Union Hockey: A Year to Remember Part II
As the calendar year of 2011 comes to a close, the Official Blog of Union Hockey takes a look back at a landmark year for Union College Hockey. While there were plenty of highlights to choose from, here are the top moments, in pictures, from each of the past 12 months.
MARCH
March 20, 2011, Schenectady, NY – Union fans gather with the men’s hockey team at the Nott Memorial for a historic moment in program history. The Dutchmen earn one of 11 at-large bids to the 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Tournament, with ESPN2 airing a live reaction shot from the room. Head coach Nate Leaman is interviewed by ESPN’s John Buccigross, and they discuss, among other things, Union’s opponent, Minnesota-Duluth. Five days later, the Bulldogs will go on to beat the Dutchmen, 2-0 at the East Regional in Bridgeport, CT, ending Union’s most successful season to date.
CAPTURING THE MOMENT: “I think it’s great for our school. I’m proud for our school, I’m proud that our school’s going to get represented by these young men and it’s nice for our school that’s struggled in hockey for a few years there to be on this stage.” - Leaman
APRIL
(Top) April 25, 2011, Zurich, Switzerland – Union women’s assistant Julie Chu earns her fourth gold medal at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, recording the primary assist on the game-winning goal in a 3-2 overtime win over Canada. Chu finishes the tournament with seven points (one goal, six assists) in five games.
CAPTURING THE MOMENT: “We are very excited for Julie. She has added a great deal to the Union hockey program and community. Julie puts forth 100 percent effort in everything she does. Her attitude and work ethic are a model for all young hockey players in the US and at Union.” - Union head coach Claudia Asano
(Bottom) April 22, 2011, Schenectady, NY (and Providence, RI) – Union head coach Nate Leaman, the winningest coach in program history departs Schenectady after eight seasons for Providence College. Union athletic director Jim McLaughlin moves quickly to name Rick Bennett, who had served as an assistant for six years with Leaman, the 15th head coach in program history. Two weeks earlier, sophomore goaltender Keith Kinkaid announces he will forgo his final two years of college to sign a professional contract with the New Jersey Devils.
CAPTURING THE MOMENT: “I’m extremely honored. I like to thank Union College. I like to thank Jim McLaughlin for showing his faith in me to carry this program forward. It’s a great day. It’s been a long time as an assistant hockey coach, but well rewarded.” - Bennett
