Reunited

Former Terrier forward Bryan Ewing has signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. Ewing had a standout first season as a pro, being named ECHL 2008-09 Rookie of the Year and first team all-star following a 91-point season with the Wheeling Nailers. At Rockford, he'll be reunited with his Terrier teammate and linemate Pete MacArthur, who recently signed on for a second season with the IceHogs.

Ewing had been invited to Chicago's recent prospect camp and impressed with three goals and two assists. BU senior forward Zach Cohen also participated in the Blackhawks camp, as did Aaron Callahan, the son of former Terrier captain and Olympic gold medal winner, Jack O'Callahan. The younger O'Callahan plays at Bowdoin College for longtime coach Terry Meagher.

Amonte named to U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame

Former Terrier standout Tony Amonte will be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in December. Amonte, who helped lead BU to Frozen Fours in 1990 and 1991, becomes the third BU player named to the Hall of Fame as individuals, joining two Terrier stars of the early 1950s, Jack Kelley, later the team’s head coach, and Jack Garrity. Four other Terriers—Dick Rodenheiser, Jim Craig, Mike Eruzione, Jack O’Callahan and Dave Silk—were inducted as members of gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic teams.

The Boston Herald reports that Amonte’s induction could become part of the upcoming Winter Classic at Fenway Park that is expected to conclude with a BU-BC matchup.

The Hingham, Mass., native scored 900 points in 16 NHL seasons, most spent with the Chicago Blackhawks. A two-time Olympian, Amonte scored the game-winner against Canada late in the third period of the deciding game of the best-of-three championship series in inaugural World Cup of Hockey in 1996.

► NHL.com spoke with Brian Strait who reflected on BU’s comeback win in the NCAA title game and his Terrier career, and looked ahead to his first full NHL camp with the Penguins.

► The Maple Ridge (B.C.) News reports that Brandon Yip’s contract with the Colorado Avalanche is a one-year $750,000 entry level contract. The right winger, who graduated in May with degree in Criminal Justice, has been skating with another Maple Ridge native, Andrew Ladd of the Blackhawks, while preparing for Avs rookie camp.

► Blog contributor CDRAL reports that former Terrier All-American defenseman Dan Spang has signed on with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers of the German DEL. A former second-round draft choice of San Jose, Spang finished last season with the Syracuse Crunch.

Gilroy podcast

Following his participation in New York Rangers’ recent development camp, Hobey Baker winner Matt Gilroy did a podcast interview with NYRangersCast.com. The three-time All American reflected on the Terriers' NCAA championship season, the overtime win against Miami, his decision to sign with New York that was influenced by Chris Drury and expectations for his first pro season.

Yip signs with Colorado

Brandon Yip is the latest member of the Terriers’ NCAA championship squad to move to the next level, signing an entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche. Yip, the Avs’ seventh round draft choice in 2004, will attend Colorado’s rookie camp and should have an opportunity to earn a spot on the club’s AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters. Former Terrier associate head coach David Quinn is Lake Erie’s new head coach.

Following BU’s title run, The Daily Free Press looked back at Yip’s Terrier career, which began with his earning Hockey East Rookie of the year honors in 2006. He scored the dramatic game-winning overtime goal (video) against BC in the 2006 Hockey East championship game. Following an injury-riddled sophomore year and a disappointing junior season, Yip posted his best numbers as a senior (20-23-43) for a career total 108 points, and again scored the game-winner in the Hockey East championship game, this time the only goal in the 1-0 win vs. Lowell.

On an offensive powerhouse that boasted standout forwards Colin Wilson, Chris Higgins, Jason Lawrence and Nick Bonino, Yip was recognized by Coach Jack Parker as the team’s most consistent forward.

► Joe Sacco, the new Avs head coach, talked with New England Hockey Journal’s Kirk Luedeke about his first NHL coaching position, his philosophy and those who influenced it. Sacco, who
scored 128 points in three seasons as a Terrier before embarking on a long NHL career, was Lake Erie’s head coach the past two years.

► BU 2010 recruit Charlie Coyle's strong performance at the Select 17 festival earned him a roster spot on the 2009 U.S. Under-18 Select Team that will compete at the 2009 Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament from Aug. 11-15, in Piestany, Slovakia. The 6-2, 202 right wing from E.Weymouth, Mass., is playing for the Whalers in the Chowder Cup Tournament this week.

More from the development camps

Former BU blueliner Brian Strait has been to Penguins development camp before, but this summer he’s doing so as a pro. He talked with NHL.TV (click above) about his move from NCAA champs to Stanley Cup champs and his role as a leader at BU and for USA Hockey.

David Warsofsky, attending his first Blues pro orientation, sat down for a Q&A session with Blues Online, discussing his first collegiate goal, being paired with Eric Gryba and the challenge of defending the NCAA championship.

Andrew Glass was back at Washington Caps camp, scoring a few goals along the way. He told New England Hockey Journal that staying healthy and making a bigger contribution are his goals for his sophomore season.

Former Terrier captain Sean Sullivan has re-signed with Phoenix after being the top scoring defenseman on the Coyotes’ AHL club, San Antonio.

Accelerating to 2010--UPDATED

Thayer Academy right wing Charlie Coyle, originally committed to BU for 2011, will accelerate and graduate next June, according to US Hockey Report. He’ll now enter BU in the fall of 2010. The change in plans returns Coyle to his original graduating class as he repeated his freshman year after transferring from Weymouth H.S. to Thayer.

Coyle will be skating for the EJHL South Shore Kings this season. Incoming freshman Ben Rosen was an all-star defenseman for the Kings last season and Kevin Gilroy was a top-scoring forward for the Kings, the previous season.

Coyle, who had committed to BU last October, is coming off a strong performance at the USA Hockey Select 17 development camp Rochester. There, he tied for third in scoring with 9 points in 5 games and played in the event’s all-star game. In the NHL's early "players to watch" ratings, Coyle received an "A." Fellow 2010 recruit class member Yasin Cisse received a "B." There's another familiar name on the NHL list, Tom O'Regan, Jr., son of former Terrier standout center Tom O'Regan. A left wing at St. Sebastian's who also played in Rochester at the Select 17s, he, too, earned a "B" rating.

Photo by USCHO's Melissa Wade, taken at the Predraft Showcase last month.

Sullivan comes full circle

Former Terrier captain Mike Sullivan has finally made it to Madison Square. Originally a New York Rangers draft choice in 1987, Sullivan never skated for the Broadway Blues during his 11-year NHL career. But now, Sullivan, who coached the Boston Bruins for two seasons, will be New York's associate head coach, rejoining head coach John Tortorella with whom he coached in Tampa.

In New York, the Marshfield, Mass., native will be coaching two other former BU captains, Chris Drury and Matt Gilroy--both Hobey Baker Award winners and members of Terrier NCAA title teams.

Rising sophomore Corey Trivino, attending his second New York Islanders development camp, talked with NHL.com about his freshman season at BU and goals for the future, especially increasing his strength. At the camp, Trivino, a second round draft choice in 2008, has skated a few shifts with 2009's overall top pick, John Tavares.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution caught up with Trivino's freshman linemate, Vinny Saponari, and his brother Victor at Thrashers development camp.


Hockeysfuture.com has posted reviews of NHL teams' draft classes.
From Dallas' draft choices:

Alex Chiasson, RW – Des Moines (USHL)2nd round, 38th overallAnother forward was in the stars for Dallas in the second round. Chiasson, from Des Moines of the USHL, is a power forward with smooth hands. While the Buccaneers struggled this season, Chiasson excelled. He led the team in points with 50 in 56 games while accruing just a minus-9 rating. The winger is taking a somewhat unorthodox route to the NHL for a Quebecois. He went to high school in New York, then moved on to Des Moines, and in the fall he’s off to Boston University.

As Chiasson adds strength to his 6-foot-3 frame, he’ll become a more powerful forward who can drive the net with authority. He’s willing to pay the price to make the play, but isn't always consistent in his play. Once he gets the puck on his stick, it becomes very difficult to disengage him from the puck. He’s still finding his legs –- a major sticking point at this juncture of his development. Chiasson will find himself under the tutelage of legendary coach Jack Parker in 2009-10.

Avalanche draft choices:
Kieran Millan, G
6’0” 190lbs, Boston University
5th Round 124th Overall

After drafting two centers and then a pair of defensemen, Colorado made Edmonton native Millan the first of two goaltenders drafted by the franchise. Finding a NCAA national champion goaltender this late into a draft is not common. Drafting Millan at the 124th slot was an obvious move to make given the organization’s need to restock the goalie pipeline. The scouting reports on Millan say that he has outstanding hockey sense and is able to anticipate opponents' moves very well. He has good positioning and is very mobile. He does have a tendency to drop down too soon, leaving far too much room for shooters to abuse. After a somewhat lackluster post-season, there are also some questions regarding his mental toughness. Millan will take the slow route to the NHL and has plenty of time to work on his game.
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Linkorama

► Rival Films, producer of the upcoming hockey documentary, “The Battle of Comm Ave — Boston University vs. Boston College,” announced that NHL announcer Mike Emrick will narrate the documentary, scheduled to air on NESN this fall. (Trailer—click on “films.”)

Emrick already has a connection to the “Green Line Rivalry." During the NHL lockout season, 2004-05, he did play-by-play of the telecast of the final BU-BC game played at Walter Brown Arena, a 3-2 Terrier victory that was Coach Jack Parker’s 700th win. Video highlights, compliments of Sean Pickett.

► Grant Rollheiser is opening some eyes at Toronto’s development camp. The Leafs Hot Stove Blog reports: “Wow, this isn’t the same kid everyone saw last year. Fantastic progress considering he is a backup in the NCAA, great glove hand. Will likely complete college before heading to the AHL. Has a chance to be more than just a good backup.”

► Andrew Glass, celebrating his 20th birthday at Washington Caps development cap talked about the challenge of defending the NCAA title won in Washington three months ago.

► Hockeysfuture.com reviewed the Dallas Stars 2009 draft choices including incoming freshman Alex Chiasson, selected 38th overall.

►At Nashville’s camp, Colin Wilson and Predators GM Dave Poile, a former Northeastern standout, talked about where the ex-Terrier is likely to begin his first pro season.

►Goals by Vinny and Victori Saponari helped the Blue squad win Sunday’s scrimmage at Atlanta Thrashers’ camp.

Shattenkirk speaks

Terrier 2009-10 Captain Kevin Shattenkirk, now at Colorado’s development camp, did a Q&A interview for the Avs’ Web site, talking about his development at BU and his plans for next season and beyond.

Mlive.com, reporting on Redwings development camp, assessed 2009 Terrier recruit Max Nicastro.

Max Nicastro, who stands to play prime-time minutes during his freshman year at Boston University, has a few traits absolutely intrinsic to the puck-carrying defensemen that the Red Wings like on their teams. He keeps his head up over 95% of the time that the puck's on his stick, quickly issuing outlet passes and hard, low shots, his lateral mobility along the blueline is excellent, he skates very well overall, and his big, lanky 6-foot-3 frame is filling out well -- well enough that he issues the occasional big hit without specifically looking for that kind of stuff.

In Nashville, management is studying Colin Wilson’s performance to determine whether he’ll start the season in Nashville or AHL/Milwaukee.

At Islanders camp, Corey Trivino talked about his own future plans and his opportunity to move up the depth chart this season at BU.

The Boston Globe’s Fluto Shinzawa, visiting Bruins camp Friday, wrote that “the campers scrimmaged for the first time yesterday. Saugus native Jason Lawrence and 2009 first-round pick Jordan Caron scored the only goals. Camp ends today.”

Lawrence is number 83 in this video clip from the camp.

Andrew Glass is at Washington Caps development camp for the third time. A camp observer posted on his blog that Glass's game is somewhat reminiscent of ex-Terrier Chris Bourque.

Chris Higgins who participated in Columbus development has signed an AHL contract with the team’s AHL affiliate in Syracuse.

2008 grad Pete MacArthur, who spent his first pro season with the Blackhawks’s AHL club in Rockford, has reupped with Chicago, signing a one-year deal.

Terriers add a forward for 2009

BU rounded out its 2009 recruit class with the addition of Vernon Vipers (BCHL) forward Ryan Santana. A 6’1”, 190 right shot center from Yorba Linda, Calif., Santana had 25 points (12+13) and 16 PIMS in 56 games for the Vipers, who won the RBC Cup, Canada’s Junior A championship. En route to the Cup, Vernon eliminated Victoria (and BU 2009 recruit Justin Courtnall) with Santana assisting on the overtime game-winner.

The previous season, Santana played for Des Moines in the USHL, putting up a 10-26-36 scoring line. He is a product of the California Wave hockey club program along with 2009 recruit Max Nicastro.

The 2009 recruit class now has four forwards and three defensemen.

Gone camping

NHL development camps have begun with a number of incoming, current and former Terriers on the various rosters.

► Last week, Chris Higgins was at BlueJackets development camp after signing on with Columbus. He hopes to begin the season at Syracuse where Brian McGuirk and Dan Spang played last season.

►Another recent graduate, Jason Lawrence, is at Bruins camp where New England Hockey Journal and The Boston Herald looked in on his experience.

► Corey Trivino is participating in his second Islanders camp, where he’s a teammate of NHL top draft choice John Tavares.

► 2009 recruit Max Nicastro will attend his second Detroit Red Wings development camp.

► Brothers Vinny and Victor Saponari are at Atlanta Thrashers camp this week. Vinny appeared at the Thrashers’ fan draft party and signed autographs.

► Eric Gryba and Zach Cohen completed Ottawa Senators camp in style as members of the winning team in the Sens' 3-on-3 competition. Click on “Final Day” to see Cohen score the game-winner and Gryba display his fighting skills.

► Cohen also appears on the roster for Chicago Blackhawks development camp, which began Monday, as does ex-Terrier Boomer Ewing. He was the ECHL Rookie of the Year and a first team league all-star, following his 91-point season with the Wheeling Nailers.

► Colorado Avs camp has begun and Kevin Shattenkirk is on the roster.


► David Warofsky is attending St. Louis Blues camp.


► Grant Rollheiser is attending Toronto Maple Leafs camp.

Buddy Powers to join BU coaching staff

According to U.S. Hockey Report, Buddy Powers, a former Terrier and head coach at both RPI and Bowling Green, will join the BU coaching staff as an assistant coach. Powers played for BU between 1972 and 1975, including Jack Parker’s first season as the Terriers’ head coach. Most recently, he was Ice Arena Director for the BGSU Ice Arena and a play by play commentator for the Bowling Green Ice Hockey on The Buckeye Cable Sports Network. Details about his playing and coaching career are here.

Mike Bavis, who will enter his 12th season behind the BU bench, reportedly will become Associate Head Coach, succeeding David Quinn in that position.

Another ex-Terrier. Ken Rausch, a member of BU’s 1995 national championship team has a new coaching position. From USA Hockey:

Rausch Named Manager of Youth Hockey

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Ken Rausch (Boston, Mass.) has been named USA Hockey's manager of youth hockey. In his newly created position, Rausch will support the organization's youth programs and initiatives to further develop hockey in the United States.

Rausch spent the 2008-09 season as an assistant coach at Babson College, and served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Massachusetts Lowell from 2001-08.

Having coached at numerous USA Hockey Boys' Select Player Development Camps, Rausch was an assistant coach for the U.S. Under-18 Select Team at the 2004 and 2005 Junior World Cups (now Memorial of Ivan Hlinka). As a player, he was a four-year member of Boston University's men's ice hockey team.

Rausch, who began his duties this past Monday, will assist at the Player Development Camps this summer, and relocate to USA Hockey's National Office in early August.

►Chris Drury and Ryan Whitney have been invited to the U.S. Olympic orientation camp in Vancouver next week. USA Hockey announcement and full roster.

►Brian Strait’s three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins was officially announced.

►Former Terrier Adrian Aucoin, formerly with the Calgary Flames, signed a free-agent deal with the Phoenix Coyotes.