Jim ConnellyIt wasn’t the long sought-after win for the Northeastern Huskies on Friday night, but it was enough to make head coach Bruce Crowder somewhat satisfied. “I’m really encouraged by this club,” said Crowder, whose club, after a 2-2 tie Friday night at home against Providence is now 0-5-2 – the longest winless streak for Northeastern … Read more
What’s the connection between the current Big East vs. ACC vs. everyone else mess and Atlantic Hockey? Jim Connelly knows. Also: assessing the importance of Mercyhurst’s historic upset, and the league finally gets into full swing.
Friday night, the level of hockey that the No. 14 Massachusetts Minutemen played in the 6-2 home loss against No. 15 Providence was as close to uninspired as head coach Don Cahoon can stomach. So it was no surprise that Cahoon wanted his team to play with — as he called it — “a purpose” … Read more
On the night that folklore marks as the scariest of the year, nightmares continued for the Northeastern Huskies. Despite dominating Massachusetts-Lowell for the better part of two periods, the Huskies relinquished a 2-1 lead midway through the game, allowing the River Hawks to score the game’s final four goals to lose 5-2 at Matthews Arena … Read more
Mercyhurst puts an end to the “almosts” for Atlantic Hockey with a big win over a CCHA opponent; Brad Roberts mans the nets for Army; and college hockey returns to HSBC Arena in Buffalo. Jim Connelly reports.
A weekend of “almost” — including three ties against Big Four opponents — produces optimism in Atlantic Hockey, which gets more chances to pull the upset this weekend. Also: Jim Connelly explores the reasons behind the conference’s road-warrior mentality in nonconference games.
Putting together a new hockey league is no small task, and it’s a lot larger when only a few months separate the conference’s founding from the start of the season. Jim Connelly continues his interview with Atlantic Hockey commissioner Bob DeGregorio.
One day after Merrimack head coach Chris Serino had laser eye surgery to correct his vision, he was as excited as a kid at Christmas that he could read his line charts without glasses on his face. Serino was presumably equally happy with the fact that his distance vision is still hazy — given that … Read more
The future could be in the air as UConn gets some mileage in goal from a freshman. Also, Mercyhurst serves up a rematch of an historic NCAA tourney game; and the eighth edition of the Q-Cup highlights the upcoming weekend. Jim Connelly reports.
One of the more experienced teams in Atlantic Hockey this season is Army. Having lost only three players, only one of whom was in the top five in scoring, and returning a defense that ranked fourth in the MAAC a year ago, it’s no surprise that head coach Rob Riley is optimistic for his club’s … Read more
A year ago, the voices say, Bentley simply overachieved. Having finished in or near the cellar of the MAAC for three straight years, a fifth-place finish, a first-round upset of Sacred Heart and a berth in the MAAC final four was a dream come true. Overachieving? Maybe, though not in the eyes of head coach … Read more
Hockey East announced today a new television agreement with New England Sports Network (NESN) beginning in January 2004. The deal, announced at the league’s annual media day, will move Hockey East coverage from rival Fox Sports Network to NESN, the home of Boston Bruins hockey. It is the second stay for Hockey East with NESN. … Read more
As the Holy Cross seniors return to the ice for their final season as Crusaders, there’s no doubt that the last two years were memorable. Top-four finishes in MAAC play, home ice in the playoffs and a berth in the final four last year: these players have plenty to be proud of. But when memories … Read more
Last year, it was boys against men. A lineup filled with freshmen and sophomores meant growing pains from day one. Add to that the fact that Canisius put together one of the toughest nonleague schedules in the MAAC and you had the recipe for disaster. [The Griffs] are no longer wet behind the ears. The … Read more
Many in Atlantic Hockey feel that Quinnipiac suffered the least in terms of losses to graduation. Head coach Rand Pecknold disagrees. “I’m a little concerned about losing three defensemen,” said Pecknold of the departed Dan Ennis, Wade Winkler and Matt Erhart, along with forward Brian Herbert, from last season’s roster. “I thought they were three … Read more
Mercyhurst head coach Rick Gotkin has gotten used to having a bullseye on his chest. Having won the last three regular-season titles in the MAAC and two of the last three tournaments, his team can’t be overlooked. “Everyone asks about the bullseye, but that’s the way it’s been for 10 years,” said Gotkin, who has … Read more
After five years of living under someone else’s rule, the nine remaining members of the MAAC hockey league became independent this summer. The resulting conference — Atlantic Hockey — is set to take its first leap as its inaugural season commences. No venture of this sort comes without headaches. Even the simple stuff, such as … Read more
Many thought that if Sacred Heart ever could make a run at a title, last year was the year. That was until the Pioneers ran into a postseason steamroller named Bentley College, bowing in the first round for the fourth time in five seasons. Then graduation took its toll on Sacred Heart, and even home … Read more
There has to be a point at which things get frustrating. Despite constantly improving from year to year, it seems American International and head coach Gary Wright can’t make a move up the standings. The Yellow Jackets have, over the past three seasons, added solid players at all positions. Unfortunately for AIC, though, the skill … Read more
A year after posting an 8-23-3 record and missing the MAAC playoffs for the first time ever, Connecticut head coach Bruce Marshall knew it was time for a change. The Huskies mentor did what he called an “evaluation,” but what most call “housecleaning.” The result: 12 of the 24 players scheduled to return to the … Read more