Brian Courtmanche Quotations

I've got to give the credit to Eric in these last two games. He's not the most technically sound goaltender that you'll find around, but he's an athlete, and a competitor. He's quick and he's a winner. He hates to lose. He'll do whatever it takes to win. I love him.

Hunter is cool and calm. He's been our leader.

I believe that this is a team that can play with anyone in the state. We're not afraid to go out there and challenge other teams. Unfortunately, today we fell behind early and that's never good. I think that we were a little off and it showed from the other night. And, quite frankly, the breaks just don't seem to be going our way. The pucks aren't quite finding their way onto sticks when they should and shots are going just wide.

This was a great learning experience for us. We knew coming in that they were in a must-win situation. It's great to think that for two of those three periods we played toe-to-toe hockey with a team that one of the area's perennial powers.

I think that our kids are beginning to realize what its like playing Division I hockey. They're beginning to realize that every game is important. That playing three consistent periods and playing hard right to the end makes the difference between a win like this and a bad loss like the one we suffered to Tri-Town.

I'm an emotional coach. I put my heart into it. I think it shows. And I know that our kids recognize that. We're not going into this game (against West Haven) taking them the least bit lightly. Look at their schedule and how they play. They'll be ready for us. We need to be ready for them.

I know that this loss really hurt them. But, that's hockey. We needed to win. To keep this going. They're a good group (Lyman Hall) and, like us they're young. I'm rooting for them the rest of the way. It would be good for hockey statewide if they're able to come back and qualify for the state tournament.

I thought that we had a very good effort today. We knew coming in that Notre Dame would get its share of penalties. And, because our power play has been so effective this year (a close to 50-percent completion rate), we figured that we'd get some goals that way. But, again, it goes back to the bounces and the luck. We need to find a little.

We've been good friends for a long time. I've been here for three years now, so those seniors were the last group that I had contact with.

We had our moments where I thought we were going to put this one away. Then West Haven would come right back. When you're in need of a win big time like they were, those things will happen.