Ahead of the Quinnipiac Bobcats’ 2020-2021 season, Q30 TV’s Tom Krosnowski posted a profile of Red Wings prospect and current Quinnipiac starter Keith Petruzzelli:
Last year, with the crease all his, Petruzzelli thrived, finally cashing in on the potential that had surrounded him since his draft year. He was named Quinnipiac’s Most Valuable Player after starting all 34 games, winning ECAC Hockey Goaltender of the Week honors three times, establishing career-bests in goals-against average (2.01), save percentage (.920), wins (21), and tying a career-high with three shutouts.
Petruzzelli was an absolute workhorse for QU and was no worse for wear as the season went along. In fact, he got better with more work. He went 7-2-1 over the final 10 games of the season with a 1.40 GAA, .943 save percentage and two shutouts over that span. Going into the playoffs, he was Quinnipiac’s best and most important player.
Petruzzelli wasn’t done many favors by Quinnipiac’s defense at times last year. The inexperienced group turned the puck over plenty, forcing Petruzzelli to bail them out with highlight-reel saves.
While it was good for his confidence, a more steady path to success for Quinnipiac involves less rubber thrown at Petruzzelli’s crease. The new recruits on defense should help with that.
Petruzzelli’s Quinnipiac career was put on pause right at what was sure to be its defining moment – his third-year playoff run. Instead, Petruzzelli will have to pick up where he left off as he tries to go out as a Bobcat on top.
