Boston College Athletics
Men's Hockey Friday Press Conference Quotes
April 11, 2008 | Men's Hockey
April 11, 2008
2008 NCAA Frozen Four
Pepsi Center - Denver, Colo.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Boston College Press Conference
Head Coach Jerry York:
Q: The hills and valleys you've had throughout the season, how much have you had to lean on your captains?
A: We've had a great history of captains that have stayed in touch with the program. They've learned from Ryan Shannon, Ben Eaves, players of that caliber, they all stay in touch with us. As they've gone through their four years here, they've developed their leadership skills. Our trio of guys is just like the guys we've had in the past. We've had outstanding leadership this year; it's been a credit to our program that we have leaders like this.
Q: Ben Smith came in as a freshman last year as a center, this year he a little bit of a different role. Can you talk about his contributions?
A: Benny came in as a solid checking line type player for us. Through practice and just hard work, he's developed his skill level going off shots as far as scoring goals and making plays. He's showing us as much improvement as anyone on our team going form a hard-nose checking type player to now scoring 23-24 goals.
Q: Comment on the major difference to past teams?
A: Goaltending may be a little different because we have a freshman goaltender, but I see a lot of similarities. It's still a unique feel to each team; it's different like I said last night.
Q: You've mentioned this team is longer on chemistry and shorter on raw talent. Did you see it as a championship contender or do you see it as a surprise playing for the title?
A: We had a veteran goaltender coming back, an outstanding All-American type forward in Brock Bradford, a returning defenseman in Brett Motherwell; we thought for sure this would be a team that could challenge once again. The surprise I had was losing all three of those players, watching our team develop in skill level, team level improvement. As the season progressed I could see a little more that we could do it this year, once we got through the immaturity. As the season was getting deep in February, March I though we had a chance.
BOSTON COLLEGE PLAYER QUOTES
Mike Brennan, Sr., Defense:
Q: Were you impressed by Notre Dame's play yesterday?
A: I think their team is well coached. A year ago we played them and it was a 7-1 hockey game, so we know they work extremely hard.
Q: How has it been as captains leading the teams through the peaks and valley's this season?
A: Our goal is to win hockey games and win championships. Of course it would be great to go through a season without ups and downs, but that's not realistic. You have to deal with them as they come. The biggest thing we want to do is not fold over.
Matt Greene, Sr., Forward
Q: Was there any kind of adjustment when you moved lines?
A: I think when you play with two highly skilled guys like that you don't really have to make any adjustments at all. I stick with the defensive side of things and get the puck to Whitney and Ferriero, and they're going to make good plays.
Q: Comment on the difference between this year's team and the teams from the last few years.
A: Like coach said, I think there are a lot of similarities. It's not a coincidence.
Nathan Gerbe, Jr., Forward
Q: Is Hobey Baker on your mind at all?
A: The team has done a great job of not mentioning it. The team goal is to win a national championship and that's the one thing we're focused on. If the Hobey Baker does come, that would be great. Our one goal in mind is to win everything, and that's been our goal from day one.
Q: Nathan can you talk about when you had to push the car?
A: The one thing my dad always told me was that if I'm going to spend the time and the money to take you to hockey, then you better put in 110 percent effort into it.
