Game Day: Terriers host Prince Edward Island--UPDATED

#4 Terriers will hit the ice tonight for the first of two exhibition games, hosting the Prince Edward Island Panthers at Agganis Arena. Puck drop is a 7 p.m. for the contest, which will air live on the Terrier Sports Radio Network with Bernie Corbett handling play-by-play and Tom Ryan providing analysis. Live-streaming of home games will begin with next Thursday’s exhibition game against the NTDP U18s.

The Panthers have already played two exhibition games against CIS opponents, losing to New Brunswick and defeating Moncton. 

Tonight, BU fans will get their first look at the top-rated, nine-member recruit class that includes three NHL first-round draft picks (Clayton Keller, Kieffer Bellows and Dante Fabbro), a second-round choice (Chad Krys) and a fifth-round selection (Patrick Harper), as well a potential 2017 first-rounder (Jake Oettinger).

Coach David Quinn confirmed that all three goalies—Oettinger, junior Connor LaCouvee and sophomore Max Prawdzik—will see action.

BU’s top scorers among returning forwards are sophomores Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson (30 points, photo), Jordan Greenway (21) and Bobo Carpenter (16). On the blue line, sophomore—and Bruins’ 2016 #1 draft pick—Charlie McAvoy (25 points) and senior captain Doyle Somerby (13) lead a group of eight defensemen, including six returnees.

Quinn talked with the Daily Free Press about having the Terriers play fast and dictate each game’s pace:

“When you’re playing fast and decisive, it’s a lot easier for the other four guys to read off you. When there’s hesitation, that’s where there’s indecision. I think if we come with an effort and play fast and skate fast and play through people, that’s what I’m looking for. It’s how consistently we do those things.”

Terrier line chart 
BU is dressing only 14 forwards tonight due to several injuries. 

● GoTerriers.com preview, Live Stats, Terrier Sports Radio Network, Twitter

● 2016-17 roster and bios

● PEI schedule and roster

● Daily Free Press preview

● HockeyEastOnline weekend preview

McAvoy has been named to the preseason All-CHN Second Team .

 

SB Nation looks at several intriguing undrafted freshmen in Hockey East, including Terrier left wing Patrick Curry. The Schaumberg, Ill., native produced 20 goals and 19 assists for the USHL Bloomington Thunder last season.

● SB Nation report

Looking ahead

After six games, 2019 recruit Robert Mastrosimone is tied for the scoring lead of the Shattuck St. Mary’s 16U team with seven points. The 5’9” center from East Islip, N.Y. earned strong reviews at this past summer’s Liberty Bell Games. USHR gave him an A+ rating:

A+  Robert Mastrosimone, ’01 F, #14 Freedom (Gray), 5-8/150 – Highly skilled, but also gritty and tenacious. Doesn’t quit on plays. A strong skater who keeps his feet moving. Digs pucks out of dirty areas. As much a playmaker as a finisher. Already committed to Boston University. Scored 111 points for Shattuck’s National Championship U14 team last winter. 4-4-8

USHR gave its only other A+ rating for a forward to Trevor Zegras, who committed to BU in late July.

A+  Trevor Zegras, ’01 F, #2 Ben Franklin (Royal), 5-9/140 – Star potential. Extremely skilled -- athletic, agile, an excellent skater. Terrific shooter and passer. High upside. Played for Mid-Fairfield U14s. 3-4-7

Looking back

TheHockeyWriters.com analyzes former Terrier Matt Nieto’s struggles during an injury-plagued 2015-16 season and suggests a better future.

Former Terriers Ahti Oksanen and Garrett Noonan were cut from the Rangers training camp roster and will report to AHL Hartford.

Women’s Team

USCHO previews the nine Hockey East teams and projects the Terriers for second place. Terriers’ next game is Friday, Oct. 7, against New Hampshire at Walter Brown Arena.