Monday Linkorama--UPDATED

Sahir Gill has elected not to return for his senior year and is expected to pursue professional hockey opportunities.

Matt Grzelcyk and Danny  O’Regan were among the top performers at USA Hockey’s Junior National Team evaluation camp in Lake Placid, with concluded with a 5-1 win against Canada. Grzelcyk recorded an assist in the win.

United States of Hockey’s Chris Peters recapped the win and offered assessments of the Team USA players.

Matt Grzelcyk — D — I thought Grzelcyk had his best game of the camp overall against Canada and showed all of the elements that make him a standout performer. Grzelcyk is such a heady player and he made some solid plays. He assisted on McCoshen’s ppg with a terrific pass and set up Quentin Shore’s second goal by making a risky poke check at the offensive blueline to spring Adam Erne loose. Those quick reactions and quick thinking separate him from most of the other defensemen in camp. His size isn’t really a concern as it never seemed to be in camp. He’s a smart player and should be an important cog for Team USA going forward.

Danny O’Regan — C — O’Regan’s camp had its ups and downs and the same can be said for Saturday’s games. He showed flashes of good skill and offensive sense to be the producer he’ll need to be for this squad, but not necessarily enough to prove he’s the team’s best option as it’s top center. With Alex Galchenyuk likely unavailable, O’Regan’s the front runner to key USA’s top line. He had a few nice rushes Saturday, but there will need to be more from him going forward. Either way, I think he still makes the final roster.

Grzelcyk and BC freshman Ryan Fitzgerald, longtime friends and Bruins draft choices, are the subjects of a New England Hockey Journal feature.

Looking back

Recent grad Ryan Santana has signed on with the Capitals’ ECHL affiliate, the Reading Royals.

Chris Higgins, a high-scoring forward on BU’s 2009 national championship team, is headed across the pond to play for the Belfast Giants. Last season, Higgins skated for the ECHL Wheeling Nailers. Other ex-Terriers who have suited up for the Giants include 1995 NCAA title team members Shane Johnson and Steve Thornton, who finished his career as Belfast’s player-coach.

Higgins scored 133 points in his four seasons, including 49 goals, with, most likely, the most memorable being a highlight reel goal in the Beanpot during his freshman season that easily became an ESPN top play.


NHL.com's Mike Morreale provides an update on Colin Wilson's rehab from shoulder surgery and expections for a breakout season in Nashville after a strong showing (19 points in 24 games) last year.

CHN's Mike McMahon reports that former Terrier Justin Courtnall has signed with the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs.

Women’s team

The Cochrane Eagle reports on Samantha Sutherland, a high-scoring forward joining Coach Brian Durocher’s defending Hockey East champions this season.