It seems that whatever question you ask American International coach Gary Wright these days, you get the game answer. What aspect of AIC’s game most needs improvement? “Goal-scoring.” What will it take to get out of the nine through 11 spots and make the playoffs? “Goal-scoring.” Can AIC be effective from the beginning of the … Read more
After a last-place finish in the MAAC for two consecutive seasons, Bentley needed one thing more than anything else: a fresh start. And though you can look to the cliche that every team begins the year with a clean slate, the Falcons knew after last season they needed a little more than that. soderquist Thus, … Read more
The 2001-02 season ended with both a flourish and a whimper for Connecticut. After winning an unlikely game at Holy Cross on a last-minute goal to advance to the MAAC final four for the third time in four years, the Huskies were shut out by Mercyhurst in the league semifinals. But though that was likely … Read more
When the MAAC began four years ago, Iona came into the league with diminutive expectations. The club was winless in the season prior, so head coach Frank Bretti did what he felt was necessary: clean house. As a result, the recruiting class of the 1998-99 season became essentially a new team: 18 freshmen. Attrition claimed … Read more
If a year can be dubbed important to the success of a veteran Army program, it is the present one. A club that showed plenty of bright lights a season ago, the Black Knights will have a little extra to play for this upcoming season — home ice in the playoffs. Though Army has never … Read more
Entering its fifth season, the MAAC looks to improve its national profile with aggressive nonconference scheduling. Foremost in carrying the banner for the league will be defending regular-season champion Mercyhurst and 2002 NCAA entrant Quinnipiac. Jim Connelly previews the new year.
The Wonderland of Ice arena in Bridgeport, Conn., isn’t the greatest of buildings for a college hockey team to call home. It’s a bit dark and plenty dingy, and in the last few years even had poor enough ice to halt a college game played there. Maybe that’s part of the reason that Fairfield had … Read more
Though it may be another year for the MAAC, the coaches of the league see little different from the past and have select 2001 and 2002 regular-season champion Mercyhurst as the preseason favorite, according to a poll released today at the league’s media day. Receiving four of 11 first-place votes, Mercyhurst tops the poll that … Read more
The acceptance by Hockey East of Connecticut into its newly-formed women’s conference, raised some eyebrows, wondering whether it meant anything for the future of the UConn men’s program.
Tim Dillon, the athletic director at Canisius, will replace Jack McDonald of Quinnipiac on the NCAA Division I Ice Hockey Championship Committee in September when McDonald’s term is over. Dillon was appointed by the MAAC to take over for McDonald. McDonald was the first member of the MAAC to sit on the committee and has … Read more
Quinnipiac lost big in its first NCAA tournament game, but odds are it will be back and better for the experience.
Rankings, schmankings. Though some may cry foul about the seedings and the placements, one thing is for sure: in the East Regional most of the bids were earned the old-fashioned way. In this era of objective criteria — of coaches and administrators huddled about a computer, or deciphering rows of text to decide the field … Read more
Come along as the MAAC’s top teams square off Saturday.
Youth was no barrier for Quinnipiac in the MAAC semifinals.
Every dog has his day, but it was a short one for the UConn Huskies.
Holy Cross cleaned up in the awards, as senior captain Patrick Rissmiller, the MAAC’s regular-season leading scorer was named Offensive Player of the Year and head coach Paul Pearl was named Coach of the Year.
One year ago Mercyhurst captured the MAAC’s first-ever NCAA bid, going on to put a scare into Michigan in the big tournament. Can the Lakers repeat, or will Cinderella candidate UConn end their dream run? And what about four-time MAAC semifinalist Quinnipiac, which faces off against rival Sacred Heart? Jim Connelly breaks down the weekend’s action.
Bentley says it’s making more of a commitment to hockey. It’s first move was to replace Jim McAdam with 25-year old alum, Ryan Soderquist, who says he’s up to the challenge.
Jim McAdam has resigned as head coach at Bentley, according to a school news release today, and has already been replaced with assistant coach and former Falcon standout Ryan Soderquist.
Don’t bet against the favorites in the opening round of the MAAC playoffs. Jim Connelly says that while upsets may happen, the top seeds have all the advantages.