In search of WJC gold

Sophomore defenseman Adam Clendening and former BU forward Charlie Coyle have been named to the final roster of the U.S. Junior National Team that will compete in the World Junior Championships in Camrose, Alberta, beginning Monday. Coyle (photo) was among the top scorers for the U.S. team last year, while Clendening was among the final players cut last year.

The United State of Hockey has thumbnails on the goalies and defenseman and also for forwards. More coverage from Camrose:

● Slam Sports: US’s Clendening one tough nut
● USA Hockey recap of 7-3 exhibition win over Switzland in which Coyle scored on a deflection.
● USCHO’s WJC page including schedule
● GoTerriers.com coverage

Looking ahead
2013 recruit Danny O’Regan, captain of St. Sebastian’s, earned kudos from ESPN Boston for his play in the Arrows’ 2-1 loss to Catholic Memorial.

So is Danny O’Regan [the real deal]: While the youngsters grab more of the attention, let’s not forget about the senior captain, who’s scheduled to join a deep local class headed to Comm Ave. and join BU hockey in 2013. There was no better example of the hockey IQ he possesses than during a crucial point of the third period. With time winding down, O’Regan skated to a loose puck along the half wing boards. Then using his body, he shielded the puck from two on- coming CM defenders, creating a mismatch, before shoveling a nice saucer pass along the blue line for a shot from the point. It’s all those little things that help make good hockey teams and hockey players.

Looking back
Brian Strait, who saw his first game action at Wilkes Barre Scranton since recovering from an injury, has been recalled by Pittsburgh and is expected to be in the lineup tomorrow night in Winnipeg.

Former BU co-captain John McCarthy scored his sixth goal of the season, assisted by former BU captain Sean Sullivan, in Worcester’s 6-3 loss to Springfield.

Bryan Miller scored a power play goal (his fourth of the season) late in the third period to bring Alaska even with Idaho at 3-3, but the Aces lost in the shootout to the Steelheads, 4-3.
Miller has a 4-13-17 line for Alaska

Ryan Weston scored a power play goal (sixth of the season) for Las Vegas in a 4-3 loss to Utah. Weston has a 6-12-18 line for the season.