So looking back over the stats and just looking at the defensive side of the ball. Can anyone point to a specific reason why there was a dramatic jump in GAA from 2013 to 2014 and then another in 2015 such that Hopkins has now average GAA in double digits?
GAA
2010 - 9.6 (1st losing year)
2011 - 7.25
2012 - 7.43
2013 - 7.7
2014 - 8.9
2015 - 10.5
2016 - 11.6
2017 - 11.46
2018 - 9.7
2019 - 12.65
I've watched most of the game but the same things plaguing Hopkins in 2019 were the same ones hurting the teams over the past 5-6 years. Why that hasn't caused some type of change in strategy or philosophy is mind boggling.
- suboptimal goaltending. Only Brock last year was over .500 and it was only .506 saves percentage in the last 5 years.
- player personnel, lack of athletes at the SSDM position. Still an issue.
- defensive schemes that leave guys wide open. has been an issue forever. Well except when you have multiple 4 years starters that have 4.0.
One other point I'd like to address. Why has Hopkins, or most teams for that matter, gotten away from face-off men that can play. Hopkins was at its more dominate when it had guys like Harrison and the Peysers brothers taking face-offs. That is one change I'd like to see. Elimination of FOGOs. You can only sub your FOGO upon losing of possession and only your long stick can come off if you win the face-off.