Numbers
The Colorado Avalanche –aka BU West—have announced roster numbers for the upcoming training camp. Brandon Yip, who led NHL rookies is goals per game last year wearing #59, will now pull on #18, his BU number—also the number worn at BU and for the Avs by Chris Drury. Kevin Shattenkirk, given a good chance to earn an Avs roster spot, is #8, Colby Cohen wears #36, Zach Cohen is #15 and David Van der Gulik (photo), a free agent signee, also secured his BU number, 7.
A well-meaning Avs blogger posted images of the players' sweaters but apparently thinks VDG’s middle name is Vander. Rookies report Sept 12 and veterans Sept 17. First year pros. Avs' Returnees.
► The Terriers will open 2011 in Chicago, skating in the Shillelagh Tournament on Jan.1 & 2. They'll opposeMankato State and either host Notre Dame or Brown. Ticket information.
► Hockeysfuture.com has updated its ranking of Dallas Stars' prospects and sophomore Alex Chiasson is slotted at #4.
Hot !
Nieto also found himself on this week's The Hockey News' Hot List of RDO camp participants, ranked #4.
4. Matt Nieto, LW – U.S. NTDP (USHL)
Talk to California kids and they’ll all name-drop Nieto as one to watch in the future. Based on his work at the R&D camp, it’s no surprise. Nieto is a very slick customer with speed and offensive smarts. He played on a line with fellow Cali export Shane McColgan and was dangerous all game long. He’s bound for Boston University. Draft eligible in 2011.
The previous week's Hot List rated the top performers at the recent Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament, with 2011 recruit Cason Hohmann, top scorer for the U.S. Select 17 team, in the #3 spot.
3. Cason Hohmann, C – Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL)
Undersized at 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds, Hohmann hasn’t let his frame become an issue yet. The playmaking pivot led Team USA in scoring at the Ivan Hlinka with six points in five games and can stickhandle like a demon. He’s committed to Boston University in the future. Draft eligible in 2011.
Looking back
All-American forward and captain of BU's 1971 national champions Steve Stirling has been named an assistant coach for the Ottawa Senators' AHL affiliate in Binghamton. Stirling, who was head coach of the NHL Islanders for a year and half, most recently coached the Iserlohn Roosters of the German elite hockey league (DEL). Stirling also has coached NCAA hockey with Providence College and Babson College.
Another former Terrier captain, Pete MacArthur, also is on the move. A three-time Hockey East All-Star who is #18 on the all-time BU scoring list (64-83-147), MacArthur signed on with Phoenix's AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, after spending the past two seasons with the Rockford IceDog.
Women's team well represented in Lake Placid
You can be sure that BU Women's Team Coach Brian Durocher, assisting with the U.S. U-18 team in Lake Placid, was also keeping tabs on the U-22 games between the U.S. and Canada with five of his skaters taking part. Canada swept the series with hattricks by transfer Jenn Wakefield and freshman Marie-Philip Poulin pacing the game two and game three wins.