Terrier alums making their mark in NHL coaching, scouting and management, too

Guest contributor Neal Boudette looks at the multitude of 
Terriers employed by NHL teams in off-ice positions

Last August, BU assistant coach Scott Young (photo) hopped on a trans-Atlantic flight out of Boston, awoke the following morning in Europe, sat bleary-eyed through a layover and then caught another flight to his destination: Bratislava, capital of Slovakia.

He was there to attend the Hlinka Memorial Tournament, an annual competition of some of the best 18-and-under players from the world’s top hockey-playing nations. But the highlight of the trip came when he arrived at his hotel.

There in the lounge were three former Terriers -- John Lilley, Jeff Kealty and Steve Greeley, all NHL scouts who were also there for the tournament as well.

“Long flight, jet lag, and I end up having a few beers with those guys, talking hockey, ” Young recalled. “It was great. You travel halfway around the world and you’re there with three other BU guys. I’ll never forget it.”

It’s a common occurrence. More than 20 former Terriers are currently working in NHL front offices in coaching, scouting or management positions – far more than any other college hockey program.  CONTINUE READING

►The BU Alumni Association will sponsor Beanpot Watch parties in 17 cities next Monday night when the Terriers take on BC in the second opening round game, which is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Details

►TSN’s Bob McKenzie posted his mid-season rankings of the top 80 NHL draft prospects and the list includes one current and three future Terriers: 2017 prospect Shane Bowers (photo) is #20, Jake Oettinger is #25, and 2017 defensemen Cam Crotty and David Farrance are #72 and #76 respectively

Women’s Team

Terriers were edged by Boston College, 3-2, in the opening round of the Women’s Beanpot at Matthews Arena. After spotting the Eagles a 1-0 lead at the 1:17 mark of the opening frame, second-period goals by Nina Rodgers and Maddie Elia gave BU a 2-1 lead heading into the third period.   BC tied the score on a power play goal and then, with three minutes left in regulation, got the game-winner from Caitrin Lonergan.

● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score

USA Hockey: Kaz Watch: After Harvard, Parker Flourishes at BU as Grad Student