Thursday, July 17, 2014

Freshman features, recruits shine at U16s, alumni golf




WEEI’s Scott McLaughlin's in-depth interview with freshman Jack Eichel reveals how the freshman forward's focus on immediate goals and improvement, and a willingness to challenge himself against older players has helped him become one of hockey’s top prospects.
Johnathan MacLeod, Eichel’s teammate with the U-17's and U-18's and now at BU, talked with the Lowell Sun about a whirlwind last few months that included winning a gold medal at the World U-18's, being drafted by Tampa Bay in the second round, attending the Lightning’s development camp and beginning classes at BU. 

► Four Terriers—sophomore Nick Roberto and freshmen J.J. Piccinich, Conor LaCouvee and Brandon Fortunato as well as 2015 recruit Charles McAvoy--are competing in the 2014  John Cunniff Senior Chowder Cup tournament, which begins today. 
Looking ahead 
Following strong performances at the USA Select 16 Development Camp, 2016 recruits Hank Crone (photo) and Kieffer Bellows were named to the U.S. U-17 Select squad that will play in the 2014 Five Nations Tournament, Aug. 13-17, in Crimmitschau, Germany.
● USA Hockey report and roster 

Both future BU forwards played in last Sunday’s development camp All-Star game and each scored a goal for Team Blue, a 4-2 winner, with Bellows adding two assists to earn.SBNation’s Jeff Cox’s nod as first star.




● Cox’s review of Select 16 performers including Crone and Bellows:


7. Henry Crone (#18 Royal) 5-8/145 Dallas Stars Elite U16 (Boston University) - Another player whose skill became more apparent as the week went on. He is a great stick handler with good speed, but perhaps most impressive was his ability to read plays and anticipate where his teammates would be and where to find pucks.
10. Kieffer Bellows (#11 Red) 6-1/190 Edina High School (Boston University) - This observer didn't think he truly showed what he's made of until the All-Star game. Admittedly, he was playing on one of the weaker teams here during pool play. He's a power forward who likes to throw his weight around. He made several jawing hits during the camp, but then came alive on Sunday. He drove to the net and scored two goals, as he was one of the better players in that game. He's got a quick release and is strong on the puck. He reminded me a little of Ottawa Senators draft pick Shane Eiserman with perhaps a little more offensive upside.


The Hockey News’ latest Prospect Watch of NCAA signings includes Bellows and 2015 recruit Liam Coughlin, a Catholic Memorial product who skated for the Vernon Vipers last season and was one of only five BCHL players selected in the NHL Entry Draft last month. 

Looking back 
Two former Terriers will play management roles for the U.S. U-17 Select team mentioned above. Ken Rausch, a member of the BU 1995 national championship team, will serve as general manager. Clark Donatelli, a late 80’s BU standout and two-time U.S. Olympian, will be an assistant coach.

Former Terrier defenseman Adam Clendening was named to the AHL all-star team in his first two pro seasons, the first player to do so in more than a decade. Now he’s aiming for a spot on the Blackhawks roster. The Wheatfield, N.Y. native is in Chicago’s development camp, along with BU netminder Matt O’Connor.
● Comcast SportsNet report and video interview
● NBC Sports report 

Former BU forward Matt Nieto, after a successful rookie season in San Jose, is expecting an increased role in 2014-15. 

FORE!
The Terrier Hockey Alumni are holding their annual Players’ Golf Tournament  on Monday, Aug. 11, at the Granite Links Country Club in Quincy, Mass.  The fundraising event, which benefits the BU Hockey Program, is being organized by a trio of former Terrier defensemen: Pat Aufiero, Kevin Kielt and Tommy Ryan.  The winner of last year’s fundraiser, which drew more than 60 participants, was the foursome of Keith Emery, Bobby Hanson, Greg Quebec and Kielt.
 Details and registration

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