Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

Until that time, myself and many other alums will continue to deflect all talented prospects I come in contact with away from the program.

So your dislike of the coach allows you to disrail an entire program? As I said, classy.

Without revealing too much I played professionally for several years after QU. East Coast League and American League.

So much for Rand not preparing you for the next level. Oh, wait... you played pro hockey in spite of him, right?

 

[starlessixisky]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

Here's my two cents...

RugBandit, you are entitled to your opinion, whatever that may be. The fact that your first post on this forum is to completely derail your former coach to a bunch of hockey fans is really quite unnecessary. Last time I checked we aren't the ones who bring in the recruits or have any say in the coaching of the team. So honestly, what did you gain by spouting your negative view on the program? Nothing really - since anything anyone has agreed with you on has already been brought up in earlier conversations in this forum back during the season.
At one point or another someone has said that Rand is not who we need to bring this program to the next level and we are all quite aware of the fact that scholarships are not guaranteed.
So you failed in saying anything new, and you succeeded in making yourself look like an A-rated jerk.
And as MarkEagle pointed out, that's extremely disrespectful to the program, whether you liked being there or not.
Say what you would like to recruits, they deserve an honest answer, go for it.
But to come on to a public forum, pretty much anonymously (trust me, i'm sure someone on here will figure out who you are) to a bunch of people who really don't count in QU hockey really accomplished nothing.
But hey, I hope you're happy now that you've got that off your chest, and if you have something constructive to add to our forum in the future, please go ahead! Otherwise, please read and not write.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

Just got back from the banquet and it was another fantastic evening. As usual, everyone responsible for this event needs to be congratulated because it truly is a special night. On to the good stuff.

Team awards:

MVP: Dan Clarke. Yes, folks... Clarke was voted MVP by his teammates. Rand said there were actually 5 guys that got votes, but Clarke took the prize. In addition, Rand reminded us that Clarke took the national goalie of the month award for November and also got a couple of ECAC goalie of the week awards. He also had the incredible 73 save performance in the 5 OT game against Union.

Rookie of the Year: Jeremy Langlois. With 13 freshmen this had to be a tough one, but Langer did stand out IMHO.

Coaches Award: Jean-Marc Beaudoin. 'Nuff said.

7th Player Award: shared this year by Mike Atkinson and Greg Holt, and deservedly so. Both these guys did nothing but hustle everytime they were on the ice.

Academic Award: Yuri Buharevich with a 3.85 GPA. It was also noted that 24 guys had GPA's over 3.0. Pretty impressive if you ask me.

As usual, the seniors were honored for their contributions to the program, both on and off the ice. Brett Dickinson was also recognized which I thought was a very classy move by Rand. He noted that he really wished he could have Dicky back next year.

JMB, with Wong and Atkinson by his side, gave a really nice captain's speech. He recognized and thanked everyone from the managers to his fellow players. Several times he had to stop to compose himself. At one point, Wong tried to step in but was just as emotional. It was nice to see just how humble these guys really are.

Coach Pecknold also recognized and thanked everyone: managers, staff, coaches, trainers, stick boys, the Zamboni guys, and the players. He spoke about the highs and lows of the season and how, even during the slump in January, the team never gave up; never stopped trying.

Looking forward to next year, we will have Scott Zurevinski as our captain with Zach Hansen and Mike Glaicar as assistants. Sami Liimatainen was granted a medical redshirt and will be back as well.

As for the schedule, we have OSU for 2 games at the Bank to open the season in addition to 2 games with UNO in early January. The US National team will also be at the Bank for an exhibition game. On the road we'll be going to St. Cloud for 2 as well as single games with Providence and UMass.

Again, it was just a great night as it usually is. Unfortunately, it just made me wish for some QU hockey. October can't get here soon enough!

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

The Bobcats showed up almost every night but got tough breaks all year. That's just bad luck that will hopefully turn around next year.

Rand talked about this very thing tonight at the banquet. He mentioned that the coaches were worried the team would fold under the pressure but credited the senior leadership for keeping everyone focused. As a coach, he said he was prouder of the team during the January slump than he was while they were riding the wave to the #4 ranking in November.

 

[Puckie14]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

As for the schedule, we have OSU for 2 games at the Bank to open the season in addition to 2 games with UNO in early January. The US National team will also be at the Bank for an exhibition game. On the road we'll be going to St. Cloud for 2 as well as single games with Providence and UMass.

Holy Cross is at home too. Overall, this is probably the best OOC schedule we've ever had. Getting the US National team here is a pretty big deal.

Combine that with the Men's basketball home schedule (URI, UMass, Lehigh and Yale) it should be a fun winter at the Bank.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

Holy Cross is at home too. Overall, this is probably the best OOC schedule we've ever had. Getting the US National team here is a pretty big deal.

I knew I'd forget something...

I agree on the schedule, too. It just seems to get better every year.

And it was nice finally meet you Puckie. Get the sign ready for October!

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

Here's the write-up from the banquet.

 

[Larson210]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

I have been reading alot about the Fire Rand talk and the truth of the matter is that no one should post anything negative, unless you can give me a list of at least three coaches you would replace Rand with. The team had a solid year and next year looks promising with the Jones Bros. All I can say is that if QU was to have fired Rand they should have followed UNO's lead and picked up Dean Blais. We are lucky to have UNO comin' to the Bank this year. Hopefully Blais will like what he sees in Hamden and will spread the word. The most important thing that this team needs is to have Hockey East powerhouses come to QU. No more UMass, don't get me wrong they are a fine team, but teams like BU, BC, Maine, or UNH would bring lots of knowledgeable HE fans to the Bank and some wider spread publicity if we were to win those games. Playing Niagara or Providence doesn't get you any points when it comes to an at large bid at the end of the season, something that would really put this school on the map. Winning the ECAC just isn't the same as showing the country that you actually deserve a spot in the tourny. Just a few things that have been floating around my head throughout the year. First year here at QU and I have seen a lot of College Hockey and I must admit this was a fun year and I can't wait to be front row behind the net again next season.

GO QU

 

[ZYanksRule]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

That is a very good point, Larson. And that goes for fans of all teams. You've got to find a coach willing and able to come in order to fire the current coach.

 

[critsports]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

I have been reading alot about the Fire Rand talk and the truth of the matter is that no one should post anything negative, unless you can give me a list of at least three coaches you would replace Rand with. The team had a solid year and next year looks promising with the Jones Bros. All I can say is that if QU was to have fired Rand they should have followed UNO's lead and picked up Dean Blais. We are lucky to have UNO comin' to the Bank this year. Hopefully Blais will like what he sees in Hamden and will spread the word. The most important thing that this team needs is to have Hockey East powerhouses come to QU. No more UMass, don't get me wrong they are a fine team, but teams like BU, BC, Maine, or UNH would bring lots of knowledgeable HE fans to the Bank and some wider spread publicity if we were to win those games. Playing Niagara or Providence doesn't get you any points when it comes to an at large bid at the end of the season, something that would really put this school on the map. Winning the ECAC just isn't the same as showing the country that you actually deserve a spot in the tourny. Just a few things that have been floating around my head throughout the year. First year here at QU and I have seen a lot of College Hockey and I must admit this was a fun year and I can't wait to be front row behind the net again next season.

GO QU

I think you are off base on a couple of your points. In the college hockey world there are very few, if any "name" coaches floating around who are not employed. Most replacements come from the assistant coaching ranks or finding someone at another level of the sport either up or down from college hockey.
As to exposure??? Why would Dean Blais come in an "spread the word"? He might comment hey....great arena but he is not going to tell a recruit hey go to Q. Having said that Q already has arguably the best recruiting advantage in the ECAC with your facility, set up and again arguably the lowest admission standards in the ECAC. My team lost Dalhuisen to you based on the arena (a huge advantage for most recruits).

Continuing on the exposure.......your University is spending more dollars than any other ECAC program to "promote" their Hockey (and Basketball programs). Your exposure is way greater than you think it is. You want BC or BU or UNH to come to Hamden well all those games your athletic department buys on NESN accomplish almost exactly the same thing. No other ECAC team gets that kind of exposure. Having UMass and St. Cloud was great exposure.

Lastly you have had very competitive teams and made trips to Albany. (Now Atlantic City heaven forbid). Do what RIT did and you'll get all the exposure your program needs!!!!!

Believe me you have WAY more advantages than the other teams in the conference have and if you aren't successful with that then it does beg the question........why??? I'll leave that last one to your imagination.

 

[Quinn57]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

Great post Critsports.

 

[allnightwong]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

Believe me you have WAY more advantages than the other teams in the conference have and if you aren't successful with that then it does beg the question........why??? I'll leave that last one to your imagination.

Because Mark doesn't yell loud enough.

 

[MinniQUFan]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

Great post Critsports.

Agreed.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

Because Mark doesn't yell loud enough.

Excuse me? Sometimes it seems like I'm the only one yelling! Now, if I had a little help...

 

[Larson210]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

Critsports: All very true. I don't expect Dean Blais to tell a recruit to go to QU, he would only do that if he worked for us. And if he says that we have a great rink, then maybe it will reel in another Dalhusien, you did say it was huge for recruiting. I guess I am just used to the idea that the only big games are those against BC, BU, Maine, or UNH. I am new to the whole ECAC scene. As to playing a different HE team other than UMass or Providence this year, it is completly different playing BC, BU, Maine, or UNH on Saturday or Friday night and playing UMass on Sunday afternoon. Brian Sullivan gave QU a "C" for their out of conference schedule last season. They have to improve it somehow and why not with quality HE teams. I think I am being too much of a selfish fan because I want them to move to HE. And I agree there are no "name" coaches out there, being a Maine fan that has been one of the biggest arguements why Whitehead should stay. I still would like a list of people who could replace Pecknold if people want him gone. Since there are no "name" coaches, then tell me some asst. coaches out there that would be a good fit. I must say I am absolutely thrilled with the Jones Bros. next year and I can't wait for the season to start. I know we have a lot of exposure out there and like I said I am selfish, I just want more. I need more patience. I too have looked over and MarkEagle yells plenty!

 

[critsports]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

Excuse me? Sometimes it seems like I'm the only one yelling! Now, if I had a little help...

Hey......I actually put on a Quinnipiac T shirt for a game for you and Wonger. Of course I am now using it to polish my car but I did wear it once.

 

[Quinn57]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

How long until someone makes the Jonas Bros. joke for the Jones Bros? Assuming this lame attempt didn't count.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

Hey......I actually put on a Quinnipiac T shirt for a game for you and Wonger.

Yes you did... and if I remember correctly, you didn't put up much of a fight either!

Of course I am now using it to polish my car but I did wear it once.

You can't fool us. We know it's neatly folded in a drawer waiting to be worn again next season!

We're gonna make you a Bobcats fan yet, even if it is only part-time!

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

I guess I am just used to the idea that the only big games are those against BC, BU, Maine, or UNH. I am new to the whole ECAC scene. As to playing a different HE team other than UMass or Providence this year, it is completly different playing BC, BU, Maine, or UNH on Saturday or Friday night and playing UMass on Sunday afternoon. Brian Sullivan gave QU a "C" for their out of conference schedule last season. They have to improve it somehow and why not with quality HE teams.

I don't have time to check but wasn't Sullivan referring to our OoC performance and not the quality of the opponents?

It's not just the HE teams that we need to play... any top 15 or 20 program in the country will help where it matters most: the PWR.

I think I am being too much of a selfish fan because I want them to move to HE.

You're kidding, right? Let's get a handle on the ECAC and make some noise nationally before we think about moving out of the league. Personally, I don't see us going to HE. We're a much better fit in the ECAC

Since there are no "name" coaches, then tell me some asst. coaches out there that would be a good fit.

We have one on our bench already if it ever comes to that. Unless we lose Syer to another program I think he could step right in and never miss a beat as head coach.

I know we have a lot of exposure out there and like I said I am selfish, I just want more. I need more patience.

We all want more for this program... we wouldn't be fans otherwise. Just remember, all good things take time. When it happens, I'm sure it will be sweet, and well worth the wait.

I too have looked over and MarkEagle yells plenty!

At least somebody recognizes the skilz!

 

[allnightwong]

Re: Quinnipiac Bobcats 2010 Offseason

At least somebody recognizes the skilz!

It was my recognition of the skilz that prompted the joke! No one yells louder MarkEagleUSA!