NCAA: Top Five Recruiting Classes

The rich keep getting richer, as the defending National Champion Boston College Eagles earn the top spot in McKeen's Hockey NCAA recruiting class rankings. Also rounding out the top five are the Minnesota Gophers, North Dakota Fighting Sioux, Michigan State Spartans and the Boston University Terriers who will look to get a spark from Corey Trivino (pictured), a potential mid-first-round pick at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

1. Boston College Eagles

The Eagles are set in goal for the foreseeable future with returning sophomore John Muse and they successfully accumulated four dangerous offensive weapons up-front with this recruiting class and one more if you include the offensively gifted Malcolm Lyles on defense.

Malcolm Lyles (2008), D, Deerfield Prep

His lack of size and high-risk, high-reward-type-of play are concerns, but Lyles is a highly skilled offensive defenseman with exceptional mobility.

Paul Carey (Col), C, Indiana Ice

One of the best pure finishers in the USHL this past season, Carey is going to provide the Eagles with instant offense.

Jimmy Hayes (2008), RW, Lincoln Stars

A big man that plays a big-mans game in front of the opponent's net, Hayes will provide the Eagles a new dynamic of size up front into their lineup of mostly diminutive forwards.

Tommy Cross (Bos), D, Westminster Prep/ Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets

A big and steadying rearguard that will help bulk-up the Boston College defensive corps.

Barry Almeida (2008), LW, Omaha Lancers

Will fit in seamlessly with the other small, but gifted Eagles' forwards and should fill an offensive role immediately.

Cam Atkinson (2008), C, Avon Old Farms

A prototypical Boston College forward that despite his pint-sized frame, plays a fearless brand of hockey while providing explosive offense.

2. Minnesota Gophers

This should be a bounce-back season for the Gophers and it starts with the offensive exploits this incoming freshmen class exudes. Aaron Ness will be a premiere powerplay quarterback and Jake Hansen along with Jordan Schroeder will provide explosive skill down the middle.

Aaron Ness (2008), D, Roseau

A special player that should quarterback the Gophers' powerplay next season and could average near a point a game from the backend in the process.

Jake Hansen (CBJ), C, Sioux Falls Stampede

Hansen is a skilled and elusive center that developed immensely last season, and will be an impact freshman.

Grant Scott (2008), RW/D, USNTDP

His sub-par hockey sense hinders him but he is a freak athlete with a scary combination of size, speed, and a mean streak.

Nico Sacchetti (Dal), C, Omaha Lancers

A solid two-way forward that can do an adequate job in any role given to him, Sacchetti's immediate impact should be more felt on the defensive side of the puck.

Jordan Schroeder (2009), C, USNTDP

A brilliant offensive talent with a wealth of international experience, Schroeder will be an impact playmaker while trying to prove to NHL scouts, he is worth a high first round selection in the 2009 draft.

Taylor Matson (Van), RW, Des Moines Buccaneers

A sturdy two-way forward with good speed, Matson should be an effective bottom-six forward and penalty killer.

3. North Dakota Fighting Sioux

North Dakota boasts one of the most talented recruiting classes, which will help fill the void left by the loss of key players such as T.J. Oshie. The key to this group is the fact that it will provide the Fighting Sioux with impact players at all positions.

David Toews (2008), C, Shattuck St. Mary's

Much like his older brother Jonathan, David Toews will be an impact freshman that will contribute in a number of ways.

Jason Gregoire (NYI), C, Lincoln Stars

A creative and skilled playmaker that can make those around him better all the while supplying a savvy two-way game.

Danny Kristo (2008), RW, USNTDP

His skill level is already division-one caliber and he should provide plenty offensive production as a freshman if he adds requisite strength over the summer.

Ben Blood (Ott), D, Indiana Ice

A big and astute two-way defenseman that saw his mobility develop immensely this season, Blood will be an immediate steadying presence on the backend.

Bradley Eidsness (Buf), G, Okotoks

This Buffalo Sabres draft pick should help lessen the sting of losing star goaltender Jean-Philippe Lamoreux.

4. Michigan State Spartans

Just one year removed from their national title, the Spartans are set to contend again despite the loss of Justin Abdelkader to the Detroit Redwings. Incoming freshman Tim Buttery will spark their powerplay, but what makes this recruiting class so special is the size and skill it will provide Michigan State at the forward positions.

Andrew Conboy (Mtl), LW, Omaha Lancers

A much-underrated prospect, Conboy possesses a heavy shooting arsenal and already owns a man's body, which he employees to be a physical presence up and down the wing.

Daultan Leveille (2008), C, St. Catharine's

A world-class skater that can contribute in all three zones, Leveille will be an impact player once he becomes acclimatized to the higher level of play after playing Junior B last year.

Tim Buttery (UFA), D, Chicago Steel

Will provide instant offense from the backend with his booming slapshot and ability to distribute the puck from the point on the powerplay.

Trevor Nill (StL), RW, Penticton

Not expected to provide a lot of offense in the early going, however Nill provides welcome size down the middle and plays a mature game on the defensive side of the puck.

Brett Perlini (2008), LW, Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets

A multi-faceted forward with good size and mobility, Perlini is a competitive two-way player that could surprise offensively as well.

5. Boston University Terriers

Building upon last year's dynamic freshman class, the Terriers continue to add offensive firepower and may be one of the most exciting teams in the Hockey East next season. Trivino and Warsofsky should both become game-breakers at the collegiate level.

Corey Trivino (2008), C, Stouffville

His graceful mobility and electrifying skill-set should allow him to conquer his lack of strength and become a prominent offensive fixture in the Terriers lineup.

David Warsofsky (2008), D, USNTDP

His arrival will form a dynamic offensive duo along with Kevin Shattenkirk, as Warsofsky's transition game is outstanding.

Vinny Saponari (2008), RW, USNTDP

Much like Michigan Wolverines forward Aaron Palushaj, Saponari has a knack for generating offense from below the hash marks.

Andrew Glass (Wsh), LW, Nobles Prep

The type of forward that can play in all situations and his ability to execute at full-speed should make him a productive player.