Over the last three months, Quinnipiac has lost two of its prized recruits. In both instances, the culprit was Boston University.
National Team Development Program defenseman Dom Fensore and Selects Academy 18U center Ethan Phillips both chose to play for the Terriers over staying committed to the Bobcats.
Phillips was the latest; his switch became official earlier this week. The Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, native is a speedy, skilled forward who is heavier than his weight might indicate. He’s not going to be overly physical, but his quickness and stickhandling allow him to create time and maneuver in tight spaces.
While there is much faux outrage on Twitter and college hockey message boards decrying the lack of loyalty and poaching by certain schools, switching commitments and looking for the best option is what all college-bound athletes should do.
In the real world, people move from job to job, whether it's for money, increased chance for professional development or to be closer to home. Companies are always looking to get the best employees who will help their bottom line.
Why should college hockey recruiting be any different? Loyalty and honoring your word are both very important characteristics in life. However, doing what is best for you and your family is also paramount.
Why has Quinnipiac been hit hard? Associate head coaches Bill Riga and Joe Dumais – plus Reid Cashman before he left to take job in pro hockey – have done an exemplary job of recruiting to Quinnipiac for quite some time. However, most of the players they recruited over the years were somewhat diamonds in the rough.
They got players like Matt Peca or Kellen Jones, who were “too small,” or others who were passed over by more-established programs for various reasons. Both Fensore and Phillips, as well as a few other players in the pipeline, are far more well-known commodities in the hockey world.
Once the Bobcats made the Frozen Four in 2013 and 2016 – and with the incredible facility in Hamden, Conn. – recruiting elite players became easier. Still, Quinnipiac will never be the sexy name that Boston University, Boston College, North Dakota, Denver, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan hold in Division 1 hockey.
Quinnipiac also had an uncharacteristically poor 2017-18 season (16-18-4) and recruiting can be a cut-throat business. It’s possible, and entirely likely, more marque programs were whispering to advisors, coaches or players themselves that the grass might be greener elsewhere.
This isn’t the first time BU head coach Albie O’Connell and associate head coach Paul Pearl have been involved when it comes to a player changing his mind and choosing their program. Both are ultra-competitive, dynamic personalities in the sport. The reason both have been so successful on the recruiting trail is their burning desire to field the best team possible.
Here’s saying that it’s not all bad. Things like this happen in the real world and things like this will continue to occur in college hockey.
