Itll get better. O'Connell serves as the recruiting coordinator and will work with all positions with an emphasis on forwards.O'Connell comes to Holy Cross from Niagara University, where he was as an assistant coach for the last two seasons. He never sent me his link to survey someone else did. Prior to his return to BU, OConnell spent a decade as a Division I assistant coach throughout the Northeast and established himself as one of the sports premier recruiters. I keep saying it over and over from early on in the season what makes college hockey great is the fact the fans have access to players there families etc. After the conclusion of our regular year-end assessment, we believe that a new direction is needed for our program to achieve our goals, Marochello said. Coach OConnell is a terrier always has been for him to be treated this way is shameful lets make sure it doesnt happen to the next guy. As he spoke with outside candidates, he added, instead of comparing them to Quinn, he found himself measuring them against OConnell. After a year he returned to the college ranks as an assistant for Division III Colby College and found himself at the Division I level with Niagara the following season. BU would be downed by eventual champion Michigan in the frozen four but O'Connell was still with the team the following year when the Terriers won both the Hockey East regular season and tournament crowns. i still chuckle at that one. He was senior captain during the 1998-1999 season, when he tallied 39 points (9 goals, 30 assists). We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Id also like to thank Albie OConnell for his time as coach and his positive and classy attitude. With regard to the survey, I actually voted for Albie to stay because I initially said that this season he would have to at the very least win a Beanput or HE title and he acheived that goal. Hes not even the best coach in his league. He lost to a very good U conn team he won the Beanpot he had success so yes I will proudly say he was successful and I stand by my comments that folks many of which here interfere negatively with what coaches want. As always go bu . Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Its only human nature to want your kid to succeed but when lobbyists for change seek out parents to put a riff on the ice its wrong. Lets enjoy the process and all remember its just hockey, IMO, Quinn is waiting for the end of the NHL season to put his hat in the ring for a head coaching job. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, said OConnell (CAS99), who grew up in nearby Watertown playing hockey and dreaming of attending a Beanpot school. so it was a mutual parting in that regard. Its ok to hate that D1 sports are run the way D1 sports are run. O'Connell graduated from BU with a bachelor's degree in history. The captain of the 1998-99 squad, OConnell returned to BU in 2014 to join David Quinns staff and was promoted to associate head coach one year later. In hearing from multiple sources with direct access to players/staff, I was left with the impression that 1) the players themselves wanted change; 2) the administration felt there was a need for stronger leadership from the head coach; 3) the consensus is Albie is liked, but didnt command the respect necessary to cultivate a consistently winning, successful program to match BUs lofty standards. And while we disagree on who should lead the program, I can guarantee you that there are thousands of people who care just as much as you do about BU hockey. He also understands Boston University today, both the chemistry needed for a world-class hockey program, and what it takes to be a successful student-athlete in the rink, in the training room, and both inside and outside the classroom. After only 11 games in Wales he returned to the ECHL with the Boardwalk Bullies. We lost a good coach. Sustainability Seed Grants Will Fund Ideas Ranging from Textbook Lending to Eliminating Dental Supply Waste, Tucker Carlson Leaves Fox News: Two COM Media Experts React, BUs Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy. Average BU is something you are ok with. He is known for being the head coach of Boston University from 2018 to 2022. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 20 May. i do approve of the coaching change, but best of luck Coach OC. I think highly of the AD but in my opinion I believe his hand was forced by outside pressures. Complete player biography and stats. i hope they hire a new guy before the banquet, excellent comments from both Mike and Glen. After helping the Terriers achieve success on the ice as both a player and an assistant coach, Albie O'Connell (CAS'99) has been named the 12th head coach in the storied history of the Boston . Providence got Nate Leaman. Thrilled for @BUCoachAlbie Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. In 127 pro games, O'Connell posted 54 goals and 78 assists for 132 points. I know youre tight with a lot of parents and players. As a Terrier, he played forward in 149 games, scoring 108 points (42 goals, 66 assists) under head coach Jack Parker (Questrom68, Hon.97). BOSTON Boston University announced Wednesday that Albie O'Connell will not return as men's hockey coach. Sustainability Seed Grants Will Fund Ideas Ranging from Textbook Lending to Eliminating Dental Supply Waste, Tucker Carlson Leaves Fox News: Two COM Media Experts React, BUs Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy. That is how it should work. Albie O'Connell will not return as Boston University's men's hockey head coach, the University announced Wednesday afternoon. O'Connell's return coincided with the arrival of future 2nd overall pick Jack Eichel and the team won both the conference regular season and tournament titles. O'Connell compiled a 58-49-16 in his four seasons,. As I had predicted, Len Quesnelle will also be moving on, meaning there are two open assistant vacancies at Agganis Arena. In 127 pro games, OConnell posted 54 goals and 78 assists for 132 points. During his three seasons at Northeastern (2008-11), O'Connell served as recruiting coordinator and helped the Huskies post 55 wins after the team recorded just 22 victories during the previous three-year span. At 45 years old, Albie O'Connell height not available right now. [4] In the playoffs he paced the Bison with 11 points in 10 games. A change of the coach is foreseeable and correct under these circumstances. Prior to his return to BU, O'Connell spenta decade as a Division I assistant coach throughout the Northeast and established himself as one of the sport's premierrecruiters. Friedman will confine with the program. It stinks personally. Dating & Relationship status He is currently single. Albie is well-regarded, well-respected and well-prepared for this opportunity. He is currently single. BU met the Wolverines in the semifinals again and were victorious in their second meeting but they couldn't overcome a 5-goal outburst in the second period by North Dakota in the title tilt. Its not even loyal. Proud to introduce the 12th head coach in program history.#GoBU pic.twitter.com/GqrFYaSXLn. But fans are the ones that (for the most part) stay consistent. See you all next October. i wonder if anyone believes Quinn would be considered or even Sullivan whos had great success in the NHL ( would they even consider it or are they strictly NHL guys now?) This isnt rec hockey. Albie OConnell Introduced as New Mens Hockey Head Coach, Joel Brown And in early February, he led the team to its 31st Beanpot title, the Universitys first since 2015, in an exciting 1-0 overtime win against Northeastern. At Merrimack in 2007-08, O'Connell worked primarily with the forwards and the power play while assisting in all aspects of the program. After helping the Terriers achieve success on the ice as both a player and an assistant coach, Albie O'Connell (CAS'99) wasnamed the 12th head coach in the storied history of the Boston University men's ice hockey program on June 5, 2018. BU to Replace Mens Hockey Coach Albie OConnell, Rich Barlow Photo by Cydney Scott. According to our Database, He has no children. BU Hockey introduced a familiar face as its new men's head coach at a press conference at Agganis Arena on Wednesday: Albie O'Connell, associate head coach the last three seasons under David Quinn and a four-time Beanpot winner as a Terrier player. Its fandomas opposed to fanaticism. I wish the season started tomorrow, Albie OConnell said while being introduced as BU hockeys new mens head coach at a press conference at Agganis Arena on Wednesday. anyone hear the same? I have been a critic of the hockey program for several seasons, not just of the results on the ice but of the way the program is run now in regards to the supporters and fans (ie friends of hockey, and i have also voiced these opinions to our AD. And Im confident Sean Pickett sent all survey results and all comments (including yours) to the AD, and if youre not, ask him yourself. In 127 pro games, O'Connell posted 54 goals and 78 assists for 132 points. Ave and serving as captain (class of 99), OConnell served for four seasons as an associate head coach under David Quinn until being promoted to the head coaching position after Quinns departure in 2018. Your email address will not be published. Historically Terriers hockey is among the top 5 programs in the nation ( Michigan. i give Drew credit for sticking to his guns and i do not blame Albie was seeking more job security. He led his team in scoring by 23 points and finished 3rd overall in the league. I truly believe Albie will be better for his experience at BU. I warned of it on this blog how it was dangerous. He transformed Union from a doormat to NCAA champs at a small school on a low end D1 budget and a talent pool far less than ideal compared to a BU. thus the timing is bad. You may not like how D1 athletics operates but its the reality we live in. Colin, if you think that our AD (or any AD at a school with our history) would have reached a different decision had he sequestered himself away from the input of bloggers, alums, donors and all other BUH fans, you are mistaken. [11], Despite their good performance down the stretch, BU would fall in the Hockey East quarterfinals to the University of Connecticut. But to continuously ignore reality in public is just not a good look and takes away from all of the positivity and energy youve put into the program. During his year at Berkshire, he also served as the school's assistant dean of students and the student activities director. He scored 17 points his first season, but BU would be downed by eventual champion Michigan in the Frozen Four. According to hockey expert Canny Colin, we, especially Ozzie, know nothing about hockey. and he should know because he understands the subtleties of the game. He attended St. Sebastian school and hailed from a predominantly Boston . Look at the last four years how many players got better? O'Connell saw more success in the 2020-21 season, qualifying for the NCAA tournament for what would be the only time during his tenure, his team eventually falling to Northeastern in the regional semifinal. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. I said let the coaches coach kids play cheer for your team great kids families on this roster enjoy yourself enjoy the game of hockey but folks could not do it they needed to tear down the program use there influence to force change. I wish the season started tomorrow.. Following three-year stints at both Northeastern and Harvard, he spent one season each at Holy Cross and Merrimack after a two-year appointment at Niagara. You told him if it was all about Ws and Ls, Albie would still be here. OConnell will continue a long legacy of BU alumni who have led the program, as a Terrier has held the head-coaching role in 72 of the 73 seasons that have taken place since the end of World War II. www.bu.edu. Coaches get fired (or not renewed) all the time. I thought he was a real improvement over David Quinn behind the bench. If youre saying that ~100 fan survey respondents, while nice to get the opinions of fans on the main college hockey message board, had more of an impact than the players, parents, and donors then youre 100% wrong. BU Athletics announced Wednesday that it is replacing mens hockey coach Albie OConnell (CAS99), here after last months Beanpot final victory over Northeastern, after four seasons helming the Terriers. Fair enough, as his last few outings have been less inspiring. Again. I like Albie the person. Its reality. The school announced on Wednesday that Albie O'Connell will not return for the 2022-23 season. He has helped develop numerous Terriers into NHL-ready talent, including Olympian Jordan Greenway (CGS17, CAS19) and All-Americans Jack Eichel, Matt Grzelcyk (COM16), Charlie McAvoy, and Danny ORegan (COM16). We have estimated Albie OConnells net worth, money, salary, income, and assets. Profile. Certainly it was not all Albies fault, a share of the blame is also on the players and the circumstances themselves, but ultimately its the coach who manages the players makes the selections and decisions and he becomes the fall guy. to get as much info as possible to make an informed decision. So I think its a great game. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. He is a member of famous with the age 47 years old group. Its not D3 hockey. Id even argue that your hockey world view is better suited for D3. OConnell started his coaching career at Berkshire Prep School in 2002, followed by stints at Colby, Niagara, Holy Cross, and Merrimack, and three years each at Northeastern and Harvard. #ProudToBU https://t.co/KDqpjI1VDM. BU Teaching Awards Honor Two Outstanding Educators, No, Youre Not Imagining It: Seasonal Allergies Are Getting Worse, Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: East Boston, Inner Strength Gospel Choir Celebrates 50th Anniversary, Nathan Alan Davis Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea Opens at CFAs Studio ONE, Age, Inflation, Abortion, Culture Wars, and More: Issues That Will Define President Bidens Reelection Campaign, Moving On: Tips for Dealing with Post-Commencement Blues, Wheelocks Melissa Holt to Lead Kilachand Honors College, Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah Speaks of Migrants and Memoryand That Call from Sweden, COMs Mitchell Zuckoff Recreates a Suspenseful Story from the Chaotic US Withdrawal from Afghanistan, 24 Charles River Campus Faculty Promoted to Full Professor. Your email address will not be published. Jeff Cox hates bu his tweet makes Albie look bad but it was not even vetted for accuracy. O'Connell, 45, had been BU's coach since 2018, when he took over for David Quinn after Quinn left to become coach of the New York Rangers. The Huskies reached two Beanpot finals, two Hockey East semifinals and the 2009 NCAA Tournament while O'Connell was on staff. They always have been, through ups and downs. In fact, its the opposite. Your email address will not be published. Look at the coach. I waited a bit before commenting. Your email address will not be published. Loyalty matters . BOSTON - After helping the Terriers achieve success on the ice as both a player and an assistant coach, Albie O'Connell (CAS'99) has been named the 12th head coach in the storied history of the Boston University men's ice hockey program, director of athletics Drew Marrochello announced today. Conference regular season and conference tournament champion One of the best ways to get better is to fail (or not succeed) and learn. ND, Wisconsin, Denver, BC also would be in there), and therefore a certain standard of performance , justifiably, is expected. He lives in Duxbury, Mass., with his wife, Kristen (Sargent99), and their three children. rumor has it the Hutson boys decommitted. Someone who can hold a hockey team accountable and mold them into a hungry, united and fearsome opponent. Albie is not the program. ET in the Francis D. Burke Club Room at Agganis Arena. Its unfortunate it didnt work out that way. Hes always seemed like a stand-up guy and I suspect he sent all of the results to the AD. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? I am really excited that Albie was a candidate for this job and has taken the position, said Robert A. [1], A Watertown native, Albie O'Connell joined the program at Boston University on the heels of their fourth National Championship. There was a rush to judgment because folks were pushing the agenda they were all year to get coach fired . And a lot of angles and opinions. OConnell was a great recruiter, great guy, but in over his head as a head coach. (Would you like to be in UNHs position right now just for the sake of loyalty?). Albie OConnell was born on 20 May, 1976 in Watertown, Massachusetts, United States. And youd be laughed out of court if you made that statement given the abundance of evidence to the contrary. And we all know that if he needs a hype man for his next interview, he knows who to call. The following year, O'Connell played for the Cardiff Devils but was not able to replicate his success. Many of us are not ok with it. O'Connell earned a bachelor's degree in history at the College of Arts & Sciences. Albie O'Connell. Letters sent to the president on Monday which included a survey but was not written to get him fired thats garbage. Wish him the best in what he does next in his hockey career. Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. O'Connell graduated from BU in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in history. Head coach David Quinn accepted a position with the New York Rangers in the spring of 2018[8] and less than two weeks later O'Connell was named as his successor. And a number of the players would be very happy if Pandolfo is named HC. Tough to keep that high end talent running through Schenectady though. Its kind of a shame he didnt take the Quinn path and be a head coach somewhere before BU. This type of behavior is hurting my hockey program and its from adults. But the reality is ~80% of people saw a need for a change. Every head coach at a marquee school has to deal with special interest groups. 24 Albie Oconnell Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 24 Albie Oconnell Premium High Res Photos Browse 24 albie oconnell photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Albie O'Connell (CAS'99) will not return next season as Boston University men's ice hockey coach, University Athletics Director Drew Marrochello announced Wednesday. O'Connell, 45, had been BU's coach since 2018, when he took over for David Quinn after Quinn left to become coach of the New York Rangers. Congratulations you achieved your mission yourself and others with influence became bigger then the program hope your proud of your achievement. Anyone who can look at objective facts without rose-colored glasses can see as plain as day, this move was a no-brainer. Since were not involved, heres hoping for a few OTs. Lol. O'Connell has helped develop numerous Terriers into NHL-ready talent, including Olympian Jordan Greenway, All-Americans Jack Eichel, Matt Grzelcyk, Charlie McAvoy and Danny O'Regan, and 2017 NCAA rookie of the year Clayton Keller. OConnell becomes the only current Division I mens head coach who has captured a conference regular-season title, won a conference tournament championship and reached the NCAA title game as both a player and a coach. Conference tournament champion. If you still think Albie will ultimately be as or more successful than York/Parker/Berenson or even Pecknold when he ultimately retires, then I hope you can manifest that into reality because I wish Albie well and hope he succeeds (unless it negatively impacts BU . As head coach for four seasons, OConnell posted a 58-49-16 record, led BU to one NCAA tournament appearance in the 2021-22 season, and a Beanpot championship in 2022. Perhaps the only native of Trenton, N.J., who will volunteer his birthplace without police interrogation, he graduated from Dartmouth College, spent 20 years as a small-town newspaper reporter, and is a formerBoston Globereligion columnist, book reviewer, and occasional op-ed contributor. He posted it to the highest profile college hockey message board (USCHO) so ANYONE could answer it. Conference regular season champion Thats a bunch of nonsense as mostly everyone on this blog spent the whole year trying to get him fired. As much as Colin wants to believe this was a hatchet job, Im of the belief that his viewpoint of the state of BU Hockey is very much an outlier compared to most everyone associated with the program (from up close as well as from a distance). Supreme Court Upholds FDA Approval of Mifepristone: Whats Next? They had supported arguments for why (not just emotion) and the AD probably used it as one of many touchpoints (including talking to players, parents, donors, Parker, alums, etc.) There were obviously a lot of moving parts. The 2023 Men's Frozen Four is exactly one week away, and this year's field is one of the best in recent memory. Hes the only current @NCAAIceHockey head coach who has won conference reg. He moved to the Division I level with Niagara the following season. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. But it comes with the job. Follow along on Instagram @boston.hockey.blog for more updates! As a player, he was a fifth-round draft pick of the New York Islanders in 1994 and played professional hockey for the Pensacola Ice Pilots (East Coast Hockey League) in 1999-2000, the Basingstoke Bison (British National League) in 2000-2001, the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies (ECHL) in 2001-2002, and the Cardiff Devils (BNL) in 2001-2002.