Brockport has an interesting weekend coming up, one that should see them pick up a win and a loss.
On Halloween they travel to the Geneva Recreational Center to play Hobart at 7:00. If you’ve seen Brockport play there before, be prepared for a change to tradition. It won’t look or feel like you remember it.
The Center used to be a real treat for the fans because it was the only outdoor rink in DIII hockey. Sure, it had a roof, but it had no walls and was open to the air. In Brockport’s 2006-2007 trip to Hobart I froze my behind off….it was only 9 degrees! Probably to make life easier for the fans and players Geneva and Hobart worked together to enclose the rink prior to last season. So, the novelty is gone.
But, the excitement won’t be.
Hobart is always a force to reckon with. Last year they were 18-2-2 and they came into this season ranked 8th on the USCHO poll. Their claim to fame is their speedy style of play. Coach Mark Taylor drafts players based on speed and puck handling ability and his teams always excel at moving the puck and maintaining control of the game. It’s a boring style of play to me (limited physicality) but it works quite well.
Hobart has a couple of young buck that Brockport must contend with. Junior Nick DeCroo had 15 goals last year and Matt Wallace had 11 goals last year…as a freshman!
Another obstacle is goalie Keith Longo. He was huge last year with a .931 saves percentage and 2.42 GAA. He shows great awareness in the crease.
Hobart was shocked in its season opener, whupped-on 4-0 by Buff State, but in the two games since they won convincingly 5-3 and 8-3. Last year they had a hard time with Brockport, so I predict yet another close and very exciting game.
But, Brockport comes up short, 4-3.
If you can’t make the trip to Hobart, you can listen in at www.891thepoint.com
On Saturday the team heads to Morrisville for a 7:00 match-up. Morrisville is the doormat of the SUNYAC, having gone 5-20 last year in the first year as a conference member. They are comparable to last week’s opponent (Lebanon Valley) yet they actually have a threat in Rob Sgarbossa, a solid goal scorer. Brockport will walk away with a 4-1 victory.
Once again, the game will be available on-air at 89.1 or on WBSU’s website.
