Eichel sparks Vegas' drive for the Cup; Brandvold podcast interview UPDATED

 

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Jack continued his impressive postseason debut with a pair of assists in last night’s win! https://t.co/1sCz22FkF3

— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) June 4, 2023

Jack Eichel assisted on a pair of goals, including the game-winner, as Vegas took the opening game of the Stanley Cup Final, defeating Florida, 5-2. The former Terrier All-American leads the Golden Knights in playoff scoring (6-14-20) and is tied for third overall with Connor McDavid. His 14 assists are tied for first.

● NHL.com Eichel has been "complete package" for Golden Knights

● GoTerriers.com Eichel skates in Stanley Cup final

Eichel isn't the only Terrier whose season is continuing. Brandon Hickey, a teammate of Eichel on BU's 2015 Hockey East Champs and national finalist squad, is playing for Florida in the ECHL Kelly Cup Finals. The Everblades hold a 2-0 lead on the Idaho Steelheads in the best-of-seven series. The Leduc, Alberta, native, who captained the Terriers 2018 Hockey East Champs, split the current season between Florida and AHL Henderson. 

 

A recent NEHJ Rinkside Podcast features a conversation with BU assistant coach and former Bruins skills and development coach Kim Brandvold. A native of Norway, Brandvold played for UMass-Lowell before turning to coaching. Here are links to the podcast on Apple and Spotify.

Terrier Head Coach Jay Pandolfo and rising junior defenseman Ty Gallagher were featured on a Bruins Academy video.

BU's new #1 goalie, Mathieu Caron, a transfer from Brown where he was second team All-Ivy, is staying sharp in the off-season.

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Mathieu Caron from BU keeping his hands level and activated throughout in-zone puck movement, finishing with a short and in front “blocker face” motion to the puck. #TheMACGroup #BuildYourOwnGame pic.twitter.com/FHrGHicjtC

— Bryan McDonald (@MACGoaltending) June 5, 2023

 

Looking ahead

                                

2024 recruits Callum Hughes and Owen Keefe (photo) were named to the Massachusetts contingent for USA Hockey’s Select 17 Development Camp set for later this month in Amherst, N.Y. Hughes, a playmaking forward, played for the Mount St. Charles 16U last season and will join BCHL Chilliwack next year. Keefe, a defenseman whose father is Northeastern Head Coach Jerry Keefe, played for Muskegon in his first USHL season and will return to the Lumberjacks for the 2023-24 campaign. The U.S. squad for the Hlinka-Gretzky Tournament is chosen from the Select 17 event.

2023 recruit Tom Willander continues to gain pre-draft attention and is increasingly projected to be a late first-round pick. He, along with 2023 recruit Gavin McCarthy and 2024 recruit Brandon Svoboda are in Buffalo for the NHL Draft Combine which began Sunday with 106 potential draft picks participating.

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I'm glad Tom Willander is finally getting the love he deserves.

Skating really stands out when he decides to get going. #2023NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/AfBitqIA97

— Hadi Kalakeche (@HadiK_Scouting) June 3, 2023

 

Looking back

Flyers forward Joel Farabee talked with the media about his plans for a full return in 2023-24 after a herniated neck disk limited his effectiveness last season (39 points in 82 games).