NHL vets at contract crossroads

We have an update on the contract status of three ex-Terriers who played for the 1995 National Championship team and have gone on to lengthy NHL careers: Mike Grier, Jay Pandolfo, and Shawn Bates>

Yesterday's Boston Globe hockey column noted:

Agent Jay Fee reports that ex-Boston University winger Mike Grier had a troublesome knee cleaned up soon after the Sharks were eliminated in the playoffs and will be back for September training camp. The deal Grier signed in San Jose (three years at $1.775 million per) includes a no-trade clause. He'll enter the new season with 934 games played, including playoffs. Not bad for the 219th pick in the '93 draft, considered by many not to have the speed or skill level to make it beyond the minors .

Pandolfo, who earned $836,000 last season and is a free agent, is expected to complete a multi-year deal in the $2 million range that will keep him in New Jersey for the rest of his career. Captain of BU's 95-96 team, Pandolfo, who was having his best offensive year year as a pro before an injury sidelined him for 28 games, finished the season with 24 points. A Boston Globe feature on Pandolfo last season was posted on the Body By Boyle Web site.

Newsday reports that the Islanders will buy out the remaining year of Bates' $1.2 million contract making him aun urestricted free agent.

....under NHL buyout provisions, he will receiver two-thirds of that amount in equal installments of $400,000 spread over the next two seasons. Last season, Bates appeared in only two games, and he was limited to 48 games the previous season by a groin injury and hernia surgery. Islanders general manager Garth Snow said, “It was a decision based primarily on creating a spot on the roster for a younger player.” Snow said Bates is 100 percent healthy and has been training in Boston.

A highlight of Bates' Islanders careers was scoring on a penalty shot in overtime to Game 4 of New York's 2002 playoff series against Toronto. Here's the video, via YouTube.

NHL Entry Draft--Part 3

Four incoming Terriers and one 2009 recruit were picked on day two of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Early in the fourth round, U.S. NTDP U18 teammates Vinny Saponari (photo) and David Warsofsky were selected back-to-back at #94 and #95 respectively by Atlanta and St. Louis.

Vinny Saponari

Following older brother Victor to B.U., Saponari, who played for Culver Academy before joining the NTDP, became the second Georgia-born skater drafted by the Thrashers. He discussed his excitement over his selection with the Atlanta Journal Constitution, while more coverage appeared on the Thrashers’s Web site, and hockeysfuture.com and on the Associated Press wire.

USA Today reported the unusual way that Thrashers management first took notice of Saponari:

After the Atlanta Thrashers made Vinny Saponari the first true Georgian to be drafted by the NHL, general manager Don Waddell jokingly gave his daughter Chelsea credit for making the initial scouting contact.

"She Facebooks with him," Waddell said, laughing. "I just told him on the phone ... my daughter is older than you."

Waddell said his daughter had mentioned two months ago that she had met a player online from the U.S. National Training and Development Program.

"I said I don't know him that well and she said he was going to [Boston University] and I said if he is going to B.U. then he is a pretty good player," Waddell said. "Then he showed up pretty high on our list because our guys liked
him."

The day after the draft, the Official Blogsite of the Thrashers reported:

Speaking of Vinny Saponari, he was in Duluth this morning at the Thrashers' youth summer hockey camp. He was on the ice with the kids and he did at least three TV interviews with local stations. ... It's a big deal for hockey in Georgia to have a kid that grew up going to Thrashers hockey camp get drafted by the hometown team.

David Warsofsky

Warsofsky, the super-skilled, diminutive defenseman, was the Blues’ choice early in the fourth round. St. Louis was a bit of a surprising destination as Warsofsky hadn’t had much contact with the club. The Marshfield, Mass., native, whose godparents are the parents of ex-Terrier captain and Bruins coach Mike Sullivan, talked about his draft day experiences with the Patriot Ledger and New England Hockey Journal and in a video interview with NESN.

HockeyBuzz.com was one of several media outlets to compare his game to that of another smallish offensive defenseman, Brian Rafalski, the former Wisconsin All-American, who won the Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils and again this year with Detroit.

Several Blues’ fan blogs posted the McKeen’s predraft assessment of Warsofsky:

A mobile, puckmoving defenseman who can work in all three zones .. displays proper positioning on defense, as he does an effective job of cutting down angles and getting in the shooting lanes, not afraid to initiate contact and get in the face of opponents utilizes the boards well, particularly in pressure situations .. plays a clean game for the most part, as he makes safe and precise
passes in his own end .. has the capacity to skate the puck out of trouble as well .. can be dangerous in transition, as he possesses the gentle hands and smart vision to make a quality outlet pass also capable of keeping the puck and leading the rush himself does not look to shoot from the point that often, as he prefers to utilize his productive passing game to set up teammates .. however, he will pinch at times, as he loves to crash the net and be on the receiving end of a one-timer .. because of his puckmoving abilities, he sees regular time on the man advantage.

McKeen’s also published a post-draft recap of New England based draft choices, noting the common belief that if Warsofsky was a few inches taller, he’d have been a first or second round selection.

David Warsofsky (StL), D, U.S. Under-18 – fourth round, (95th overall) Committed to Boston University for 2008. Despite lack of size (5-9) he is an extraordinary player with exceptional skill, especially on the powerplay .. a smooth skater with a strong stride .. tremendous vision and really moves the puck up the ice well .. tremendous patience and poise with the puck and hockey sense.. great one-timer with rocket of a shot and accurate, especially on the PP .. has a pro-like shot and may have the best shot for someone his age or even older .. finds open areas on the PP for good shooting lanes .. can be physical if needed and strong along the boards .. logged a ton of icetime .. has the ability to shake checks with his quickness and stick skills and ability to take hits and keep going.

What Other Scouts Are Saying (Central Scouting): Warsofsky is a small, smart defenseman with quick feet. He has good speed jumping into the play and a big shot from the point. At his size, he needs to take better care of the puck and continue to get stronger, but overall, he comes to play and plays bigger than his size.

Synopsis: An excellent pick by the Blues and if he was even 5-11, he probably would be a first or second round pick. He is extremely talented and playing at Boston University will really help his development. He tallied 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists) in 48 games last season.

Trivino invited to Canada WJC camp

A month from now, Corey Trivino returns to Ottawa, where he was drafted by the Islanders last weekend. This time, he'll be donning the red and white maple leaf sweater, once again, as one of 45 invitees to tryout camp for Canada's World Junior Championships team. And just as when he was a member of Canada's gold-medal World U18 Championships team, Trivino is the only participant coming out of a Junior A league. Trivino, who scored four goals and three assists at the World U18 tournament in Russia, also was selected for last fall's World U17 Challenge and played for the 2007 Canada U17 team. Five Terriers have been invited to the U.S. WJC camp in Lake Placid in early August: forwards Colin Wilson and Vinny Saponari, and blueliners Kevin Shattenkirk, Colby Cohen and David Warsofsky.

NHL Entry Draft Recap--Part 2

Our draft recap continues with two players chosen by Original Six teams: 2009 recruit Max Nicastro, chosen in the 3rd round--#91 overall—by Stanley Cup Champion Detroit, and goalie Grant Rollheiser, chosen by Toronto in the 6th round.

Max Nicastro

RedwingsCentral.com offers a profile of the blueliner who will return to the Chicago Steel for a second USHL season, and this projection:

Don't expect to see Nicastro in Detroit overnight — it's going to be a long wait. The Red Wings hope he'll be a top-four NHL defenseman in about seven years, so they'll let him develop at his own pace at Boston University. Nicastro has good upside if he can put it all together.

A second RedWingsCentral.com post reported:

Nicastro is a right-shooting defenseman who can best be described as a jack of all trades, master of none. And that's not such a bad thing -- you can carve a seasoned NHL veteran out of a guy like that.

As Detroit Red Wings veteran amateur scout Mark Leach put it, "I don't think he has one unbelievable asset, but he's good at everything." ..."He's a No. 4 or 5 type of guy," Red Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill said. "He won't be a big offensive guy, but he moves the puck smart and safe, he can play the power play but he's not a big point producer. He's got good size and he competes hard defensively. He's a well rounded defenseman."

Nicastro spent his primary development years playing hockey in the Los Angeles area, which is not exactly a hockey hotbed.

Understandably, the 18-year-old got off to a tentative start in his USHL rookie campaign. But as the season progressed, the Red Wings watched him get more and more comfortable, and he finished the year a plus-7.

"He plays a willing physical game and isn't afraid to step up on guys," said Red Wings amateur scout David Kolb, who focuses on the USHL. "His defensive game should only improve as he gains strength and grows into his body. He has a pretty good frame to work with and has room to get bigger."

MichiganLive.com reports that Nicastro was thrilled to become a Wing as his favourite player happens to be Nicklas Lidstrom:

The Wings took Nicastro, a self-described “finesse defenseman” who grew up playing roller hockey in California, in the third round. Nicastro said he patterns his game after Nicklas Lidstrom and wanted to have dinner with Scotty Bowman.

“I talked to them once on the phone last week. I thought it was a quick, little talk,” Nicastro said. “I had no clue it was going to be the Wings, so I’m pretty excited. Words can’t explain it. It’s quite an honor.”Nicastro, a native of Thousand Oaks, Calif., didn’t play ice hockey until age 12.

“I think that’s where I got most of my finesse moves and skill from,” Nicastro said of roller hockey. “When I started playing ice, that’s when my defense started to kick in.”Nicastro will play another year with the Chicago Steel of the U.S. Hockey League, but has committed to Boston University.

The MLive Blog snapshot of Nicastro included an assessment from NHL Central Scouting's Jack Barzee:

"Max needs some time to develop, but he has an excellent shot from the point and s a good skater. He is a physical player and moves the puck well but could be a little stronger and more active in front of his own net."

And, NHL.com’s stanley_cup's blog offered this draft-day anecdote:

Max Nicastro, drafted by Detroit in the third round, hails from Thousand Oaks, California, and before the weekend had arrived, went on record saying that in a dream situation one of the people he’d love to have dinner with was Bowman. Nicastro got his wish. “Hey, Nicastro,” shouted one of the group. “You wanna get a picture with Scotty?” He delayed a moment, then replied, “No, I think Scotty wants to get his picture taken with me!” An awkward silence was followed by bellowing laughter from all. “Good one, Max!”

Grant Rollheiser

Grant Rollheiser wasn’t ranked by Central Scouting or any of the other ranking services, but his selection by Toronto in the 6th round, #158 overall, wasn’t a complete surprise as the Leafs had been in contact with the incoming Terrier goaltending several times. The Trail-Crossland News interviewed Rollheiser, who has been in Boston, taking summer semester courses, following his selection.

Shawn Mullin’s Smoke Eater Blog reveled in the news. Just prior to the draft, Mullin posted links to a series of audio clips with Trail’s goalie coach, Pasco Valana, who discusses Rollheiser’s strengths. ( 1,2,3) Mountain Radio in British Columbia interviewed Rollheiser who reacted to his selection and noted he'll be attending Leafs development camp this summer.

NHL Entry Draft Recap—Part I

BU’s six picks in the entry draft were tied with North Dakota for second most, just behind Wisconsin’s seven. As College Hockey News’ Adam Wodon noted,” For the Sioux, that's not an unusual amount in recent years. But for BU, it's not a typical amount in the recent past.” BU had three players selected in 2007 and four in 2006. CHN provides a full list of college players and recruits who were drafted. Colin Wilson becomes the ninth Terrier to be selected in the first round, the second in two years as Kevin Shattenkirk was the 14th overall pick last year.

Classiest move in the draft was made by Tampa Bay, drafting David Carle in the 7th round. Carle, brother of Shark’s blueliner Matt Carle, is a Denver recruit who was expected to be picked in the second round. Last week, he discovered he had a heart condition that will end his hockey career and informed the NHL. The Lightning’s new incoming owner, Oren Koules, said on the team's Web site: "The kid worked his whole life to be drafted in the NHL, and I didn't see a reason he shouldn't be." Denver is honoring his scholarship, too.

Colin Wilson
Colin Wilson and fellow first round draft choice Chet Pickard are expected to attend the Predators 2008 prospect camp beginning this Thursday. Wilson relates that, as 14 year olds, he and Pickard were cut from the same traveling team. TFP TV provides an interview with the two longtime friends, who likely will be opponents during the next World Junior Championships.

The question on the minds of Terrier fans is “Will Colin turn pro or return to BU for his sophomore season?” Wilson has indicated that he’d turn pro if Nashville offers a contract and made his thoughts known to NHL.com. Thus far, the only comment from the team General Manager Dave Poile (a former Northeastern standout forward) was reported by the Nashville City Paper:

Poile said. “We think he plays the offensive game very well and he is a shut down guy on defense. I can’t tell you how passionate our scouting staff was about this being the guy we wanted.” Wilson said he is not certain if he will return to Boston University for his sophomore season or become a professional player.

But Poile indicated he wants Wilson to stay at Boston University for at least another season.“We haven’t sat down with him, but we think he is in a good place,” Poile said.

THFBlog comment: After his convincing physical showing at the combine and seeing Nashville trade up to get him, it's easy to understand Wilson thinking he's ready for the NHL. He wants to be thought of as an equal to Stamkos, Doughty and Bogosian. Moreover, he fills a big need for the Preds--a center with size--although that is a future need. They still have 6'4" Jason Arnott, who scored 72 points last year. On the other hand, scouts feel his skating still needs some work and, despite the maturity shown during interviews, Wilson, who won't turn 19 until the fall, may not be ready for life in the NHL just yet. The Predators senior staff is led by former college players, including ex-Terriers Paul Fenton and Jeff Kealty, and the organization has shown patience in the past. Poile's comments are encouraging as is having his friend Pickard also selected in the first round but headed back to Major Junior next season. Wilson's performance in this week's development camp may play a part in the decision.

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Corey Trivino

Trivino, whose stock rose steadily following his standout performance for Canada in the World U18 Championships, was the first college player chosen in the second round, selected at #36 overall by the New York Islanders, whose Pro Scout Tim MacLean offered his thoughts about Trivino:

A QUALITY PLAYMAKER: I had the opportunity of seeing Corey play a number of times. He's a very skilled playmaker and adept at finding open linemates in scoring position. Corey has the ability to run the power play. His team used him on the blueline all season during the man advantage. He had a lot of international experience this season and proved he has the ability to step up. Corey is
primarily a playmaker but also has a very good shot. He does a good job of getting to the open ice. He has excellent hockey sense and sees the ice well.

Corey brings a lot creativity and is a good kid. We're excited to get Trivino in the second round of the draft. He will be attending Boston University in the fall.

Our coverage includes two video interviews with Corey immediately after his selection (1, 2), and a review of Islanders picks from NHL.com. Trivino's hometown newspaper reports that Corey traveled to Calgary on Sunday where Canada’s U!8 team was honored for its gold medal performance and that he’ll graduate from high school tomorrow.

From New England Hockey Journal:

Stouffville (OPJHL) center Corey Trivino was the first player with New England ties selected on the second day of the draft. Trivino, who posted 19-50-69 totals last season, will attend Boston University starting this fall. The New York Islanders used the 36th pick overall to select him.

“The facilities, the coaching staff, they have everything there,” said Trivino when asked why he picked BU.

Trivino, who stands 6-foot-1, 170 pounds, said he opted to go the college route to he could more easily continue to get bigger and stronger. He also said that he’s crossed paths a few times with his potential BU teammate Colin Wilson (Greenwich, Conn.). Wilson went to Nashville at No. 7 Friday night and might turn pro as soon as this season.

“Probably at orientation I’ll try to convince him to stay,” Trivino said.

Wilson heads BU draft parade

UPDATED

Colin Wilson, selected in the first round ( #7 overall) by Nashville, was the first of five Terriers taken in the first 95 picks--six overall--of the 2008 NHL entry draft. Wilson’s selection was announced by former Terrier forward and current Predators assistant general manager Paul Fenton. Later in the first round, Nashville selected major junior goalie Chet Pickard, a close friend (photo) of Wilson’s from their days growing up in Winnipeg.

We have links to audio and video interviews with Wilson and coverage in New England Hockey Journal, USCHO and the Boston Herald.

The Terriers taken during the second day of the draft are: Corey Trivino, second round, #36, Islanders; (2009 recruit) Max Nicastro, third round #91, Detroit; Vinny Saponari, fourth round, #94, Atlanta; David Warsofsky, fourth round, #95, St. Louis; and Grant Rollheiser, sixth round, #158, Toronto.

More details later.

24 hours to draft day...

...and both Colin Wilson and Corey Trivino (photo right) are headed to Ottawa for the 2008 NHL draft, as the media continue to speculate about their futures.

Wilson, a likely top 10 pick, played it close to the vest in a Q&A interview with USA Today. Despite writer Dan Friedell’s attempts to coax him into revealing his preference —college or pro—for next season, Wilson, who has been on campus, skating and taking a summer course, wasn’t showing his cards.

Trivino told his local York Region newspaper about his Combine experience and a recent visit to Montreal for an interview and more tests with the Canadians, who draft 25th in the first round. Unlike Wilson, the skinny (Ha!) on Trivino is that he’ll need several years at BU to fill out and hone his skills, skating and backchecking.

INCH and College Hockey News launched their draft centers, while, on their respective draft pages, TSN and ISS each list a prospect’s comparable NHL player along with multiple rankings and a profile. Rankings and comparables for Wilson and Trivino:

Wilson:
The Hockey News: #7 – CSS: #10 NA skater – Red Line Report: #11 – McKeen’s: #12–ISS: #8 (Mike Richards) – TSN: #8 (Ron Francis)

Trivino:
The Hockey News: #36 – CSS: #49 NA skater – Red Line Report : #40 – McKeen’s: #24–ISS: #26 (Chris Higgins-Yale’s Chris Higgins) – TSN: #36 (Stephen Weiss)

David Warsofsky has two things in common with Brian Strait and Kevin Shattenkirk: all are defensemen and served as captains of the NTDP U18 team as high school seniors. This weekend, he expect a third commonality: being drafted prior to his freshman year at BU. Warsofsky discusses the pro opportunities now available to shorter defensemen in a Boston Herald feature, with his NTDP coach, John Hynes predicting a third-round selection and Terrier Assistant Head Coach David Quinn projecting fourth or fifth round.

McKeen's Max Giese identified 2009 recruit Max Nicastro as a potential "great value" in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft.

Mock drafts & more

According to three mock drafts released this week, BU just may have two first-round NHL draft choices for the first time. Red Line Report editor Kyle Woodlief’s mock draft for USA Today projects Colin Wilson going 9th overall all to Nashville and Corey Trivino 25th to Montreal. ESPN’s mock draft has the same destinations for the two centers, while The Hockey News has Wilson picked 8th by Phoenix and Trivino 30th by Stanley Cup Champion Detroit.

In the aftermath of his showing at the combine, Wilson continues to be a hot commodity among scouts and in the media, with articles appearing in The New England Hockey Journal, The Boston Herald and Hockeysfuture.com. Colin authored his third predraft blog entry for NHL.com, and in TSN’s top 60 draft prospects, Wilson was ranked 8th and Trivino 36th.

USA Hockey has announced the 53-man roster for U.S. Junior National Team camp set for Lake Placid in August. Wilson, Kevin Shattenkirk, Colby Cohen and incoming freshmen David Warsofsky and Vinny Saponari received invites. Wilson led the 2008 U.S. Jr. National Team in goals scored with six.

More predraft buzz

With the 2008 NHL draft just a week away, current and future Terriers continue to draw attention.

Center Colin Wilson’s strong showing at the recent NHL Combine in Toronto has reinforced expectations that he’ll be an early first-round selection. The Hockey News ranked him 7th overall and, frankly, the “NHL-ready body” comments in the media have BU fans concerned. Wilson talked with the Vancouver Sun about the draft and his relationship with his father, Dartmouth and NHL forward Cary, the 67th choice in the 1980 draft. Another Vancouver Sun article provides NHL chief scout E.J. McGuire's take on Wilson:

"He's a boy playing against men...an 18-year-old playing against guys, some who may be 25 years old in the NCAA," said McGuire. "He's an offensive threat and power forward playing against older players at Boston University. He'll be a single-digit draft, somewhere in the top nine and I think a nine-year NHL pro."

Delving further into Colin's hockey roots, it goes on to point out that his grandfather, Gerry, who played briefly in the NHL, "had a large hand in bringing Ulf Nilsson and Anders Hedberg to the WHA Winnipeg Jets in the 1970 when Wilson was the club's orthopedic specialist. "

2009 recruit Max Nicastro, (photo right) a Chicago Steel defenseman playing for former NHL blueliner Steve Poapst, was listed in a Hockey’s Future feature as one of the top five draft-eligibles from the USHL:

5. Max Nicastro, D, Chicago Steel, 18, 6’2, 189. The Southern
California native was selected by the Indiana Ice in the sixth round of the 2006 USHL Entry Draft with the 68th overall pick. Before joining the league for the 2007-08 season, the Ice traded his rights to the Chicago Steel.

Nicastro finished as one of one of the top rearguards for the team. He collected 20 points (4 goals, 16 assists), 78 penalty minutes and a plus-7 rating. He also was a member of Team USA at the 2007 World Junior A Challenge.The young defenseman has taken some big steps to play effectively with in the USHL. He plays a very good all-round game, but is first and foremost very responsible in his own end.

He’s good puckhandling blueliner, who can make a great first pass
or join the rush when needed. He makes good reads at both ends of the ice. He has showed that he is able to get on the right side of the opposing player and attack effectively, causing turnovers with his stick work. He’s good at closing up lanes and stealing passes. He was used in all situations for the Steel and played on top power play and penalty-kill units. Nicastro has good offensive upside, plays the puck well, has good vision and big shot.

Nicastro will return to Chicago in the USHL next season before joining Boston University in the fall of 2009.

2008 recruit Corey Trivino, whose stock has been steadily rising, received a pair of strong endorsements last week. In The Hockey News’ Bests of the Crop feature, Trivino was rated the top playmaker available and favorably compared to RPI and NHL centerman Adam Oates. And, in International Scouting Services’ final draft rankings, Trivino was ranked #26 overall with Wilson ranked #8.

Yesterday, our friend Paul Shaheen, who writes the Research on Ice e-mail newsletter and is a senior writer for Amateur Hockey Report, offered a Meet & Greet column on Trivino:

Call him one of this year's top wildcards.

When left shot center Corey Trivino committed to Boston University back in August of 2006, the Terriers knew they had someone special.
Trivino could wind up even better than that.

At 6-1, and 170 pounds, Trivino's had two strong seasons with the OPJHL's Stouffville Spirit, and scouts like what they've seen. He also did well this past spring, as his Canadian World Under 18 squad won gold versus the Russians in Kazan.

"He could be a home-run guy," said one scout to The Hockey News, which adds that he's a "far better playmaker than goal-scorer, his skills with the puck are something to behold."

Says Red Line, which has Trivino 40th overall: "He has the goal scoring ability teams covet....He has an array of shots he can unload quickly with accuracy."

If there's one area Trivino needs to improve on, it would be his strength. "He's pretty weak physically," one scout said to THN. And adds Red Line: "Slight build and doesn't initiate contact, but (he) isn't afraid to take hits to make plays."

Here's what we wrote about Trivino back in 2006:

Two years ago, Corey Trivino skated alongside phenoms Sam Gagner and John Tavares for the Toronto Bantam Marlies and was hardly out of place. Last season, he played 30 games for the Marlies' midget minor squad and scored 17 goals and 39 points.

This month, the 16-year-old centerman officially signed on to play next season for the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League's Stouffville Spirit, the circuit's playoff runner-up last year. Although he's property of the Ontario Hockey League's Barrie Colts – the franchise chose him with the 88th overall pick in last month's draft – Trivino, whose personality and work ethic transcends his age, is committed to taking the D-I route.

"He skated with us in our spring camp and it was amazing not only
what he did on the ice, but also what he did before and after," says Stouffville head coach Dan West. "Without even being asked, Corey was first to offer to fill the the water bottles and he could have easily played for my team last year. He's always been considered a special kid, and the spotlight's going to be on him next year. But he'll handle it, because he's very mature."

This weekend, NHL.com examined the phenomenon of dwindling numbers of NHL prospects emerging from Massachusetts. Both Mike Eruzione and Shawn McEachern weighed in with opinions.

From practice goalie to agent, part 2

Last fall, we reported on former BU practice goalie Ian Arroughetti,
who dressed for a few games in the ’97-’98 season and now represents comedians. This past Sunday’s Boston Globe football notes column caught up with another onetime Terrier practice goalie, who also became an agent, representing University of Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, among others:

Practice before law school

Little-known fact about Ian Greengross, the agent who negotiated running back Darren McFadden's six-year, $60 million contract with the Raiders that was finalized Friday: He attended Boston University from 1988-92 and was a scout-team goalie for the Terriers' varsity hockey team during game-day practices. "[Coaches] Ben Smith and Jack Parker were nice enough to keep me around," recalled Greengross, a Chicago native whose father hails from Boston. "I had tried out for the JV team as a freshman, and if there were cuts, I probably would have been one of them within the first minute of practice. But I think they saw how hard I worked, so when the JV team was cut my sophomore year, they found a place for me to still be around the team."

Greengross has fond recollections of BU's run to the national championship game his junior year (a thrilling three-overtime loss vs. Northern Michigan in 1991), as well as how his studies in the School of Management helped him understand the many hats he must wear as a sports agent. He went on to law school after BU.

(Thanks to BU Hockey Yahoo Groups poster capwal66 for spotting this item.)

More kudos for Corey

Corey Trivino was named the top prospect in the Ontario Hockey Association at the organization's awards banquet last night. OHA is the umbrella organization for 12 leagues with more than 130 teams.

YORK REGION NEWS

Spirit graduate earns top prospect prize
By: Mike Hayakawa

Stouffville Spirit forward Corey Trivino netted a big-time honour from the Ontario Hockey Association Friday.He was the recipient of the B.J. Munro Trophy at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. The trophy is given to the top prospect in the OHA, said Brent Ladds, OHA president. more...

Fore ! The annual Boston University Men's Ice Hockey Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, June 9, at Tedesco Country Club in Marblehead. Proceeds of the event benefit The Friends of BU Hockey and the Ron Dion Scholarship Fund, which will be permanently endowed to provide scholarship support to one or more student-athletes on the men's hockey team. Dion (CAS '68)was a philanthropic Boston businessness and a longtime supporter of BU Hockey.

Where are they now?
Rich Alger, a defenseman on the 95-96 and 96-97 Terrier squads, is an assistant coach for the EJHL Bridgewater Bandits.

Looking ahead: 2008 recruit class ranked 5th

BU has had highly-ranked recruiting classes the past few years and the 2008 class is no exception. McKeen's Hockey Prospects' Max Giese places the Terrier incoming freshmen as the #5 group. Three 2008-09 opponents were ranked ahead of BU: conference rival BC at #1 and Icebreaker opponents North Dakota and Michigan State at #3 and #4 respectively. Here's what Giese had to say about four of BU's recruits.

NCAA: Top Five Recruiting Classes
Max Giese, McKeen's Hockey Prospects

The rich keep getting richer, as the defending National Champion Boston College Eagles earn the top spot in McKeen's Hockey NCAA recruiting class rankings. Also rounding out the top five are the Minnesota Gophers, North Dakota Fighting Sioux, Michigan State Spartans and the Boston University Terriers who will look to get a spark from Corey Trivino, a potential mid-first-round pick at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

5. Boston University Terriers--Building upon last year's dynamic freshman class, the Terriers continue to add offensive firepower and may be one of the most exciting teams in the Hockey East next season. Trivino and Warsofsky should both become game- breakers at the collegiate level.

Corey Trivino (2008), C, Stouffville--His graceful mobility and electrifying skill-set should allow him to conquer his lack of strength and become a prominent offensive fixture in the Terriers lineup.

David Warsofsky (2008), D, USNTDP--His arrival will form a dynamic offensive duo along with Kevin Shattenkirk, as Warsofsky's transition game is outstanding.

Vinny Saponari (2008), RW, USNTDP--Much like Michigan
Wolverines forward Aaron Palushaj, Saponari has a knack for generating offense from below the hash marks.

Andrew Glass (Wsh), LW, Nobles Prep--The type of forward that can play in all situations and his ability to execute at full-speed should make him a productive player.

A few months ago, we posted a more detailed look at Corey Trivino from McKeen's and we'll post more pre-draft information about him as it appears. UPDATE: Kyle Woodlief's Red Line Report last week called Trivino a "sleeper" for the upcoming draft, noting:

Trivino played Tier II hockey in the Ontario Provincial League, but also got a few chances to be seen on the international stage – first at last Fall's Junior A Challenge, and then again in April at the world under-18 championships in Russia. Each time he showed the ability to elevate his game against top caliber international competition. His forte is scoring goals and he's very dangerous from the circles in.

New England Hockey Journal recently took a look at David Warsofsky's path the Agganis Arena

Vinny Saponari who played in the past two World U18 Championships for Team USA was the profiled by USA Hockey in April.

Andrew Glass, who posted a 27-23-50 scoring line in his senior season at Nobles, is playing in this weekend's Hub Cup 2008 tournament (we hope to have a report) and next month will participate in his second Washington Caps development camp.