NEforecast is aimed at highlighting the districts events in New England to share more about the amazing teams we have and hope you’ll tune in to watch these incredible teams take on Stronghold. We aim to release the events within a day or so of when they start and can expect the Granite State District will be released tomorrow morning. If you have some thoughts on upcoming events, teams, or strategies we might see at upcoming events feel free to send us a PM with your thoughts.
Webcast: http://www.twitch.tv/nefirst_red
Team list: http://www.thebluealliance.com/event/2016ctwat
Kicking off Stronghold for Connecticut is the 2016 Waterbury event. Connecticut has arguably been a stronger field in the New England region with some of the strongest contenders in New England states calling it their home. It’s only fitting Connecticut play host to the 2016 New England District Championship later this year.
With a solid field of play, each year sees new breakout teams with a strong season right out of the gate or after a quick re-grouping that leads to a comeback at later events. Other teams may find themselves struggling to keep up with their past successes that throws their season off. The question will be who will establish the field of play Connecticut will bring to the table?
The team list is a melting pot of established, successful veterans mixed with young Connecticut blood eager to establish themselves. Team 3314 The Mustangs from New Jersey join the Waterbury field and are becoming a familiar face having competed here last year and at the premier off season event Battlecry16@WPI. While early scrimmage events and Palmetto have shown a glimpse of the beginnings to Stronghold the elusive Capture has yet to play out in qualifications. Will the talent of Connecticut see more Capture focused strategies or will the appeal of a quick ranking point from a breach outweigh priorities while still working out the kinks? As was shown at Palmetto this past weekend breaching can only get an alliance so far but consistently doing so is crucial in a quals strategy with the goal of seeding near the top.
230 With two years of district play under their belt, the Gaelhawks have added six banners, two finalist medals, and plenty of hardware to their collection from two very strong robots. With another three district events lined up for this season, 230 is no slouch at early events knowing performance counts fielding strong robots with a unique strategy that compliments their team well.
176 Now in their 20th season, Aces High is always on the short list for a successful run at any event especially early in the season. With a string of finalist appearances in the past four years they are long overdue for an event win.
**2836 **Opening events have never been their strongest but you can’t overlook this up and coming Connecticut team especially after coming off of seeding 1st in the 2015 Galileo Division that propelled them to good showings at their off-season events.
177 There’s a lot you can talk about on the Bobcats resume including six straight Einstein appearances and two World Championships under their belt. 2015 was a step away from the usual Bobcat performance but all eyes will be on them eager to see how 177 takes on Stronghold.
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236 **The Techno Ticks have risen on the field in the past two years including pairing with the Gaelhawks for a successful run at last year’s Waterbury event. While their field success has primarily been centered around recent years their years of experience and strategy will lend itself to this year’s unique challenge.
558 Has shown simplicity matters in the long run with solid machines that play the game well especially early in the season. With a large portion of Stronghold revolving around a strong drivebase this is a game designed for this New Haven team using their drivebase as a key mechanism during their successful 2014 season. Expect the Robosquad to seed high with a well driven quals strategy that lends itself to a deep elimination run.
Keep your eyes on:
228
2170
2064
1124
999
3314
Special welcome to rookie team **5856 **the Bullbots who are competing for the first time in their home town of Waterbury, Connecticut.
Good luck to all teams competing in Week 1!