Shattenkirk Speaks

BU’s incoming freshman class, called second best in the nation by Red Line Report, includes a potential 2008 first round draft choice, Colin Wilson, and a possible 2007 first rounder, NTDP U18 captain Kevin Shattenkirk. The right-shot defenseman from New Rochelle, who has been ranked for the draft anywhere from #9 to #34 by various organizations, was named the outstanding defenseman in this past spring’s World U18 Championships. McKeen’s Hockey has published an interview with Shattenkirk in which he discusses his strengths and weaknesses, his hopes for the draft, and, most importantly to Terrier fans, the reason he selected BU when he could have gone to virtually any Division 1 program:

My decision came down to BU and Michigan and in the end, I just felt most comfortable at BU. I loved the coaches at BU and I loved the city of Boston. It was very nice getting the commitment out of the way early because it took a tremendous amount of stress off me during the season. One thing I really can't wait for is to play in the Beanpot. The tradition of BU and that tournament goes back a ways and I am looking forward to being a part of it.

Shattenkirk, whose brother plays wing for Princeton, is the second consecutive NTDP U18 captain to become a Terrier blueliner, following in the footsteps of Brian Strait. In December, his NDTP coach, Ron Rolston commented:

Kevin Shattenkirk is an extremely talented player, and he's our captain with the 89 birth year here at the National Team Development Program, which speaks volumes of his character. He has the potential to be an elite player at the college level, and he already an elite player with his age group right now, but he certainly has to continue to develop. He has to continue to mature, continue to get stronger and work on the weaknesses in his game, but he's a terrific offensive defenseman with a lot of skill that can be a difference-maker in hockey games