Farrance returns; Crotty departs; THIS DAY--Hobey Baker X2

The status of the Terrier defense corps for next season became a little clearer yesterday.  In a letter tweeted to BU fans, David Farrance announced that he’ll return for his senior season, citing his desire to win a Beanpot Championship and another Hockey East title. A Hobey Baker top 10 finalist this year, Farrance scored 43 points (14G,29A) to lead the team in scoring and set a new record for points by a defenseman in the Hockey East era.

A note from David Farrance#GoBU pic.twitter.com/PXSqsN9kWN

— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) April 9, 2020

Farrance's classmate, Cam Crotty, won't be back. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with Arizona. The right-shot defenseman, whom the Coyotes drafted in the third round in 2017, recorded 27 points in 102 games.

● NHL.com report

● USCHO.com report

Another defenseman, Hugo Blixt, who dressed in only 10 games this season, has entered the NCAA transfer portal and is headed to Colorado College. Along with Farrance, returning defensemen are rising senior Kasper Kotkansalo and rising sophomores Domenick Fensore, Case McCarthy, Alex Vlasic and Sean Driscoll. Incoming freshmen Braden Doyle and Cade Webber round out the blue line corps.

This Day in BU Hockey: April 10

2015: Freshman Jack Eichel becomes the third Terrier to win the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. He was also named National Rookie of the Year and a First Team All-American. With 71 points, Eichel is fifth on the BU single-season scoring chart. Junior captain Matt Grzelcyk also earned First Team All-American honors.

● THFB report

● USCHO report

2009: Senior Matt Gilroy becomes the second Terrier to win the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, edging teammate Colin Wilson, who was also a Hobey hat trick finalist. Both were named First Team All-Americans. Kevin Shattenkirk was named a Second Team All-American, while freshman goalie Kieran Millan was named National Rookie of the Year.

Looking ahead 

Right wing Jay O'Brien, who is transferring to BU after leading the Penticton Vees in scoring this season (25-41-66), was a Flyers' first-round draft pick in 2018. NBC Philadelphia Sports spoke with an opposing BCHL coach, Chris Clark of the Wenatchee Wild, about O'Brien who lit up his team with 14 points in seven games.

He’s just one of those players when he has the puck on his stick, you take notice — you know that he’s got a chance to make something special happen, whether it’s scoring or setting up a guy for an unbelievable look. He’s very gifted offensively, there’s no doubt about that.

●NBCSport report with video highlights