Cat Scratch...Edition 1.... McGill Pushes UVM In Preseason Game

It was only fitting that a week after Paul Newman's death, the McGill University Redmen and the University of Vermont Catamounts played a game that was more reminiscent of Slap Shot than a NCAA Hockey match.  The two teams combined for 21 penalties in a 3-2 Sunday matinee victory by UVM. 

The Catamounts had an excuse for the sloppy pentaly filled affair.  They had only one official practice before the game, due to NCAA regulations.  McGill, however, was playing its sixth game of the season and should have been able to exercise better control.  For the second straight night, the Redmen committed double digit penalties against a Hockey East opponent.

In TV Guide style lets take a look at the Cheers and Jeers of the first Catamount game of the season.

Cheers - Mike Spillane - The junior goalie got the start and looked masterful at times. Including an amazing late game save on an odd man rush.  Spillane stopped 17 shots and showed he is not afraid to leave the crease and move the puck.

Jeers - Kevin Sneddon - UVM's head coach didn't get rookie goaltender Rob Madore into the game.  The freshman of Chicago Steel fame, should have been given the opportunity to get his feet wet in a meaningless game.  With 4 of the next five games coming against top 10 opponents it may be awhile until we see Madore on the ice.

Cheers - The Penalty Kill - McGill could only score one goal in 10 power play opportunities.  The penalty killing unit was effective in shutting down the passing lanes and limiting scoring chances.

Jeers -  The Power Play - UVM was zero for 10 on the power play.  Sloppy passing and failure to keep the puck in the offensive zone limited real scoring opportunities.  The lack of practice probably effected this part of the game more than any other.  Power play units need time to jell and with a little work, Vermont has the talent to excel in this area.

Cheers - Season ticket holders who showed up - The stands were remarkably full of season ticket holders for a meaningless game that ran opposite of the Patriots on TV.  The fact that so many regulars came out is indicative of the excitement surrounding this year's club.

Jeers - The Student Section - I have never seen the student section so uninvolved or quiet.  At times it was easy to forgot they were even in the building.  The normal raucous in your face "Sixth Man" did not show.  Hopefully when Miami comes to town in two weeks they will be back to their normal chanting, screaming, obscenity filled selves.

Cheers - The UVM Pep Band - The 2008/2009 edition sounds amazing.  Their rendition of Peter Gun was spot on.  They filled the void left by the unusually quiet student section. 

Jeers - Vermont's Team - Longtime PA announcer Steve Cormier introduced the UVM team several times as "Vermont's Team."  If that is an official slogan, it is a bad one.  "Vermont's Team" as opposed to what?  "Guam's Team?"  It's overkill and unnecessary.  Of course UVM is Vermont's team.  After all, the school is called the University of Vermont.  To say "The University of Vermont Catamounts, Vermont's team" is like introducing yourself at your kids PTA meeting as, "I'm Jake's Dad the Parent of Jake."