According to this morning's Times-Union, Dan Fridgen will be named head coach
of the RPI Engineers at a new conference called for this afternoon at 2:00.
The article echoes most of the information already posted yesterday,  but I'll
add a few of the quotes.
 
According to Bob Croce, no search was conducted because RPI thought Fridgen
was the right man for the job and because of a restrictive time frame.  Croce
also quotes Fridgen last week after Powers was named coach of Bowling Green:
 
"I'd make sure that there is a smooth transition first off.  I feel I do have
the respect of the players.  They know I know the game, they know I'm fair and
honest.  They know that I'll push them to obtain their best possible effort and
that they shouldn't expect any less.
 
I'm happy with the state of the team.  I think we've got an excellent bunch of
kids in the program: kids capable of not only being good athletes, but also
capable of succeeding in the classroom."
 
Croce also reports that Fridgen advised him last week that the team's offensive
system won't change much from that instituted by Powers.  Fridgen did indicated
however that the Engineers would be more defensive-minded.
 
"I kind of like his philosophy of coaching, which is team defense, said junior
right wing Tim Regan.  "He's really creative in the same way Buddy was on the
offensive end.  But he has a stronger philosophy on team defense and the one-
one battles.  I like that, because it's guts out hockey."
 
Also, Croce adds comments from additional players.
 
"It's nice to see them do it so quick, said junior defenseman Jon Pirrong.
"Fridge deserves a shot, for sure.  I guess we'll have to wait and see how he
does as a head coach.  We can't really say right now, because we've only had
him as an assistant coach and it wouldn't be fair to put pressure on him in
that regard anyhow."
 
"But I can tell you that Fridge really know his stuff.  He's really been tough
on us in practice, too: I know everybody has had at least one bruise from him
from playing three-on-three with the guy."
 
Added Brian Richardson: "I think that's great for Fridge.  Hell do a great job.
He gets along well with everyone on the team and everyone really respects his
work ethic.  You can really see how much he loves the game with the way he
plays three-on-three with the guys every day after practice.
                    _
            "NYS   // Hockey"
        Go 'Gate  //   Brian Morris
          Go RPI //      Albany, NY
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