It was a very interesting and significant day in the MAAC yesterday.
 First, Quinnipiac announced plans for a twin arena sports complex for
hockey and basketball on its Rocky Top property off Sherman Avenue in
Hamden.  Each arena will seat approximately 3000.  In addition, men's and
women's hockey have been designated as "sports of emphasis" at QC.  This
brings with it a number of internal structural changes at the college which
will make QC much more competitive in the medium term.  QC also announced
an interim move of its hockey games to a new rink in Northford.  This is
makes a whole lot of sense as East Haven has never really been a college
level set-up.
 
        Coming on the heels of Bentley's announcement that they had purchased 35
acres adjacent to their campus (although no rink plans just yet), QC's
plans add a lot of momentum to the MAAC's drive for legitimacy.
 
        Then last night we got the results of the first QC/HC showdown.  QC by 6-3
in Worcester.  Tonight the rematch in East Haven.  Difficult to avoid the
assumption that the result will be the same since HC is rumored to be a bit
banged up at the moment.  I happened to be in Storrs last night,  so any
comments from someone who was in Worcester would be appreciated.
 
        From where I sit, I think it is entirely possible that QC could run the
rest of the table in the MAAC if injuries and lack of mental focus do not
interfere in a major way.  Admittedly big if's, but I think it is in the
realm of possibility.  The question then will be, if they do the same to
the service academies (tougher, especially that second game at altitude in
Colorado Springs), what happens then?  I am sure you can catch my drift and
penchant for controversy ....:-):-)
 
        Also significant was AIC's win over Iona. Somehow Gary Wright gets his
guys to play well when it counts.  (UConn would sure like that point back
they dropped at Blunt Park.)
 
        Canisius finally started the healing process against SH.  We have all been
wondering when that was going to happen. Unlucky for UConn that they
haven't played Canisius yet.  Canisius might be one heck of an opponent
when they do.
 
        Finally, at long last, a look at Fairfield in Storrs.  We left at the end
of the second with the score 8-1 and the shots 35-4.  If I were Michael
Doneghey, I wouldn't let Fairfield touch pucks for the rest of the season.
 Bring in Laura Stamm and teach them how to skate (I am NOT kidding here).
 Their skating mechanics are horrible.  That's all I am going to say about
this game.  Sorry I couldn't be more positive, folks.
 
        All in all, an interesting start to the weekend.
 
        -- Dick Tuthill
 
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