High hopes waning on Cool Cats' season
Ross Keyser
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
At this point in the season, the UK hockey team is far from achieving its goal of competing for a championship.
"This is not where we want to be," said Mike Barnes, a senior forward and captain.
Last weekend, the team traveled to Rochester, N.Y., to participate in the 4th Annual American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II Showcase. The event had teams from 16 different colleges and universities across the country, but it left a nasty aftertaste for the Cool Cats.
The team arrived back in Lexington late Sunday night disappointed after finishing the tournament with a 1-1-1 record, bringing their season record to 4-4-1.
"The intensity hasn't been there so far this season, and that's what the game of hockey is all about," said Patrick McAdams, senior defenseman and alternate captain.
However disappointing the season has been for the Cool Cats, there still have been some positives. Senior goalie Nathan Lyons' performance last weekend surprised some.
"He has really excelled as a goalie this season," Barnes said. "He had to come up big for us this past weekend, and he did."
Lyons allowed only eight goals in five total periods of goaltending over the weekend.
The Cool Cats opened up against William Patterson University, a team they disposed of last season in the regional tournament. However, the Pioneers got the best of UK on Oct. 12, beating the Cats 8-2.
"We didn't start out the way we wanted to," said Lyons, who came into the game to start the second period. "The opening game was a disappointment."
Lyons' teammates shared his view.
"The game was embarrassing, and should be a wake-up call for us," McAdams said.
A team meeting held before the second game had the Cats playing with more effort in the final two games.
"We needed to alter some guys' perception and get more individual effort," Barnes said.
The Cats went on to crush Rowan University 7-3 Saturday afternoon and tied in their third game against Utah Valley State 5-5.
One of the key reasons for the Cats' sluggish start might be their weak defensive-zone coverage. When the cover breaks down, the Cats give up too many quality shots.
"It's something we have struggled on," McAdams said. "But we're working really hard to improve it."
Barnes and the rest of the Cool Cats are looking to continue the turnaround this weekend when they face off against Kennesaw State University.
The Owls should be a formidable opponent. They won the ACHA Division III championship last season and are playing their first season in Division II.
"We need to come out of this weekend with two wins and continue our momentum," Lyons said.
sports@kykernel.com
"This is not where we want to be," said Mike Barnes, a senior forward and captain.
Last weekend, the team traveled to Rochester, N.Y., to participate in the 4th Annual American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II Showcase. The event had teams from 16 different colleges and universities across the country, but it left a nasty aftertaste for the Cool Cats.
The team arrived back in Lexington late Sunday night disappointed after finishing the tournament with a 1-1-1 record, bringing their season record to 4-4-1.
"The intensity hasn't been there so far this season, and that's what the game of hockey is all about," said Patrick McAdams, senior defenseman and alternate captain.
However disappointing the season has been for the Cool Cats, there still have been some positives. Senior goalie Nathan Lyons' performance last weekend surprised some.
"He has really excelled as a goalie this season," Barnes said. "He had to come up big for us this past weekend, and he did."
Lyons allowed only eight goals in five total periods of goaltending over the weekend.
The Cool Cats opened up against William Patterson University, a team they disposed of last season in the regional tournament. However, the Pioneers got the best of UK on Oct. 12, beating the Cats 8-2.
"We didn't start out the way we wanted to," said Lyons, who came into the game to start the second period. "The opening game was a disappointment."
Lyons' teammates shared his view.
"The game was embarrassing, and should be a wake-up call for us," McAdams said.
A team meeting held before the second game had the Cats playing with more effort in the final two games.
"We needed to alter some guys' perception and get more individual effort," Barnes said.
The Cats went on to crush Rowan University 7-3 Saturday afternoon and tied in their third game against Utah Valley State 5-5.
One of the key reasons for the Cats' sluggish start might be their weak defensive-zone coverage. When the cover breaks down, the Cats give up too many quality shots.
"It's something we have struggled on," McAdams said. "But we're working really hard to improve it."
Barnes and the rest of the Cool Cats are looking to continue the turnaround this weekend when they face off against Kennesaw State University.
The Owls should be a formidable opponent. They won the ACHA Division III championship last season and are playing their first season in Division II.
"We need to come out of this weekend with two wins and continue our momentum," Lyons said.
sports@kykernel.com
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