“No excuses whatsoever, injuries happen,’’ said Dennehy. “You can’t control injuries. It’s the way of the game. We’ve got good players here. We have enough good players who can contribute, it’s really what you make of it. Life happens and it’s how you deal with it.’’
Back in early December, when the Warriors were ranked No. 1 for the first time in program history, Dennehy said it was a double-edged sword. The recognition was exciting for the program and the campus but it came with a cost.
Merrimack dropped a weekend series to Providence (Dec. 2-3) and Dennehy was ejected from the second game, during which his team was assessed 72 minutes in penalties to just 16 for the Friars. Just a couple of days ago, Dennehy said he discussed the situation with Eric Kapitulik, CEO and founder of The Program, which specializes in team-building exercises. Kapitulik and Dennehy have become friends since working together in the preseason.
“I was talking about myself and how I didn’t feel like I handled it very well,’’ said Dennehy, referring to the team’s lofty perch. “It got to the point where I got thrown out of a hockey game and it was completely embarrassing.’’
Kapitulik, a former major in the United States Marine Corps, provided him perspective when discussing what servicemen and servicewomen sacrifice.
“When that ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ is playing, that’s what I’m thinking about,’’ said Dennehy.
He acknowledged it was an adjustment to go from striving to reach the top spot to actually reaching it.
“It wasn’t an accomplishment, it was recognition, but it was a great story and the community embraced it. But it affects you, it can if you let it,’’ he said.
The Warriors are 15-6-5 overall and 11-5-3 in league play. Dennehy said there are plenty of improvements to be made. When asked if he was happy with the way his team is playing, he said yes and no.
