Princeton’s Prier back in familiar territory
CANTON — Former St. Lawrence University associate head coach Bob Prier returns to Appleton Arena this weekend as a guest for the first time.
In the 10 years prior to taking the head coaching gig at Princeton, he was one of SLU head coach Joe Marsh’s assistants alongside current associate head coach Mike Hurlbut.
Before that, he played for the Saints under Marsh from 1995-99.
Prier started a family, made countless friends and became a fixture in the community during his time here.
“The north country is a special place,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of close friends there.”
He stays in touch with so many that Hurlbut joked about Prier getting a special welcoming this weekend.
“Make sure you ask him about the parade they plan to have for him,” Hurlbut wrote in a text message.
“That’s funny,” Prier responded when asked. “I’m looking forward to catching up with some people. It’s a business trip, but there’s nothing wrong with mixing in some pleasure.”
Ultimately, Prier is here to guide Princeton to two ECAC Hockey wins. In the years before taking the helm at Princeton, Prier dedicated his professional life to making the north country swing for opponents the most difficult in the ECAC.
He liked the advantage of being the longest road trip for many of the other schools. He tried to be sure no team left its SLU-Clarkson trip with an easy point.
He succeeded in that for the most part and has since taken that work ethic and drive to the Tigers, who are currently 7-10-6 overall and 5-8-3 in the conference. Princeton and St. Lawrence are tied for ninth. Both teams are riding multiple-game unbeaten streaks.
The Tigers haven’t lost since Jan. 7 and St. Lawrence snapped a four-game skid with back-to-back wins at Yale and Brown.
“St. Lawrence, you can just tell how well-coached they are right now,” Prier said. “They’re very disciplined in their systems and they have some guys who are absolute studs.”
Princeton was among St. Lawrence’s first victims this season. The Saints picked up only their second win of the season against the Tigers on Nov. 11. Since then, SLU has managed eight more wins and is 10-15-3 overall.
Both teams have greatly improved since that initial meeting, and with the conference standings tight, a four-point weekend could move Princeton or SLU into a tie for fifth place and in reach of a playoff bye.
“It’s going to be a real challenge to come in and grab those points,” Prier said. “This time of year, it’s that one mistake, that one turnover, that’s the difference between a win and a loss.”
RECRUITING NEWS
St. Lawrence doesn’t need to bring in a large class for next season and needs to replace only seven seniors.
Of those seven, two are back-up goalies to Matt Weninger and only Jacob Drewiske, Mark Armstrong and Peter Child have played in more than 20 of the team’s 28 games.
Those committed for next season include Greg Carey’s brother, Matt, who has 67 points in 46 games this season in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
Alex Hagen is another forward expected for next season currently playing in the BCHL.
“Carey’s having a really good year,” Hurlbut said. “Alex Hagen has been playing really well in the BC league. His dad played here in the 1970s.”
Ross McMullin is the latest recruit to sign on for next year. He’s a defenseman with Springfield of the EJHL and will come in as a 21-year-old freshman.
Goalie Mike Rotolo verbally committed to SLU recently. He won’t come to SLU until the 2013-14 season, presumably to learn under Weninger. In 14 games this season in the USHL, Rotolo has an 8-2 record and 2.58 goals against average.
“We’re still looking for at least one more forward for next year, maybe two,” Hurlbut said. “We’re also looking for a goaltender for next year, as well.”
Sportswriter Daniel J. Cassavaugh covers St. Lawrence University hockey for the Times. You may reach him at dcassavaugh@wdt.net. For additional coverage, visit his “Casstle of the Saints” blog online or follow him on Twitter @DanielJ_WDT.
