The Pioneers Are Headed to NCAA Tournament
By: Stephen Bond
Updated: March 4, 2013
Since day 1 this season there's been something different about this group. Coach Gary Heenan says, "There seemed to be great chemistry and guys seemed to all get along. And our leadership in Evan Chlanda's just been awesome. So, there was that feeling from the beginning that this was a special team."
Junior Defenseman Steve Zappia says, "This was going to be our year. We have a great group of senior leaders and we really have a great group of guys and we knew that this year was going to be something special."
And in 12 years the program has never seen a team like this...More wins than any team before them...ECAC regular season title, coach of the year, player of the year and 7 players named to the all-conference team...Even through all of the accolades there was still a level of uncertainty about the post season chances...Until last night
Junior Forward Rob Morton says, "I think it was shocking but at the same time, we expected it too. We've had a great season, we've been trying to earn the respect of everyone all year and I think we did that reaching the tournament."
Coach Heenan added, "You never really know if you're in or not, so when you hear your named called it's pretty exciting and all the guys were really excited and the outburst they gave sent chills through my spin. Just a huge moment for our program and really, really happy for our guys. You know the sky's the limit here, we're pretty dangerous when we play well."
