Happy to be able to say the River Rats will all be okay. What a scene that must have been, the entire team standing in the median of the Mass Pike trying to figure out if they all survived.
Before we go too far, I want to say what a trememdous job coach Jeff Daniels did handing the entire ordeal. The players said he was calm and composed in getting the team together at the scene. He maintained that attitude with the media, answering all of our questions in three seperate media meetings. If anyone had questions about Jeff Daniels ability to lead men, they were answered loudly with his handling of this near tragic event.
The team got together last night for a light skate at RPI. Casey Borer was there, which is remarkable since he was the one who suffered the worst injury, broken vertebrae in his neck. Indications are he will play again, just not this season. Best wishes to Casey for a speedy recovery.
It's amazing to me that we don't see more of these situations. Consider the miles teams cover in the course of the year, the number of accidents is fortunately very low, with the number of injuries to players, staff and coaches even lower. Thank good drivers, good pilots, and good luck for that and hope it continues.
*****
Couple of other things on my mind - Siena's effort in the Bracketbuster. Very solid in the first half, a performance that accomplished exactly what these BB games are for, to give teams a chance to show off on a national cable audience. Second half proved the Saints have some things to button up before the MAAC and/or the NCAA's, but judging them on the body of work Saturday, the grade is high.
By the way, is there a guy who gives more than Josh Duell. Two banged up knees with braces that look like they weight more than some of the children in the crowd, he still takes charges, gets up and down the court. I've never been more impressed with him than this season, even in the limited minutes he's played. If he can step out and hit some three's like before, which is something Fran McCaffery mentioned yesterday he'd reallly like to see, he'll add even more value to the Saints bench.
Which brings me to Mr. Instant Offense, Clarence Jackson. He is becoming this season's Tay Fisher. Need a scoring boost, call on CJ. Right off the bench, I mean he wasn't in the game for more than 10 seconds, a three. 4 of them in the 1st half lead the Saints to that 40-19 1st half edge. Nice for Fran to be able to look down the bench and see that.
UNI coach Ben Jacobson left very impressed with the Saints saying that they would be deserving of an at-large bid to the NCAA's if needed. Saints will be back at the TU Center in 2 weeks hoping to make sure they don't need it.
