Marsh defends Roll against fan criticism
POTSDAM — A coach who has won two ECAC Hockey championships, recruited 14 NHL draft picks and led Clarkson to its first NCAA Tournament win in 12 years now finds himself the target of criticism from fans.
In recent weeks Clarkson coach George Roll has been criticized in an anonymous letter to weekly publication North Country Now, and on the Internet in the Clarkson fan forum, LetsGoTech.com.
With a team currently in last place in the ECAC Hockey standings, coming off of last year's 10-19-7 season, some believe the criticism is justified.
But one prominent person in college hockey, St. Lawrence University coach Joe Marsh, does not agree with those calling for Roll's dismissal.
"I think it's pretty important that they are good guys over there and they run a good program and people should support them," said Marsh. "It's easy to do that when you are winning. There is such a fine line between a win and a loss, especially at this level. It's really hard to explain sometimes. It's that fragile. It's pretty important for the fan base to stay loyal as well."
The past two years have been difficult for the Golden Knights, but less than 24 months ago the program was one win away from making the first Frozen Four appearance at the school since 1991.
Roll has brought in six recruits who have scored 100 career points, including current senior forward Matt Beca.
He's brought in two All-Americans in forward Nick Dodge and defenseman Grant Clitsome, and former goalie David Leggio won the ECAC Hockey Ken Dryden Award in 2007.
"When you look at what Clarkson has done over the years, the great teams that they've had, the amount of winning seasons, it's a situation where I think the fans have to be a little more patient and recognize the fact that they are young kids and there's a lot going on," Marsh said. "It also can turn around quickly, too. That's the nature of it. Anyone can beat anyone at this level, nobody is out of it. I don't think they are a bad team at all. We certainly had good games with them. We're dead even."
An explanation of why Clarkson has struggled the past two years comes down to several unfortunate breaks.
Last year's team was hampered by more injury issues than Clarkson dealt with in the history of its program. The players on last year's team had a combined 53 games lost to injury and Clarkson actually played its final game of the season with both of its captains — Phil Paquet and Tyrell Mason — unable to play due to injuries.
Things have not been much better in that department this season as Clarkson has played the last three weekends with only four healthy defensemen and may head to Union and Rensselaer this weekend with several key players out of action.
The fact that two incoming defensive recruits — Patrick McEachen and Jordan Ciccarello — were suspended for a year by the university has left the team struggling with depth at that position for the entire season.
The pair, along with a future recruit, Demetri Sakaris, was charged with sexual misconduct and child endangerment of a 16-year-old girl during an incident that occurred during Clarkson's Hockey School back in July.
Some have blamed Roll for that as well, though the pair had never exhibited any kind of problems prior to the incident. Clarkson's Roll also has not had a history of recruiting players with problem backgrounds.
"I think the hardest thing is just staying positive," Roll said of the season. "Given what our situation is, in terms of our injuries, it's hard. The big thing is coming to the rink every day in a positive attitude and trying to stay upbeat. I think the guys have done a pretty good job of that."
Marsh believes that the nature of the game of hockey, especially at the college level, means that just about every program is going to go through some difficult times.
Marsh, whose team is currently in second place in ECAC Hockey, has experienced four 20-loss seasons in a little over a decade. The Saints recorded three straight 20-win seasons starting in 1998, followed by three 20-loss seasons.
"It's a very difficult game to grab hold and control," Marsh said. "A football team, for instance, they are big and strong and possess the ball a lot and have a great ground game, there are certain elements to that game that gives them a chance to put up consistency. Not that it doesn't happen in hockey, but the game itself doesn't really lend itself to grasping control of. It's hard to control the reins out there. The sport is so fast and frenetic. The puck bounces all over the place. That's what makes it exciting."
nAround Cheel Arena:Clarkson will miss a few players this weekend due to injury.Lauri Tuohimaa suffered a concussion last Friday against Colgate and will not play until Saturday.Julien Cayeris out for the season with an arm injury suffered against Cornell.Dan Reedmay return this weekend butAndrew Himelsonis still out with a knee injury. There's also a possibility thatPeter MassarandBryan Rufenachmay not play due to injuries.
Sportswriter Cap Carey covers Clarkson hockey for the Times. For additional coverage, visit his Knights Tales blog online. You may reach him at ccarey@wdt.net.
