Steve Cedorchuk's explanation (he always had a few ready for anyone
willing to listen) for the demise of B.C. hockey was the lengthy
interim between Ceglarski's announced retirement (March 20, 1991) and
Cedorchuk's hiring (Feb. 25, 1992). Cedorchuk claimed that he lost
an entire recruiting season to the lengthy search - players
were reluctant to commit until a new head coach was named. The recruits
that Cedorchuk did get comprise the current junior class, including
Don Chase, David Hymovitz and Tom Ashe. Not a bad trio, but really
the only established players in their class.
 
I have heard a few stories accusing Cedorchuk of playing favorites
and, as a result, alienating many players on the team before he left.
One storyhas it that he called the entire power play unit in to watch film
and demand that they give the puck to (then freshman) Greg Callahan
on the point - a player who many Eagles felt was not ready for
power play duty, but whose family was close friends with the
Cedorchuks.
 
Then there is the scholarship problem. Previous postings regarding
Todd Hall are in accord with the rumors I've heard, plus the
Globe has written several stories indicating the extent of the
alleged scholarship mismanagement. The Eagles reportedly only
have five scholarships to distribute to recruits over the next
two years and will lose 13 players or so to graduation in that
period. You can imagine that Jerry York has to do some fast
talking and hope for some key walk-on players.
 
Lastly, the timing for the Eagles recruiting problems couldn't
have been worse. With UMass-Amherst joining Hockey East, UMass-Lowell
and Merrimack continuing to improve and the increasing number of
American players who go to play Major Junior rather than college,
there aren't as many bodies in Mass. for the traditionally
Bay State-oriented Eagles to recruit.
 
These theories are based on conversations I've had with Cedorchuk
and local college hockey observers. I don't proclaim to know
much more than what I've said here.
 
Geoff Howell
The Trenton Times
Drop the Puck