Freshman (Tony Romano)

The Rancor · March 09, 2007, 10:42:31 AM

A nice scouting report on Romano at hockeysfuture.com give no indication that the Devils want anything but to let this kid develop at Cornell. It even goes so far as to point out that he has 3 years eligability in which to do so. He's not going anywhere anytime soon.
Btw, Tony Romano has moved up to #11 in the Devils prospect depth chart, up from NR. Congrats.

redice · March 09, 2007, 11:16:08 AM

[quote The Rancor] He's not going anywhere anytime soon.[/quote]

I agree. He may be our best freshman. But, he's hardly the second coming of Joe N., or mini-mites such as Perrin or St. Louis. I understand comparing him to Joe N. is not fair because Tony doesn't possess the size & skills. Tony is comparable in many ways to Perrin & St. Louis. Perrin is a marginal NHL player. And, while St. Louis is an NHL star, it took him a while to gain that status. If Tony can achieve NHL stardom (a long shot), it's going to take him a while too. Staying at defense-minded Cornell for four years will serve him well in preparing for the Devils' system. I hope he stays four years. It will be fun to watch him progress.

The Rancor · March 09, 2007, 12:39:35 PM

[quote redice][quote The Rancor] He's not going anywhere anytime soon.[/quote]

I agree. He may be our best freshman. But, he's hardly the second coming of Joe N., or mini-mites such as Perrin or St. Louis. I understand comparing him to Joe N. is not fair because Tony doesn't possess the size & skills. Tony is comparable in many ways to Perrin & St. Louis. Perrin is a marginal NHL player. And, while St. Louis is an NHL star, it took him a while to gain that status. If Tony can achieve NHL stardom (a long shot), it's going to take him a while too. Staying at defense-minded Cornell for four years will serve him well in preparing for the Devils' system. I hope he stays four years. It will be fun to watch him progress.[/quote]

i see him as a moulson-esque type in the next few years.

dre1614 · March 09, 2007, 02:19:05 PM

[quote redice][quote The Rancor] He's not going anywhere anytime soon.[/quote]

I agree. He may be our best freshman. But, he's hardly the second coming of Joe N., or mini-mites such as Perrin or St. Louis. I understand comparing him to Joe N. is not fair because Tony doesn't possess the size & skills. Tony is comparable in many ways to Perrin & St. Louis. Perrin is a marginal NHL player. And, while St. Louis is an NHL star, it took him a while to gain that status. If Tony can achieve NHL stardom (a long shot), it's going to take him a while too. Staying at defense-minded Cornell for four years will serve him well in preparing for the Devils' system. I hope he stays four years. It will be fun to watch him progress.[/quote]

I think he is actually faster than Joe N. and as for St Louis, i think he has been pretty much the same player for years, it just so happened that the NHL went towards the up tempo game, so the small speedy guys took advantage. I think Tony has a pretty easy shot to make the NHL, and a decent shot to be a great player.

IMO

calgARI '07 · March 09, 2007, 03:24:08 PM

[quote dre1614]

I think he is actually faster than Joe N. and as for St Louis, i think he has been pretty much the same player for years, it just so happened that the NHL went towards the up tempo game, so the small speedy guys took advantage. I think Tony has a pretty easy shot to make the NHL, and a decent shot to be a great player.

IMO[/quote]

St-Louis broke out well before the New NHL arrived. He scored 33 goals in 02-03 and led the league in scoring and won MVP in 03-04. Those two seasons, there was more clutching and grabbing than any other. St-Louis changed his game by adding more grit and simply battling through the clutching and grabbing of the pre-lockout NHL.

I saw him play with Calgary for a year in 99-00 when he was a 3rd liner and the guy did nothing with the puck. He stayed along the perimeter, took care of things in his own end, and hoped for the best. There are very few small, finesse players who make it in the NHL without having any sandpaper in their game. Look at some of the other small, successful players of the years - Fleury, Sullivan, and even Kariya.

calgARI '07 · March 09, 2007, 03:26:35 PM

[quote The Rancor]

i see him as a moulson-esque type in the next few years.[/quote]

I guess I don't see the comparison. Moulson has vastly superior hockey sense and really relied on his positioning and ability to find the open ice. That was the case even in his first year. Romano is far more skilled than Moulson, and his skating is miles ahead of where Moulson's was even last season, but he doesn't have anywhere near the level of hockey sense IMO.

bandrews37 · March 10, 2007, 02:08:08 AM

As long as his creativity is stifled under Schafer's direction, he's not going to continue to develop.

I'm sorry, but after tonight's game, I'm starting to believe that what DILLIGAF is saying is true; Romano (among other players) won't be around next year.

Jim Hyla · March 10, 2007, 08:42:31 AM

[quote bandrews37]As long as his creativity is stifled under Schafer's direction, he's not going to continue to develop.

I'm sorry, but after tonight's game, I'm starting to believe that what DILLIGAF is saying is true; Romano (among other players) won't be around next year.[/quote]

I guess you're going to have to tell me how he was "stifled" last night. He had the puck a lot, made some bad decisions when he couldn't skate the puck into the zone and he skated all the way back into the defensive zone, and he got a lot of time on the PP. He had his offensive chances, what more do you want?::rolleyes::

bandrews37 · March 10, 2007, 12:23:45 PM

Tell me where in my post did I say last night he was stifled?

Learn to read....

DILLIGAF · March 10, 2007, 12:48:31 PM

[quote calgARI '07

I guess I don't see the comparison. Moulson has vastly superior hockey sense and really relied on his positioning and ability to find the open ice. That was the case even in his first year. Romano is far more skilled than Moulson, and his skating is miles ahead of where Moulson's was even last season, but he doesn't have anywhere near the level of hockey sense IMO.[/quote]

Exactly my point. Ari is absolutely right. He has the hands and he can skate. It is his hockey sense which is his ability and willingness to play without the puck and his ability and willingness to utilize his linemates that is questionable. FWIW, I believe that it is a lack of willingness more than it is ability. I fail to believe that he doens't recognize when he should pass, I believe he just ignores it. That is a huge character issue. It is something that Schafer should have been all over him (and some others) all season. One of the problems with Tony and others is that they are selfish players. That ultimately will be the downfall of this team, this year.

Jim Hyla · March 10, 2007, 01:37:27 PM

[quote bandrews37]Tell me where in my post did I say last night he was stifled?

Learn to read....[/quote]

Quote from: bandrews37As long as his creativity is stifled under Schafer's direction, he's not going to continue to develop.

I'm sorry, but after tonight's game, I'm starting to believe that what DILLIGAF is saying is true; Romano (among other players) won't be around next year.

Sorry as well, but I guess when you post at 2 AM after a game and you mention that game, I assume your post refers to that game.

If I was wrong I'm sorry.

Now I could put in the seemingly obligatory inflammatory comment, but I'll supress it.::cry::

calgARI '07 · March 10, 2007, 02:03:51 PM

I liked when Romano had the puck at the Q blueline with a possible 3-on-2 and 5 seconds later, he was behind the Cornell net. Surprisingly, he couldn't get the puck out of the zone and Quinnipiac ended up with some sustained pressure as a result.

plrd78 · March 10, 2007, 05:57:43 PM

Ari, yes he should of dumped the puck, but did you see his teamates watch him instead of get into some position to support him. Someone has to move to open ice. Watch the game on the net, I am not sticking up for him but this game requires 5 players moving and communicating, but on the blue line in a zero zero game, dump and chase is safe....

Also, anyone who is wondering about the CHL, I spoke to his Father last evening at the game. He did read many of these threads, he laughed and his comments were none to express on the site. He did say he would love to meet a few of the brain trusts who no nothing about his son or Hockey for that matter. Book smart and street smart are night and day. He also asked that please respect his son's name plus the other playes and Coaching staff and stop all the non sense comments. If you have nothing good to say why put someone down... makes sense! They should all find something else to talk about. He also noted that he will never go onto this site again, but he understands the love all the Cornell fans have for this program and great school. He respects the fact the each person is entitled to their own opinion. He felt that some of the comments made are only made by people who wish they could play this game. Monday morning Quaterbacks with their statements are better left with their opinions to themselves. He said the Coaching staff and players do a hell of a job...All should respect this plus its only a game....Also, regarding the comments of going to the CHL, the Devils love him at this School and believe in not only creating great players but smart students make better Hockey players. He said Hockey is like no other sport it is Chess on ice, I liked this statement.

He made a point is saying that Coach Schafer, The NJ DEvils and himself have a better idea of Tonys future the the opinions of this site....

This is how much the Devils think of him. This info. is from the Devils via the 'HF' web site

NJ Devils top 20 NHL prospect list...

Rank: 11. (NR) Tony Romano, C, 6.5 C, 19
Acquired: 6th round, 178th overall, 2006 NHL Draft

The Devils have had great freshman seasons from many of their prospects, but Romano, the former Atlantic Junior Hockey League star gets the top billing. Romano was the leading freshman scorer for the Cornell Big Red, and finished tied for fourth in team scoring with 19 points. His nine goals were also tied for second best on the team. Some were unsure if Romano would be able to carry over his excellent play from the lesser-known AJHL to the NCAA ranks, but he proved this season that he was definitely game.

Romano possesses a fantastic set of offensive tools. Though only standing at 5'11, Romano bulked has up 15 lbs to 185, showing a commitment to get stronger. As a more diminutive player, there will always be knocks on Romano's strength, but his superb skating skills and willingness to go to the high traffic areas will more than help offset that perceived weakness. Romano went from not being ranked at the beginning of this season, to almost making it into the Top 10 by mid-season. The Devils have to be thrilled at how quickly and easily Romano adjusted to the step up in competition and the best part about his rapid development is that he is only 19 and still has three years of college eligibility remaining. He is only going to get better.
One more thing, Ari he also likes your write ups and honesty, but these are NCAA Hockey players not paid professionals, go easy....

Anyway LGR

profudge · March 11, 2007, 08:24:40 AM

Thank you for making a great post. I Thank Tony's dad for his wise comments. And I thank Tony for an enjoyable and fun season along with all of his Big RED teammates. For this one Lynah fan he helped make the year better than I had hoped at the start of the season.

Yes he has things to learn but he made huge strides over the season and worked extremely hard - - I am excited about continuing to be a fan of his over the next several years!!