BU reaches to the left coast for a Bay Stater

The Terriers completed the defensive part of their 2010 recruit class when they received a commitment from bruising Vernon Viper defenseman Garrett Noonan. The 6-1, 205 left-shot blueliner is a Norfolk, Mass., native who starred at Catholic Memorial before helping the Vipers and fellow 2010 recruit Sahir Gill win a second consecutive RBC Cup, Canada’s Junior A Championship, earlier this month.

For the Vipers, Noonan registered a 2-16-18 line with 60 PIMs during the regular season, adding 4 goals and 5 assists in Vernon’s playoff run, including the final goal in the RBC Cup championship game.

Vernon Morning Star reporter Graeme Noonan notes that:

“Noonan was one of the players that stood out for me at the Viper training camp last August, and he has had a solid rookie season. This won't sound like a compliment, but the thing about Noonan is you don't always notice him. While he doesn't always turn up on the scoresheet, he rarely gets caught making bad decisions. He's not flashy, but he is effective and always seems to make the smart play.”

Video: Noonan scores the final goal on this YouTube clip.


Video: Interview with Noonan.


In 2008-09, Noonan led Catholic Memorial to the Massachusetts Super 8 championship, earning Boston Globe All-Scholastic recognition and being named co-MVP of the Catholic Conference. Noonan was the Knights’ co-captain as a senior and was tied for the team lead with 25 points. The Globe called him “one of the most physical players in the state.”

Noonan will be the third former Viper, along with Gill and Ryan Santana, on the 2010-11 Terrier roster. At BU, Noonan will play for three coaches who also were CM standouts: Jack Parker, Buddy Powers and Mike Bavis. Throughout the 1990s when BU reached the Frozen Four X times, CM recruits, including Mike and Mark Bavis, Mike Prendergast, Chris O’Sullivan, Mike Sylvia, Jeff Kealty and Tom Noble, were instrumental in the Terriers’ success. Noble, Prendergast and Sylvia were members of BU’s 1995 national championship team.

Looking ahead

2010 recruit Charlie Coyle shared his thoughts with New England Hockey Journal following the first day of the NHL combine in Toronto.