University of Massachusets Athletics
Cahoon Quotes From Hockey East Media Teleconference
November 16, 2010 | Hockey
Nov. 16, 2010
AMHERST, Mass. - On Tuesday morning, UMass hockey head coach Don "Toot" Cahoon participated on the Hockey East Media Teleconference answering several questions from the media about the season to date. Below is a transcript of his Q&A session. For the complete audio along with transcripts of other Hockey East head coaches from today, go to HockeyEastOnline.com.
Coach Cahoon On The Season So Far:
We're still in search of our first win so that in itself is an emotional challenge. Our guys are working really hard and going to practice with enthusiasm - there has not been any let-up on that front. We have competed every night with the exception of the Army game. We've had a lot of struggles within the framework of games particularly on special teams and that speaks by-and-large to our youth. It's not so much our skill level or the quality of our players, but the experience of the players and their understanding of what the needs of special teams are. I think with time we will see some progress in that area which will in turn give us opportunities for better results.
Coach Cahoon On Emotional Challenges And Youth:
The emotional challenge is that they want to win so bad and they are so anxious to enjoy some success. Saturday night's game at New Hampshire by all accounts was a really solid hockey game for both teams. We had scored what we thought was the game-winning goal with a minute and 20 seconds (left in the 3rd period) and then found a way to allow them to tie the game with their third goal. That was really a difficult time for us. Sometimes you go to UNH, you get a point and you say "OK guys, that was a really good point. Keep working hard and maybe we can turn that into a win." Saturday's game felt as much as a loss as it did a tie simply by the way it happened. That's the challenge that I'm referring to. We've had three ties against three quality teams; we've had several one-goal losses against quality teams. The challenge is to get the guys to understand that it will come if we learn to do certain things starting with the special teams. It's just part of the growth and development when you are incorporating 13 freshmen into your lineup on a regular basis. Each and every night, the least amount of freshmen we have played is nine; most games we play as many as 10 or 11 freshmen out of our 18 skaters.
Coach Cahoon On Having A Week Off Prior To Vermont:
If I'm not mistaken, Vermont has this week off as well. (Vermont head coach) Kevin (Sneddon) and I are probably thinking the same was with some rest being part of the equation and letting the kids catch up with some stuff on the academic front. We will practice all week, but take Friday off, and then practice over the weekend. Saturday, Sunday and Monday we will use as our game prep. These next three days will be about a variety of things. We will mix it up a bit to keep things fresh and interesting.
Coach Cahoon On Leadership Of Captains:
The relationship between the older players and the younger players is remarkably good. They have been really accepting of each other and have done a wonderful job of engaging with each other - not just meeting up at the rink. I think the older guys recognize the depth of talent and they want to encourage the younger guys to become major contributors. At the same time the younger guys are respectful of the older guys and their experience. Right now they are learning from each other. I could not be more pleased with Paul Dainton (captain) who has remarkable leadership capabilities. He has some good help around him too in Kevin Moore, our third goalie, who is not a designated captain but helps Paul with some of the leadership responsibilities away from the ice. Then I have three juniors as assistant captains which bodes well for our leadership heading into the future. I'm really pleased with this part and I really like our team's make-up.
