April 11, 2025 • 15 mins
The USCHO Weekend Review crew of Ed Trefzger, Jim Connelly and Robert Morris coach Derek Schooley are joined by St. Lawrence coach Brent Brekke to preview Thursday's NCAA Semifinal matchups between Denver and Western Michigan (5 p.m. ET, ESPN2) and Boston University and Penn State (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN 2). They also look at the Frozen Four through the eyes of the fan and give you their picks on which two teams will emerge.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Saint Louis the gateway to the West.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
If you talk to the locals, they'll tell you it's
the gateway to champions. See, they love their porks in
Saint Louis, and they certainly love their champions. Now four
teams all hope to call themselves champions. Denver, Flaws University,
Western Michigan and Penn State in the City of Champions.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
Who's next. This is the NUBA Frozen Four.
Speaker 4 (00:30):
Welcome to USCCHO live at the Frozen Four. It's Thursday,
it's the semi finals. Four teams will play today to
willie merge to face off with each other on Saturday
for the national Championship. I'm met Trepster along with Jim
Connelly from usccho dot com, Robert Morris University head coach
Derek Scully, and Saint Lawrence University head coach at Brent Breckey.
(00:54):
We're gonna talk a little bit today, Jim about today's
games and how the two teams match up.
Speaker 5 (01:00):
We are and I think it's really interesting when we
look at these two semi finals. You have two very
familiar opponents in the first and then two very familiar
opponents in the second semi finals. So I think that'll
be interesting. Also get some perspective on what it's like
to be a fan of a fan of a team.
I'm looking at a couple of fans of teams from
uh that might have had a good time last night.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Miss the school.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
How was that?
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Was it a nice evening?
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Yeah? We had fun.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
It was a good evening at right, fan engagement.
Speaker 5 (01:29):
Well, let's jump into the games, and let's start with
the opening game in schools. We've been talking a little
bit for a couple of days now of wow, what
this builds up as And as we mentioned yesterday, Western
Michigan still is the highest remaining seat in this tournament.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
But Western Michigan wants to tell you they're an underdog.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (01:48):
I mean they're sitting there. Hey, we're enjoying the experience.
It's our first time. But to be the best, you
got to beat the best, basically a Rick Flair quote.
And I feel that they're playing themselves kind of a
low key underdog to try to get away from it.
And then you got Denver on the other side, which
isn't running away from it. Hey, we know what to
do on as far as preparation, we know what to
(02:10):
do as far as how to take care of our bodies.
In that self, I think you're seeing one plan the underdog,
who's the better, who's the higher seed, and the other
one playing the confident one, who, hey, we've been there,
we know what to do as a lower seed.
Speaker 5 (02:24):
How much does Matt Davis play into this one here, Brent,
And you know, obviously he is almost mister NCAA tournament
right now. Six wins and six starts, hasn't allowed more
than a goal.
Speaker 1 (02:36):
In any game. Is he kind of the story for
this Denver team?
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (02:41):
I think so.
Speaker 7 (02:41):
I mean, you're goalten in it with any team, you know,
to have success and get where they want to get
to and win a national championship, it's it's your most
pivotal piece. But he is definitely the guy, and he's
you know, he stepped up to the challenge every single time.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
He is big time in big games.
Speaker 7 (02:55):
You know, you listen to the interviews he's called and
there's a peasants to him in the interviews yesterday with
the press conference. But he's a terrific goalt in and
I think that's probably the difference of the game is
in the net.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
How much does the NC final matter today.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
We talked about it this morning.
Speaker 6 (03:12):
You took the impression that it was so long ago
and they played games that it shouldn't matter. I took
a point counterpoint of hey, that's the first time they
saw Western Michigan again.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
Will that creep into their minds? Will that goal to
tie it three to three?
Speaker 6 (03:26):
Yes, creep into Matt Davis's mind because at the end
of the day in the NCAA tournament, he has been
unbeatable for the last two years. Will you see the
Matt Davis of the NCAA tournament or will you see
Matt Davis of the NCC tournament?
Speaker 3 (03:40):
Brent.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
When you see a team like this from your own
league in the playoffs that you see all the time,
how much does that familiarity help you as a coach
prepare your squad.
Speaker 7 (03:49):
No, it's huge, just not just for the you know,
for the staff, but the players as well. There's a
comfortableness that you have there and you've gone through the
pre scouts and you're dissecting it a little bit more
and that familiarity becomes a pretty crucial point. And real
face offs, for instance, a huge part of the game. Well,
face off goals make a difference in a lot of games,
and that one particular situation you're keying in a little
bit more with the face Offso watching either center, what
(04:11):
their tendencies are, how can you beat them? Because that
one possession on a face off can make a difference.
So little things like that make a tremendous difference when
you've got some familiar to playing.
Speaker 6 (04:19):
A number of times, we've seen the gamut of a
bit from game one to game two. Game one sometimes
there's no penalties, or and then game two there's a
whole bunch of penalties. So I think, yeah, it's going
to play a factor. I think Western's special teams is unbelievable,
and obviously Matt Davis, the better goalie on paper with
a national championship rank, will have to be the best
(04:41):
penalty killer for Denver Jim.
Speaker 4 (04:43):
The other half of the bracket has Boston University and
a newcomer to the Frozen four, Penn State.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
I think that this one is really interestingly. Obviously the
name Penn stayed alone.
Speaker 5 (04:56):
Just the brand and the fact that it hasn't been
here before, the fact that this is all new for everybody.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Involved, that that's just fun for this advent so just
start there and throwing bu They're in three straight frozen fours.
Speaker 5 (05:08):
This is seven per seven for Jade pandolf Or as
a player and a coach and reach the NCAA tournaments
and then making the Frozen four.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
That's pretty outstanding as well. I think that this.
Speaker 5 (05:20):
Is a lot about whose game is going to dictate.
Is be you going to be able to win a
running gun game? Does Penn State have to find a
way to slow.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
Be you down? Is that a factor, Derek?
Speaker 5 (05:31):
Is is that something that guy Gandewski is thinking aboute
is thinking about, worry about you know, the coals of
the world, guys that can do all that. Or is
it just saying, hey we go and we play fast game,
we'll do ourselves.
Speaker 6 (05:44):
Yeah, you're gonna you're gonna talk about every player and
how you want to play against the team. I would
be surprised if one of their models going into this
game was, hey, let's try to make a whole bunch
of players and the neutrals on and turnpucks over.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
So I would think that they're.
Speaker 6 (05:58):
Going to want to get pucks deep behind their d
use their speed, and then get pucks through the net.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
I mean, if they turn the puck over I sarcasm.
Speaker 6 (06:06):
I don't know if it came through good there, but yef,
they turned the puck over watch out because bu is
coming back the other way.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
How much is the power play factor in here?
Speaker 5 (06:15):
I mean, be you one of the best power plays
out there, and when you have a guy like Cole Aismans,
you know, sniping those pucks off Brad, it becomes a
little bit of a weapon that Penn State is going
to have to be conscious about.
Speaker 7 (06:29):
Yeah, you're disciplining, and they're just talked about, you know,
turning pucks over.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
That's a discipline without the game.
Speaker 7 (06:33):
But then you're talking with the physicality of controlling your
sticks and moving your feet, so you're not taking certain
types of penalties your disciplines. Crucially, you can't put yourself
in the box. So that's a team that is multi threatful.
It's not like there's just a couple of guys you
got a key on. You know, their lineup throughout and
both power plays are pretty dynamic, so it's something that's
going to be important piece of the game. You know,
they got to really make sure that they're doing their
job to stay out of the box. I don't think
(06:54):
Penn State wants to play a special team's game against them.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
Maybe they want to play a five on five.
Speaker 7 (06:58):
I think that's their best opportunity to beat them.
Speaker 5 (07:00):
Well, we're gonna take a break here when we come back.
It's fan experience. You want to talk about a couple
of fans. They're coaches, but they're also Western Michigan fans,
having graduated from that. For a room, we'll talk to
them about what it's like being here as a fan
when usdholive at the Frozen four returns.
Speaker 8 (07:20):
I'm Cold Kawfield and I played college hockey. I'm Adam
Fox and I played college hockey.
Speaker 9 (07:27):
I'm de Gentville and I played college guy.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
I'm Johnny Gudreaux.
Speaker 8 (07:30):
Then I played college hockey.
Speaker 9 (07:45):
Whether you were a fan or a player, nothing comparison college.
Speaker 10 (07:48):
Well, we knew that frolden for was going to be here,
and with season that Broncos have had, Paul season, Loan
Roberson following them. The bullpepper is that they would approve
here at the end and pretty loguous see it up
there here.
Speaker 4 (08:00):
You know, Jamal Mayers is pretty excited to see this
here in Saint Louis, and there are a lot of
fans who are thrilled to be at the Frozen four.
Not only those who are here to support their teams,
but another bunch who come every year and it is
really a fan fest.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
And I always think that that's what's interesting in schools.
You've been a part of this a lot as.
Speaker 5 (08:20):
A committee member, and Brett, you've seen this from many
different angles as well, But when you approach them from
a fans perspective, this is an ultimate moment.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
If you follow a team, if.
Speaker 5 (08:32):
You put your resources, your time in back of a team,
this is the place you want to beat.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
This is your ultimate celebration.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (08:41):
The funny thing is is Western and Penn State have
never been here. Yeah, so the fans are coming.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Out in droves. I mean there was there are people.
Speaker 6 (08:49):
The Detroit to Saint Louis Delta flight this morning was
packed with Broco fans. People are coming here because they
haven't been there. Rent sent out a great text message
to our alumni group.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
We're leading up to this.
Speaker 6 (09:00):
There's no excuse not to be here because this is
the first time we've wanted this. You've had the emotion
of it, come and be a part of it.
Speaker 5 (09:08):
Well, what's it been like for you, Brett, just being
on the ground seeing a lot of four of Western
Michigan players.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
Oh, it's been terrific.
Speaker 7 (09:16):
I mean we reunited with a bunch from last night
and they rolled in at different times in the afternoon,
in the evening, so some of the guys we hadn't
seen since law our last reunion that we got together.
Speaker 3 (09:24):
When everyone's able to do it sometimes it'd been twenty years.
Speaker 7 (09:26):
I mean, it is coming out of the woodwork and
it's just like you saw him last week, even though
it's been years.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
And so it's been fun.
Speaker 7 (09:32):
You know, the uniquest of the Frozen Four, Like step
out of the hotel today and you see every jersey,
every sweatshirt, every half from every program right across the
country and sitting there having breakfast in the hotel lobby
and there's a Hockey East fan sitting next.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
To me with their jersey on, and.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
Somebody walked by and chirped them all they'll be here
at some point.
Speaker 7 (09:51):
Those types of things take place, but the energy level
just around the Downtown Era, it doesn't matter saying well
it's a great place, but they're all like that, every
Frozen four where the fans are you know, they're from
across the country. It's their time every single year to
get together, whether they're teams in or not. You have
such a faithful following for so many different programs, but
no for Western to get here. It's obviously special to
see so many guys that we haven't seen in a
(10:11):
long time, and reunite has been fun.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
Well, let's take one last break.
Speaker 5 (10:15):
When we come back, we'll wrap things up, and we
will do so by giving our predictions and why ed
do I feel like we're going to have a lot
of Western b Western Michigan Bronco predictions to me in
this when we come back usc it go live from
the Frozen.
Speaker 8 (10:31):
I'm Cold Kawfield and I played college hockey. I'm Adam Fox.
I played college hockey.
Speaker 9 (10:38):
I'm the Genthel and I play college guy.
Speaker 8 (10:41):
I'm Johnny Gaudreaux. Then I played college on.
Speaker 9 (10:56):
Whether you're a fan or a player, nothing comparison College Teck.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
We're back with us eh O live from the Frozen
four in Saint Louis High atop the Hilton Hotel at
the ballpark right near Bush Stadium.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
Is it still Bush Stadium? YEP, it is still Bush.
Speaker 4 (11:11):
State, the third one. The third one, I knew it
wasn't Sportsman Stadium.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
That was prefore. Yeah, you're dating yourself out if you
were at that stadium. Yeah, it's how.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
We little lad But but anyway, this is the time
we always dread every year, I think is when we
have to make predictions. But I think we have a
couple of people who better predicted one way or they're
going to be in big trouble. Maybe we'll start with
you guys, because it'll be easier. Let's go with the
first game and then we'll come back for the late one. Brent,
(11:39):
what's your take on Western, Michigan and Denver? Yeah, obviously Western.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
My pick for sure.
Speaker 7 (11:46):
We talked to first this morning, just saw them outside
the hotel. Said they had a great skate this morning.
They're feeling good about themselves.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
Yeah, we just talked about.
Speaker 7 (11:53):
You know, what's the energy level, like, what's the you know,
they extremely excited or the low keys and no, it's
just been a real dialed in focus that they've had
now for a number of weeks. And he said it's
just a real good approach that he doesn't feel uncomfortable
with the guys.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
You're anxious or anything like that or nervous. They're just
they're ready to go. So Western.
Speaker 6 (12:12):
Offense versus defense. Does the goaltender win it again? I
say no, So I will go with the Western Michigan
Broncos legit from nineteen ninety three right here, we're not
trying that.
Speaker 9 (12:31):
Later.
Speaker 1 (12:31):
As a fan with it on, Jimmy, I think I
might get this one on, but but I've better put
it away.
Speaker 11 (12:37):
I if if I'm picking Western Michigan, that means I'm
picking against Denver, And at this point, i think I've
been hit over the head enough times in the last
two years to pick pick against Matt Davis, pick against
the Denver Pioneers.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
So I'm going to go with Denver in this one.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
I'm gonna go with Western Michigan.
Speaker 4 (12:55):
I think Matt Davis will have a great game, but
I'm looking at something it might be like a three
to one game with that third goal as an empty netter.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
So I'm gonna go with death.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
Though I like low scoring here.
Speaker 4 (13:07):
Let's go to the late game Boston University and Penn State.
And Penn State new to the Frozen four. They started
out h to nine in the Big Ten and went
off to the races. If they had one half those games,
they would have been higher than a number four seed.
But you gotta like the momentum there. But then there's
(13:27):
BU who's been terrific down the stretch too. So I'll
let Derek go first.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
Then we'll go to Brent.
Speaker 6 (13:33):
I'm predicting that there's a lot of offense. Penn State
always has a lot of shots on goal. They're constantly
known for getting pucks. Than that, I say there's be
a lot of offense, a lot of shots. But as
a Pennsylvanian, we are Penn State.
Speaker 3 (13:47):
I'll no. I like the matchup, I really do. I
think there is a contrast the way the two teams play.
Speaker 7 (13:56):
But the excitement level to see Guy Godowski and his
excite after the last game to get here was unbelievable.
I think that's infectious. In watching the two teams practice yesterday,
there's a high, high enthusiasm.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
And I'm gonna go with Penn State as well.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
I'm gonna go against you guys again. I'll go Boston University.
Speaker 5 (14:16):
I don't know that I have a really good reason,
except for the fact that I've seen a lot of
BU and I really like them. I have seen a
lot of Penn State down the stretch, so I've seen
it best hockey. That's a great brand of hockey. Can
this come down to one bounce of the puck? Absolute league?
I see this as a higher scoring game. I've seen
maybe a five to three game at future.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
Here is Hockey East paycheck effect that picked there and
does not Steve Mutcalf for a little bit.
Speaker 4 (14:41):
I'm gonna end up going with Penn State on this one.
And I think for intangibles, Brent mentioned the enthusiasm and excitement,
and there is kind of a loose fun excitement about
that team, but also a seriousness of purpose. And on
top of that, it's almost I hate to use the term,
but almost like playing with house money. Everybody else has
(15:02):
more pressure on them than Penn State.
Speaker 3 (15:04):
Does. I agree with high scoring game?
Speaker 4 (15:06):
Maybe we see five to four, four to three, something
like the fans will be entertained in the late game,
that's for sure.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
Well, that is going to wrap it up for this edition.
Speaker 4 (15:15):
The Thursday edition of USCCHO Live from the Frozen four
five pm Eastern, the Early game eight thirty pm Eastern,
the late game ESPN two on television, and Westwood one
on national radio. Find out everything you need to know
about the Frozen Four at our website, Uscho dot com.
(15:35):
For Jim Connolly, for Garrett Schooley, for Brent Brecky, I'm
at Trevska and this has been us CHO Live the
Frozen Four from Saint Louis
Saint Louis the gateway to the West.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
If you talk to the locals, they'll tell you it's
the gateway to champions. See, they love their porks in
Saint Louis, and they certainly love their champions. Now four
teams all hope to call themselves champions. Denver, Flaws University,
Western Michigan and Penn State in the City of Champions.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
Who's next. This is the NUBA Frozen Four.
Speaker 4 (00:30):
Welcome to USCCHO live at the Frozen Four. It's Thursday,
it's the semi finals. Four teams will play today to
willie merge to face off with each other on Saturday
for the national Championship. I'm met Trepster along with Jim
Connelly from usccho dot com, Robert Morris University head coach
Derek Scully, and Saint Lawrence University head coach at Brent Breckey.
(00:54):
We're gonna talk a little bit today, Jim about today's
games and how the two teams match up.
Speaker 5 (01:00):
We are and I think it's really interesting when we
look at these two semi finals. You have two very
familiar opponents in the first and then two very familiar
opponents in the second semi finals. So I think that'll
be interesting. Also get some perspective on what it's like
to be a fan of a fan of a team.
I'm looking at a couple of fans of teams from
uh that might have had a good time last night.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Miss the school.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
How was that?
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Was it a nice evening?
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Yeah? We had fun.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
It was a good evening at right, fan engagement.
Speaker 5 (01:29):
Well, let's jump into the games, and let's start with
the opening game in schools. We've been talking a little
bit for a couple of days now of wow, what
this builds up as And as we mentioned yesterday, Western
Michigan still is the highest remaining seat in this tournament.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
But Western Michigan wants to tell you they're an underdog.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (01:48):
I mean they're sitting there. Hey, we're enjoying the experience.
It's our first time. But to be the best, you
got to beat the best, basically a Rick Flair quote.
And I feel that they're playing themselves kind of a
low key underdog to try to get away from it.
And then you got Denver on the other side, which
isn't running away from it. Hey, we know what to
do on as far as preparation, we know what to
(02:10):
do as far as how to take care of our bodies.
In that self, I think you're seeing one plan the underdog,
who's the better, who's the higher seed, and the other
one playing the confident one, who, hey, we've been there,
we know what to do as a lower seed.
Speaker 5 (02:24):
How much does Matt Davis play into this one here, Brent,
And you know, obviously he is almost mister NCAA tournament
right now. Six wins and six starts, hasn't allowed more
than a goal.
Speaker 1 (02:36):
In any game. Is he kind of the story for
this Denver team?
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (02:41):
I think so.
Speaker 7 (02:41):
I mean, you're goalten in it with any team, you know,
to have success and get where they want to get
to and win a national championship, it's it's your most
pivotal piece. But he is definitely the guy, and he's
you know, he stepped up to the challenge every single time.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
He is big time in big games.
Speaker 7 (02:55):
You know, you listen to the interviews he's called and
there's a peasants to him in the interviews yesterday with
the press conference. But he's a terrific goalt in and
I think that's probably the difference of the game is
in the net.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
How much does the NC final matter today.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
We talked about it this morning.
Speaker 6 (03:12):
You took the impression that it was so long ago
and they played games that it shouldn't matter. I took
a point counterpoint of hey, that's the first time they
saw Western Michigan again.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
Will that creep into their minds? Will that goal to
tie it three to three?
Speaker 6 (03:26):
Yes, creep into Matt Davis's mind because at the end
of the day in the NCAA tournament, he has been
unbeatable for the last two years. Will you see the
Matt Davis of the NCAA tournament or will you see
Matt Davis of the NCC tournament?
Speaker 3 (03:40):
Brent.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
When you see a team like this from your own
league in the playoffs that you see all the time,
how much does that familiarity help you as a coach
prepare your squad.
Speaker 7 (03:49):
No, it's huge, just not just for the you know,
for the staff, but the players as well. There's a
comfortableness that you have there and you've gone through the
pre scouts and you're dissecting it a little bit more
and that familiarity becomes a pretty crucial point. And real
face offs, for instance, a huge part of the game. Well,
face off goals make a difference in a lot of games,
and that one particular situation you're keying in a little
bit more with the face Offso watching either center, what
(04:11):
their tendencies are, how can you beat them? Because that
one possession on a face off can make a difference.
So little things like that make a tremendous difference when
you've got some familiar to playing.
Speaker 6 (04:19):
A number of times, we've seen the gamut of a
bit from game one to game two. Game one sometimes
there's no penalties, or and then game two there's a
whole bunch of penalties. So I think, yeah, it's going
to play a factor. I think Western's special teams is unbelievable,
and obviously Matt Davis, the better goalie on paper with
a national championship rank, will have to be the best
(04:41):
penalty killer for Denver Jim.
Speaker 4 (04:43):
The other half of the bracket has Boston University and
a newcomer to the Frozen four, Penn State.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
I think that this one is really interestingly. Obviously the
name Penn stayed alone.
Speaker 5 (04:56):
Just the brand and the fact that it hasn't been
here before, the fact that this is all new for everybody.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Involved, that that's just fun for this advent so just
start there and throwing bu They're in three straight frozen fours.
Speaker 5 (05:08):
This is seven per seven for Jade pandolf Or as
a player and a coach and reach the NCAA tournaments
and then making the Frozen four.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
That's pretty outstanding as well. I think that this.
Speaker 5 (05:20):
Is a lot about whose game is going to dictate.
Is be you going to be able to win a
running gun game? Does Penn State have to find a
way to slow.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
Be you down? Is that a factor, Derek?
Speaker 5 (05:31):
Is is that something that guy Gandewski is thinking aboute
is thinking about, worry about you know, the coals of
the world, guys that can do all that. Or is
it just saying, hey we go and we play fast game,
we'll do ourselves.
Speaker 6 (05:44):
Yeah, you're gonna you're gonna talk about every player and
how you want to play against the team. I would
be surprised if one of their models going into this
game was, hey, let's try to make a whole bunch
of players and the neutrals on and turnpucks over.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
So I would think that they're.
Speaker 6 (05:58):
Going to want to get pucks deep behind their d
use their speed, and then get pucks through the net.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
I mean, if they turn the puck over I sarcasm.
Speaker 6 (06:06):
I don't know if it came through good there, but yef,
they turned the puck over watch out because bu is
coming back the other way.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
How much is the power play factor in here?
Speaker 5 (06:15):
I mean, be you one of the best power plays
out there, and when you have a guy like Cole Aismans,
you know, sniping those pucks off Brad, it becomes a
little bit of a weapon that Penn State is going
to have to be conscious about.
Speaker 7 (06:29):
Yeah, you're disciplining, and they're just talked about, you know,
turning pucks over.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
That's a discipline without the game.
Speaker 7 (06:33):
But then you're talking with the physicality of controlling your
sticks and moving your feet, so you're not taking certain
types of penalties your disciplines. Crucially, you can't put yourself
in the box. So that's a team that is multi threatful.
It's not like there's just a couple of guys you
got a key on. You know, their lineup throughout and
both power plays are pretty dynamic, so it's something that's
going to be important piece of the game. You know,
they got to really make sure that they're doing their
job to stay out of the box. I don't think
(06:54):
Penn State wants to play a special team's game against them.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
Maybe they want to play a five on five.
Speaker 7 (06:58):
I think that's their best opportunity to beat them.
Speaker 5 (07:00):
Well, we're gonna take a break here when we come back.
It's fan experience. You want to talk about a couple
of fans. They're coaches, but they're also Western Michigan fans,
having graduated from that. For a room, we'll talk to
them about what it's like being here as a fan
when usdholive at the Frozen four returns.
Speaker 8 (07:20):
I'm Cold Kawfield and I played college hockey. I'm Adam
Fox and I played college hockey.
Speaker 9 (07:27):
I'm de Gentville and I played college guy.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
I'm Johnny Gudreaux.
Speaker 8 (07:30):
Then I played college hockey.
Speaker 9 (07:45):
Whether you were a fan or a player, nothing comparison college.
Speaker 10 (07:48):
Well, we knew that frolden for was going to be here,
and with season that Broncos have had, Paul season, Loan
Roberson following them. The bullpepper is that they would approve
here at the end and pretty loguous see it up
there here.
Speaker 4 (08:00):
You know, Jamal Mayers is pretty excited to see this
here in Saint Louis, and there are a lot of
fans who are thrilled to be at the Frozen four.
Not only those who are here to support their teams,
but another bunch who come every year and it is
really a fan fest.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
And I always think that that's what's interesting in schools.
You've been a part of this a lot as.
Speaker 5 (08:20):
A committee member, and Brett, you've seen this from many
different angles as well, But when you approach them from
a fans perspective, this is an ultimate moment.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
If you follow a team, if.
Speaker 5 (08:32):
You put your resources, your time in back of a team,
this is the place you want to beat.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
This is your ultimate celebration.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (08:41):
The funny thing is is Western and Penn State have
never been here. Yeah, so the fans are coming.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Out in droves. I mean there was there are people.
Speaker 6 (08:49):
The Detroit to Saint Louis Delta flight this morning was
packed with Broco fans. People are coming here because they
haven't been there. Rent sent out a great text message
to our alumni group.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
We're leading up to this.
Speaker 6 (09:00):
There's no excuse not to be here because this is
the first time we've wanted this. You've had the emotion
of it, come and be a part of it.
Speaker 5 (09:08):
Well, what's it been like for you, Brett, just being
on the ground seeing a lot of four of Western
Michigan players.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
Oh, it's been terrific.
Speaker 7 (09:16):
I mean we reunited with a bunch from last night
and they rolled in at different times in the afternoon,
in the evening, so some of the guys we hadn't
seen since law our last reunion that we got together.
Speaker 3 (09:24):
When everyone's able to do it sometimes it'd been twenty years.
Speaker 7 (09:26):
I mean, it is coming out of the woodwork and
it's just like you saw him last week, even though
it's been years.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
And so it's been fun.
Speaker 7 (09:32):
You know, the uniquest of the Frozen Four, Like step
out of the hotel today and you see every jersey,
every sweatshirt, every half from every program right across the
country and sitting there having breakfast in the hotel lobby
and there's a Hockey East fan sitting next.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
To me with their jersey on, and.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
Somebody walked by and chirped them all they'll be here
at some point.
Speaker 7 (09:51):
Those types of things take place, but the energy level
just around the Downtown Era, it doesn't matter saying well
it's a great place, but they're all like that, every
Frozen four where the fans are you know, they're from
across the country. It's their time every single year to
get together, whether they're teams in or not. You have
such a faithful following for so many different programs, but
no for Western to get here. It's obviously special to
see so many guys that we haven't seen in a
(10:11):
long time, and reunite has been fun.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
Well, let's take one last break.
Speaker 5 (10:15):
When we come back, we'll wrap things up, and we
will do so by giving our predictions and why ed
do I feel like we're going to have a lot
of Western b Western Michigan Bronco predictions to me in
this when we come back usc it go live from
the Frozen.
Speaker 8 (10:31):
I'm Cold Kawfield and I played college hockey. I'm Adam Fox.
I played college hockey.
Speaker 9 (10:38):
I'm the Genthel and I play college guy.
Speaker 8 (10:41):
I'm Johnny Gaudreaux. Then I played college on.
Speaker 9 (10:56):
Whether you're a fan or a player, nothing comparison College Teck.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
We're back with us eh O live from the Frozen
four in Saint Louis High atop the Hilton Hotel at
the ballpark right near Bush Stadium.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
Is it still Bush Stadium? YEP, it is still Bush.
Speaker 4 (11:11):
State, the third one. The third one, I knew it
wasn't Sportsman Stadium.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
That was prefore. Yeah, you're dating yourself out if you
were at that stadium. Yeah, it's how.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
We little lad But but anyway, this is the time
we always dread every year, I think is when we
have to make predictions. But I think we have a
couple of people who better predicted one way or they're
going to be in big trouble. Maybe we'll start with
you guys, because it'll be easier. Let's go with the
first game and then we'll come back for the late one. Brent,
(11:39):
what's your take on Western, Michigan and Denver? Yeah, obviously Western.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
My pick for sure.
Speaker 7 (11:46):
We talked to first this morning, just saw them outside
the hotel. Said they had a great skate this morning.
They're feeling good about themselves.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
Yeah, we just talked about.
Speaker 7 (11:53):
You know, what's the energy level, like, what's the you know,
they extremely excited or the low keys and no, it's
just been a real dialed in focus that they've had
now for a number of weeks. And he said it's
just a real good approach that he doesn't feel uncomfortable
with the guys.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
You're anxious or anything like that or nervous. They're just
they're ready to go. So Western.
Speaker 6 (12:12):
Offense versus defense. Does the goaltender win it again? I
say no, So I will go with the Western Michigan
Broncos legit from nineteen ninety three right here, we're not
trying that.
Speaker 9 (12:31):
Later.
Speaker 1 (12:31):
As a fan with it on, Jimmy, I think I
might get this one on, but but I've better put
it away.
Speaker 11 (12:37):
I if if I'm picking Western Michigan, that means I'm
picking against Denver, And at this point, i think I've
been hit over the head enough times in the last
two years to pick pick against Matt Davis, pick against
the Denver Pioneers.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
So I'm going to go with Denver in this one.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
I'm gonna go with Western Michigan.
Speaker 4 (12:55):
I think Matt Davis will have a great game, but
I'm looking at something it might be like a three
to one game with that third goal as an empty netter.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
So I'm gonna go with death.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
Though I like low scoring here.
Speaker 4 (13:07):
Let's go to the late game Boston University and Penn State.
And Penn State new to the Frozen four. They started
out h to nine in the Big Ten and went
off to the races. If they had one half those games,
they would have been higher than a number four seed.
But you gotta like the momentum there. But then there's
(13:27):
BU who's been terrific down the stretch too. So I'll
let Derek go first.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
Then we'll go to Brent.
Speaker 6 (13:33):
I'm predicting that there's a lot of offense. Penn State
always has a lot of shots on goal. They're constantly
known for getting pucks. Than that, I say there's be
a lot of offense, a lot of shots. But as
a Pennsylvanian, we are Penn State.
Speaker 3 (13:47):
I'll no. I like the matchup, I really do. I
think there is a contrast the way the two teams play.
Speaker 7 (13:56):
But the excitement level to see Guy Godowski and his
excite after the last game to get here was unbelievable.
I think that's infectious. In watching the two teams practice yesterday,
there's a high, high enthusiasm.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
And I'm gonna go with Penn State as well.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
I'm gonna go against you guys again. I'll go Boston University.
Speaker 5 (14:16):
I don't know that I have a really good reason,
except for the fact that I've seen a lot of
BU and I really like them. I have seen a
lot of Penn State down the stretch, so I've seen
it best hockey. That's a great brand of hockey. Can
this come down to one bounce of the puck? Absolute league?
I see this as a higher scoring game. I've seen
maybe a five to three game at future.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
Here is Hockey East paycheck effect that picked there and
does not Steve Mutcalf for a little bit.
Speaker 4 (14:41):
I'm gonna end up going with Penn State on this one.
And I think for intangibles, Brent mentioned the enthusiasm and excitement,
and there is kind of a loose fun excitement about
that team, but also a seriousness of purpose. And on
top of that, it's almost I hate to use the term,
but almost like playing with house money. Everybody else has
(15:02):
more pressure on them than Penn State.
Speaker 3 (15:04):
Does. I agree with high scoring game?
Speaker 4 (15:06):
Maybe we see five to four, four to three, something
like the fans will be entertained in the late game,
that's for sure.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
Well, that is going to wrap it up for this edition.
Speaker 4 (15:15):
The Thursday edition of USCCHO Live from the Frozen four
five pm Eastern, the Early game eight thirty pm Eastern,
the late game ESPN two on television, and Westwood one
on national radio. Find out everything you need to know
about the Frozen Four at our website, Uscho dot com.
(15:35):
For Jim Connolly, for Garrett Schooley, for Brent Brecky, I'm
at Trevska and this has been us CHO Live the
Frozen Four from Saint Louis
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