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Chalk Talk with Head Ice Hockey Coach Dave Reno - Week 2 (2008-2009)

Coach Reno Discusses the team's last series with IPFW and the upcoming series against crosstown rival Cincinnati

10/08/08

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The Xavier Musketeer Ice hockey team opened the 2008 - 2009 season last weekend against IPFW in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. The team skated very well, but unfortunately they lost both games 3 to 1.

Friday night's game was a real heart breaker. The team scored a goal in the first 3 minutes of the game and held a one goal lead until the last 2 minutes and 15 seconds of the 3rd period when IPFW tied the game. Then with 26 seconds left in the game, IPFW scored again to go ahead. This was followed by an empty net goal with one second left in the game.

On Saturday, IPFW jumped out to a 3 – 0 lead.  The team could not recover.

Even with the two loses it was evident that this year’s team is much stronger than last years. IPFW beat Xavier by double digits in their only meeting last season. The coaching staff and I recognize a few areas that we need to work on as we move toward the remaining season and remain confident that we will improve overall.

There were a number of positives that need to be recognized. First of all both of our goalies, David Yunez and Scott Caine were absolutely fantastic in their opening games. David’s performance was unbelievable on Friday night stopping 39 shots. His movements around the net and quick reflexes were exceptional. Not to be out done, Scott followed up on Saturday with another outstanding performance also stopping 39 shots.

Kyle Nelson, a freshman, demonstrated pure hustle the entire game and needs to be recognized for his performance. In fact, all of our freshmen stepped up and contributed to the team.

Our passion for winning has not diminished since last season. The upperclassmen have inspired the freshmen; and the team for much of the two games out skated and out played IPFW. The games were so close that a few changes with some bouncing pucks and we could have returned home with two victories. In all, the coaching staff was quite please with the team’s performance.

We have two practices left before we face off with Cincinnati. We know what we need to correct and plan on having the same success over UC as we had last year. (Xavier went 3-0-1 against the Bearcats last season). We plan to practice hard and be prepared for all that UC has to offer when they try to extract some revenge. The players and coaching staff hope that many of the students, faculty, alumni, and fans will come to the game and cheer the team to victory.

Coach Dave