Entry into ECAC Hockey and the construction of the TD Bank Sports Center were major recruiting boons for Quinnipiac. The school has come a long way since a Hamden kid named Jonathan Quick sat in Pecknold's office a decade earlier.

"At that point, we were in Atlantic Hockey, we didn't have a rink," Pecknold said. "UMass, a Hockey East team, comes in and we were done. The next Jonathan Quick that comes through Hamden, we're going to get him at Quinnipiac. We're not going to lose him."

Over the past few years, Quinnipiac has gotten a few big-time recruits. Matthew Peca, the Jones boys, Jeremy Langlois. Even Eric Hartzell, who wasn't offered by North Dakota but had drawn interest in the school before Quinnipiac's scholarship came.

It's not easy, but the Bobcats are doing just fine on the recruiting trail. This year is making things easier. Recruits are familiar with the program; phone calls are returned quicker.

"It's hard to go head-to-head with Minnesota and win. Especially if it's a Minnesota kid. If it's a Minnesota kid, it's not going to happen," Pecknold said. "We have won some battles with the big boys. But you only have to win one out of 20, and you have your stud."

Pecknold said next year's incoming class includes a handful of "studs" that Quinnipiac beat out other schools for, a few of which, he says, have NHL potential.

Here's a look at who is coming to Quinnipiac next fall, according to the Chris Heisenberg data base:

Jason Stephanik, LW, New Jersey Hitmen (EJHL)
Peter Quenneville, RW, Dubuque (USHL)
Sam Anas, C, Youngstown (USHL)
Brayden Sherbinin, D, Salmon Arm (BCHL)
Tim Clifton, LW, New Jersey Hitmen
Connor Clifton, D, US U-18 team
Devon Toews, D, Surrey (BCHL)
Joe Fiala, D, Indiana Ice (USHL)
Brady Rouleau, G, Coquitlam (BCHL)
Tommy Schutt, RW, Lincoln (USHL)