Bobcats bite, defeat Huskies

Bobcats bite, defeat Huskies
by Tom Butto
October 15, 2007

The Quinnipiac women’s ice hockey team took the ice on Friday at their new venue, the TD Banknorth Sports Center and started off the season the way all teams want to, with a win. The Bobcats played against Northeastern who already had an exhibition and one regular season game before this.

Since it was Quinnipiac’s first game, they started off a little rusty and looked slower than the Huskies of Northeastern. They put themselves up against a wall early in the first period with two penalties that left them in a defensive situation.

“Northeastern was the better team on the ice tonight, they took it to us; we played with first game nerves. We didn’t play our best hockey but when you can win and start off the year with a win without playing your best hockey that is a good sign,” Bobcats coach Mike Barrett said.

After the Bobcats got rid of those first game jitters and killed the two power plays that they put themselves into, sophomore forward Antoinette Maldonado put Quinnipiac up 1-0 on an assist by Brandice Moniz. Quinnipiac then took a 2-0 lead at the end of the first period on a wrist shot by Elyse Cole, another sophomore forward on the team.

Sophomores continued the scoring in the game, this time for the Huskies, when Chelsey Jones deked freshman goaltender Jamie Miller and backhanded the puck into the net. Vicky Graham then put the Quinnipiac team back up by two goals again a few minutes after that.

The second period then got wild after that with three total goals scored between the two teams in a span of three minutes. Two of these goals were scored by Northeastern, which made the game 4-3 going into the third period. Even though this fast paced type of game could have gotten to the heads of the nine freshman on the Bobcats team, giving up two goals in the period to cut the lead to one did not phase goaltender Jamie Miller.

“Well that’s what happens, you have a mental lapse in the game and a couple of goals get scored, but its important to bounce back,” Miller said.

And bounce back she did by stopping 28 out of 31 shots.

After the frenetic second period, the third period was more in control. The big moment for the Bobcats and Miller came with five minutes to go in the game when they were in a 5 v 3 disadvantage on the ice after two more huge penalties. The Bobcats were able to kill those power plays, but were not out of the woods. With ninety seconds to go in the game, Northeastern took their goaltender off the ice for an extra skater on the ice. With under a minute to go in the game, Coach Barrett opted to call a timeout after Northeastern used a time out a few moments before. During the timeout, Barrett gave his team important words of wisdom.

“You are talking strategy about what they are going to do and what your goals and tactics are going to be. The 2nd time out was because our best defenders were on the ice. I don’t normally take a timeout when they are down by a goal to let them rest their players but we had our best defenders on the ice and I wanted them to have another 20 seconds of rest.”

Calling that timeout did work as his defenders did get the necessary rest and were able to close out the game to get off to a 1-0 start.

Women’s Ice hockey season preview

Women’s Ice hockey season preview
By Sam Friedman and Tom Butto

As the next season approaches for the women’s ice hockey team, everyone knows that the team must do better than the 8-24-2 record that Quinnipiac posted last year. This idea is especially well-known to Coach Barrett, who remarked on the team chemistry that will certainly be challenged with 9 freshman on this year’s squad.

“We have 9 players, including 3 freshman goaltenders,” Barrett said. “But I feel confident that our upperclassmen will provide good leadership for our young players.”

Quinnipiac, who finished at the bottom of the conference last year, will need to rely on not just its key players, but on the whole team to play well to have a chance to make the conference tournament. Of course there are a couple of freshman who have high expectations. Brandice Moniz, a freshman forward from Ontario, was described by Coach Barrett as “a fast skater who is going to have the spotlight on her this year. She can score goals in clutch situations, and we are looking to her to be an important offensive player.”

In goal, Barrett expects to start Jamie Miller. She is a 5’5 goalie from Ontario who “can get down and block shots without losing her balance. It’s going to be important for our team to give her the defensive support she needs.”

However, Quinnipiac’s schedule is far from easy. They follow up their home game vs. Northeastern with two home games versus two of last year’s Frozen Four teams Boston College and St. Lawrence. After that they travel to Boston to face 3-time Frozen Four runner up Harvard who made the tournament last year in Cambridge on November 2, followed by a road game at Dartmouth a day later. One series which Coach Barrett is looking forward to is the two game set in Erie, PA vs. Mercyhurst, which follows the two game set in Detroit vs. Wayne State. “Going on the road to Wayne State and Mercyhurt will show our team chemistry and focus playing so far from home,” Barrett said. “It will be one of our challenges to our freshman to play on the road just as well as they would play at home.”

If Quinnipiac makes the conference tournament, they will play February 29-March 2 in the 1st round of the ECAC playoffs. The Championship game is March 9 at the highest seed.

A Letter from the Editors

The WQAQ Sports Blog was an idea generated by the WQAQ Sports Department over the winter break between the fall and spring semesters this year.

We never thought it would get this big.

Since January 23, 2007, the day we started the blog, it has recieved just over 2,900 views from you, our loyal readers.

So for that, we say thank you.

Whether you are a parent of our fine Quinnipiac athletes, a parent of our fantastic WQAQ Sports Department staff that make up our writers, or a fan of Quinnipiac Athletics, thank you for reading all semester.

From the opening of the TD Banknorth Sports Center, to the firing of Joe DeSantis, to the hockey team’s run to the ECAC Hockey Championship Game, to the hiring of Tom Moore, and even through the baseball team’s trip to the NEC Tournament, this has been a truly historic semester for Quinnipiac Athletics, and we are truly glad we could bring it to you on this page.

So for the summer, we say adieu. But please know that we will be back in the fall. We hope to have have periodic articles over the summer, but WQAQ Sports will continue to endeavor to bring you the best Quinnipiac Sports coverage on the net when we return in the fall semester.

So until then, have a fantastic summer!

Sincerely,

Seth Rothman and Steve Tisi
WQAQ Sports Directors

Hayley McMeekin named WQAQ Sports Athlete of the Week

WQAQ Sports names Hayley McMeekin Athlete of the Week

The WQAQ Sports Department has named women’s ice hockey star sophomore Hayley McMeekin as the WQAQ Sports Athlete of the Week for the week ending on February 21, 2007.

McMeekin set two program records by recording 15 goals and 30 points over the course of the season. She matched the record on Friday against Cornell, when she scored the Bobcats lone goal in a 2-1 loss at the TD Banknorth Sports Center.  She then broke the record, previously held by Vicky Graham, on Saturday when she netted a goal in the Bobcats 5-3 senior day loss to Colgate.

McMeekin led the team in goals scored and points this season, and has already registered 23 goals and 44 points in her 2-year career at Quinnipiac University. She is on pace to shatter the all-time scoring titles at the University, currently held by Gillian Gallagher (36 goals) and Vicky Graham (66 points).

#  #  # 

Quinnipiac Nails it with One Word

By Matt Janik

“Dedication.”

Ten letters, five vowels, two meanings. The first meaning relates to the events and festivities surrounding the opening of a new building, such as Quinnipiac’s recent “Dedication Week” celebration to open the TD Banknorth Sports Center. Interestingly enough, it was the other meaning of “dedication,” the one that revolves around hard work and devotion, which was prevalent throughout “Dedication Week.”

It was a week for President John Lahey and the institution’s donors to sip drinks, shake hands, pat each other on the back, and marvel at what they accomplished (as well they should). For President Lahey, it was the latest step in transforming Quinnipiac into a nationally prominent university for both academics and athletics. The Quinnipiac administration may not always get it right, and they take their share of flak, but it is tough to argue that the overall trend is one of progress.

However, it is the donors who are really intriguing in all of this. They are not the ones who had the vision. There were not the ones to design and build this facility (rather, that was up to Lahey and other administration). Yet, they were the ones with the money to make it all happen. To be able to put a large sum of your own personal wealth behind a project that is merely a vision which won’t be a concrete object for years is certainly nothing that the rest of us can sneeze at. We like to occasionally poke fun at the VIPs who wine and dine up in their luxury boxes, but without them and their wallets, the vision would have remained exactly that, a vision. Their commitment helped ensure it would become a reality.

Thus, it was a week for them to kick back and enjoy what their dedication had brought.

It was a week for Jack McDonald to beam with pride (as well he should). For Quinnipiac’s Director of Athletics and Recreation, it was an opportunity to open a building that was his own and to lead Quinnipiac Athletics into its newest era. McDonald was at Boston College when they opened the Conte Forum, but he wasn’t the man in charge there. While at the University of Denver, he was instrumental in the planning and building of the Magness Center, but he had left for Quinnipiac before the arena opened. However, here in Hamden, McDonald was on hand for it all. He brought Quinnipiac to the Division I level, turned them from Braves into Bobcats, oversaw the renovation and development of facilities for all 21 varsity programs, culminating last week in the opening of the TD Banknorth Sports Center.

McDonald is no stranger to dedication, and for him it was a week to revel in it.

It was a week for everyone involved with Quinnipiac Athletics to take at least a moment out of their week and take in everything that the new facility had to offer (as well they should). For the staffs who worked hundreds upon hundreds of games at the Northford Ice Pavilion and Burt Kahn Court, it was a chance to ply their trade in a first-class arena for the first time. For the new staff who were hired specifically for certain facets of the new building (ushers, concessions), it was a chance to join the Quinnipiac Athletics family.

For the students, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help ring in a new era at their institution of learning (by, of course, getting wasted and being rowdy, but I digress).

Across the board, the dedication and energy ensured that “Dedication Week” was a special event.

Indeed, for one week, “dedication,” and even “perfection,” were both spelled with the letters “Q” and “U” (as well they should be).

Spotlight on Women’s hockey fans

Spotlight on Women’s hockey fans

By Justin Cohen

February 3, 2007 

The Quinnipiac University Women’s Ice Hockey team faced off against two ECAC/Ivy League opponents this weekend, Yale and Brown. While the men’s team faced Yale to a full house, only the dedicated fans came out to cheer on the ladies in their two ECAC bouts. This article is by a fan, for the fans, and about the fans.

I met three fans: The Newbie, The “Enemy” fan, and The Diehard. Anthony Filiaci, a sophomore, was here Friday for his first TD Banknorth Sports Center experience. Filiaci loves the place, it’s an “unbelievable place…the popcorn is good”. As far as women’s hockey, “it’s fun to watch, fun to go nuts. Now that we have our own facility, it’s fun to root for our team.”

Next, I went behind enemy lines and interviewed David O’Donnell, a Yale fan from New Haven, CT. He also praises the new facility, citing its easy access to everything. He thinks that Yale is doing well, but that next year they will miss a lot of their seniors. As for Quinnipiac, he said they were doing decent, and they have good fans.

Last, but certainly not least: The Diehards. I had a chance to run into the Nikki Leone fan club. They have made appearances at four games (yet, noticeably absent on Saturday night) and always bring signs. Jason DiMatteo, one of the founding members, says that the players themselves make the signs. (Talk about interacting with the fans!) Jason and fellow co-founder James Tomaselli founded the group when they met their neighbor, Nikki Leone. Also, Haley McMeekin was in class with DiMatteo. After talking to them I found out that they are true hockey fans and love the game and the women’s game as well. For more on them, tune into Sports Jam on February 16, 2007 at 10pm.

For the Brown game, we had some special fans as well. One group of fans showed up and made some noise. About four fans shouted “it’s all your fault” at the goalie after QU scored, and they also successfully started a “QàU” chant. I give my mad props of the week to those four fans. Come on out to more games!

            If you love hockey, or just want to be a part of the action, come on out February 16 at 7pm or February 17 at 7pm and watch the Bobcats final two regular season home games! See you there!

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 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!