Union @ Cornell 11/21

[Trotsky]

Just confirmed the Ice is still shit. Dark spots all over and the creases are hardly blue anymore. But hopefully the damage was already done and they made the ice thicker so there's no more delays. As long as we can get through the next weekend we can make any major changes over break.

Where the major changes are put it back the way it was?

If we sweep these 4 TBH I have zero fucks to give.

[imafrshmn]

There is cosmetics, i.e. the paint layer, and there is the skating surface itself. As long as the weather stays seasonable, the skating ice should be fine. Last Saturday had an unseasonable spike in absolute humidity (less so air temperature) that would have hampered the refrigeration efficiency, which coupled with the women's game earlier to cause the issues. There might also be a bit of a learning process involved in honing in on optimal parameters for Lynah since they wouldn't have a ton of experience yet with the precision leveling zamboni system. TLDR, Lynah is still a first rate facility, just needs some TLC.

Back in my day, they kept Lynah's ice on the soft side seemingly to help our bruising style of play. Nowadays, thankfully, both the men's and women's programs want to use speed to our advantage.

[stereax]

Is the ice still fucked? 

No clue. I'm scurrying off to Bartels during lunch to pick up the season ticket freebies, if I hear/see anything I'll let y'all know.

What is in the season ticket swag bag?

Got a shirt, a little wallet, and a few coupons... not sure if I'll ever be able to use any of 'em though.

[Snowball]

Is the ice still fucked? 

No clue. I'm scurrying off to Bartels during lunch to pick up the season ticket freebies, if I hear/see anything I'll let y'all know.

What is in the season ticket swag bag?

Got a shirt, a little wallet, and a few coupons... not sure if I'll ever be able to use any of 'em though.

I managed to use one coupon for 25% off popcorn—felt like scoring a shorthanded goal at Lynah.

[Trotsky]

Anybody learn if we were able to practice at Lynah?

[chimpfood]

I'm sure they were, there were no major renovations going on, just extra water on the dark spots pretty much.

[Trotsky]

Casey's letter this week:

It was our home-opening weekend of the ECAC season, and Lynah did not disappoint. We had two terrific crowds, and the energy in the building was awesome.

We opened the weekend with a special moment, as we held a pregame ceremony to honor Ken Dryden, capped by a unique puck drop that saw both starting goaltenders meet at center ice for the faceoff. It was a memorable way to begin the night and celebrate one of the true legends of Cornell Hockey.

Brown plays hard and brings a very disruptive forecheck. Even though we were prepared for it, it took us a little time to adjust and find ways to bypass their pressure. Once we settled in and started moving the puck quickly, our depth began to take over and wear them down. Freshman forward Caton Ryan had a breakout night with both a power-play goal and a 5-on-5 goal — a terrific bounce-back effort after Dartmouth and a reminder of the spark youth can bring. Junior defenseman George Fegaras played one of his most complete games of the year, adding two assists and anchoring a penalty kill that went a perfect 4-for-4. Gio DiGiulian continued his hot streak with his fourth goal in as many games, and Ryan Walsh added another as he continues to heat up for us.

On Saturday, we welcomed a Yale team riding momentum after wins over Quinnipiac and Princeton. Lynah was hopping from the opening faceoff, and that energy carried into our play.

We would skate to a 5–2 victory, but not without a long night — more on that in a moment. The first period was tightly contested with limited scoring chances, as Yale does a good job staying above you and defending, two staples of our own identity without the puck. We stayed patient, kept pushing the pace, and were rewarded with an explosive second period.

We struck for four goals in the second, led by Ryan Walsh, who scored both a power-play goal and a 5-on-5 goal as he continues to elevate his game. Reegan Hiscock added his second of the season after a strong offensive sequence from his line. A key moment for me came when senior Nick DeSantis scored. Nick played his best game of the year — an important step for us as we need his presence and production with our young group. And Caton Ryan capped off his outstanding weekend with another goal, his third in two nights.

After the second period, we experienced a one-hour delay due to ice issues. It's been an ongoing challenge, and everything hit at once — an afternoon women's game, warm weather, and a torrential downpour — all contributing to poor ice conditions. We've adjusted our schedule this week, limiting ice to the men's and women's teams and making ice maintenance our top priority. Early signs are encouraging, so we're optimistic we're heading in the right direction.

What stood out most to me during this difficult situation was our crowd. Eighty-five to ninety percent of Lynah stayed in their seats throughout the delay as our band essentially put on a concert. It was an incredible display of support and a reminder of what makes Lynah so special.

A big weekend looms with Union and RPI coming to town. In my opinion, Union comes in with a veteran team and what I believe is one of the top rosters in our league this year, so Friday presents a significant opportunity for our group. RPI, under a new head coach, has already taken league games from Clarkson and Union, so we know we'll need to be sharp both games to take care of home ice.

I want to make you aware that the CHA (Cornell Hockey Association) will be sponsoring its second of four afterglows this season following Saturday night's game. Head to the Hall of Fame Room in Friends Hall for post-game food, talk to fellow members of the Lynah Faithful and meet our players. Free for CHA members, $5 for non-CHA members.

Last but certainly not least, it's also Hall of Fame Weekend! We are proud to see our very own Mike Schafer inducted. All the inductees will be honored at our game on Friday vs. Union. Congratulations, Schafe — well deserved!

Another great weekend of Cornell Hockey is on tap, help us celebrate with another packed Lynah as we finish off this four game homestand.

Let's Go Red!

Casey Jones
The Jay R. Bloom '77 Head Coach of Men's Ice Hockey

[stereax]

Casey's letter this week:

Was going to send this myself. Yeah, sounds like they're trying to stay off the ice to keep it in as good condition as they can. Would not be surprised if after December 6 (the last home game of the semester, for the women) they rip it up and reset it.

[imafrshmn]

Casey's letter this week:

Was going to send this myself. Yeah, sounds like they're trying to stay off the ice to keep it in as good condition as they can. Would not be surprised if after December 6 (the last home game of the semester, for the women) they rip it up and reset it.

I think that's clearly the right call. Just need a window of a few days when the schedule clears up.

[stereax]

Casey's letter this week:

Was going to send this myself. Yeah, sounds like they're trying to stay off the ice to keep it in as good condition as they can. Would not be surprised if after December 6 (the last home game of the semester, for the women) they rip it up and reset it.

I think that's clearly the right call. Just need a window of a few days when the schedule clears up.

And after Dec 6, they have almost a month until the next home game (Jan 2). Plus, finals for the athletes, so less time to be on the ice anyway, and then the Christmas season. So, all in all, good time to reset the ice.

[Trotsky]

Casey's letter this week:

Was going to send this myself. Yeah, sounds like they're trying to stay off the ice to keep it in as good condition as they can. Would not be surprised if after December 6 (the last home game of the semester, for the women) they rip it up and reset it.

I think that's clearly the right call. Just need a window of a few days when the schedule clears up.

It used to take a coupla weeks, and that was before they starting shanking all the derp into the ice.

Of course, those were also the days we thought the roof beams had rotted through and were near collapse.  Those pretty foil strips up there are not aesthetic.

[VIEWfromK]

Major taking warmups

[stereax]

Major taking warmups

Was about to report the same. Just got here.

Remind me NEVER to get off at Humphreys again.

[stereax]

Btw, the "derp" under the ice is super foggy. I think they just put a bunch of water over top and called it a day for now.

[marty]

Ice looks thick enough over the ECAC Decals.