Loyola Greyhounds 2023

[NovaHound]

Right On Kram! Play Ball!!

[TheBigIguana]

"There’s a legitimate argument to be made that the Greyhounds will be worse than they were last year, when they finished 8-8 and outside the NCAA Tournament. In fact, they lost a one-goal game to Army in the Patriot League Semifinals after winning three straight; in 2021 (when they made it to overtime of the NCAA Quarters vs. Duke), they won a one-goal game over Army in the Patriot League Semifinals after winning three straight. That dichotomy illustrates how narrow the margins are.

They’ll be without Olmstead, Lindley, Savio, McNulty, LeBlanc and Shafer for the first time since Pat Spencer was on campus, though McNulty is now on staff as the Hounds' DOLO. That core gives way to Adam Poitras (coming off of a Minto Cup MVP performance), Evan James, Joey Kamish, Davis Lindsey and Seth Higgins, the collective of which is healthier than they had been heading into last season. The defense brings back a ton experience in US National Team tryout invitee Peyton Rezanka, LSM Scott Middleton and defensemen Matt Hughes and Cam Wyers. Face-off and goalie play are big question marks."

Terry Foy has us 19 in his early top 20. With some injuries this fall, a couple of knees and broken bones, it may be a tough start

Personally think the argument that they won't miss some of those guys is a lot easier to make. Shafer was sub 50% last season. Even if you don't improve in net it isn't like he was pushing for AA honors. It'll be fine.

And I just don't really believe they're going to miss Olmstead and Lindley as much as it seems on the surface. Olmstead led the team in points, but he also had to have led the team in touches. The ball was in his stick a ton and for me he just wasn't all the efficient. Lindsey is a more natural X and ran the offense better last season. That'll be fine.

Lindley's goalscoring will have to be replaced but I also think it is pretty replaceable with the guys they already have. Lindley being full time inside meant guys like Poitras and James who have the skills to work in there didn't really do it. The offense figures to flow differently but I don't really know that it'll mean worse. And I'm honestly intrigued to see what someone with more range might do for them. Lindley being basically 10 yards and in really condensed the space.

The FO question mark is the one that bothers me the most. Obviously getting killed on FOs and saves isn't going to work. They need to find some consistency in at least one area.

[Laxfan#1969]

"There’s a legitimate argument to be made that the Greyhounds will be worse than they were last year, when they finished 8-8 and outside the NCAA Tournament. In fact, they lost a one-goal game to Army in the Patriot League Semifinals after winning three straight; in 2021 (when they made it to overtime of the NCAA Quarters vs. Duke), they won a one-goal game over Army in the Patriot League Semifinals after winning three straight. That dichotomy illustrates how narrow the margins are.

They’ll be without Olmstead, Lindley, Savio, McNulty, LeBlanc and Shafer for the first time since Pat Spencer was on campus, though McNulty is now on staff as the Hounds' DOLO. That core gives way to Adam Poitras (coming off of a Minto Cup MVP performance), Evan James, Joey Kamish, Davis Lindsey and Seth Higgins, the collective of which is healthier than they had been heading into last season. The defense brings back a ton experience in US National Team tryout invitee Peyton Rezanka, LSM Scott Middleton and defensemen Matt Hughes and Cam Wyers. Face-off and goalie play are big question marks."

Terry Foy has us 19 in his early top 20. With some injuries this fall, a couple of knees and broken bones, it may be a tough start

Personally think the argument that they won't miss some of those guys is a lot easier to make. Shafer was sub 50% last season. Even if you don't improve in net it isn't like he was pushing for AA honors. It'll be fine.

And I just don't really believe they're going to miss Olmstead and Lindley as much as it seems on the surface. Olmstead led the team in points, but he also had to have led the team in touches. The ball was in his stick a ton and for me he just wasn't all the efficient. Lindsey is a more natural X and ran the offense better last season. That'll be fine.

Lindley's goalscoring will have to be replaced but I also think it is pretty replaceable with the guys they already have. Lindley being full time inside meant guys like Poitras and James who have the skills to work in there didn't really do it. The offense figures to flow differently but I don't really know that it'll mean worse. And I'm honestly intrigued to see what someone with more range might do for them. Lindley being basically 10 yards and in really condensed the space.

The FO question mark is the one that bothers me the most. Obviously getting killed on FOs and saves isn't going to work. They need to find some consistency in at least one area.

I’m in agreement with this post

Frankly I’m expecting this offense to be more effective this year and that’s not a personal shot any any of the guys that departed. Sometimes pieces and parts don’t mesh and last year felt a lot like that not to mention some injuries…

Kamish has range, size, experience, and athleticism to pair with Lindsey who can now play in his natural position and James, Poitras, and Higgins will form a very nice line 1 from the midfield. Some of the younger guys we have talked about will round out the needs on offense and I just feel like it’s not going to be our biggest issue and frankly I expect big years out of some of our veterans.

Big big concern is getting possessions (face off) and getting stops both on D and in the cage…

It’s gonna be fun to see how it goes

[kramerica.inc]

Vaikness has a track record of helping kids improve at the faceoff X. I'm sure he has been working with Pacheco and Cattone. I expect at least one of them to be ready to shoulder the load. Perhaps a nice 1-2 punch?

And there is also a transfer from Curry College on the roster, Sawyer Allen. He won 67% and 65% the past two years, putting him among the tops in D3. Impressive numbers. Even more so, when you consider that he took a whopping 616 faceoffs the past two seasons.

[houndace1]

I’ve posted this in another thread:


Call me slightly optimistic but I have a inkling that loyola might surprise some teams this year

They lose Olmstead and lindley at attack but return a more natural QB attackman with a nice supporting cast of scorers. A very very good freshman class can possibly make an impact in the midfield, where coaches are now not afraid to have lineup changes.

Defensive wise they return pretty much all of Close D and short-sticks but they lose in the specialist position for Goalie, FO and LSM..

WOTS is that Staudt is performing well as the presumed starting goalie, and that the freshman max watkinson makes really really good saves.

Middleton is most likely the incumbent LSM.

New guys and new faces will be getting lots of playing time. This team is talented just untested from the backlog two years ago.

These guys like their chances

[TheBigIguana]

I’ve posted this in another thread:


Call me slightly optimistic but I have a inkling that loyola might surprise some teams this year

They lose Olmstead and lindley at attack but return a more natural QB attackman with a nice supporting cast of scorers. A very very good freshman class can possibly make an impact in the midfield, where coaches are now not afraid to have lineup changes.

Defensive wise they return pretty much all of Close D and short-sticks but they lose in the specialist position for Goalie, FO and LSM..

WOTS is that Staudt is performing well as the presumed starting goalie, and that the freshman max watkinson makes really really good saves.

Middleton is most likely the incumbent LSM.

New guys and new faces will be getting lots of playing time. This team is talented just untested from the backlog two years ago.

These guys like their chances

It's a little optimistic for sure but not crazy. We saw Lindsey last season and what he could do. That's not a complete projection. The only question on offense to me is the third attackman, but you've got Minicus as a highly rated freshman and some other options including bumping Poitras down who draws a lot of poles anyway. I honestly think it could be a bump too.

It's just the faceoff and goalie situation. Savio they'll actually miss and while Shafer was very up and down you now probably need to be over 50% because you're going to have a tougher faceoff situation. I'm worried about losses where you're -15 or more on faceoffs+saves and just have no real chance no matter how good the 6v6 is.

[kramerica.inc]

Pacheco was a 4 year all state hs performer in CO. Cattone played for those dominant Calvert Hall teams in MD.

Savio returning limited their game reps. But one of them should be ready to shoulder the load and get you to Savvio’s 54% or better.

[laxbro11]

Pacheco was a 4 year all state hs performer in CO. Cattone played for those dominant Calvert Hall teams in MD.

Savio returning limited their game reps. But one of them should be ready to shoulder the load and get you to Savvio’s 54% or better.

If Pacheco and Cattone stay healthy, we should be 50/50. Will be interested to see how Sawyer Allen makes out, transfer from Curry College. Two seniors and a junior. Cupboard is empty after these guys graduate.

We will need stronger wing play in order to help out Pacheco and Cattone. Fight for the contested

Staudt in goal he has the skills, the only draw back that I hear is that he lacks the communication.

We will need a field general offensively. I agree I do not think we will miss Olmstead... He led the team in turnovers, Need have Poitras, Kamish or James step up and be the team leader

[kramerica.inc]

Pacheco was a 4 year all state hs performer in CO. Cattone played for those dominant Calvert Hall teams in MD.

Savio returning limited their game reps. But one of them should be ready to shoulder the load and get you to Savvio’s 54% or better.

If Pacheco and Cattone stay healthy, we should be 50/50. Will be interested to see how Sawyer Allen makes out, transfer from Curry College. Two seniors and a junior. Cupboard is empty after these guys graduate.

We will need stronger wing play in order to help out Pacheco and Cattone. Fight for the contested

Staudt in goal he has the skills, the only draw back that I hear is that he lacks the communication.

We will need a field general offensively. I agree I do not think we will miss Olmstead... He led the team in turnovers, Need have Poitras, Kamish or James step up and be the team leader

I'm rarely critical of the staff. But the reality is, if we can't get better than 50% with either of the 2 senior recruited fogos, the staff needs to change-up how they are identifying fogos.

[houndace1]

One strategy that I’m wondering about is if you could platoon the face off guys. Use Pacheco, cottone and Allen as a three headed dog (no pun intended) in order to mix and match looks against the other teams FOGO.

[laxbro11]

It has been a long time since we have not been pre season ranked. Richmond scrimmage will give a gage to see where we are at

[kramerica.inc]

Not even sure why Loyola is fielding a team in 2023. The Hounds will be a hapless crew and don't have much in the terms of offense or defense.
Most are penciling them in for 5th... in PL - likely behind BU, Navy, Army and Lehigh.
I guess there's always next year.

[Farfromgeneva]

Not even sure why Loyola is fielding a team in 2023. The Hounds will be a hapless crew and don't have much in the terms of offense or defense.
Most are penciling them in for 5th... in PL - likely behind BU, Navy, Army and Lehigh.
I guess there's always next year.

At some point your sandbagging with become a self fulfilling prophesy.

How about you help me be a better youth coach and stop jinxing your squad! Practice just started last night and I already feel like I’m failing them. (And as 3rd-5th graders Italy be early but I was trying to reach some of the better players who will do something at least locally through HS of note how to use the fast twitch muscles and be thinking about immediately breaking when getting possession of the ball or on a loose GB I think my age has set in because my knees were sore this am…)

[HopFan16]

Not even sure why Loyola is fielding a team in 2023. The Hounds will be a hapless crew and don't have much in the terms of offense or defense.
Most are penciling them in for 5th... in PL - likely behind BU, Navy, Army and Lehigh.
I guess there's always next year.

Who's penciling them in behind Lehigh? Loyola at least got some media poll votes, whereas Lehigh did not. I haven't really seen this sentiment expressed anywhere, let alone among "most."

[lorin]

Not even sure why Loyola is fielding a team in 2023. The Hounds will be a hapless crew and don't have much in the terms of offense or defense.
Most are penciling them in for 5th... in PL - likely behind BU, Navy, Army and Lehigh.
I guess there's always next year.

Who's penciling them in behind Lehigh? Loyola at least got some media poll votes, whereas Lehigh did not. I haven't really seen this sentiment expressed anywhere, let alone among "most."

Hopfan16 I think you would know better then to reply.

[kramerica.inc]

Not even sure why Loyola is fielding a team in 2023. The Hounds will be a hapless crew and don't have much in the terms of offense or defense.
Most are penciling them in for 5th... in PL - likely behind BU, Navy, Army and Lehigh.
I guess there's always next year.

At some point your sandbagging with become a self fulfilling prophesy.

How about you help me be a better youth coach and stop jinxing your squad! Practice just started last night and I already feel like I’m failing them. (And as 3rd-5th graders Italy be early but I was trying to reach some of the better players who will do something at least locally through HS of note how to use the fast twitch muscles and be thinking about immediately breaking when getting possession of the ball or on a loose GB I think my age has set in because my knees were sore this am…)

No jinxing. It became reality last year, unfortunately.

Hop16 can argue on Lehigh. But the point is the same. People are picking at least 3 teams to finish above Loyola in the PL. Would you or any of our other PL followers take the bet that 3 teams will finish ahead of Loyola in the PL? Just curious.

As for your squad of lil laxers, my suggestion would be to start them daily with a full-field clearing drills. I'll see if I can send you a couple, if you're interested. And get the goalie confident (or willing) to make contested, over-the-top passes, occasionally with someone in his grill.

Schematically I'd keep it simple. Break them all deep on a save, and designate an athlete on each of your lines that can come back to the goalie and clear it by himself, if the break isn't there. It's up to you , if you want to pull a pole on the clear. Subbing for a pole helps if you're in a slow-er developing clear. If you're going for more transition, the poles gotta handle the ball, or get it up and out fast.

As for the GB side, just modify any gb drill, and make them get their head up right after the scoop and make a nice long outlet pass. No more than one cradle after the scoop. Get them used to "GB and move the ball." It works on defense, offense, clearing, whenever. It is a critical habit for kids hoping to play at the next level. Don't mess with the ball. Move it.

[HopFan16]

Hop16 can argue on Lehigh. But the point is the same. People are picking at least 3 teams to finish above Loyola in the PL. Would you or any of our other PL followers take the bet that 3 teams will finish ahead of Loyola in the PL? Just curious.

Well, that seems about right, given they finished third in the league last year, and lose arguably a lot more than 4th place finisher Navy, who are a popular pick to improve this season. Personally, I think BU is a very small cut above the other teams in the conference, and then Army-Navy-Loyola-Lehigh are all bunched in a tier together. I would not be surprised at those teams finishing in any possible order. Nor would I be if BU falls back to the pack this year. I'm relatively low on Army, so right now I'd pick Loyola to finish 2nd or 3rd, depending on Navy's (presumed) improvement. That is mostly based on Toomey's track record as a coach, because it's pretty indisputable that the Hounds lose several key players.

[lorin]

Hop16 can argue on Lehigh. But the point is the same. People are picking at least 3 teams to finish above Loyola in the PL. Would you or any of our other PL followers take the bet that 3 teams will finish ahead of Loyola in the PL? Just curious.

Well, that seems about right, given they finished third in the league last year, and lose arguably a lot more than 4th place finisher Navy, who are a popular pick to improve this season. Personally, I think BU is a very small cut above the other teams in the conference, and then Army-Navy-Loyola-Lehigh are all bunched in a tier together. I would not be surprised at those teams finishing in any possible order. Nor would I be if BU falls back to the pack this year. I'm relatively low on Army, so right now I'd pick Loyola to finish 2nd or 3rd, depending on Navy's (presumed) improvement. That is mostly based on Toomey's track record as a coach, because it's pretty indisputable that the Hounds lose several key players.

Army has a lot of talent will be in the hunt to win PL.

[Exlaxbro]

The PL will be much improved. Squads like Navy and Lafayette will be better but I still don’t think they have what Loyola has. I could be wrong but BU and Army are solid with Lehigh and Loyola right there. Maybe I am being too optimistic but I think in some ways Loyola is better without those grad students hanging on for another year; even though there are a few again this year. The young guns have a chance to show up now. I hope Charley gives them a real shot and doesn’t stick with the guys who have been around longer.

[Farfromgeneva]

Not even sure why Loyola is fielding a team in 2023. The Hounds will be a hapless crew and don't have much in the terms of offense or defense.
Most are penciling them in for 5th... in PL - likely behind BU, Navy, Army and Lehigh.
I guess there's always next year.

At some point your sandbagging with become a self fulfilling prophesy.

How about you help me be a better youth coach and stop jinxing your squad! Practice just started last night and I already feel like I’m failing them. (And as 3rd-5th graders Italy be early but I was trying to reach some of the better players who will do something at least locally through HS of note how to use the fast twitch muscles and be thinking about immediately breaking when getting possession of the ball or on a loose GB I think my age has set in because my knees were sore this am…)

No jinxing. It became reality last year, unfortunately.

Hop16 can argue on Lehigh. But the point is the same. People are picking at least 3 teams to finish above Loyola in the PL. Would you or any of our other PL followers take the bet that 3 teams will finish ahead of Loyola in the PL? Just curious.

As for your squad of lil laxers, my suggestion would be to start them daily with a full-field clearing drills. I'll see if I can send you a couple, if you're interested. And get the goalie confident (or willing) to make contested, over-the-top passes, occasionally with someone in his grill.

Schematically I'd keep it simple. Break them all deep on a save, and designate an athlete on each of your lines that can come back to the goalie and clear it by himself, if the break isn't there. It's up to you , if you want to pull a pole on the clear. Subbing for a pole helps if you're in a slow-er developing clear. If you're going for more transition, the poles gotta handle the ball, or get it up and out fast.

As for the GB side, just modify any gb drill, and make them get their head up right after the scoop and make a nice long outlet pass. No more than one cradle after the scoop. Get them used to "GB and move the ball." It works on defense, offense, clearing, whenever. It is a critical habit for kids hoping to play at the next level. Don't mess with the ball. Move it.

Send me anything you think you like. I'm still doing bananas and trying to get the kid not taking the clearing pass to sprint up to midfield at an angle for a second pass but timing sucks and the recipient of the clearing pass is either standing waiting or passing to a kid on the move and not connecting as we're talking Georgia and a lot of new to the game kids who cant catch (and to a lesser extent pass) on the run very well.

The second section of advice starting "schematically" is good and I just didn't think of implementing that so super appreciated. I'm going to let my son root for a Loyola a little becuase of your help now! And of course I'm going to tell him to follow Max S as well (he's attack but at his size could "we"/Bart use him this year at SSDM at all??? got decent size but don't see him starting or even being on EMO much if only attack but we will see in a few weeks)