The Quinnipiac University Bobcats began their quest to avenge last years national title loss a mere 31 minutes from Hamden, yet the fan support was nowhere near expected and neither was the outcome. The Providence Friars thoroughly beat the Bobcats in almost every aspect of the game, Friday night, handing last year’s runner up a 4-0 defeat.
Head coach Rand Pecknold and his squad knew exactly what to expect coming into the game. “They’re physical, they battle and they have one of the best goalies in the country.” And all that was true.
From the opening faceoff, Providence brought the fight to Quinnipiac. That was a point of emphasis for the Friars, who skated to a 3-3 tie against the Bobcats in Hamden back in late November. “Looking back on that night, we didn’t think we played our best hockey,” said Junior forward Ross Mauermann. “That’s something (this game) we’re focused on; the first five minutes.”
In fact, just three and a half minutes into the contest, Mark Jankowski slid behind the defense and put home a rebound to give the Friars the upper hand early. Providence would not relinquish the lead for the rest of the game.
The Friars lit the lamp three more times in the middle period. Anthony Florentino and Shane Luke scored within three minutes of each other before half of the period had even elapsed. Trevor Mingoia made it 4-0 with 5:41 remaining in the second period.
The Bobcats who pride themselves on defense and quickness up front (Kellen and Connor Jones and Sam Anas) did not get in any rhythm all night; much of that came in the second period. After Connor Jones was released from the penalty box for charging the goalie, he was then awarded a 10 minute major for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Rand Pecknold acknowledged that this senior class was very special. “Elevated this program to a top 5 program.”
With the loss, the Bobcats conclude their 2013-2014 campaign with a 24-10-6 record. The Friars improve to 22-10-6 on the season and will face the #1 seeded Dutchmen of Union College on Saturday at 3pm in the East Regional Final for a spot to travel to Philadelphia for the Frozen Four.
