USHL Goal Scorers on Board; Free Agency Day

                          

The introduction of Terrier newcomers continues with two of the USHL’s top goal scorers from last season: Jack Harvey and Shane Lachance. With 40 and 33 tallies respectively, they were the #2 and #4 goal scorers in the league. Their BU teammate, Macklin Celebrini, was #1 with 46 goals. 


At 6’5”, 218 lb., Lachance, a sixth round pick by Edmonton in 2021, is the first third-generation Terrier. His father is Scott Lachance, a longtime NHL defenseman and currently Director of U.S. Scouting for the New Jersey Devils. His grandfather is legendary Terrier head coach Jack Parker, who was behind the bench for 40 seasons and who captained the 1967-68 squad.

                 Photo credit The Vindicator

Lachance’s 33 goals tripled his previous season’s production, helping to lead the Youngstown team he captained to the Clark Cup championship. In addition to his 54 regular season points, he had six more in the playoffs.

Championship celebrations aren't new to Lachance. Six-year-old Shane joined the Terriers on the ice after the DC Comeback Miracle gave BU the 2009 national title. 


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As @ColbyCohen36 mentioned, Shane LaChance is the only member of the 2009 National Championship photo who is still a part of the program pic.twitter.com/d6rxbCMM6W

— BU Hockey Stats (@BUHockeyStats) August 15, 2023

Associate Head Coach Joe Pereira, unable to play due to an injury, is in the back row on the left side.

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😳wow Cap pic.twitter.com/E36Dvlgpod

— Youngstown Phantoms (@YtownPhantoms) March 18, 2023

● OilersNation.com Prospect Report: Lachance

 

Harvey, in his third USHL season, emerged as a potent offensive weapon for the Chicago Steel. The 5’10” left wing had a 40-34-74 line (4th best in the league), which included 10 multi-goal games. Harvey played all three forward positions for the Steel and frequently was teamed with Celebrini. He also suited up for the NTDP U18s twice, including last season’s exhibition contest at Agganis Arena.

The Stacy, Minn., native and Gentry Academy alum was drafted by Tampa Bay in the seventh round of the 2023 draft and participated in the team’s development camp. Just prior to the draft, TheHockeyWriters.com examined his game style in an in-depth interview.

 

Looking ahead: 2024 NHL Draft

The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler has revealed—in a free article—his projection for the top 32 prospects for the 2024 draft. Incoming freshman Macklin Celebrini sits at #1, while 2024 recruit Cole Hutson (photo) is #13. NTDP U18 center Kamil Bednarik and Shattuck wing Will Zellers earned honorable mention. Click the pull-down below the Celebrini and Hutson images in the article for a detailed profile of each.

Looking back

August 15 is the day when many drafted NCAA players who have completed their eligibility become free agents. Three have BU connections: Jay O’Brien, whose 32 points was the third best total for the 2022-23 Terriers, Robert Mastrosimone who had transferred to Arizona State, and Jake Wise, who finished his college career at Ohio State.

● FloHockey.tv’s Chris Peters assesses their prospects for pro contracts.