Apologies for the lack of posts recently.  I’ve been quite busy with things like work and beer fests.  I’ve also, like most of UMass Nation out there, have been making sure to be home and in front of the TV to watch Jon Quick in the Stanley Cup Finals.  Quick will have the chance tomorrow to become the first Minuteman ever to have his name etched upon the Cup and is the hands down favorite to be the Conn Smythe winner while doing so.  The Kings can clinch tomorrow thanks to Quick’s third shutout of the playoffs in Game 3, shutting down any and all Devil shots.  Before that in the first two games Quick found himself in the familiar territory of having to to be near perfect as the Kings’ scoring woes returned from the regular season.

I could link to the numerous stories on Quick out there all night, but here are a few good ones.

Quick is the newest star in the town where the most famous of the famous are honored with their own stars on the sidewalks that line Tinseltown.  Is that going to change him?  Of course not.

Quick’s journey from Connecticut to Amherst to the ECHL to the NHL was a road less travelled.

According to this podcast, Quick plans to celebrate his successful season with some BBQ Chicken slices from Antonio’s soon, but is disappointed that Barsies is gone from the North Pleasant Street landscape (Quick interview starts around 52:00)

I had the chance to spend some time with a number of former UMass hockey players, the coaching staff, and other friends of the program and to say they’re hyped up for Jon Quick winning the Stanley Cup would be an understatement.  Everyone affiliated with the program is absolutely ecstatic at the prospect of Quick lifting the Stanley Cup and representing UMass hockey while doing so.  Coach Cahoon is absolutely beaming at the idea.  It truly is amazing what he has accomplished.  At best he was supposed to be backing up Jonathan Bernier if, IF, he got to the NHL.  Now he’s been an Olympian, on the verge of the Cup and Conn Smythe trophy, and is seen as the top American goaltender at this point in time.  Unbelievable.  It’s all been through a lot of hard work.  Watching him I’m still amazed at how much his game has evolved.  His focus, his ability to follow the puck, and how he uses his athleticism to attack the puck rather than reacting to it are huge improvements to his skills.

▲

Let’s not forget about UMass’ other finals participant.  Mike Kostka’s Norfolk Admirals are up 2-0 on the Toronto Marlies in the Calder Cup Finals.  The trade for Kostka is seen as one of the key moments in the Admirals’ season.

▲

It’s not just the former Minutemen in the news, but the soon to be Minutemen as well.  It was great to see this story out of Merritt, BC on UMass’ newest commitment, Evan Stack, regarding his decision to come to Amherst.  The piece says that Stack “earned his scholarship to UMass the good old-fashioned way – through incredible hard work and tremendous leadership.”  Can’t argue with that.  I was also pleased to see that Isenberg School of Business, played a role in his choice of where to go to school and play hockey.  Isenberg has had a positive effect on my own life (as did the College of Humanities of Fine Arts and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences) and is a tremendous asset to the university.

▲

Boston University’s Adam Clendening has left the Terriers to sign with the Blackhawks.

Face shields and overtime are on the agenda for the Rules Committee.  I’ll likely have something more on the face shield issue in the coming days.

John Buccigross will be the new play by play voice of the Frozen Four.  I love Buccigross’ passion for hockey (is that even allowed at ESPN?!?) and especially his support of college hockey.  But I’ll miss Maine alum Gary Thorne.

▲

I found out today that there are still a few spots open for foursomes at Monday’s Pond Club Golf Outing.  Make sure to sign up quick (Quick?) before you’re locked out.  Can’t make it?  Can’t play (like me)?  Show your support with a sponsorship.  I’m proud to say Fear The Triangle is a hole sponsor for the third straight year.