Quinnipiac Bobcats 2020 Off-Season

[LTsatch]

Sad news, Chip Malafronte of the New Haven Register has passed away after his struggle with cancer. A nice guy who really boosted QU sports. https://digital.olivesoftware.com/Ol...iDFqRNg-BNG58c

[ZYanksRule]

Sad news, Chip Malafronte of the New Haven Register has passed away after his struggle with cancer. A nice guy who really boosted QU sports. https://digital.olivesoftware.com/Ol...iDFqRNg-BNG58c

Incredibly sad. The old-timers on this forum like Mark will remember that I was a student media member while at Quinnipiac (Class of 2008), and I covered the program for WQAQ for 3 years. During that time I got to watch Chip at work and become friendly with him -- Chip was highly supportive of the student media members who undoubtedly slowed him down and made his job harder. But he always supported, helped, cheerled, and was a source of insight. He was so approachable, always smiling and in a good mood.

For a while after graduation, after games I would always go up to the press box to say hi to Bill Schweizer. If Chip was there he would stop, shake my hand, and engage me in a really nice conversation, even 10 years after I graduated. The conversation was so nice I'd have to end it after 10 minutes to remind him that I'm sure he was on deadline, and he should really get back to it. The nicest man you'd ever want to meet, a great reporter, and just one of those people I really looked forward to seeing whenever I made it back up to Hamden for a game. He will be missed immensely.

[QUAlum2004]

Incredibly sad. The old-timers on this forum like Mark will remember that I was a student media member while at Quinnipiac (Class of 2008), and I covered the program for WQAQ for 3 years. During that time I got to watch Chip at work and become friendly with him -- Chip was highly supportive of the student media members who undoubtedly slowed him down and made his job harder. But he always supported, helped, cheerled, and was a source of insight. He was so approachable, always smiling and in a good mood.

For a while after graduation, after games I would always go up to the press box to say hi to Bill Schweizer. If Chip was there he would stop, shake my hand, and engage me in a really nice conversation, even 10 years after I graduated. The conversation was so nice I'd have to end it after 10 minutes to remind him that I'm sure he was on deadline, and he should really get back to it. The nicest man you'd ever want to meet, a great reporter, and just one of those people I really looked forward to seeing whenever I made it back up to Hamden for a game. He will be missed immensely.

His work was fantastic in covering hockey in New Haven between Quinnipiac and Yale. He will be severely missed as a writer.

[QUAlum2004]

2004 Defenseman Aaron Brown commits to Quinnipiac

https://www.bobcatshockeyblog.com/20...ommits-to.html

[MarkEagleUSA]

I never met Chip face to face but I think he knew who I was because of my work with Luke on the original Bobcats blog. I did have an email exchange with him one time regarding his misspelling of Nick Pisellini's last name (he used 2 "s" and 1 "l" several times. When I pointed it out to him he thanked me saying he should have double checked himself. He admitted he didn't like when his last name got misspelled and would make sure he spelled Pisellini right going forward (and he did). It gave me a good glimpse into how humble he was.

He had a flair for writing that was second to none, and was always a good read. His coverage of Quinnipiac, Yale, and the rivalry was always neutral and unbiased. He did wonders for both programs and their rise to the top.

My condolences to his family, especially his son. Having lost my father at age 7, I know how hard it will be for young Mr. Malafronte.

Rest in peace, Chip. You will be missed dearly...

[QUFan]

Just doing some thinking out loud as this should be the weekend we entertained a Canadian team at the PUC. With all of QU’s NE division opponents being Ivies, and their decision to not start until Jan 1, what are the odds QU gets a few local tune ups before ECAC play starts for them? I thought hockey was eyeing a start similar to BB (late November). I’m not sure if these other programs have made any start decisions but I could potentially see QU facing SHU, UConn, maybe UMass, HC, AIC, Army and possibly the new LIU team. With the scheduling difficulties, and no real chance at hitting the scheduling max, I wonder if they get any local DII/III schools to play/Scrimmage. I can’t imagine ASU, the Alaskas, or Huntsville scheduling is going to be easy. No doubt if it even happens, it will be a strange season.

[QUFan]

I can’t imagine ASU, the Alaskas, or Huntsville scheduling is going to be easy. No doubt if it even happens, it will be a strange season.

It looks like ASU solved their scheduling problem, at least somewhat. They signed a deal to play all 7 Big 10 teams 4x each, all at Big 10 Venues. So they get 28 games on their schedule, (ALL AWAY).

[QUAlum2004]

Ty Smilanic picked 74th overall by the Florida Panthers.

https://www.bobcatshockeyblog.com/20...verall-by.html

[MarkEagleUSA]

Ty Smilanic picked 74th overall by the Florida Panthers.

That's a big drop from 24th where he was ranked by Central Scouting.

[sezenack]

That's a big drop from 24th where he was ranked by Central Scouting.

Injury question marks will do that. If Smilanic is healthy, he will be excellent for Quinnipiac. I wouldn't be concerned about the draft position if I were a Bobcats fan.

[QUFan]

Injury question marks will do that. If Smilanic is healthy, he will be excellent for Quinnipiac. I wouldn't be concerned about the draft position if I were a Bobcats fan.

It might actually bode well for QU. Without injury he may have tried to go directly to NHL or tried another route/school. We may actually get him for 2-3 years now depending on his development and how much $ the Panthers throw in front of him after each season. If he’s got skills he’ll find his way to an NHL lineup someday. Just happy he’s a bobcat for now. Now if we can just get them on the Ice.

[QU/UM]

Devon Toews traded to Colorado for a pair of second round picks.

As an Islander fan that's disappointing. Good luck to him!

[IsThereADog]

No fans this season - just got the email. Disappointing but probably the right call.

[MarkEagleUSA]

No fans this season - just got the email. Disappointing but probably the right call.

Disappointing for sure but I agree it's the right call. Of course, that's if they even play which I have my doubts about.

[ZYanksRule]

Disappointing for sure but I agree it's the right call. Of course, that's if they even play which I have my doubts about.

Not a surprise in the least. I just hope the teams and support staffs can stay safe.