TD Banknorth Center??? IN 3 PARTS (2) by Steve Tisi

Woman’s Basketball

3:18 – We are back to the woman’s game and I missed tip-off.  I can’t believe it…I actually really wanted to see it.  Score: 4-0 QU

 

3:21 – Alright, I didn’t bring it up during the last game, but today I am officially dubbing today “miss wide open lay ups day.”  Every team has done it and it’s absolutely amazing how such a basketball basic is just not happening.

 

3:29 – This game is back and forth.  Two very evenly matched teams with everything to play for it’s amazing to watch.  Side Note: 5 fouls between both teams in 7 minutes.

 

3:32 – (Within Steve’s mind) Monique Lee really never misses her shots

 

3:33 – Note to Joe DeSantis – get Monique Lee on your team

 

3:35 – Timeout. Michael v. Lauren in half court madness…that’s all I need to say.  QU is on a 13-2 run though.  Score: 21-12 QU

 

3:45 – I have to give the girls a ton of credit, they may not dunk, but their shooting is straight up and down majestic.  Score: 25-21 QU.  Side Note:  Where’s the pep-band, getting no love today.

 

3:53 – We hit halftime with a Mandy Pennewell 3-pointer to give the big Q a 33-25 advantage

 

4:12 – We have begun the 2^nd half and within a minute there have been 3 fouls.  I’m just going to go with no comment.  Score: 37-29 QU

 

4:19 – With the last basket, Monique Lee has hit the 1000 point plateau.  Congratulations Monique, you are one of the best players in the NEC and this just solidified.

 

4:22 – Wide open shots and clutch 3’s is the name of the game and LIU is hitting every single of them.  Score: 45-40 QU

 

4:35 – As we get down to the nitty-gritty, LIU has taken the lead off of a Sara Oblak lay-up.  Score: 49-50 LIU

 

4:37 – Could we be seeing another overtime game?  These teams are fighting tooth and nail.  I’m going to come out and say it; there are parts of this game that are just plain better then the men’s game.  Score: 51-50 QU  

 

4:44 – The tides have turned and LIU has hit a groove, but the Bobcats won’t go down that easily.  My biggest problem is that this LIU team is getting too many open looks, it’s killing the Bobcats.  Score: 56-59 LIU

 

4:48 – The fans have arrived finally, this place is bouncing and the energy is electrifying, here is QU at it’s best again…

 

4:53 – Sara Oblak is an absolute killer, another lay-up to put LIU up by 6. It’s the D, you have to play D.  It’s absurd that every time they seem to be coming back, the women just don’t do enough.

 

4:57 – A 3-pointer by Erin Kerner with 3 seconds left helped give the crowed something to cheer before the buzzer went of.  Side Note:  After her shot Erin went walking off the court limping, oh what a sign.  Side Side Note: later in the day we were able to interview Coach Fabbri who said everything is ok with Erin

 

Final Score: 65-69 LIU

 

2 hours…2 hours till Woman’s Hockey takes the ice.  A day of sports reporting…yeah it’s only a little awesome

TD Banknorth Center??? IN 3 PARTS (3) by Steve Tisi

Woman’s Hockey

 

6:30 – Here’s a little conversation between me and Justin Cohen

 

Me – Hey Justin

Justin – Hey Steve…hey is that Gordie Howe?

Me – Umm…yeah I think it is wow that was unexpected

 

6:38 – I am back, now in the press row of the ice hockey arena.  Another huge amount of credit has to go to QU here because this is what makes the great schools…well…great.  Can you professional.

 

6:47 – I love the mix of early, mid 80’s and 90’s music blasting through the arena…going from Buckcherry to POD, I need not say more.

 

6:51 – Where’d the lights go…oh, Quinnipiac Bobcats video…and red carpet on the ice.  Yellow and blue smoke as the team comes out…with the final countdown in the background.  It’s official; nothing is more epic then “The Final Countdown”

 

6:52 – Mercyhurst’s lineup is introduced

 

6:54 – Quinnipiac is next with the lights and music the whole thing.

 

6:56 – Gordie Howe and President Lahey take to the red carpet along with a slew of other figure heads to bring in the new ice

 

7:00 – Soul Tempo is back and I have to say, they sound better now

 

7:02 – The first puck is dropped and the teams are getting ready to get this going

 

7:10 – Both teams have come out strong Mercyhurst have kept it on Quinnipiac’s side most of the time, but the Bobcats have been able to hold them off defensively. 

 

7:16 – As we are nearing the 10 minute mark they’ve turned this in to a slugfest.  Though Mercyhurst does seem to be out skating the Bobcats, they haven’t been able to get one past Wolitski.  Yet, if QU has any chance they need to start pressing the action.

 

7:22 – The first real threat from Quinnipiac was averted by Mercyhurst as Hosier was able to stuff Duffy on a breakaway.  4:41 left in the period…No Score.

 

7:25 – Wow, penalties galore, two for each team in this period alone, you have got to be kidding me. 

 

7:31 - The end of the first period and it feels like we are in the midst of a championship fight.  No one came out the clear cut winner, but they just keep jabbing each other hoping to hurt the other later.  Yes, a slow passed, very defensive game, but right now QU is holding it’s own against the number 1 ranked Mercyhurst.

 

7:33 – I really wish there could be little competitions in the middle of 3 hour classes.  I think a good 10 minute hacky sack tournament with prizes at the end…I think this could work.  Zamboni time.

 

7:38 – Just got handed the stats for the first period and it basically reiterates what I have been saying.  Strong defense for both teams and the fact that not a goal has been given up to the number 1 ranked team is the most impressive stat.  Though, I will say it again, if Quinnipiac wants to have any shot they need to move the puck, put pressure on Hosier, 8 total shots attempted is just not enough.  The 26 by Mercyhurst will slowly wear down that defense and more of them will be getting to the goalie and that will ultimately be the downfall for the Bobcats if they can’t step it up.

 

7:47 – The teams are back on the ice and Mercyhurst won the first face-off.

 

7:50 – This is the time for capitalization, QU is on a power play and a dangerous breakaway was held in check.

 

7:52 – Oh, no! Wolitski is absolutely stunning in goal saving three absolutely beautiful shots

 

7:53 – Yeah…so I have to stop opening my mouth.  I’ve been doing this all day.  Score: 0-1 Mercyhurst on a Meghan Agosta breakaway. 

 

 7:59 – Since the goal, Mercyhurst has basically kept the puck in Quinnipiac’s side, it seems as if there are 7 Mercyhurst players out there at one time.  I gave QU a ton of credit because they are only down by a goal…but. 

 

8:06 – Here’s a good gauge for how this is going…QU Shots on Goal: 6   Mercyhurst:18. 

 

8:11 – Ok…I’m having a little bit of an issue here, the crowd is no longer cheering when we shoot the puck, they cheer when the Bobcats clear it out of it’s own ice… it’s going to be a long third period.  Also, just keeping the tally going, 7 total penalties in this period alone.

 

8:15 – This is the best chance QU has to tie up the game…5 on 3 advantage they can no longer sit back…this is it.

 

8:16 – The period is over and QU was not able to capitalize on the 5 on 3 advantage.  Though they will start out with the advantage in the 3^rd, I think they may have missed their opportunity.  I’m thinking the Bobcats are looking at a rough third period.  Mercyhurst’s overall strong offensive play will wear out the Bobcats.  By the end I think Mercyhurst will drop in two more goals with Quinnipiac sitting back on D most of the time.  Side Note – Cotton-Eye Joe…can we end it please, it’s no longer a fun song.

 

8:33 – We begin the 3^rd and final period and finally I think I’ve heard some sort of chanting from the fans.  Also, for the first minute and a half the Bobcats have held the puck to the Mercyhurst side pretty exclusively.  Maybe, just maybe, I was wrong.

 

8:40 – Up until this point…pretty even.  Also, no penalties…what’s going on?

 

8:44 – Wolitski has been spectacular all day, but there is only so many times you can have a puck shot at you till something gives.  This is one of those times.  A Valerie Chouinard short hander helps Mercyhurst grab a 0-2 lead as we are almost half way through the second. 

8:51 - Ok…I’m going to say it…what the hell?!?!  I’ve been making predictions all day and I’ve been wrong all day, oh wait, UNTIL NOW!  Mercyhurst on a Stephanie Jones short hander has taken a 0-3 lead.  Now this is just getting ridiculous. I make predictions for QU and they turn out to be…oh yeah wrong.  But, when I say anything positive for the other team, bam, right on the money.

 

8:55 – Still no love for the pep band and too many penalties to count.

9:00 – A few good chances here and there for the big Q but as the clock ticks down, it seems this will finish the Bobcats off.

 

9:04 – This will end it…a valiant effort for Quinnipiac, a well played game, but, you just cannot take anything away from Mercyhurst.  That’s how that got to where they are.

 

 

 

 

Let’s wrap it all together

           

For as silly and as poorly written this blog may have been, I do want to be serious for a little bit.  If you haven’t seen this arena, do at least once before this year is over.  This is an arena built after years of blood, sweat and tears.  Everyone at the TD Banknorth Center treated us with the utmost respect and I have nothing but great things to say about my first experience there.  Also, I would like to thank the coaches and players who participated in post game press conferences for us and our WQAQ beat reporters.  This has been an absolutely surreal day and I realize that I am fortunate to have been able to be there with other members of the press and all the fans.  I want to thank everyone again and I hope you got some enjoyment out of a few minutes of reading.  Welcome home Quinnipiac…it’s been a long time coming.

 Steve Tisi

Welcome Home, Quinnipiac Athletics (Part 1 - Dedication Ceremony)

 

Welcome Home, Quinnipiac Athletics

By Seth Rothman

January 27, 2007

HAMDEN — The day has finally arrived. The opening of the TD Banknorth Sports Center, Quinnipiac University’s brand new sports arena for basketball and hockey opens its doors today. First on the schedule, the Men’s Basketball team will take on Long Island University at 12:30 on a NESN televised game. Then, at 3:30, the women will try their luck against the Lady Blackbirds. Finally, at 7 pm, the hockey rink opens its doors for a contest against the top ranked Mercyhurst Lakers. This momentous occasion deserves a momentous blog, and we will give it to you right here. Moment by moment, from arriving at the arena, to the pre-game dedication ceremony, to all three games, this is the place to be.

The day started early.

9:15 – Wake up time. Waking up this early on a Saturday is usually not something to be happy about, but today there was good reason. Today, I didn’t mind waking up at an early hour.

10:30 – Students have to shuttle over to the TD Banknorth Sports Center, so at 10:30, I get to athletics. To my amazement, there are 8 or 9 busses just waiting to take students over to the beautiful arena. The trip over to the York Hill campus takes 5 minutes, and is completed by 10:45.

10:54 – I’ve already got my spiffy media press pass in hand. A great job by Quinnipiac, they had this thing completely worked out, and it was a very seamless procedure to get everything set up.

10:55 Hey look, it’s Mike Kobylanski! Kobes, as we all love to call him, is Quinnipiac’s Head Sports Information Director, and he does a fantastic job. A “great” job, if you will. He’s all hooked up with an earpiece and radio, and looks like a chicken with his head cut off. A common look for Quinnipiac’s Athletic Department on this historic day; though everyone in that department did an absolutely outstanding job, from where I sat today.

11:00 – After getting lost in the bowels of the TD Banknorth Sports Center (though not because of a lack of signage), we find our seats on press row: across from the Long Island University bench on the wing; a great spot to watch two basketball games.

11:08 – After putting our computer equipment down to “mark the spot” if you will, we head outside to await the festivities soon to take place. They will be unveiling a giant Bobcat, and of course formally dedicating the new building.

11:15 – Exactly on time, bagpipers welcome QU President John L. Lahey, Quinnipiac Athletic Director Jack McDonald, President of the Board of Trustees Terry Goodwin, TD Banknorth of CT President John Patrick, and lots of other dignitaries. Lahey calls this day “A historic day in the history of Quinnipiac University.” He goes on to ask members of the Connecticut national guard to use the flagpoles in front of this beautiful building. The United States flag, Quinnipiac University flag, and Connecticut state flag are now flying proud at this new building.

11:22 – Quinnipiac Student Government President Jennifer Rosenbaum takes the microphone to explain the legend of the Bobcat. As this statue is unveiled, she instructs all fans passing by to rub the paw of this creation every time they enter the building.

11:26 – With the help of all the dignitaries on the stage, the TD Banknorth Sports Center sign is unveiled to a gigantic cheer among the thousand or so fans already at this new arena. It is time for basketball.

Welcome Home, Quinnipiac Athletics (Part 2 - Men’s Basketball vs. LIU)

12:01 – Back inside, the LIU Blackbirds enter the court for pregame warm-ups. They are not greeted warmly. The Quinnipiac student body is known for its unwelcoming nature towards opposing teams, and the Blackbirds learn this very quickly.

12:02 – The Bobcats are the second team out of the tunnel, and the crowd explodes for the first time today. The Bobcats ring in their new building by thrilling the crowd with 2 handed dunks instead of the customary lay ups.

12:20 – The Bobcats gather at center court. They will shoot in front of the Quinnipiac student section in the first half.

12:23 – Lights out. The Bobcats take the court as blue and gold CO2 cannons welcome them onto the court. The players’ faces tell the story here. They look… very impressed with the atmosphere. The game was billed as being sold out, and while there are many empty seats, the student section is completely packed.

12:25 – The same dignitaries we saw earlier are now on the court for the ceremonial tip-off.

12:35 – The Bobcats Live Here!! The TD Banknorth Sports Center is alive, though Quinnipiac loses the opening tip.

12:36 – Casey Cosgrove draws a charge, and Quinnipiac gains possession. Down at the other side, Adam Gonzalez spots up for a 3 ball, and as the net barely moves, the crowd explodes. Adam Gonzalez will forever be known as the first player to ever score at the TD Banknorth Sports Center.

12:38 – The Bobcats are starting off very well. Victor Akinyanju makes a lay up to give the Bobcats an early 5-1 lead.

12:40 - Adam Gonzalez is a man possessed this afternoon! He just delivered a brilliant feed to Chris Wehye for the easy bucket. Bobcats lead 9-4, 16:30 left in the half.

12:42 – We have reached the first media timeout. This is a NESN game, but media timeouts are still 60 seconds. Quinnipiac has added 3 to their lead, and now leads 12-4, 14:53 left 1^st half.

12:45 – Quinnipiac is just absolutely flying right now. They know what this game means to the University, and they are simply not willing to let Quinnipiac down.

12:51 – QU leads 24-15 as we reach the second media timeout, 9:52 left in the half.

12:54 – Attendance is listed as 3,570, but there’s a lot of no-shows this afternoon. This game was a sellout, but there are a lot of season ticket holders that decided not to make the trip. My guess: 2,500 folks are in the house for this one.

12:56 – Joe DeSantis, in a move reminiscent of Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl, gets the crowd to start the “DE-FENSE” chant. QU still leads big, its 27-15, 7:55 left in the half.

1:04 – Long Island takes a 30 second time out. Not a bad idea, Quinnipiac has its biggest lead of the day, 34-20 after Adam Gonzalez’ 3 pointer. 4:42 left in the half.

1:07 – Easily the best I’ve seen the Bobcats in a very long time. They are completely dominating the Blackbirds in the first half, its 36-22, 3:42 left in the half.

1:10 – Quinnipiac takes a timeout of their own after a bad defensive play. They lead by 10, thanks in part to a great day shooting the ball. They are 60% from the field so far.

1:14 – One thing the Bobcats are doing very well so far this afternoon is moving the ball. Their passing is exceptional.

1:16 At the end of the first half, the Bobcats jog off the court content with a 40-30 lead. That’s easily their best half of the season; they played absolutely inspired basketball.

1:32 – Second half is underway from Lender Court at the TD Banknorth Sports Center.

1:36 – DeMario Anderson checks in. The CCSU transfer will face his old team on Monday here in Hamden, but today he’s been relatively quiet, only 4 points in the first half.

1:37 – Adam Gonzalez, the one man wrecking crew today just hit another 3 pointer. He has 14 points, and the Bobcats have an 8 point lead.

1:39 – LIU’s Aubin Scott breaks away for an uncontested lay-up, but he misses the easy basket. It’s been that kind of a day for the Blackbirds, who trail 48-42 early in the second half. 15:37 left.

1:42 – Gonzalez drives baseline for the easy lay. He has 16. QU leads 50-42.

1:44 – Here comes Long Island. Quinnipiac, historically a team that has trouble finishing games, just let up an 8-0 LIU run, and the game is tied. Paska Morkeliunas just hit the game tying 3. Joe DeSantis takes a full timeout with 13:30 left.

1:46 – DeMario Anderson nails a mid range jumper. Bobcats retake the lead.

1:47 – James Williams nails a 3, and LIU gets its first lead of the game.

1:50 – Once again, the one man wrecking crew comes through again. Adam Gonzalez just hit a 3 to cap a 5-0 run. QU leads by 1. Adam has 19 points already, and as he runs down the court, he tries to “raise the roof” to get the crowd involved in this one.

1:56 – 7:42 left, Quinnipiac is clinging to a 1 point lead. 59-58 Quinnipiac leads.

1:58 – Anderson takes the inbound pass and drains the rock, then steals LIU’s outlet pass and lays it in. Quinnipiac leads by 5, 63-58.

2:03 – After Casey Cosgrove bangs a 3 off the iron, Eugene Kotorobai is fouled by Adam Gonzalez on a 2 v 1. He makes them both, and LIU has the lead with 4:40 left.

2:05 – Victor Akinyanju swats Mattison. As loud as that block is, the crowd is even louder. 3:49 left, LIU leads 64-63.

2:10 – Adam Gonzalez suffers one of his rare misses on the day, but DeMario Anderson is there for the put-back. Tie game, 90 seconds left in regulation.

2:11 – After an LIU miss, Bobcats coach Joe DeSantis calls a timeout with 1:15 left.

2:16 – Williams misses, and Casey Cosgrove is fouled. LIU had a foul to give, though. 50 seconds left; Bobcats have the ball.

2:18 – With 6.8 seconds left, Adam Gonzalez goes backcourt. He had 1 foot in the frontcourt, and 1 foot in the backcourt. Amazing.

2:22 – Jaytornah Wissah drives, gets stripped by, guess who? Adam Gonzalez, that’s who. We head to overtime in the first ever game at the TD Banknorth Sports Center.

2:24 – Victor Akinyanju loses the tip to LIU’s Paska Morkeliunas.

2:25 – Adam Gonzalez is forced to throw up a prayer from 40 feet when the team forgets that… there’s a shot clock in basketball. Coach Joe DeSantis is beside himself.

2:26 – DeMario Anderson hits, QU leads, but LIU’s Tyrone Mattison comes right back for the Blackbirds and hits. So, once again, we are tied. 2:39 left, both teams at 67.

2:28 – Finally after committing many traveling penalties over the course of the game, LIU is actually called for one of them. Bobcats ball. Gonzalez drives, makes a great move, and lays one in for a 4 point Bobcat lead.

2:30 – LIU, down by 2 now, takes a timeout. 1:14 left in overtime. This one’s been an absolute thriller.

2:31 – Mattison ties it after Aubin Scott misses. Wisseh got the board on the play. 55.8 left, 71-71.

2:32 – Gonzalez finds Akinyanju under the basket on a brilliant pass. It’s hard to put into words just how good Gonzalez has been today. 26.2 left, Bobcats lead by 2.

2:35 – LIU’s Jaytornah Wissah has 3 chances to tie it up from short range, but each one is rejected by the rim. The final buzzer sounds, and the crowd explodes. Quinnipiac wins the first ever game at the TD Banknorth Sports Center 73-71.

2:37 – You can tell how much this game meant to the players. Gonzalez and Wehye both walk over to the student section, and walk through the first couple of rows – at the opposite end of the players’ entrance – to say “Thank You” to the students who played a large role in the game this afternoon. Now, we get to wait about 30 minutes before the Women’s Basketball game begins.

Welcome Home, Quinnipiac Athletics (Part 3 - Women’s Basketball vs. LIU)

3:17 – After walking into the media lounge for the postgame press conferences with Joe DeSantis, Adam Gonzalez, and DeMario Anderson, its time for Women’s Basketball! The Ladies take on the Blackbirds of LIU in a battle of two of the top schools in the NEC.

3:18 – Hannalee Pervan scores the first basket for the women.

3:26 – A much smaller crowd here than at the men’s game that ended less than an hour ago. About 1,000 people in attendance this afternoon. LIU has stormed out of the gate, they lead 10-8, 14:32 left in the 1^st.

3:32 – Trish Sacca’s team plays a very fundamental, smart game. This is a team dedicated to the small things, to unselfish play, and it shows on the court.

3:34 – Since the last media timeout, Quinnipiac has gone on an 11-2 run. They now lead 19-12; 9:33 left in the 1^st half of the second ever game at the TD Banknorth Sports Center.

3:36 – Many Pennewell keeps it going with a deuce, and the Bobcats extend the lead to 21-12.

3:38 – “Big Mo” Monique Lee is dominating during the early going. She has 12 points in the first 12 and a half minutes.

3:39 – With Mandy Pennewell calling for the ball, Lee tries playing through a double team. After the missed basket, LIU gets the defensive board.

3:42 – Our final media timeout of a quick first half comes as Quinnipiac leads Long Island 25-18. 4:49 left; 1^st half.

3:46 – LIU is doing a much better job against Lee late this half. Monique hasn’t scored in the last 5 minutes. She’s getting double teamed, but still trying to throw the shots up. As a result, LIU is clawing back into it. They only trail by 4.

3:50 – After a Monique Lee miss, Krystal Lazos put home the put back to give the Bobcats a 6 point lead with 1:07 left in the half. She’s fouled on the play, makes the “and 1″, and gives Quinnipiac a 7 point lead.
 

3:53 – Mandy Pennewell drains a 3 pointer at the buzzer to send the Bobcats back to the dressing room with an 8 point lead, 33-25. It’s pretty impressive, because Monique Lee was held scoreless for the last 7 minutes of the half, but the Bobcats were able to find other ways to score.

4:08 – 20 minutes left in this one. Second half underway

4:09 – First shot of the half, and Monique Lee is back on the score sheet. She misses the free throw, but Quinnipiac leads by 10.

4:14 – Lee scores again. She has 18. This team runs and guns like the men, but the women are so much more in control.

4:16 – Erin Kerner has been completely shut down. She averages 18, but today: 0. Meanwhile, LIU is streaking a little bit, they now only trail by 4 with 15:00 left. The last basket Monique Lee made gave her 1,000 points in her career, and she receives a well-earned standing ovation.

4:23 – Back and forth action, but no one is making any baskets! Bobcats still lead by 5 with 11 to go.

4:28 – Thanks to unselfish passing, Pervan gets the easy lay-up.

4:32 – Quinnipiac’s Brianna Rooney travels, and LIU has the ball down by 2, 7:30 left.

4:36 – LIU has taken the lead. Sara Oblak scores the lay-up. But “Big Mo” comes back to the other side and drains one of her own. 51-50 Bobcats lead, 5:00 left.

4:39 – Tessy Hetting gets the lay and the harm for LIU, and the Blackbirds are back on top. They lead by 3.

4:42 – Mikaeler Whippy nails a 3 from right in front of our position at the wing, and LIU has taken their largest lead of the game. It’s a 6 point Bobcats deficit, 3:30 left.

4:45 – Mandy Pennewell’s running floater cuts the deficit to 3, 59-56. After an LIU turnover, the Bobcats can tie on this possession. 2:31 left.

4:46 – Lee nails a short range jumper, and the Bobcats have the lead cut to 1. Are we going to have 2 thrilling wins within 2 hours?

4:48 – Kerner is called for a foul, and Pennewell needs an explanation. Sonya Coleman goes to the line and knocks down 2 free throws to give LIU its 3 point lead back. It’s 61-58, 1:52 left.

4:52 – Quinnipiac is in lots of trouble now. Down 4, 52.4 left, and LIU has the basketball.

4:53 – Oblak drains a deuce, and the Bobcats turn it over trying to advance it up the court. Turn out the lights, folks. It’ll take a miracle for the Bobcats to win this one.

4:55 – Kerner nails her first 3 of the game. She has 5 points, but the Bobcats trail by 5 with 6.8 seconds left. 67-62 LIU leads.

4:57 – Kerner nails another 3 with 0.3 left, and as LIU runs out the clock, the final is 69-65 LIU over Quinnipiac. With this win, the Blackbirds set a school record; they have now won 9 consecutive games.

Welcome Home, Quinnipiac Athletics (Part 4 - Women’s Hockey vs. Mercyhurst)

 6:04 – Wow, look at this hockey rink!!! We have moved over to the hockey wing of this wonderful building for the Quinnipiac Bobcats and the Mercyhurst Lakers; it’s a Women’s Hockey game, and we’ll have it all for you. 

6:23 – The two teams take the ice. There are about 50 people in the stands right now, and we don’t expect a large turnout; women’s hockey is not a very big draw. 

6:31 – I can’t help myself. This is the same music they play for the Men’s Hockey games during warm-ups, and I’m completely pumped just thinking about how exciting this place is going to be tomorrow for the Bobcats and Holy Cross. The joint will be jumping with over 3200 fans. What a great college hockey atmosphere this is going to be. 

6:36 – The teams are off the ice, and we are less than 30 minutes away from game-time! 

6:52 – The blue and gold CO2 cannons make another entrance to welcome the Bobcats onto the ice for the first time. Spotlights are the only illumination on the rink at the moment. 

6:53 – Mercyhurst’s starters are introduced. Spotlights shine on each player. 

6:54 – Now the Bobcats starting lineups. There is a very good attendance for this game, and they are making a lot of noise. Janelle Wolitski is in goal for the Bobcats. Laura Brennan is the usual starter, but she had a very bad day yesterday, so they go with Wolitski.  

6:56 – Gordie Howe is introduced to a standing ovation from the crowd. He will be joined by President Lahey, ECACHL commissioner Steve Hagwell, and other University dignitaries.  

6:58 – The National Guard provides today’s colors, coming from the zamboni entrance.

7:02 – Gordie How drops the ceremonial first puck, and we are almost ready for game-time.  

7:04 – We are underway! Quinnipiac controls the puck to start. 30 seconds in, the Bobcats change lines. That might have to be a theme today; the Bobcats are playing a Mercyhurst team that is 22-1-2 on the season. If they want to have a chance, they are going to have to find a way to not get physically worn down from a bigger, stronger, and faster team. 

7:06 – Mercyhurst just looks bigger than the Bobcats. QU has had plenty of time in the MC zone, but they just look smaller physically then the top ranked team in the country. 

7:07 – Mercyhurst hits the post, that’s the closest we’ve come to a score in the first 3 minutes. Moments later the Bobcats take a penalty. It’s against Jennifer MacLean for cross checking. 

7:09 – Meghan Agosta takes a high shot that Wolitski covers, but the referee lets the teams play. Eventually, the Bobcats clear. 7:11 – In hockey rinks, you usually see the two teams benches on the same side of the ice. Not so here at the TD Banknorth Sports Center. Here, Mercyhurst is at the far side, the Bobcats bench at the near side. We see that at Yale’s barn, Ingalls Rink, but not at too many other hockey arenas around the country. 

7:12 – In the last few minutes, Mercyhurst has really controlled play. They are out-shooting the Bobcats 3-0. 

7:13 Natashia Pellatt records the first Quinnipiac SOG in the new building. It was a weak wrister that was easily handled by Mercyhurst goaltender Laura Hosier. 

7:15 - 10:44 left, 1^st period, and we still have no score. Quinnipiac looked a little nervous in the first few minutes, but they’ve stepped it up over the last couple of minutes. Their team defense has been very impressive against this very skilled team. Quinnipiac is blocking a ton of shots. As we speak, though, Quinnipiac’s Janine Duffy takes an interference penalty to give the MC power play another chance. The Mercyhurst PP converts 23% of the time heading into action this weekend. 

7:20 – Wolitski’s rebound control has been a bit of a problem early on. Quinnipiac just took another penalty, this one’s on Kristin Alcorn for hooking. QU’s penalty kill is 2-2 tonight. 

7:22 Janine Duffy blocks a shot, and gets a breakaway. She moves in and shoots high glove side, but Laura Hosier is equal to the task. That was a great, world class, glove save. 

7:23 – There’s the first puck into the crowd in Quinnipiac Hockey history. At the NIP, there was netting all around the ice. Here, it’s only behind the net and into the corners. 4:37 left in the 1^st, and surprisingly, no score. Quinnipiac is doing a great job blocking shots in the first period. They are also doing a great job killing penalties. They are now 3-3 killing them, quite an achievement against such an offensively gifted team. 

7:25 – The Bobcats are on the power play. Sherilyn Fraser will go for cross checking. 

7:26 Hosier just made another great glove save, Elyse Cole took the shot. 

7:28 – A really good sized crowd in attendance tonight, probably close to 900 or maybe even 1,000. Meanwhile, Wolitski just made a great save of her own. She was down on the play, and managed to somehow steer the shot away from danger. Both goalies have made some nice saves in this first period. 

7:31 – The first period ends with the two teams deadlocked at no goals apiece. Very impressive defensive period for Quinnipiac; Mercyhurst is bigger and stronger, but Quinnipiac is feisty, and they are showing it by blocking shots, clearing the crease, and playing very smart hockey. Shots on goal: 7 for Mercyhurst, 3 for the Quinnipiac Bobcats. 

7:38 – Quinnipiac has blocked 11 shots, and that’s just in the first period! Very impressive. 

7:47 – Second period underway. 

7:48 – Mercyhurst’s Stefanie Bourbeau is called for an interference penalty away from the play 52 seconds into the second period. Bobcats on the power play. 

7:50 – Quinnipiac’s Kristin Alcorn is called for hooking; we are 4v4 for 58 seconds. This wide open play that comes with 4v4 play should benefit Mercyhurst. 

7:52 – Mercyhurst is buzzing, but Wolitski just made 2 great saves. She stops the first one, but on the second, she has to reach to the other side of the net, and somehow kept the puck out with her stick. A masterful save that has to pump her team up. 

7:53 – Mercyhurst is on the board. A rocket top shelf by Meghan Agosta gives Mercyhurst a 1-0 lead 4:05 into the period. The play was a 3v1, and that’s rarely going to end well for the defending team. The goal is Agosta’s 27^th of the season. She played for the Canadian Olympic team last year, and it’s easy to see why. She is easily the fastest and strongest player on the ice tonight. 

7:57 – Wolitski makes another save. She’s been good, but her rebound control could definitely use some improvement. I’m sure that’s something goaltending coach Jamie Holden works with her on. 

8:00 – Quinnipiac is called for their 5^th penalty of the game. Janine Duffy will go to the sin bin.  

8:05 – Mercyhurst’s Natalie Payne takes a slashing penalty, and the Bobcats will have their 3^rd PP of the game 

8:06 – Agosta moves in on a breakaway, but Wolitski stones her. The goalie is putting on a show in front of Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe. I can imagine Howe sitting in President Lahey’s box muttering to himself watching these two goalies tonight. 

8:09 – Quinnipiac takes another penalty. This one goes against MacLean for hooking. 4:50 remains in the second period, Mercyhurst still leads 1-0. 

8:11 – Another great kill for the Bobcats, and barely a shot. MC is 0-6 with an extra attacker tonight. 

8:13 – With 1:43 left in the second, Mercyhurst’s Stephanie Jones makes the trek to the sin bin. She’s off for tripping. 

8:14 – A very dumb penalty by Stefanie Bourbeau. She cold cocked a Bobcat, and gets a boarding penalty. QU is on a 5v3. 

8:16 – The Bobcats get a flurry of shots on the 5v3, but can’t beat Hosier, who has been a brick wall tonight. They will have 17 more seconds of 5v3 play when they open the third. Still 1-0 Mercyhurst. They out shot QU 14-5 in the period, and 21-8 for the game.  

8:32 – 3^rd period underway. Mercyhurst kills the rest of the Bobcats power play. 

8:35 – Mercyhurst gets a chance to extend their lead, and Wolitski is forced to make 3 saves as the Lakers buzz in the crease. She has made 22 saves, and we are only 2:30 into the third. 

8:37 – Paid attendance tonight is over 1,700. That sets an all time record for the Women’s Ice Hockey team. I don’t think this rink is 1/3 full, so once again there are a lot of no shows this evening. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was closer to 1,100, though. 

8:43 – Stephanie Jones is stopped by Wolitski. Jones tried going high, but Wolitski would have none of it. She has been forced to make 28 saves, and there’s still 12:01 left to play.  

8:44 – Valerie Chouinard scores top shelf for Mercyhurst, and the Lakers take a 2-0 lead. They are the #1 ranked team in the country, and may be wearing the Bobcats out. 11:33 left in the 3^rd period. Jackie Jarrell will get credit for the assist. 

8:49 – Trudy Reyns rifles one from the blue line, but once again Hosier is equal to the task. Just over 8 minutes remain in the third period, and the Lakers are holding onto a 2-0 lead. 

8:51 – Stephanie Jones gets another Mercyhurst goal off a rebound. It’s her 9^th goal of the season, and the Lakers take a 3-0 lead. Julia Colizza gets the assist on the play. 7:32 left in this one. 

8:56 – Another penalty coming up, and the Bobcats will have a power play. They are 0-6 with the extra attacker tonight. Danielle Ayearst gets called for body checking. 

9:00 – Karrah Stephen gets called for tripping with 3:05 left, negating the Bobcats penalty. In 19 seconds, the Lakers will have one of their own.  

9:04 – It’s a final from the TD Banknorth Sports Center. Mercyhurst 3 – Quinnipiac 0. Quinnipiac fails to score last night, and they don’t score tonight either. They played valiantly tonight; Janelle Wolitski was the star. She made 33 saves off 36 shots.  

9:30 – After the postgame interviews, its time to go home. A long 11 hour day covering Quinnipiac sports is about to come to an end. 

9:57 – I finally key back into my dorm room. Today was one of those days you never forget. It’s really a day you can’t put into words. I’m fortunate enough to be friends with many of the great folks that work in Quinnipiac
Athletics and fortunate enough to know QU Athletic Director Jack McDonald. The ear-to-ear smile they all had on today told the story of the day. Many of them arrived at the York Hill campus at 7 am. None of them went home until close to 10 pm. All of them would do it again in a heartbeat. The TD Banknorth Sports Center is a terrific building. It is a building

Quinnipiac
University is proud of, and with good reason. So, on behalf of all of us at WQAQ, congratulations on a splendid building. It was an absolute honor covering it, and I honestly look forward to many more days and nights in the press box here in
Hamden. Thanks for reading, folks!  

Tomorrow the Men’s Ice Hockey team plays Holy Cross at the TD Banknorth Sports Center, and the atmosphere is sure to be the most electric atmosphere any of us have ever seen. WQAQ will be there with all the coverage you expect from the Soundtrack of Quinnipiac!

Bobcats, Reporter Blend into New Habitat

Bobcats, Reporter Blend into New Habitat 

By Jeremy Schilling

Jan 27, 2007

 

HAMDEN — “Do you have a pass sir or are you a member of a team?”

“No, I don’t,” I replied to the usher.

“Well, the general public can’t enter until 11:15 — just stay here [in this hallway next to the door],” he replied.

            Disgruntled, I stood for about 15 minutes, until a different usher told me to blend in with a sports team and go on in. Then, truly, my experience of the TD Banknorth Center began.

            It is a masterpiece. A glorious Bobcat statue stands outside guarding the center, which is on the top of York Hill. There is a definite elevation change as you drive up, and it seems from the Center that you are on the side of a cliff. Walking inside the center, it is completely modern. The seats, lobby, jumbotrons, food stands – everything, is in tiptop shape. It is two separate arenas with a common lobby. On this day, it was the basketball one in the spotlight, with the men inaugurating the center against Long Island University.  The basketball arena has an open-air feel, even if you leave out the exits to the parking lot that is accessible right from the seats. I took a quick peak at the hockey side, which will get the spotlight tomorrow, and it looks impeccable. It truly was a great job done by all.

            After President Lahey led the unveiling of the Bobcat and the name placard, it was all business. But wait, not until the lights went down, a picture sequence was shown, lineups announced, an anthem played, a ceremonial tip that needed to happen three times, and the last pep talk given.

            And then there was finally the game. A crowd, not a sellout, but solid, cheered on as the Bobcats, who ran an up-tempo game, and got many fast break points early on. Led by Adam Gonzalez, Chris Wehye and others, the Bobcats got out to an early 14 point lead. But little by little, LIU came back, eventually taking the lead. But Quinnipiac fought and fought, and eventually sent the game into overtime. And in that overtime, led by Gonzalez’s 21 points, we won, 73-71. What a way to open a new arena.

If it seems like I was short on game notes, I’m just saving my energy for tomorrow, Men’s Hockey. At noon. Holy Cross. ESPNU. Need I say more?

P.S. Special thanks to Head Men’s Tennis Coach Mike Quitko for making me an honorary team member for the day.

Men’s Hockey Primed for Big Day

After a win over rival Yale, Bobcats fall twice to Niagara

By Russ Mairs

On January 13^th the Bobcats played their fifth game of 2007 against their New Haven rival Yale Bulldogs at the Ingalls Rink. In the first minute of the opening period Yale came out strong as Michael Karwoski gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead. That was the bright spot for the Bulldogs, as Quinnipiac proceeded to dominate the rest of the contest. Nearly two minutes later, Yale’s Matt Cohen was called for cross checking, giving the Bobcats a power play that they would capitalize on when Brandon Wong scored a on a redirect from Greg Holt at 5:09 of the first period to tie the game at one goal a piece. Forty-three seconds later Mike Atkinson would score an unassisted goal at even strength to give the Bobcats a 2-1 lead they would carry into the first intermission. In the second period, both teams spent a considerable amount of time playing at even strength with the Bobcats leading 2-1. That would be the score almost six minutes into the second period when David Marshall scored at 5:56 to extend the Bobcats lead to 3-1. Almost six minutes later Brandon Wong would net his second of the night from the slot giving the Bobcats a three goal lead. At 16:58, the Bobcats would get anther power play on a Yale hit from behind. In the second minute of the power play Jean-Marc Beaudoin would score to extend the Bobcats lead 5-1. They would carry that into the second intermission. In the third period, Yale opened the scoring thirty-one seconds into the third period to make the score 5-2. However, the Bobcats would score once again to earn a 6-2 win over their New Haven rivals.

Almost a week later, on January 19^th, the Bobcats would take on the Niagara Purple Eagles. The Purple Eagles opened the game with a goal seven minutes into the first period giving the team a 1-0 lead. The Bobcats would respond with a goal of their own at 13:00 minute mark of the first to tie the score at 1-1. Four minutes later, Ted Cook of Niagara would give the Purple Eagles a 2-1 lead. Fifty seconds into the second period the Bobcats would tie the score at two goals a piece with a goal from Jean-Marc Beaudoin. In the third period, at 3:47, Niagara would take the lead again making it a 3-2 game. A goal from Sean Bentivoglio would eventually be the game winner. Niagara would score two more goals in the third period, one at the 15:42 mark and the other at the 16:00 mark to hand Quinnipiac a loss in the first game of a two games series.

The next night, on the 20^th of January, the Bobcats faced off against the Niagara Purple Eagles in the second game of a two game series. In the first period both teams traded power plays, yet, neither were able to capitalize. Then, at the 16 minute mark of the first period, Jean-Marc Beaudoin would score to give Quinnipiac a 1-0 lead. In the second period of the game, at the 10 minute mark, Sean Bentivoglio of Niagara would score to tie the game at 1 goal a piece. Seventeen seconds later the Purple Eagles would score to take the lead and make it a 2-1 game on a goal from Egor Mironov. In the third period Niagara’s Les Reaney scored to take 3-1. Halfway through the third period Brandon Wong scored to make it 3-2 game handing the Bobcats their second loss of the weekend against Niagara.

This weekend the Bobcats will play their first game at the new TD Banknorth Sports Center against Holy Cross. The game is set for a noon start on Sunday, January 28.

Golf Season Review

Golf Sports Beat #8

By Jeremy Schilling  

               The Quinnipiac University Golf Team had a successful and impressive fall season, and is very excited for the upcoming spring season. Using strong second-day scores to improve their cause, the team had five top-ten finishes, including a tie for first place at the season-ending Bobcat Invitational.

                 Individually, Steve Velardi and Kyle Chumas were stalwarts for the Bobcats. Steve had the top score for the Bobcats four times, while Kyle had that honor three times. Looking back on the season, Ian O’Connor, who was very consistent for the Bobcats, said, “We’re a pretty young team and we tended to do a lot better the second day fighting back. Hopefully we’ll do better in the spring. We’ve got the talent; we just can’t put two solid days together. But all in all, it was a good fall.” 

                It was a very successful fall campaign for first year head coach John O’Connor. Reflecting on the season and looking ahead, Coach O’Connor said, “The golf team worked extremely hard and stands to be the favorite to place first in the NEC Championship tournament in May 2007.  Steve Velardi continues to be the team leader and low scorer and is expected to be the medalist in the conference event. The freshman team of Eric Snow, Brady Giroux and Ben Cooke all contributed this fall and will likely be part of the spring events and possibly be part of the team that travels to Myrtle Beach this year. I have great expectations for the spring season and will continue in the weight room getting ready for our competitions.”

                 The spring season convenes with the Yale Spring Opener at the Yale Golf Club in New Haven on April 1-2, 2007.

DeMario Anderson named WQAQ Athlete of the Week

WQAQ Sports Names DeMario Anderson Athlete of the Week

HAMDEN — The WQAQ Sports Department has named Men’s Basketball standout DeMario Anderson as its Athlete of the Week for the week ending on January 24, 2007.

DeMario displayed great leadership, dedication, and a commitment to excellence by leading all Quinnipiac scorers with 21 points. Anderson went 9/11 from the field in 32 minutes of play in the Bobcats 74-72 win over St. Francis (NY). The game was the final Men’s Basketball contest in the 38 year history of Burt Kahn Court. All time at Burt Kahn Court, the Bobcats went 284-184 (.607).

Quinnipiac is next in action Thursday, January 25 for a 7 pm contest against NEC foe Fairleigh Dickinson in Teaneck, New Jersey. Quinnipiac opens up the TD Banknorth Sports Center 2 days later when they host another conference opponent, Long Island University. Game time is set for 12:30 pm from Lender Court.

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