Shortly after completing his season as one of the top scorers in New England’s prep ranks earlier this month, Noble & Greenough forward Jack Cronin made it official that he will be playing his college hockey at Princeton University.
Only four players in the entire region scored more goals than the Hamilton, Mass., native this winter. Cronin lit the lamp 26 times and posted a team-leading 44 points in 29 games, helping the Bulldogs advance to the NEPSAC Large semifinals. The 5-foot-11, 175-pounder more than doubled his offensive output from the prior year, thanks in large part to scoring 15 goals over his last eight games.
Cronin discusses his path to the Ivy League in New England Hockey Journal’s latest Commitment Q&A:
How would you describe yourself as a player? Are there NHL players you try to emulate?
I think I am a goal-scorer who loves to shoot the puck, but I am also responsible in my own zone. I try to emulate my game after Brock Boeser because I think he has one of the best shots in the league and uses it at the right times.
What made Princeton the right fit for your college career?
Princeton was the right fit for me because of the opportunities I’ll have after graduating. Also, the coaching staff at Princeton is all about development and wants younger players to play to help them become the best players they can be at the end of their four years. This philosophy is what made Princeton the right fit for me. Â
What did you take away and learn most from your conversations with Ron Fogarty and the rest of his coaching staff?
As I mentioned, Coach Fogarty and his staff are all about developing their younger players and want to give them as many opportunities to play in their four years at Princeton. It is a testament to the staff that three players recently signed NHL contracts.
College hockey is obviously such a big part of the sports culture in Massachusetts. When was the college path first introduced to you as something you wanted to consider?
I never really considered any other path other than college hockey. My dad played at Holy Cross, and from the day I started playing it has always been a dream to play for a great school.
What other schools did you consider?
Prior to the year, I had set a goal to play for an Ivy League school. Once Princeton expressed interest, I really didn’t consider any other schools.
Was staying close to home in the ECAC or another eastern conference important to you in the college decision-making process?
Yes, it was. I wanted to stay closer to home to be able to have my parents at some of the games. This is as much their accomplishment as mine. They were the ones to drive me to practices and games and ultimately gave me this opportunity to play college hockey, so it was important for me to stay somewhat in the area.
You just finished your third season at Nobles. Overall, how do you feel it went?
Obviously we didn't get the result we wanted, but the season we had was unbelievable. To come into the season unranked, and then being ranked No. 1 in New England after the first couple of the weeks was a pretty great feeling. Even though we did lose in the semis, no one expected us to be in that position after the injuries the we had, and I think we will be able to do even better next year.
Individually, what areas of your game did you see the most improvement in this year?
I think, this year, I became more offensive. Â Last year I felt that it was my responsibility to be as good as I could be defensively. However, after graduating our top scorers, my coach challenged me to fill that role, and I think I did that well this year.
What is it like playing for Nobles coach Brian Day? What have you learned most from him to help better your play?
Coach Day has given me top line minutes and allowed me to play in big roles from the day I came to Nobles. It is this opportunity to play that has allowed me to become the player I am now. Coach Day has really stressed for me to become a shoot-first type of player and I think this has helped my play very much.
How are you looking to most improve your game before attending Princeton?
Before attending Princeton, I would like to become a stronger player and improve on my speed. I think I can always work on my shot and offensive abilities, but my main focus will be to become faster and stronger. Â Â
What are your main individual goals before entering college? Off that, where do you see yourself and hope to be as a player at this time next year?
Before entering college, my goal is to become the best player that I can be to help my team. Â At this time next year, I see myself improving on the season I had this year and having helped Nobles win a championship.
