The “Next Ones” prepare to visit Agganis

Terrier fans have just had their first look at the top-rated freshman class featuring four top talents from the NTDP program. And tomorrow, a second exhibition game brings the “next ones”—three members of this year’s U18s—to Agganis Arena for an opportunity to skate at their future home. THFB guest writer Neal Boudette (BU '84), who covers the automotive sector for the New York Times and writes about hockey any chance he gets, sat down with forwards Logan Cockerill and Brady Tkachuk and defenseman David Farrance to discuss their NTDP experiences and decisions to commit to BU.

“The Next Ones” prepare to visit Agganis

By Neal E. Boudette

If familiarity breeds contempt, well then Thursday night’s exhibition game ought to be more than your standard pre-season match-up.

The Terriers face off against the USA NTDP U18 team featuring three players – forwards Brady Tkachuk and Logan Cockerill, and blueliner David Farrance – who will come to Agganis in 2017. Those guys know the BU line up well. A year ago, they were NTDP teammates with the four alums of the program now skating in scarlet and white as freshmen – Clayton Keller, Kieffer Bellows, Chad Krys and Jake Oettinger.

Behind the scenes, more than a few texts have already been exchanged in anticipation of renewing acquaintances.

“Yeah, I talked to Keller a little because we played golf a lot last spring,” Farrance told me after a recent practice at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich. “He thinks they’re going to kill us and I tell him I don’t know about that.”

“I told Oettinger I’ll see him in front of the net,” Tkachuk added. “Hopefully he doesn’t give me a slash to the back of the legs.”

CONTINUE READING

► NHL Central Scouting has posted its list of players to watch for the 2017 Entry Draft. Oettinger received a B rating. Farrance and Cockerill and 2018 recruit Matthew Quercia (photo) each received a C ranking.

● NHL.com rankings

● College Hockey Inc. report

College Hockey News’ national preview has the Terriers in the #2 spot behind defending national champion North Dakota. Northeastern (#7) and Lowell (#9) join BU as Hockey East teams in CHN’s top 10.

● College Hockey News Things to Watch 2016-17

Yahoo! Sports’ Ryan Lambert sets the bar high for the Terrier squad that features four first-round draft picks, four second-rounders, a third-round choice and two fifth-round selections.

● Yahoo! Sports: Boston University coach battles life as a juggernaut

American Sports Net, which distributes national broadcasts of college hockey games, examines three teams to watch this season, including the Terriers.

Looking back

Former Terrier Matt Lane talks about playing for his hometown Rochester Americans, a Sabres’ affiliate, in his first pro season.

● Amerks.com report

Jack Eichel talked with NBC Sports about expectations for his second pro season.