It's been well over a month since my last post, and for that, I apologize profusely. I've been very busy lately and haven't had much free time. Additionally, there hasn't been a whole lot of Brown hockey-related news worth writing about.
But now that the beginning of the season is in sight (we're just a week away from the Ivy Showcase), it's time to start writing about and discussing Brown hockey.
Brown has been picked last by just about everyone. Coaches, media, Brian Sullivan, members of the USCHO Fan Forum- no one seems to have any faith that the Bears can take the next step this season. Unlike in previous years, the pundits seem to have respect for the way Brown plays, but simply do not think Bruno can compete based on its perceived lack of talent and youth.
I suppose it's easy to understand most people's reasoning: this is a program that hasn't hosted a home playoff game, had a winning season, or finished any higher than 9th since 2005. It hasn't been nationally ranked since 2004. It hasn't seen a 40-point scorer since Damian Prescott in 1998. It hasn't made the NCAA Tournament since 1993, and has never won an ECAC Championship. Why should any neutral observer think there's any chance of any of these things happening this season?
Why, indeed? We graduated our starting goalie and top scorer. We lost an incredibly talented recruit and a solid depth goalie over the summer. We have no natural leadership or true offensive "star." There is nothing notable about this team; nothing that sets it apart from the rest of the rebuilding programs around the NCAA.
Except this team has Brendan Whittet on its bench. I truly believe that Brendan Whittet can, and will, have an immense effect on how this team fares this year. He is incredibly driven and a good motivator. He cares passionately about Brown hockey and wants so desperately to bring a championship to Providence. He will look at the disrespect the Roy brothers showed him and his program, and he will channel that into even greater motivation.
There are some good young pieces to build around here - Matt Lorito, Ryan Jacobsen, Massimo Lamacchia, Joey De Concylis - along with some seasoned veterans like Matt Wahl, Chris Zaires, and Dennis Robertson. Marco DeFilippo has shown some great promise over his two years, despite plenty of inconsistency.
It may take awhile for this team to click, so I won't be putting too much stock into the way we play until around January. If we can start out hot, great, but I don't expect it to happen.
But no matter what, it's great to be back in college hockey season!
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