NCAA - Hockey East Conference
Hockey East is known for its rivalries. Nine clubs, all Northeastern competitors
with long histories and, at times, premier contenders for the NCAA crown. This
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year is no different, as Hockey East schools have recruited very well.
There is more emphasis on this season given the fact the 2004 Frozen Four will
be in Boston. The idea of turning The Fleet Center into a home arena for those
games, should Hockey East teams prevail, will be the goal.
But before that happens there is plenty of work to be done. Maine, Boston College,
Boston University and the University of New Hampshire are the front-runners
to place in the top spots, but do not discount Providence getting hot and running
the table.
Hockey East Coaches' Pre-season Poll
Boston College
University of New Hampshire
Boston University
Maine
Massachusetts
Providence
UMass-Lowell
Northeastern
Merrimack
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Enrollment: 6,000
Nickname: River Hawks
Location: Lowell, MA
Arena: Paul E. Tsongas Arena
Capacity: 6,500
Coach: Blaise MacDonald
Review
Two seasons ago, in his first year at the helm, UMass-Lowell head coach Blaise
Macdonald took his squad to the Hockey East semifinals. That squad featured
a mostly veteran cast, and was comprised largely of players that MacDonald hadn't
recruited.
The River Hawks' 2002-03 squad wasn't able to recreate the magic of the previous
season, however, due in part to a changing of the guard in the Lowell lineup.
McDonald brought in a sizable recruitment class, which meant many mistakes due
to inexperience. The Hawks seemed to come together as the season progressed,
but they weren't yet ready to win.
Three of UMass-Lowell's top four scorers in 2002-03 were seniors, with Ed McGrane
leading the way in goals, assists and points. While the seniors may have carried
the club, however, there were also contributions from a few freshmen, with forwards
Andrew Martin and Ben Walter chipping in offense while showing signs that better
things are to come. Seniors Darryl Green and Baptiste Amar, along with underclassman
Jerramie Domish, led the River Hawks defense, with Green being the top point
producer along the blueline. In goal, the tandem of Dominic Smart and Chris
Davidson weren't able to fill the shoes of the graduated Cam McCormick.
Following the 2002-03 season, MacDonald stated that his plan was for the River
Hawks to be amongst the better teams in Hockey East in the 2004-05 season. This
means, then, that the 2003-04 season will feature more growing pains, which
will be the result of a lineup that features just one senior and 29 underclassmen.
MacDonald is a coach that can get the most out of his players, but even he will
have trouble wringing victories out of a lineup that may not be ready to win.
Who To Watch
Ben Walter is a product of the BCHL, with the sophomore forward coming
off a solid showing in 2002-03 that saw him finish fifth on the team in scoring.
Walter has decent size, and is probably more adept at setting goals up rather
than scoring them.
Andrew Martin is the highest scoring forward returning to the River
Hawks lineup, so he'll be a leading candidate to lead the club offensively.
Martin, a sophomore, has good hands, an attribute that may be in short supply
in the Lowell lineup.
Brad King is a big (6'4", 195 lbs.) forward with the potential
to develop into a solid power forward. King's offensive numbers were not overly
impressive last season, but he is an intriguing youngster with the potential
to be menace around the opposition's net.
John Yaros is a player that some would not include on this list, but
the sophomore goaltender should have an impact once he is cleared to play in
January. Yaros is a transfer from Army, with MacDonald comparing the youngster
favorably to his top goaltender of two seasons ago, Cam McCormick.
Recruits
Jason Tejchma, a forward, starred for the Danville Wings of the NAHL
(the team is now a part of the USHL). He finished his career as the leading
goal scorer in that team's history, netting 61 goals in three seasons.
Cleve Kinley was a defensive star for the BCHL's Powell (B.C.) River
Kings. Kinley tallied 10 goals while adding 46 assists last season, which earned
him a place on the BCHL All-Star Team.
Justin Coutu is another offensive defenseman recruited by the River
Hawks. Playing for the BCHL's Trail Smoke Eaters, Coutu had his 2002-03 season
shortened by injury, picking up 4 goals and 14 assists in 18 games.
University of Massachusetts
Enrollment: 18,000
Nickname: Minutemen
Location: Amherst, MA
Arena: William D. Mullins Center
Capacity: 8,389
Coach: Don Cahoon
Review
The University of Massachusetts Minutemen in the 2002-03 season equaled their
highest finish since joining the Hockey East conference, placing sixth out of
nine teams. While that might not seem like cause for rejoicing, fourth year
head coach Don Cahoon and his staff may finally have the team headed in the
right direction.
While the Minutemen still struggled to secure victories in head-to-head Hockey
East action, the team's 19-17-1 overall record in 2002-03 suggested that they
might finally be maturing into a cohesive unit. Coach Cahoon, the Hockey East
Coach of the Year last season, iced a lineup heavily weighted with sophomores
and freshmen, so inexperience was a key to the Minutemen's struggles early in
the season. But certain players, such as leading scorer Greg Mauldin, improved
as the season progressed, giving fans some hope for the future.
One area of the game where the Minutemen definitely improved in 2002-03 was
on the power play. The team's efficiency rating of 20.4% was a nearly five-percentage
point increase over their 2001-02 rating. Conversely, however, the Minutemen's
penalty-killing unit struggled, killing off just 74% of the shorthanded situations
they faced.
Perhaps the surest sign of progress was the Minutemen's performance in the
postseason. The team upset the Maine Black Bears in the quarterfinals of the
Hockey East tournament then dropped a tough 5-4 decision to eventual NCAA runner-up
New Hampshire in the semifinals. The win over Maine was the first time the Minutemen
had advanced beyond the quarterfinals since joining Hockey East.
UMass should be able to build on some of last season's successes, but the team's
good fortune will be directly tied to the maturation process (or lack thereof)
experienced by the many juniors and sophomores populating the roster. The presence
of four NHL draftees on the Minutemen roster (Mauldin, sophomore Stephen Werner,
freshman Kevin Jarman, transfer John Toffey) is a sure sign that Cahoon's recruiting
program is turning up some good talent, which is an absolute necessity in what
could be the most talented conference in the NCAA. Another factor in the team's
favor is the fact that the Minutemen are one of only five programs returning
four or more 30-point producers. If the Minutemen can tighten up their defensive
play, they could make some noise this season. Still, moving up from sixth to
fifth in the Hockey East conference will be a major chore, and may not be possible
without one of the five teams ahead of the Minutemen faltering.
Who To Watch
Mauldin led the Minutemen in scoring last season, which earned him an
honorable mention as an All-Hockey East performer. The junior forward, who was
drafted by the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, has led his team in scoring the
past two seasons.
Werner led all Hockey East freshman in scoring last season, and was
a unanimous choice for the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. The Washington Capitals
in selected the former U.S. NTPD participant in the third round of the 2003
draft
Matt Anderson had an impressive freshman season, finishing fifth in
scoring for the Minutemen, and second in scoring amongst Hockey East frosh.
The forward was named Hockey East Rookie of the Week once during the 2002-03
season.
Thomas Pock was named a Hockey East Second Team All-Star last season,
leading all Hockey East defensemen in scoring while finishing fourth in the
NCAA in that category. Has been named a preseason second-team All-American by
insidecollegehockey.com prior to the 2003-04 season.
Recruits
Jarman was named the MVP for the Stouffville Spirit of the Ontario Provincial
Junior Hockey League last season, and was a fourth round selection of the NHL's
Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2003 Entry Draft.
Mark Matheson was named the MVP for the Calgary Royals of the AJHL for
the 2002-03 season. The solidly built defenseman picked up 33 points for the
Royals last season.
William Harper starred in goal for Edina High School prior to the 2002-03
season, then played for the Connecticut Junior Wolves of the MJHL last season.
University of Maine
Enrollment: 10,000
Nickname: Black Bears
Location: Orono, Maine
Arena: Alfond Arena
Capacity: 5,587
Coach: Tim Whitehead
Review
Maine enjoyed another good year under Tim Whitehead but this time not able
to get into the NCAA Championship game. Maine enjoyed a 16-game unbeaten streak
that saw them at 15-1-1 at the end of 2002 and poised to be one of the formidable
teams in the nation. The wheels fell off the cart when the Black Bears finished
the season 4-8-2, including a shocking upset to the University of Massachusetts
in the Hockey East playoffs, and their NCAA playoff loss to Michigan. Overall
Maine finished 24-10-5.
Goaltending was strong as the Black Bears were able to trot out two effective
netminders all season. Jimmy Howard and Frank Doyle combined for 24 wins and
a 2.30 goals against average. Individually, they are in the Maine record books
with Howard second and Doyle (tied for third with Garth Snow) in single season
saves percentage.
The depth chart took a hit this summer as Maine has lost eight players from
2002-03, including their top five scorers. Whitehead will have to be more creative
in how he manages his bench and where the offensive production comes from and
rely on many new faces in chipping in. The two biggest losses are Martin Kariya
and Lucas Lawson who finished 1-2 in scoring and combined for 87 points. Colin
Shields, the returning leading scorer left on the roster, will have to take
more of a leadership role on offense.
The season will start with tough WCHA competition as they take on Wisconsin
and the winner of the Minnesota-Nebraska-Omaha in the Nebraska-Omaha tournament.
Who To Watch
Shields finished the campaign with 14 goals, 27 points. It was a huge
drop-off for the Glasgow, Scotland native who scored 29 goals in his first year.
He came into Maine with the reputation of being s goal scorer and his efforts
will be needed now more than ever. Now a senior, he will be relied on to lead
the Black Bears attack. Shields represented Great Britain at the IIHF Division
I World Championships in the spring.
Howard split duties in net and did not disappoint. Howard started the
season one of the hottest goaltenders in the country. He was named to Team USA
for the U20 World Championships but did not play well there. His second half
to the season, like the overall team, was less than spectacular. Howard is a
big goaltender who was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings. He needs to work on
several aspects of his game but can develop into a big-time prospect. It is
unknown at this time how Whitehead plans to proceed with the goaltending duties
but Howard should be considered number one.
Jackson will immediately rise up the depth chart because of the absence
of so many prominent players from last year. Jackson, drafted by the Detroit
Red Wings, has always been something of an enigma. Blessed with good defensive
traits, he is one of Maine's most reliable forwards but his offense has not
developed to a point where he can be penciled in as one of the players who will
provide offense next year. Being named captain for the 2003-04 season is recognition
of Jackson's seniority and leadership abilities but he must now put it together
in all aspects of his game in truly being a leader on this team.
Recruits
Hamilton is a 6-0, 200 pound forward who played with Merritt of the
British Columbia Hockey League. He scored 42 goals and added 51 assists for
93 points in 56 games for the Centennials. He will have to grow accustomed to
life at Orono, which many say should not be a problem and he can eventually
play a major part in the Maine program as soon as this season. Hamilton is considered
a well-rounded two-way player who is fast, possesses a scoring touch and strong.
Josh Soares is a high-scoring forward from the Ontario Hockey Association.
At 6-0, 195, Soares led the Provincial Junior "A" Hockey League in
scoring with 56 goals and 68 assists for 124 points in 56 games. He is a smart
hockey player whose role will be to play in all situations. He has good hands
around the net and a strong physical presence.
Aquino is a 5-10, 175 pound forward played with the Wexford Raiders
of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League. In 48 games he scored 48 goals
and 54 assists for 102 points, tops in the Southern Division. He was equally
prominent in the playoffs where he scored 34 points in 18 games. Aquino will
figure greatly into Whitehead's plans, as he is an offensive machine who will
be one of the first-year's to watch in Hockey East, and, perhaps, the country.
Merrimack College
Enrollment: 2,950
Nickname: Warriors
Location: North Andover, MA
Arena: J. Thom Lawler Arena
Capacity: 3,000
Coach: Chris Serino
Famous Alumni:
Review
Merrimack head coach Chris Serino suffered a major talent loss prior to the
2002-03 season when senior forward Anthony Aquino elected to turn pro. Aquino
was one of the most dangerous offensive players in the Hockey East conference.
His departure left the Warriors without a bona fide scoring threat.
Aquino's absence was borne out in the goal-scoring department, with Merrimack
having the second-lowest goals total in the conference. Leading scorer Brent
Gough, a freshman in 2002-03, was the Warriors' leading scorer with just 24
points, including 12 goals. In the 2001-02 season, Aquino netted 24 goals, and
led his team with nearly twice the number of points that Gough has registered
in 2002-03. Needless to say, Coach Serino was not able to fill the void left
by Aquino's departure.
The task of keeping the Warriors competitive fell on the shoulders of now-graduated
goaltender Joe Exter. Exter did not let his team down, turning in a season worthy
of a Second Team nomination on the 2002-03 Hockey East All-Star Team. Exter,
a goaltender used to a great deal of playing time and one who had faced a large
number of shots in the past, experienced a similar season in 2002-03. The Rhode
Island native single-handedly kept his team in many games, although his teammates
were not always able to reciprocate with offensive support.
Exter's season nearly turned tragic, however, when, in a Hockey East tournament
quarterfinal game, he suffered a fractured skull in an on-ice collision. Exter
eventually recovered from his injury, but the incident was an exclamation point
on a difficult season for the Warriors.
The Warriors have never finished higher than fifth in their conference, with
the 2003-04 season holding little hope of an improvement on their seventh place
finish of last season.
Who To Watch
Brent Gough led the Warriors in scoring last season, including a team-high
12 goals, with two of the sophomore's markers being shorthanded tallies.
Rosa finished second in scoring with 22 points, with the senior forward
and co-captain (with senior defenseman Eric Pedersen) expected to provide leadership
and more offense.
Bryan Schmidt was twice named the Hockey East Rookie of the Week in
2002-03, with his improvement being a key to improving a defensive corps that
did not distinguish itself last season.
Recruits
Matt Byrnes was the leading scorer for the Boston Jr. Bruins last season,
racking up 96 points (40G, 56 A) in 68 games.
Jordan Black finished fourth in scoring for the USHL's Chicago Steel
in 2002-03, including a team leading 26 goals to go along with 20 assists.
Ryan Sullivan opted out of the 2003 NHL Draft in the hopes of improving
his ranking this season. The former St. Michael's Buzzers defenseman is a key
recruit for the Warriors, a team looking to improve their defensive corps.
Northeastern University
Enrollment: 13,757
Nickname: Huskies
Location: Boston, MA
Arena: Matthews Arena
Capacity: 4,500
Coach: Bruce Crowder
Review
The 2002-03 season was one to forget for the Huskies, as the team finished
dead last in the Hockey East conference. The loss of star defenseman Jim Fahey
to the NHL's San Jose Sharks following the 2001-02 season was a major reason
for the Huskies drop in the standings, with no player being able to carry the
team the way the big rearguard had during the previous season. Inexperience
also played a part in the Huskies' struggles, with Head Coach Bruce Crowder
icing a squad that featured 17 first- or second-year players.
With a 2-7-2 start to their season, the Huskies' 2002-03 season certainly had
the appearance of a trying campaign yet to come. But a 4-1-0 stretch in the
next five games provided some hope that the team might be able to turn a lemon
of a season into lemonade. The turnaround would not continue, however, in part
because the Huskies' frosh phenom, Mike Morris, suffered a concussion that caused
him to miss eight midseason games. A 4-13-1 stretch to finish the season left
the Huskies at the bottom of their conference with a 10-21-3 overall record,
which included a record of 5-17-2 in 24 Hockey East matches.
The Huskies enter the 2003-04 season without another vital cog from recent
seasons, with 2002-03 leading scorer Ryan moving on to a pro career in the Buffalo
Sabres organization. Coach Crowder will ice a team that includes just four seniors,
including Captain Trevor Reschny and assistants Eric Ortlip and Brian Tudrick,
plus seven juniors. Add in a recruiting class of eight players, and you have
a team that may lack the experience to improve on last year's rough performance.
Given the quality of the competition in the Hockey East conference, it may be
difficult for the Huskies to move up more than one or two places in the standings,
so this season will continue to be a learning experience for the younger players
on the team.
Who To Watch
Morris is the straw that stirs the drink for the Huskies, at least on
offense. The sophomore winger has enough size to handle a more physical game,
plus the speed and quickness to be a threat whenever he is on the ice. Morris
has a deft passing touch, but it remains to be seen whether any of his current
teammates has the ability to convert Morris's passes into goals. Morris was
a first round selection for San Jose in the 2002 NHL Draft.
Jason Guerriero had shown some promise of being a goal scorer during
his freshman season, when he netted nine goals. Rather than take a step forward
in that department in 2002-03, however, Guerriero's goal total instead dropped
by two. The smallish junior does have a nice passing touch, however, but, as
is the case with Morris, it remains to be seen who will be on the receiving
end of those passes.
Keni Gibson is an underrated goaltender, and is one of the main reasons
that the Huskies were competitive in any of their games last season. Gibson
was named the Hockey East Player of the Week once in the 2002-03 season, and
was twice named the Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week during that campaign.
The junior's career save percentage of .906 is currently the highest in NU history,
while his goals-against average of 2.83 ranks him second in team history.
Recruits
Steve Birnstill starred in the Eastern Junior Hockey League as a defenseman
with the New York Apple Core, where he was named to that league's All-Star Team
last season.
Cirullo was an EJHL All-Star along with fellow recruit Birnstill, with
the stocky offensive defenseman starring for the New England Jr. Coyotes in
that league the past four seasons.
Ray Ortiz has spent time with the US NTDP, including a gold medal earned
as a member of the 2002 US Under-18 squad. The Massachusetts native, a forward,
was an offensive star for Belmont Hill High School in three of the last four
seasons.
University of New Hampshire
Enrollment: 11,900
Nickname: Wildcats
Location: Durham, NH
Arena: Whittemore Center
Capacity: 6,501
Coach: Richard Umile
Review
For the second straight season, the University of New Hampshire Wildcats participated
in the NCAA's Frozen Four Tournament in their quest for college hockey supremacy.
And, for the second straight year, Wildcats' head coach Richard Umile and his
charges fell short of their goal. The loss in the 2003 Frozen Four was a bit
more painful than the previous year's, however, since it came in the championship
game, with the University of Minnesota blowing open a close game in the third
period to defeat UNH, 5-1.
The Wildcats in 2002-03 were a team blessed with offensive talent in the forward
ranks, with the team sporting a lineup that featured five 30+-point players.
Former Wildcats Lanny Gare and Colin Hemingway led the way on offense, with
Gare leading the team in assists (29) and tying for the team lead in goals (22).
Younger forwards Sean Collins and Preston Callander also were effective, giving
the Wildcats more than one dangerous line.
The Wildcat's defense, while not as offensively efficient as the forwards,
contributed with sound positional play in their own end and some crisp passing
in the offensive zone. Former Wildcat Garrett Stafford led the way offensively
from the blueline with 16 points, but his point total was down from the previous
season.
The goaltending was in the capable hands of Mike Ayers. Ayers appeared in 41
games for the Wildcats, posting a 27-8-6 record in 2002-03. For a time in the
Frozen Four championship game, it appeared that Ayers might win the game on
his own, but that was the kind of performance that many had come to expect from
him.
Losing Gare and Hemingway, as well as forwards Jim Abbott and Josh Prudden,
will be a blow to the offensive fortunes of the Wildcats. Nevertheless, players
like the junior Collins and seniors Nathan Martz and Steve Saviano are expected
to lead the club offensively, and should be ably supported by the likes of junior
Justin Aikins and senior Patrick Foley. With eight seniors and six juniors in
the fold, head coach Umile will have a mature squad that is quite capable of
making another run to the Frozen Four.
Who To Watch
Collins is a small, playmaking forward who relies on speed, quickness
and good vision to setup his teammates. Collins was a ninth round selection
of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche in 2002.
Steve Saviano was named to both the Frozen Four and Hockey East All-Tournament
Teams last season, with the senior forward being a driving force in the Wildcats
run to the championship game. Saviano will serve as a co-captain for the 2003-04
squad.
Foley served as a co-captain in his junior year, only the third junior
to hold that position in team history, and he will share that honor again in
2003-04. The NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins drafted Foley in 2000.
Ayers enters his senior season as the Wildcats main man, with the Hingham,
MA native holding several team goaltending records. Ayers was named the 2003
College Hockey Player of the Year for his efforts during the 2002-03 season.
Ayers was drafted by the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
Recruits
Josh Ciocco is a fleet-footed forward who starred in the BCHL last season.
Ciocco tallied 81 points (38 G, 43 A) in 57 league games while skating for the
Vernon Vipers and the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Doherty is an offensive defenseman with good size (6-4, 215 lbs.) and
mobility. Doherty, a second round selection of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the
2003 Entry Draft, played for Phillips Andover Academy in 2002-03, and was named
to the NEPSAC First-Team All-Prep Eastern Division Team.
Bucchino starred in goal for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL in
2002-03. Bucchino was named USHL Goaltender of the Month in March, and was twice
named USHL Defensive Player of the Week.
Providence College
Enrollment: 3,700
Nickname: Friars
Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Arena: Schneider Arena
Capacity: 3,030
Coach: Paul Pooley
Review
The Providence College finished 2002-03 with a record of 19-14-3. The Friars
started with a seven-game winning streak but were middle of the pack from November
to January.
Three players fueled Providence College's offense: Jon DiSalvatore, Devin Rask,
and Peter Fregoe. But all three are gone. At a clip of 3.50 goals per game,
the Friars were a threat to score but now the goals must come from other places.
Providence hopes for an up tempo style that incorporates their offense and
defenseman getting in on the play. In addition, Pooley hopes his special teams
can perform better in due course.
The Friars have a fairly balanced team on paper and should do well. The addition
of talented Recruits like Colin McDonald should help a lot. Providence is a
team worth watching this season. Recruiting has been excellent and with so many
talented young players, some of whom have gotten notice from scouts and played
well in international tournaments, it is a good time to be a Friar.
Who To Watch
Pemberton played in 33 games as a freshman, scoring two goals and 11
points. Pemberton is a hulking defenseman who is not fancy and keeps the game
simple. A Florida Panthers draft pick, Pemberton anchors things in his own end
and allows his netminders to see the puck by clearing out bodies.
Zingoni put up career highs with 12 goals and 25 points but must now
do more. His six multiple point games show his ability to participate in the
offense.
Goepfert played in 13 games as a freshman. He really opened eyes with
his performance at the World Junior Championships where he posted a 1.77 goals
against average and .937 saves percentage causing Team USA coach Lou Vairo to
rave about his tournament debut. He should seamlessly assume the mantel as a
number one. He rode the bench, as Nolan Schafer was the hot hand in net for
the Friars down the stretch.
Recruits
Kevin Brooks is a leader who should grow into the same role with Providence.
Brooks played two years for the Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the USHL. He scored
14 goals while holding down captain's duties wit the team.
McDonald was named EJHL Most Valuable Player and MVP of the USA Hockey's
Top Prospects Tournament. He cored 28 goals and 30 assists for the Coyotes this
season, and was the leading scorer in the EJHL. McDonald, whom many scouts were
high on, was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in June. He will play a big role
for Providence in the near future.
Bill McCreary follows a long tradition of McCreary's playing hockey.
McCreary played two seasons for the Texas Tornado of the NAHL. In 2002-03 he
led the Tornado in scoring (60 points). McCreary is a product of the famed Shattuck
St. Mary's School.
Boston University
Enrollment: 15,568
Nickname: Terriers
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Arena: Walter Brown Arena
Capacity: 3,684
Coach: Jack Parker
Review
Boston University enjoyed a 25-win season and a trip to the NCAA tournament.
But somehow it seemed an empty campaign in part because they did not take home
the ultimate prize. Despite losing 1-0 in overtime in the Hockey East championship,
Boston University rebounded in the Northeast Semifinal by beating Harvard 6-4.
But they lost another matchup to New Hampshire in the Northeast Finals, 3-0,
keeping them out of the Frozen Four.
What has come to symbolize the Terriers has been their defense. A stingy defense
helped carry the program but they also received clutch goaltending. Sean Fields
has been remarkable often being overshadowed by his more recognized counterparts,
namely Mike Ayers. In their five matchups in 2002-03, Ayers eked out three wins
in those meetings, the last two coming in the aforementioned games in the playoffs.
Losing Freddy Meyer on defense was a significant loss but Ryan Whitney, Jekabs
Redlihs, among others are expected to be important figures for the Terriers.
Whitney was less than spectacular owing to injuries but he needs to step up
his game to match his lofty draft status by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Boston University returns the core of their lineup, including seven forwards.
They need to improve in Hockey East, were they finished 13-10-1, if they are
to be considered true contenders. Still, Boston University is a storied program
that has plenty of motivation to want a strong, successful season.
Who To Watch
Klema only appeared in 28 games for the Terriers. Klema is a good skater
who can really move the puck but needs to establish a place for himself on this
team. Klema scored five goals and 13 points.
Skladany busted out and became a premier player for Boston University.
Skladany, a Colorado draft pick, led the team in almost every offensive category,
including goals, assists, points, and shots. Skladany also had 8 multiple point
games. He's come into his own and needs to remain consistent, and producing,
for the Terriers.
Sean Fields set school single-season record for saves, minutes, and
games played. Fields played the hot hand with two separate six-game winning
streaks. He's carried the load for BU and in his final season is expected to
do more of the same. However this could be the season he earns the accolades-
and hardware- befitting an elite college hockey player.
Recruits
Morrow had his pick of schools but settled on Boston University. A mammoth
of a man, Morrow played for the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL where he scored
two goals and 11 points, and was named to the USHL All-Star Team.
Roche played for St. Sebastian's where he teamed with Brian Boyle. Roche
is a very good skater with outstanding speed and agility. He should be an important
contributor for the Terriers who desperately need offense.
Kevin Schaeffer played for the New York Apple Core in the Eastern Junior
Hockey League in 2000-03. While playing a pivotal role, Schaeffer scored 20
goals and 58 points in 65 games, and was named an EJHL All-Star.
Boston College
Enrollment: 8,894
Nickname: Eagles
Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Arena: Silvio O. Conte Forum
Capacity: 7,884
Coach: Jerry York
Review
It was tough season for Boston College. They started strong with a nine-game
unbeaten streak (8-0-1). Everything looked promising.
Their playoff drive was dampened when Patrick Eaves collided with Merrimack
goaltender Joe Exter in the Hockey East playoffs.
Boston College returns the large majority of the roster. With that in mind,
they are considered one of the favorites for a Hockey East crown and, possibly,
a national title.
Boston College has a core group of talented forwards who can be interchanged
between lines. Having said that, Patrick and Ben Eaves and Tony Voce will be
the main cogs in the attack.
Boston College was exceptional on the special teams, placing third on the power
play and second shorthanded in the conference.
The Eagles are being talked about as potentially the front-runners to win the
Hockey East crown, and it is deserved. Hockey East is a talented conference
with BC standing out, for certain. But a lot can happen on the way to the big
dance in the spring.
More than anything this will be a maturation year (by leaps and bounds) for
Patrick Eaves. We expect he will become more of an on and off ice leader with
this team and be in consideration for significant accolades if he stays healthy.
Can anyone say Hobey?
Who To Watch
Eaves scored 10 goals in 14 games as a freshman. He led Boston College
in penalty minutes (61) despite playing in only 14 of the team's 39 games. Eaves
gained something of a reputation of being a dirty player because of two incidents.
Early in the season he got into a scrap with UNH star Colin Hemingway and then
an unfortunate collision with Merrimack goaltender Joe Exter, who suffered a
cracked skull. Eaves, though, is a talented player who should play a significant
role with the team this season.
Kaltiainen has been much maligned by BC fans that think he still lets
up the soft goal (it happens). The Finnish native played in 30 games, finishing
with an 18-9-3 record and 2.21 goals against average and a .903 save percentage.
Kaltiainen enjoyed an 11-4-1 league record
Tony Voce once again proved a sniper for the Eagles. He earned All-Tournament
honors at the NCAA East Regional in Providence, Rhode Island. Voce scored 23
goals and 23 assists. He recorded 32 points in league action.
Recruits
Pearce played for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League
(USHL) last season. The New Jersey native impressed with a 2.91 goals against
average and 18 victories. He won the USHL Defensive Player of the Week honors
on January 7, 2003.
Pineault played for the NTDP U18 team where he scored 18 goals and 19
assists in 52 games. Pineault contributed six game-winning goals and four power-play
goals.
Boyle enjoyed a banner season with St. Sebastian's. He earned All-New
England honors as a senior forward and named ISL Keller Division Most Valuable
Player honors. He registered a league-high 63 points (32 goals, 31 assists)
in 31 games. The Los Angeles Kings drafted Boyle in June.