A top playmaker commits for 2016

With its 2014 recruit class complete, BU continues to build for the future and took an important step by securing a commitment from playmaking center Hank Crone, who led the Dallas Junior Stars U16s in scoring with a 17-23-40 scoring line in 27 games. A 5-8, 160 lb., left-shot with tremendous vision and passing skills, the Texas native participated in the recent NTDP evaluation camp, then signed a tender with the USHL Omaha Lancers, where he’ll most likely spend the next two seasons.  Crone joins Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep scoring standout Clayton Keller and Westminster School power forward Johnny McDermott in BU’s 2016 recruit class.

With Crone’s verbal, BU has commitments from the top Dallas Stars U16 scorers for the past two seasons. The previous year’s top scorer, Maxim Letunov, is a 2015 recruit who played for USHL Youngstown this season, scoring 43 points.

In 2012-13, Crone was the scoring leader for the Star’s ‘98s with 18 goals and 14 assists, earning a Player of the Year nomination from Youth1.com . Last summer, he led all scorers at the USA Hockey Select 15 Festival, earning recognition as one of the festival’s best from USHR:

Henry Crone (Dallas Stars Elite/Purple) 5-8/140 — A sensational playmaker. Fun to watch. Was the top scorer in camp with a 2-12-14 scoring line. Is not very big, but he plays strong on the puck and is thus effective against bigger and stronger defenders. Has elite hockey sense, understands how to create offense, and is very slippery in traffic. Was not drafted into the WHL, a blunder on their part because Crone has the potential to post 100 point seasons. Is a potential NTDP forward for whom there will be no shortage of D-I schools offering full scholarships.

This past fall at the Tier 1 Showcase, USHR ranked him the third best skater at the event:

3. Hank Crone, F, 2/19/98 (#67/Dallas Stars) 5-8/160 -- A dynamic forward who demands your attention when he is on the ice -- he’s really fun to watch. Crone has exceptional skill and is able to create offense in all situations. Has sensational playmaking skills and creates time and space for himself with his stickhandling abilities and hockey sense. Materializes out of nowhere – with the puck. A strong candidate for the NTDP. D-I schools are lining up for his services. Had a hat trick Friday vs. the Chicago Fury.

Crone’s strong season with the Stars’ U16s earned him an invitation to last month’s NTDP evaluation camp. Looking at the candidates, SB Nation’s Chris Dilks wrote:

Hank Crone-F-Dallas Jr Stars- Crone is a prototypical waterbug forward. Quick feet and quick hands, with great offensive instincts. Reminds me a bit of a another player from Texas in Cason Hohmann.

Excited to announce that I have committed to Boston University and can't wait to play college hockey for the Terriers. #BU
— Hank Crone (@hankcrone_) April 8, 2014

Quite the week for Dallas native Hank Crone (’98) tendering with Omaha and committing to BU this afternoon. BU is building a powerhouse.
— Andrew Weiss (@WeissFC) April 8, 2014

With Crone’s verbal, Chris Heisenberg’s list show BU with verbal commitments from 19 recruits.

● Boston Hockey Blog report

● SB Nation report

● YouTube video of Crone penalty shot (2011)

►The Boston Hockey Blog reported that Keller, who rang up a team-best 75 points (35G, 40A) for Shattuck’s Tier 1 U18 national champions, tweeted his acceptance of an invitation to play for the NTDP U17s next season.

Looking back

Former Terrier head coach Jack Parker has been named the 2014 recipient of the Hobey Baker Legend of Hockey award, recognizing his 40 seasons as Terrier coach and 897 career wins, third most in NCAA history. Jack Kelley, the Terriers’ coach from 1962-63 to 1971-72 and a BU Hall of Famer, received the Legends award in 1994.

● Previous Legends of Hockey Award winners

● Jack Kelley—1994 winner

● Boston Hockey Blog report

● Hockey East Online report