Connector Editor

Projected number one overall in numerous preseason polls, the River Hawks were poised to make a return to the Frozen Four. Their aspirations, however, were dashed by Hockey East rival Boston College in the NCAA Northeast Regional Final.

After going 26-11-4 overall and winning the Hockey East Tournament for the second year in a row, Head Coach Norm Bazin reflected on a successful season that was nothing short of exciting.

Q: What were your expectations coming into this season? In other words, what did you believe the team’s hard work would result in?

As a team, our goals are always to compete for the three major championships, (Hockey East regular season, Hockey East Tournament and NCAA) and I think we did that. We finished second in the regular season, won the Hockey East Tournament and battled hard in the NCAA tournament. Any time you finish in the upper echelon of Hockey East, you’re one of the top teams in the country. I would say we had an excellent season.

Q: Your team lost three of its first four games to start the season. What would you say attributed to the rough start?

It’s a tough league, and Hockey East is competitive from top to bottom. Quinnipiac is one of the top five teams in the country, so we knew we would have competition early in the season. We went up against Michigan, Michigan State and other teams that are perennial top 10 teams.

Q: Your team rebounded well, not losing more than one game in a row following this stretch. How did they rebound and stay consistent doing so?

In this league, you can ill afford to lose more than one or two games in a row. We suffered some setbacks, but we were able to come back from them.

Q: How did the team captains and upperclassmen enforce this consistency and lead by example?

I was really pleased by the leadership of our captains. Josh [Holmstrom] was a phenomenal competitor; Zack Kamrass was phenomenal on defense; Derek Arnold and Scott Wilson tried to carry the offense; [Joseph] Pendenza was our best two-way forward, showing great consistency every night.

Q: Who has been somewhat of an unsung hero this season?

Doug Carr. He’s been a rock, showing the way to the younger players all season long. He didn’t start every game, but he showed tremendous character. When he was called on to start, he was phenomenal.

Q: How did the team support the “defense first” strategy they put on the ice?

There was a consistent commitment to the team, and everyone really bought into that mentality.

Q: Did you adjust your game plan on certain nights depending on the opponent, or did you make in-game changes on the fly?

I say we did some of both and shifted between them sometimes. Overall, though, we wanted to make teams have to adjust to our game.

Q: How did the overall toughness of Hockey East improve your team?

I wouldn’t say it improved our team; it improved our league. It added quality to an already premier league. I’m excited for UConn to join us next year.

Q: How did you adjust to losing players due to injuries?

It was an ongoing challenge to say the least. We lost more man games this year than in the last two years combined. However, we got through due to the guys’ ability to battle adversity.

Q: How did the team prepare for the Hockey East Tournament, especially the last two games against Notre Dame and UNH?

Everyone knew about being in this situation after having won the tournament last season. We were able to remain loose but focused.

Q: How will you make up for the absence of your seniors and key players, like Christian Folin and Scott Wilson, who have gone to the NHL?

It won’t be easy, but they’ve helped build a strong culture here from which other talents will emerge.

Q: What improvements are you looking to make in the offseason?

There’s always room for improvement. At this point, however, it’s too early to tell what we need to do for next season. We’re still in the closing mode of this season.

Q: What are your expectations for next season?

Again, it’s too early to tell, but I’m expecting great effort and a tenacious puck pursuit style of hockey from our guys. I’m ready for our young players to come back eager to make an impact.