O'Connell announces incoming class; UVM graduate transfer Kaufman added

Head Coach Albie O’Connell has announced an eight-man incoming group for the 2020-21 season. It includes six freshmen—goalies Drew Commesso and Vincent Duplessis, defenseman Cade Webber, and forwards Dylan Peterson, LukeTuch and Nick Zabaneh—along with two transfer forwards—Jay O’Brien (Providence via BCHL Penticton) and Max Kaufman (Vermont). 

Kaufman (#23 above) comes aboard as a graduate transfer after three seasons with the Vermont Catamounts. A 5’8” left shot from Pittsford, N.Y., Kaufman had 35 points (15G, 20A) in three seasons with Vermont.  In 2018-19, he had 21 points (8G,13A) to lead UVM in scoring. Previously, he played prep hockey for The Kent School and then produced a pair of 50+ points seasons for the BCHL Langley Rivermen.  While at Vermont, Kaufman was a three-time Hockey East All-Academic honoree.

● Elite Prospects Page

● Kaufman video: Overtime goal (start at 2:13); game-winner (also 2:13)

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Please welcome Max Kaufman to BU!

He joins us as a grad transfer after finishing up his degree at Vermont. Max put up 35 points over his three years with the Catamounts and led the team in points in 2018-19. He was an assistant captain for UVM last year.#GoBU | @maxkaufman_3 pic.twitter.com/1RAhmrWlHV

— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) August 14, 2020

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And we're excited to add another player with @hockey_east experience ... Jay O'Brien!

A 2018 @NHLFlyers first-round pick, Jay was a @GoBCHL First Team All-Star last season with 76 pts. (30g, 46a) in 51 games after spending his freshman year at Providence.#GoBU | @Jay_OBrien19 pic.twitter.com/O33FjfFRnU

— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) August 14, 2020

 

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We start with the goalies, beginning with Drew Commesso from the @USAHockeyNTDP!

This Mass. native is expected to be among the first goalies taken in the 2020 NHL Draft after posting the 2nd-best GAA in U18 history (2.05) to go along with a .920 sv. %.#GoBU | @commesso29 pic.twitter.com/C6HMvNbxxS

— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) August 14, 2020

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Up next is Quebec City native Vinny Duplessis!

Vinny played for the @WolverinesJrA of @TheAJHL last year and posted a 2.72 GAA & .912 sv% in the reg. season before improving on those numbers in the playoffs (1.99, .932).#GoBU | @VinnyDuplessis pic.twitter.com/CsWDZJ3WHj

— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) August 14, 2020

 

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Up next is a pair of big & talented wingers from the @USAHockeyNTDP.

Welcome to BU, Dylan Peterson!

Ranked 43rd among North American skaters for the upcoming 2020 NHL Draft, this California native had 36 pts. (12g, 24a) with the U18s last season.#GoBU | @DylanPeterson28 pic.twitter.com/bMQLEVNVzn

— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) August 14, 2020

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From upstate New York, Luke Tuch!

Ranked 40th among North American skaters for the 2020 NHL Draft, Luke put up 53 pts (25g, 28a) over two seasons with the @USAHockeyNTDP and is definitely ready for the Green Line Rivalry thanks to his brother Alex!#GoBU | @luketuch37 pic.twitter.com/oQUa1ZH7gd

— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) August 14, 2020

 

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Up next, another newcomer from the @PentictonVees, Cade Webber!

Cade was picked by the @Canes in the 4th round of the 2019 NHL Draft after a standout prep career at @RiversAthletics. He'll instantly add size to our blue line after an injury-shortened year in the @GoBCHL.#GoBU pic.twitter.com/Jj13YEFP7r

— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) August 14, 2020

 

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And we'll close out this year's standout group with forward Nick Zabaneh from @GamblersHockey!

A Toronto native, Nick was third on the Gamblers in points (34), goals (13) and assists (21) this season in his second year with the @USHL program.#GoBU | @ZabanehNick pic.twitter.com/ZQZE6fQemt

— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) August 14, 2020

 

 Looking back 

Clayton Keller scored his third post-season goal in the Coyotes' 3-2 loss to Colorado. (video)

 

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$314,698!!! During a pandemic! Thank you to all of the teams, sponsors, TRF committee members, family members and friends who contributed to the amazing virtual tournament this year! We could not do any of this without YOU! See you all for some magic in 2021! Stay safe! pic.twitter.com/W0MZn8YnN1

— Travis Roy Foundation WIFFLE Ball Tournament (@TRFWiffle) August 9, 2020