BU head coach Albie O’Connell spoke to the press today on a Hockey East championship weekend conference call. Here are the best bits from the coach’s comments, categorized by topic.
On the season:
“We came basically from a lot of really good individuals into becoming a team.”
“[The season turned around] when we went down to UConn.”
“We had a meeting after [the UConn game]”.
“If we play on the right side of the puck, it gives us a lot better chance to win.”
“It was all team stuff.” (What the team needed to fix)
“From [the UConn series] on, we played a little bit tighter, a little bit better in the neutral zone, a little bit more commitment to playing on the right side of the puck, which has obviously let to better results.”
“I like our teams chances when we play the right way.”
“It took us a long time as a team to learn how to win and play the right way.”
On the future of the program:
“It’s important…that we get guys who are going to be here for four years.”
“It’s nice to get Farabee, and Jack Eichel, and Clayton Keller, but those guys don’t stay long so it’s important that we get guys who are going to be here for four years so when you get in the battles at this time of year, you’ve got guys who have gone through it.”
“Moving forward, if you look at some of the guys we do have coming in, we’ve got some young, really good young players coming in, but we’ve also mixed it in there with some guys we know will be around a little longer.”
On Northeastern:
“We’re excited to play, no matter who we’re going to play.”
“They’ve got a lot of veteran guys.”
“They’ve got one of the best goalies in the country.” (referring to Cayden Primeau)
“We’re going to have our hands full playing them.”
“We won and tied one at the start of the year…so this will kind of be the rubber match.”
“[Northeastern] always bring a really good crowd.”
“We’re both used to playing at the Garden.”
“[We] know that it’s probably going to be a pretty close game.”
On Hockey East Championship Weekend:
“We really look forward to this upcoming weekend.”
“We haven’t had great success at the neutral sites this year.”
“We’re worried about winning one game and moving on.”
“It’s an event, and it’s a good accomplishment – it’s not a great accomplishment yet, but it’s a good accomplishment to get there.”
“I’m hoping that the BU faithful will come out.”
Colin Doherty • Mar 22, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Frozen I’m glad this week has allowed us to agree on many things. There is still a big difference on certain things. The first difference is you constantly challenge the kids commitment. Obviously we disagree on that. I don’t want my words to be misinterpreted Makar is a great hockey player but when your country calls you go. And when your coach and team needs you to do something you do it not tell him I’m tired I’m sure Fabbro was dog tired a lot this year yet he never asked for a break or some time off. I just wanted to express my point of view on this topic in no way am I saying Makar is not a good player in fact he’s a great player. One of the issues I take umbrage with on this blog is when there are differing views folks change what you say and interpret it in the way they think helps there argument. I think it’s ok to disagree on issues and have healthy debate however it being a bu hockey blog I would hope most of the comments would be positive to bu hockey.
Frozen Out • Mar 22, 2019 at 11:06 am
Vinnie ,
I think Cal Maker is the best player in college hockey. Literally took the worst program in college hockey and in two short years made them one of the best. I admire the fact that his main focus was on UMass and he turned down his opportunity to play for his country. It seems he certainly is a team player who desperately wants to win. Wish B.U. had players that were as dedicated to their school and as talented as him. Did B.U. even attempt to recruit him?
vinnie • Mar 22, 2019 at 7:59 am
It had nothing to do with rooting. I hope a BU guy wins the hobey every year. but i repesct my opponent. I am not so blind as to prevent me from recognizing someone else’s skill level. That is pure ignorance if you can not see that.
There is a reason why makar is one of 3 hobey finalists and Fabbro is not. But all the hockey rwriters are wrong Collin and you are right. What do they know about hockey? Only you know. Fool
vinnie • Mar 21, 2019 at 9:59 pm
Davies and Fabbro are both excellent Dmen. for you to make such a disparaging remark about Davies just reeks of homerism. typical rose colored glasses statement by Coolaid Colin which is why the majority of your observations do not reflect reality. of course, I would take Makar over either of these two because he is a better all around dman.
and i like Fabbro. solid captain. wished he was back
Frozen Out • Mar 21, 2019 at 10:00 am
Colin,
The best interview that Albie had all year. He understands that he has to have a mixture of older and younger recruits. Most importantly the name on the front of the uniform must be more important than the name on the back. It is unfortunate that so many players realized the importance of being a good teammate so late in the season. That being said, rather late than never.
Dan • Mar 20, 2019 at 9:53 pm
Did he mention Farabee and his status for Friday
Brad Schlossman reporting he is questionable
Brady Gardner • Mar 22, 2019 at 8:03 am
He did not mention anything about Farabee’s health, so I’m assuming he’s good to go.