Photo courtesy of Quinnipiac Athletics
Rand Pecknold '90, 93' MAT has been called many things over his illustrious hockey career: teammate, assistant, coach, mentor, hall of famer. On Saturday night he added another title to his resume … national champion.
Pecknold led the Quinnipiac University Bobcats to their first-ever national championship with a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory in the 2023 NCAA Men's Hockey Championship. The No. 2 Bobcats fell into a 2-0 hole against top-ranked University of Minnesota but rallied back with three unanswered goals.
With his team trailing 2-1 and time winding down in the third period, Pecknold made the decision to pull his goalie on the power play to give the Bobcats a 6-on-4 advantage. The strategy paid immediate dividends, as Quinnipiac netted the game-tying goal with 2:47 left.
In overtime, the Bobcats won the opening face-off and quickly pounced, scoring the game winner just 10 seconds into the extra period. The tally set off wild celebrations both on the ice and in the stands.
Pecknold, in his 29th season at Quinnipiac, now has 660 career wins. But none sweeter than the one on Saturday night.
Read More
Quinnipiac Athletics:
Bobcats Crowned 2023 National Champions
NCAA:
Quick OT goal gives Quinnipiac 2023 NCAA men's hockey title
ESPN:
'An awesome group': Quinnipiac rallies to win 1st NCAA title
Forbes:
How Quinnipiac University Became A Men's College Hockey Power, Advanced To Frozen Four
