Harvard tried to change the environment at Bright by refusing to sell single-game tickets to Cornell students and alumni. The strategy was apparently moderately successful in limiting the numer of Cornellians at the game, but the Cornell fans still shouted them down. Cornell took the lead early, allowed Harvard to get back into the game and then slammed the door shut. Good win. Harvard was supposed to be an excellent team this year, but something has gone horribly wrong.
The game against Brown did not go as well. I listened to the game, so I can only comment vicariously. Cornell appeared to have plenty of chances to score, but one of the top goalies in the country made save after spectacular sounding save and held the Red to one goal. Of course, it is difficult to tell just how spectacular the saves were on account of the Brown broadcasting team. These guys ceased being believable the fifteenth time in the first period that they accused Cornell of “interference.” For all I know, every time Brown’s goalie touched the puck behind the net, the guys yelled “another sprawling save by Denis.”
Cornell has decided to turn all sports programming over to a paid service. This is a pity, because the Cornell hockey broadcast crew is damn good - but I’d rather listen to the opponent’s broadcast for free. The Brown crew is a treat. Homerism in local broadcasts is no surprise, but it isn’t pleasant. Even though I root for the Yankees so that I have a reason to watch the playoffs, John Sterling’s pathetic closing line makes my ears ache. Brown’s guys, however, established a new standard for home team whining and yesterday’s game was no exception.
According to the refs, Cornell committed 3 penalties and Brown committed 6. According to the Brownies? Cornell committed a penalty every time Brown touched the puck and Brown was screwed on ALL SIX CALLS. The high point came when Mike Meetch was called for a penalty during the overtime. Overtime penalties are rare, so it is typically a grievous infraction that draws a whistle. The Brownies were apoplectic. As part of their rant, one of the guys called out “Even the Cornell broadcaster is laughing!” Apparently Adam yelled back “I’m laughing at you.” Of course Meetch got the last laugh; he scored the game winning goal 45 seconds after getting out of the penalty box.
Brown scored with 1:30 left on a 3-on-2 breakaway that I could see as if I were sitting in the rink. The call was perfect - the players on the ice, the direction of the passes, the positioning of the goalie, the exultation at a game-ending goal over a favored opponent. That’s when I realized the tragedy: these guys can really call a hockey game. They have a sense of drama an ability to vividly describe the action and instead choose to turn the broadcast into a littany of perceived injustices and petty gripes. They referred to a conspiracy to send calls Cornell’s way so often, I was tempted to send them tinfoil hats so they could rest easy, knowing that the ECAC Commissioner would not be sending messages to their brains. Maybe then they could just call the game.
Next week @Union and @Rennselaer. If the hockey teams still exist.
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Cornell Hockey Update
