? Remember this time when he does!
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: ugarte on March 23, 2025, 09:50:17 AM
Quote from: marty
Quote from: stereaxLET'S GOOOOO
Highlights that are GREAT!!! (https://youtu.be/I95Bp6oqNlU?si=rY_zE_mJtSBrvfKt)
Maybe the fist editor that understands the importance of showing how a goal was built instead of "he shoots he scores"
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: marty on March 23, 2025, 10:01:09 AM
Celebrate!!! (https://youtu.be/KdH0WmFFjuo?si=LVCZxTFxbWSQflvs)
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: scoop85 on March 23, 2025, 11:01:09 AM
Quote from: ugarte
Quote from: marty
Quote from: stereaxLET'S GOOOOO
Highlights that are GREAT!!! (https://youtu.be/I95Bp6oqNlU?si=rY_zE_mJtSBrvfKt)
Maybe the fist editor that understands the importance of showing how a goal was built instead of "he shoots he scores"

I'd forgotten that Shane made a big save on a shot from the slot right before the sequence leading to our first goal.
Title: Re: 2024-25 ECAC Champions
Post by: Larry72 on March 23, 2025, 01:07:43 PM
Quote from: BeeeejAt the risk of getting more personal here than usual... my father (Cornell '60) passed away unexpectedly a few days ago, a week short of his only grandchild's second birthday. dss28 and I briefly considered postponing today's birthday party for Isaac, but a) we'd already postponed, then canceled, his first birthday party last year because he got sick with severe daycare-itis both times it was scheduled, and b) Dad would have hated, I mean absolutely loathed, the idea that his dying should be the reason we had to postpone yet another birthday party for Isaac. So we let everyone know, and to their credit, they all showed up to our building's lounge prepared for a little awkwardness and some random crying fits, but ready to make it a joyous occasion for a little boy who thankfully doesn't yet understand. And that's exactly what it was, right up through 5pm when we fired up the AppleTV for the gradually thinning crowd. We watched the Big Red complete their improbable run of knocking off three higher seeds in a row to win another ECAC title for Coach Schafer's now-extended-remix swansong. Joyous doesn't begin to cover it. Isaac's frequent shouts of "Hockeyball!" and "Bah bo wed!" were the icing on the cupcake. It's a complicated and bittersweet weekend, but as many others have already said, the bookending of 1996 & 1997 (for both of which I was present) with 2024 and 2025 (for both of which I was changing diapers at home) is pretty damn sweet. It's like I've been saying to Daina ever since the beginning of the Yale game two weeks ago: There is no reason in the world we can't win nine games in a row. There certainly wasn't anybody who thought we'd win these last five in a row.

Go ahead, Schafer's boys, I dare you - make our Passover Seder plans complicated, too.

I love this team.


So sorry to hear about your father's passing.  Without knowing him, but knowing you a bit and Mark a lot more, you and Daina made the absolutely correct choice having Isaac's birthday party.  Your Dad would have been proud and happy.  Our first grandchild, Asher, was born Thursday, March 13th on my birthday (one less date for me to remember). So we were in Philly instead of Hamilton.  His Dad Ari, '07 fell in love with Cornell hockey at about age 2. (Yes, he, his wife Jenny, and Asher were all watching last night!)  We'd love to have the problem having to create an impromptu Passover seder in St. Louis.  All the best. LGR!