Let's just stop and consider how far we've come.
Just five years ago, we were recovering from a season that may have been our worst in recent memory, thanks to a team that seemed to just give up once the move to D-I was announced.
Just four years ago, we thought we had a long road in front of us with only six wins in 30 games.
Just three years ago, we sat at home wondering what might have have happened had we been eligible for postseason play.
Just two years ago, we were wondering how we could lose 5-0 to Air Force with Matt Smith and Simon Lambert on the roster.
Just a year ago, we were wondering how we were going to replace Sarazin, Raymond, Kharin, and Menard.
Just five months ago, we were 0-5 and wondering if this was just going to be a down year for us, a year we'd have to take our lumps and hope for a good run in the tournament.
Less than four months ago, we were worried about Eckenswiller and whether his injury would be a fatal blow to our defense.
Less than three months ago, we were reeling as our OOC record dropped to 0-6 and we once again failed to beat Niagara.
Just over two months ago, we were stunned as two of our best players were forced to watch a game from the stands, a game we ended up losing.
Just sixteen days ago, we were wondering if giving up a 3-goal lead against UConn was a bad sign.
Just ten days ago, we were wondering if RIT could beat the "BCA jinx" and finally win an AHA semifinal game.
Just three days ago, we were hoping that RIT would put up a respectable showing against the #2 team in the country.
Just two days ago, we were wondering if the victory over Denver was a fluke.
And now... now, five years removed from one of the most abysmal seasons any of us can remember, from a season in which we allowed Elmira to erase a 2-goal deficit with two shorties in the last 90 seconds of a game, from the announcement of a risky and uncertain move to Division I... now, we're in the Frozen Four.
And we didn't do it with fluke goals or 66 saves from our goalie or bad officiating. We hung with Denver and outplayed New Hampshire. How incredible is this? How amazing? How unprecedented?
Our school did this. The coaches, administration, and fans have built a team that guys want to play for, a team they can have fun with, and a team that knows how to win, something we had to wonder about during a few lean years there.
RIT. Be proud of these student-athletes. But also be proud of your school, your alma mater, because they made the commitment to bring these players here and teach them how to win and win big. RIT didn't go D-I just to say they were D-I; we went to win and win big. And here we are. Every cent spent over the last five years is paying off right now, in ways we can only imagine.
Who are these guys? They're from Rochester Institute of Technology, folks. Think how many people are hearing that name for the first time this week. Think about what this will do for recruiting, but also think what this will do for non-athletic admissions as well. Think what it will do for school spirit. Think what it will do for local recognition and attendance and maybe even a new rink.
Who are these guys? Well, now we know. They're one hell of a team; our team.
Powers &8^]
