After yet another winning season in 2016-17, the Quinnipiac Bobcats will open this season at home against the Saint Mary’s Huskies this Sunday in an exhibition game at High Point Solutions arena in Hamden at 4 p.m. The Bobcats will return 15 skaters to a lineup that played their way to the ECAC Semifinal game a year ago.
With the addition of a strong freshman class and two key transfers, it is easy to see why the Bobcats were ranked 14th in the nation by a USCHO poll released earlier in the week. Starting between the pipes, The Bobcats will bring back sophomore Andrew Shortridge, who played very solid hockey to end last year, and add freshman Keith Petruzzelli, who was drafted 88th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2017 NHL draft. Many consider Shortridge and Petruzzelli to be among the best goalie tandems in the country. It will be interesting to see who will get the start and the majority of ice time as it’s likely both will play.
In addition to their goalies, the defenseman are expected to have a strong year for Quinnipiac. Look for junior Chase Priskie to build on the strong season he had last year in which he tallied seven goals and 19 assists for 26 points. Priskie, only the 8th Junior to be named captain in team history, was named to the ECAC Hockey Coaches and Media Preseason Team as one of the best players in the conference. Another name to watch is Brandon Fortunato, junior transfer from Boston University, who tallied six goals and 34 assists in 79 career games at BU. Lastly, Karlis Cukste was impressive as a freshman last season, posting five goals and 10 assists in 38 games, and will look to continue his stable play as he enters his sophomore year.
One thing that seems to be a question mark for the Bobcats is their offense. Although the defense will no doubt be tough to get by, the Bobcats will need to create an offensive spark to win games. Look to veteran goal scorers Craig Martin and Bo Pieper, who tallied 27 and 24 points respectively last season. In addition to Martin and Pieper, other veteran leaders on this team need to step up and provide some offense. Seniors Landon Smith and Tanner McMaster must bring their A-game this season, and sophomores Alex Whelan and Nick Jermain have to prove that they can add some scoring to a more defensive-minded team.
As for Saint Mary’s, the Canadian team will counter with an offense led by sophomore Hunter Garlent, who was named to the U Sports All Rookie team last year and will try to build on that with another good season for the Huskies. Saint Mary’s is coming off four straight preseason wins against Dalhousie, Acadia, University of Prince Edward Island, and RPI.
Be sure to tune in to QBSN’s live broadcast of Quinnipiac vs. Saint Mary’s from the High Point Solutions Arena in Hamden, Connecticut. Mike Dalton and Ryan Flaherty will be on the call for this matchup. To receive updates throughout the game, make sure to follow @QBSN, @MikeJDalton5 and @RyanFlaherty18 on Twitter.
