Jim ConnellyMany in hockey will tell you that defense wins games. Friday night, though, it was a defense-man that won the game for the Terriers. Terrier blueliner Chris Dyment broke a 3-3 tie early in the third period by scoring a highlight-reel goal, as Boston University remained undefeated (4-0-0, 2-0-0 Hockey East) knocking off crosstown rival … Read more
Holy Cross salutes an ailing teammate; Quinnipiac gets some exposure; Sacred Heart loses its cool; and Iona and Bentley storm out of the gates — by different standards. Jim Connelly covers the MAAC.
Quinnipiac repeated in its own tournament last weekend, but the Iona Gaels will present themselves for a rematch of the MAAC season opener. Elsewhere, Bentley suffers from its indiscretions, and the fans speak up. Jim Connelly reports.
Patience truly was a virtue for Northeastern on Friday night. Despite holding a lopsided advantage in shots and territory, Northeastern trailed Mercyhurst most of the first half of Friday’s game. But thanks to a revitalized power play and a never-quit offense, the Huskies rallied for the final four goals en route to a 5-2 win … Read more
The MAAC’s nonconference beginning is less than fans, players and coaches might have hoped for; also, the Scholarship Question raises its head again. Jim Connelly reports.
Rensselaer spotted Boston University a 6-1 lead halfway through the third period, rallied for four late goals, including two of the shorthanded variety, but fell an inch short as the Terriers outlasted the Engineers, hanging on in a 6-5 season-opening shootout.
Blaise MacDonald returned to his hometown over the summer to coach the UMass-Lowell Riverhawks. In an ironic twist of fate, his first game was against his old team — the Niagara Purple Eagles. The Riverhawks, led by a offensive defense, gave him his first win at Lowell.
The MAAC has experienced a mixed bag in its early action, but Jim Connellysays not to worry. Also: a rundown and analysis of the league’s preseason all-conference squad.
One of the most successful programs in the MAAC’s brief history faces a challenge this year, as graduation has hit Rand Pecknold’s Quinnipiac Braves hard.
Since the 1999 MAAC championship, it’s all been pretty much downhill for Holy Cross. Paul Pearl hopes to change that with the help of his top seven scorers from last season, all of whoom return to bolster the Crusaders’ hopes.
A solid defense and good team discipline will buoy AIC’s hopes in 2001-02, assisted by one more year of experience from MAAC all-rookie teamers Guillaume Caron and Trent Ulmer.
There’ll be no surprises this year out of Iona — at least not if the rest of the MAAC’s been paying attention. Can Frank Bretti’s crew continue its upward swing?
The return of netminder Sean Weaver bodes well for Brian Cavanaugh’s Canisius squad, which also seeks to improve its special teams, a nagging problem last season.
With their top two scorers from a year ago departed, the UConn Huskies will look to sophomore Matt Herhal to hold the door closed on defense.
The MAAC’s almost-there team might be ready to step into the spotlight this season. Netminder Eddy Ferhi anchors Sacred Heart.
With a number of newcomers in the mix, Army coach Rob Riley has high hopes for this year, one season after just holding off AIC for a playoff bid.
Jim Hunt has turned Fairfield hockey upside-down in his one-plus years at the helm. The long-suffering Stags return Rae Metz and Casey Laflamme in their quest to climb the MAAC ladder.
The MAAC need no longer defend its right to an NCAA auto-bid — not after Mercyhurst’s down-to-the-wire performance against Michigan last year. The Lakers return a strong team, but Iona will be there as well. And what about perennial contender Quinnipiac?
Months away from the MAAC’s first-ever NCAA bid, Mercyhurst looks to repeat its success. Louis Goulet and Adam Tackaberry key the Lakers’ chances.
There’s nowhere to go but up for Jim McAdam’s Bentley team. Captain Steve Tobio anchors the Falcons’ efforts.