Atlantic Hockey Online Spotlight: Eddy and Holden - Quinnipiac's Tandem Netminders

January 21, 2004

Courtesy of Michael Kobylanski, Quinnipiac Sports Information Department

The play of Quinnipiac goaltenders Justin Eddy and Jamie Holden has been self-explanatory over the course of the past three seasons.

Considered the backbone of the men’s ice hockey team, the tandem has played a pivotal role on a club that will look to return to the NCAA tournament for the second time in three seasons later this spring.

However, Bobcats coach Rand Pecknold did a fine job of not only bringing in two quality netminders, but also quality individuals to play the demanding position between the pipes.

Off the ice, both volunteer their time to read to local school children. Each has also created his niche in other areas, as well. Holden is a Biology major and honors student who will likely head into a realm of the medical profession when his playing days are over. Eddy has assisted with events including the 2002 NCAA ‘YES’ Clinic at the Frozen Four. He is also pursuing his interest regarding athletics and administration with an internship in the Quinnipiac Sports Information office this semester.

And most importantly, with regards to team chemistry, neither puts his individual motives ahead of the team’s goals.

“They are certainly the backbone of our team,” said Pecknold of his dynamic duo. “I consider them both to be No. 1 goalies. There is a healthy competition between them. They have a great relationship with each other.

“Off the ice, they are fine individuals and have certainly made a concerted effort to make their college experience as well-rounded as possible.”

Both Eddy and Holden took separate journeys from their own parts of North America before settling on the cozy campus in Hamden, Conn. that is nestled at the base of Sleeping Giant State Park.

Eddy, a native of Apple Valley, Minn., played with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League in 1999-2000. After accepting an offer to attend Quinnipiac, he figured to enter in a backup role to senior J.C. Wells, already the all-time winningest goalie in program history at that point.

Instead, Eddy supplanted Wells and guided the Bobcats all the way to the finals of the league tournament. He finished 14-9-3 and earned All-Rookie honors.

Among the highlights from that first season included a pair of 50-plus save outings. Eddy turned away 58 shots in a 1-1 draw at St. Lawrence, a team that reached the Frozen Four the year before. He also made 56 saves in a win over Canisius.

The following year, Eddy was penciled into the starting role until Holden went out and won his first five collegiate decisions. A product of the Merritt Centennials program of the British Columbia Hockey League, Holden worked his way right into the fold.

By the end of the season, it was Holden who was taking home the hardware, including Defensive Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie team honors.

Since that point, though, the two have both split time in goal. Whatever goalie is hotter at the time will usually see more action, although injuries to both have indirectly affected that formula at different points over the past few seasons.

This year has been no different than the past two for Eddy and Holden, who hails from Telkwa, B.C.. While Holden’s win-loss record (6-4-2) is a bit flashier than Eddy’s (2-4), those numbers don’t tell the entire story. Eddy nearly allowed the Bobcats to escape with at least one point against national powers Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio State. In his three starts against those clubs, Eddy is 0-3, but has posted a .961 save percentage and 1.99 goals against average. In the loss to the No. 10 ranked Buckeyes, he merited only a breakaway goal with 0.2 seconds left in regulation.

Holden, meanwhile, has thrived in Atlantic Hockey action, where he is 4-1-2 with a 1.86 goals against average and a .946 save percentage.

Despite differences in style and physical stature, the pair has worked in perfect harmony for the Bobcats.

“Justin is bigger and takes up a lot of the net and can be very intimidating to shooters,” Pecknold said. “Jamie is very athletic and quick from post to post. He recovers well and stops a lot of second and third shots.”