Sunday, August 17, 2025

UPDATED: 4-star Sam Pandolfo commits for 2027; Lawrence shines at the Hlinka-Gretzky

 

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To the surprise of no one, 2009-birthdate left wing Sam Pandolfo, son of Terrier head coach Jay Pandolfo, has committed to BU. The 6’4”, 196 lb.,  4-⭐️(Puck Preps) power forward joins his Rivers School teammates Freddy Meyer V and Carter Meyer in the 2027 recruit class. He's ranked 4.25-⭐️by NeutralZone.

Sam, who also is the nephew of 2001-02 Terrier co-captain Mike Pandolfo, made his announcement with an impressive, family-focused Instagram video just as Carter did last week.

Pandolfo and Carter Meyer, along with their longtime linemate Finn Sears, a recent BC commit, will skate for the NTDP U17s this season. All three have accelerated their schooling to become juniors, making them eligible to commit to NCAA schools. The trio had been inseparable since age 8, playing for the Boston Junior Eagles, which like Rivers, is coached by Freddy Meyer IV, with volunteer assistance from Terrier coach Pandolfo.

 

           Photo credit Brian Kelly/NEHJ 

Sam, whose profile is a hardworking skater who “incorporates a north/south game, protecting pucks well with quick hands to set the table for offensive opportunities,” produced a 10-27-38 scoring line in 28 games last season. As an eighth grader, he scored four goals and added 21 assists. 

New England Hockey Journal points out that "Pandolfo plays a responsible, 200-foot game. He can play center, but has primarily played the wing for the last two seasons." 

A year ago Pandolfo played in the World Selects Invitational 15U, and along with his Jr. Eagles teammates, he skated in the U.S. Nationals (14U and 15U) the past two seasons.

A PuckPreps feature on the trio noted:

At 6-foot-4 and 175 pounds, Sam Pandolfo brings a physical edge and a strong hockey pedigree to the line. The son of Boston University head coach Jay Pandolfo, Sam blends size, strength, and a growing offensive toolkit to round out what may be the most balanced forward group in prep hockey.

This past season, he recorded 10 goals and 37 points, anchoring the trio with a heavy, north-south power forward style of play that complemented Meyer’s scoring touch and Sears’ creativity. Pandolfo skates with purpose below the dots, winning puck battles, extending possessions, and creating space for his linemates.

That gritty, unselfish work has become Pandolfo’s trademark.

 Pandolfo is no stranger to scoring goals at Agganis Arena, potting this one last October during a Hockey Night in Boston game.

 

 


Just after April’s NTDP Evaluation Camp, NEHJ offered this assessment:

Pandolfo’s game was different from most other players at the camp. He did the little things well and was consistently making plays with his passing. He was physical, finishing every hit and taking intelligent routes to limit options for defensemen looking to make a breakout pass. His ability to thrive anywhere in the lineup, along with what he can be at his size, should get him on the team. And, most importantly, he had a very good camp.

● Elite Prospects Page     

● New England Hockey Journal Sam Pandolfo commits to BU (subscription) 

►Shortly after Sam's announcement, Carter Meyer issued a photo-and-video Twitter post featuring the two future Terriers and their dads.   

►►Reporting on BU's committing three Rivers School skaters, College Hockey Insider wrote:

Some eyebrows were raised when Carter didn’t commit right away. Early word was that he had multiple offers on the table — with NIL and revenue-share opportunities part of the equation — before ultimately choosing BU. In the end, the Terriers won the recruiting battle. 

CHI also declared that BU had the best transfer portal results among Hockey East schools:

Sacha Boisvert, a 2024 Chicago first-round pick, was one of the top rookies in the country last year (32 points in 37 games) and should be even better in year two. The Terriers also picked up Owen McLaughlin (30 points for UND last season), a Flyers draft pick. That’s two legitimate top-six forwards added to an already loaded lineup. 

►Rising sophomore Cole Eiserman never stops working on his shot, which made him the top rookie goal-scorer in the nation last season.

  ►Dobber Hockey's advice for fantasy enthusiasts on a certain future NHL goalie.

Mikhail Yegorov, G – New Jersey Devils

Yegorov emerged as one of the more intriguing goalie prospects over the past season. He began in the USHL with Omaha, posting solid numbers but struggling for team success. Midway through the year, he made the jump to BU and it paid off immediately as he delivered highlight-reel saves and pushed the Terriers to reach the national title game. While the New Jersey Devils currently have established goaltending, Yegorov projects as a future NHL starter capable of carrying a team through high-pressure situations. Yegorov is a long-term stash rather than an immediate contributor. He offers high upside in wins, save percentage, and goals-against metrics for managers willing to wait.

Bubble Keeper Status: Long-Term Keep

Looking ahead

The only Terrier recruit to participate in the just-completed Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, won by Team USA, was Tynan Lawrence who centered Canada's top line and was a top performer. His talent was particularly on display in Canada's shootout loss to the U.S. in the semifinals. He was a force driving the offense, scored a key goal in the third period, won critical face offs and, after the score was tied, he nearly won it with sparkling plays in the final minutes of regulation and overtime. 

SportsNet.ca reports that Lawrence is returning to USHL Muskegon, whom he led to the Clark Cup tile last season, and has been named team captain.

Lawrence figures to be drafted before he goes to Boston U — many project him as a top-10 pick next year — but the comparisons to Celebrini could start in Beantown if he enjoys similar success there.

"I've always been decided on Boston. Even before the rule change, I wanted to go there," Lawrence said.

"... They've (worked) with a lot of high-end players. They know how to develop their players and get them ready for the next level."

At Muskegon, he and fellow 2026 recruit Viktor Norringer will be mentored by new assistant coach—and three-time Stanley Cup winner Pat Maroon

UPDATE:

Today, The Athletic posted an early ranking for the 2026 NHL Draft with Lawrence pegged at #5. Fellow 2026 recruits Luke Schairer, Yegor Shilov and Braidy Wassilyn were honorable mentions.

Lawrence has a natural release, getting pucks off his stick quickly after an intentional move to the inside or a pass into his catch-and-release. He’s a really good skater who plays with pace and made plays off the rush last year as well as inside the offensive zone. He plays pucks into space really well and wants to take play to the slot. He moves into the middle of the ice and stays around the action. He works off of the puck to track and is committed to playing defence. He’s got quick hands and plus-level feel for the game offensively. He protects it really well out wide to his body and can drive the net. He just plays the right way, is smart and talented, supports pucks and teammates well, has great instincts on both sides of the puck and drives play as a center. He’s an excellent young player. 

Another 2026 recruit, 6'1" forward Rian Chudzinski, has headed North to play for Moncton in the QMJHL, after leading Dexter Southfield to the NEPAC Elite 8 championship game.  


2027 recruit Freddy Meyer V showed off some slick moves at Quebec Remparts camp.    

 

Looking back

With just a month until teams open training camps, Matt Grzelcyk remains an unsigned, unrestricted free agent, following a career-best season in Pittsburgh ( points). The Hockey News suggests three likely landing spots: Calgary, Colorado and Chicago, where Alex Vlasic has established himself as one of the team's best blueliners.

● TheHockeyNews.com  Three Teams That Could Use UFA Matt Grzelcyk 

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