April 6, 2000

OPENING COMMENTS -

"It's a very difficult assignment to get to the Frozen Four. If you step outside of your league and look at the number of teams that are qualified to get here, we had a couple of lucky bounces and were 50 seconds away from our season ending.

There is tremendous parity across the country. This is the peak of college hockey, and it is a tribute to our team that we were able to sustain momentum to get here. We were competitive in Hockey East, and the high level of play in our league prepared us for the West Regional. Other leagues are also producing outstanding teams.

We have three Hobey Baker finalists who are team leaders. We've had consistent goaltending, and our defense has been the strength of our team."

(On Playing St. Lawrence and ties to North Country with Clarkson)

"There is great community involvement, and they also have it in other areas in the country, such as Maine-New Hampshire, Boston College-Boston University, etc. There was great pride with the New York teams coming down to play the Boston teams.

The St. Lawrence-Boston College rivalry has been very strong, but it has been lessened since the leagues switched and we don't play each other as frequently. I think Joe (Marsh) has a better team here than he had in the late '80's against Lake Superior State. He has two of the premier defenseman in college hockey and an outstanding goalie."

(On Senior Leadership)

"Over the past four years, I've spent a lot of time with these seniors and have gotten to know them. These four particular players have enjoyed a lot of success and are excited to play this weekend."

(On three Hobey Baker Finalists and if team had to change playing style)

"It's just the opposite with them as far as egos and separate styles. Their goals and aspirations are team-oriented. Their team goal was to get to Providence. We try to recruit great players and hope that their egos and personalities blend in."

(On making it to the Frozen Four for the third straight season)

"Each year is a different year and a different team. The goal is to get to the Frozen Four. We were a heartbeat away from winning the national championship in each of the last two seasons. I think this is the best of the three teams that I've brought here because of their defensive intensity."

(On playing the Frozen Four on an Olympic ice surface)

"New buildings are being built across the country with Olympic sheets. It's important to keep the same ice surface consistent in the Frozen Four with the regular season."