Linkorama

Freshman defenseman Matt Grzelcyk had a strong show at the recently completed U.S. Junior National Team camp in Lake Placid.  The Charlestown, Mass., native, who played for the NTDP U17s and U18s the past two seasons, had four assists in the intersquad competitions and games against Sweden and Finland.

United State of Hockey’s Chris Peters had this post-camp assessment of Grzelcyk:

 In the games I saw him play in, I kept writing down Grzelcyk’s name, which is difficult to spell, you guys. I have a feeling he’s going to be the odd man out because 1993-born Reilly and Gostisbehere are a little more advanced and bigger, but Grzelcyk’s offensive game was lights out in this camp. He had as many points as both those guys (four, all assists) and showed his high-end to elite skating ability. Grzelcyk is such a heads up player, I wouldn’t be surprised if he kept himself in the conversation for much of the first half. This might not be his time to make the team, but he’s going to be there in 2014 without a doubt. Some thought the Bruins reached to grab Grzelcyk 85th overall. Nope.

Asked if the 5-9 Grzelcyk’s game was similar to that of other shorter BU defenders Dave Warsofsky and Alexx Privitera, Peters replied:

"I think he's closest to (Adam) Clendening --even though he's smaller--but he makes better decisions.  Grzelcyk doesn't go for broke on every play. He's a very calculated puck mover, he's good defensively, particularly for his size. Certainly a high-end puck-mover.  He has good vision and pretty solid stick-handling ability. I don't think it will take him long to adjust to college and could contribute pretty quickly."

Grzelcyk was the Bruins’ third-round draft pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

► The Queens Courier sat down with rising senior blueliner Sean Escobedo to talk about his junior and college career and hopes to reach the NHL.

Women’s Team

Terrier standout Marie-Philip Poulin has been named captain of Canada's U-22 team set for a  three-game series vs. Team USA starting tonight.    Three other Terriers are on Team Canada’s roster: Shannon Doyle, Sarah Lefort and Isabel Menard.