I thought QU played two good games against two better and more experienced teams this weekend. They got one point, could have had four, but that is hockey. What is starting to bother me is how negative Rand Pecknold can be to the press about his team.
Pecknold’s comments in the New Haven Register weren’t totally negative but what stood out to me were the following: “We just had some poor defensive play…Hartzell made some big saves, but he didn’t play his best hockey this weekend. It’s a good learning experience for him.” Friday night against RPI: “…We actually had five defensive letdowns in the game. We lacked some poise and maturity…”
Here is what Union player Justin Pallos said, “(Quinnipiac goalie Eric) Hartzell made it a little frustrating for us in the game.” The Union coach said, “You have to give Quinnipiac a lot of credit. It took everything we had to come back and win this game.”
Pecknold is a good coach, and he has brought this program to a level I never thought would be possible. Maybe I am a little naïve, but I think he should be less critical in the press about his team, and spin some of the more positive attributes about a young and talented team. This team could use more positive reinforcement from their coach, especially after this weekend. If he doesn’t, he could lose this group before they have a chance to develop.