Rick Bennett: From the Mountain Top

Man on a Mission

Union coach Rick Bennett is having a grand 3-year ride on hockey's proverbial magic carpet, having gone 3 for 3 in the only ECAC Hockey conference tournaments he has coached, and punching his team's ticket to their second Frozen Four. His clubs have a 5-2 record in the NCAA's the last 3 seasons.  Here are the sentiments from one of the hottest coaches in college hockey. 

These were his official comments moments after beating his alma mater, and his former mentor Nate Leaman of Providence in the NCAA East Regional final last Saturday in Bridgeport..

"I guess because of my ties in Providence, it's a little bittersweet. I do appreciate President (Reverend Ryan) Shandley coming down to see me after. Bob Driscoll their athletic director coming down as well.  I am really fortunate. When you have a chance to work at two places, having the Presidents of both places back you–it's very special."

While Coach Bennett was making his statements, Union President Stephen Ainlay attended the crowded press conference with his wife, sitting next to his Athletic director Jim Mclaughlin and his wife.  They were all beaming the same joy and gratitude as their coach, the guy who can seemingly do no wrong. Even his on-ice acts of raw emotion and their subsequent 4-game suspensions have only strengthened and broadened his aura of faith: faith in the process, faith in his surroundings, faith in everyone associated with this very special Union squad.

"You're honored and you're humbled by it. We just happen to be that team. You know we're very fortunate and I am hoping we can just continue this ride."

Heightening his sense of gratitude was the fact that his latest victim is the man who helped put his magnificent team together, his predecessor Coach Leaman.  They spoke before the handshake line, but did not join it.

"We exchanged a few (words)....you know the heat of the moment. He wished us luck. Obviously he knows a lot of guys on the current team here for Union, helped recruit a lot of these guys so it's special bond for him. I just wanted to let him know that a part of him is a part of this team, too. Again, he gave me a second chance and I'll always appreciate that."

Leaman had nothing but platitudes for his protege. “To see the job Rick Bennett has done at taking the program to another level, you couldn’t be more proud.”

At the conclusion of the presser, the kings of Union's administrative team, McLaughlin and Ainley, huddled around Bennett, offering him comfort as well as praise.  "Maybe now you can get some sleep," said Ainley, drawing knowing laughs from the wives and Bennett himself. They all chatted in the pressroom, like the fond family they are now, seemingly oblivious to the tight confines. They lingered in the human warmth, as if they had no place more important to go, before heading out to bask in yet another major hockey accomplishment.