Published: Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Mahoning Valley's Matt Quigley chooses Northeastern University
BOARDMAN — Mahoning Valley Phantoms right wing Matt Quigley has accepted a scholarship to play college hockey at Northeastern University this fall.
"I went up there about a month ago and I absolutely fell in love with the school. I really like the coaching staff," Quigley said.
Northeastern is a private research university located in Boston. The Huskies play out of the conference known as Hockey East.
"Matt passed on a few other opportunities so that he can go there," Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt said. "To be able to send another player to a great school and a great program, especially when it's their number one choice, is something we're really excited about."
Pittsburgh native
Quigley, a Pittsburgh native, is the second Phantom to head to Northeastern, joining former Phantoms captain and current sophomore forward Rob Rassey.
"[Rassey] said he really loved the school and the city of Boston. He told me it's an unbelievable experience to play for Northeastern and that really encouraged me," Quigley said.
On Monday, Rassey scored a third-period insurance goal to help Northeastern beat Harvard 3-1 in the consolation game of the 55th Annual Beanpot Tournament at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston. The game drew a sellout crowd of 17,565.
Quigley says it's an added comfort having a former Phantom there.
"Knowing someone like Rob, who will give me some guidance, will help," Quigley said. "The team is like a family and they make the transition smoother for a freshman to come on board."
Mainhardt says he's very impressed with the Huskies program.
"We've really liked what [Northeastern Head] Coach [Greg] Cronin has been doing there in rebuilding the hockey tradition at Northeastern," Mainhardt said.
Statistics
In 47 games this season, Quigley has 43 points on 19 goals and 24 assists, tying him for 20th in North American Hockey League scoring.
"The new system at Northeastern is based on a lot of speed, so it's something I think I can jump right into from day one," Quigley said.
The son of Matt and Heidi Quigley, he lives during the season with Phantoms host family Denise and Stephen Price of Poland.
In his second year of junior hockey with the Phantoms, Quigley has seen areas of his game blossom as he prepares for the college game.
"I'm seeing the ice a little better this season and my defensive game has also improved. I want to continue to work on my hands, my positioning and my stick work and refine my game in the defensive zone," Quigley said.
With his decision now behind him, Quigley says he can now shift his complete attention toward winning a national championship.
"It really hasn't hit me yet, but it's a weight off my shoulders. Now I can focus on the rest of the season and our goals and not worry about which scouts are looking at me," Quigley said.
Quigley is the seventh Phantom to commit to an NCAA Division I program.
The list
He joins goaltender Ryan Zapolski (Mercyhurst), left wing Chris Fairbanks (Alabama-Huntsville), right wing Nathan Longpre (Robert Morris), right wing Alden Hirschfeld (Miami of Ohio), center Dustin Cloutier (Bentley) and defenseman Eric Ringel (Notre Dame).
The Phantoms, in their fourth NAHL season, have seen 21 former players move on to play NCAA Division I hockey.
Winners of eight in a row, the Phantoms (36-10-1) are in first place in the NAHL's North Division. Earlier this year, they won a franchise-record 19 consecutive games.
This May, the Phantoms look to compete in the NAHL's Robertson Cup National Championship tournament for the second consecutive year. Last May, the Phantoms finished fourth in the tournament.
The Phantoms host the Alpena Ice Diggers at the Ice Zone on Friday and Saturday. Face-off both nights is at 7.
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