Saturday, February 17, 2007
Recruiting News
Avon Old Farms’ forward and 2007 recruit Nick Bonino was named first team Prep West All-Star. He’s fifth in prep scoring with 19-33-52.... 2008 recruit Andrew Glass, who has missed much of the current Nobles season with injuries, had a goal and an assist last night in a 5-2 loss to Belmont Hill....Cushing's David Warsofsky is ninth in prep scoring with 45 points... Camrose Kodiaks forward Mike Connolly, who had BU as one of his final three college choices, has committed to Minnesota-Duluth.
The photo
One month from today, there will be a new---or, let’s hope, a repeat—Hockey East champion. And that means that the superb photo of John Curry hoisting the Lamoriello Trophy that greets visitors to the Hockey East Online Web site will be replaced. If you collect photos of BU milestones, that’s one to save before it’s gone.
Friday, February 16, 2007
TGIF
It’s not just Terrier fans who think John Curry should be a Hobey Baker Award winner--certainly a finalist. Curry’s MVP and record-setting Beanpot performance has vaulted him to the top of the INCH Hobey Tracker. INCH's weekly podcast devotes considerable time to Curry's performance and his chances of winning the Hobey. USCHO writer Scott Weighart also casts his votes for the Terrier netminder to be a finalist.
And speaking of the Hobey Baker Award, if you want to own the latest in college hockey collectibles, a minature Hobey can be yours for just $195 plus shipping.
A good read from CSTV.com Rink Rat Elliott Olshansky on the strong defenses and goaltending throughout Hockey East.
Blog readers in the New York/New Jersey area are in for a rare treat as both games against UNH are being televised locally--depending upon your cable provider. SportsNet New York will carry tonight's NESN broadcast and CN8 Atlantic Region is carrying tomorrow game which also is on CN8 New England.
USHR reported today on the ice hockey results at this year's Asian Games. Kazakhstan, which played in last year’s Olympics, squeezed past Thailand….by a 52-1 margin, outshooting the Thais by a 91-7 count. The Kazakhis then roughed up United Arab Emirates, 38-0, and China 17-1. But the steamroller busted a gear in the semis and was upset by Japan, 3-2.
The answer to the trivia question about Darryl Abbott's distinction (see Looking Back-BU-Cornell 2OT Tie) is that he was the only Terrier hockey player to also serve as student body president (at least according to my sources).
Without looking at the BU stats online, which players currently rank first and second on the team in +/- ?
And speaking of the Hobey Baker Award, if you want to own the latest in college hockey collectibles, a minature Hobey can be yours for just $195 plus shipping.
A good read from CSTV.com Rink Rat Elliott Olshansky on the strong defenses and goaltending throughout Hockey East.
Blog readers in the New York/New Jersey area are in for a rare treat as both games against UNH are being televised locally--depending upon your cable provider. SportsNet New York will carry tonight's NESN broadcast and CN8 Atlantic Region is carrying tomorrow game which also is on CN8 New England.
USHR reported today on the ice hockey results at this year's Asian Games. Kazakhstan, which played in last year’s Olympics, squeezed past Thailand….by a 52-1 margin, outshooting the Thais by a 91-7 count. The Kazakhis then roughed up United Arab Emirates, 38-0, and China 17-1. But the steamroller busted a gear in the semis and was upset by Japan, 3-2.
The answer to the trivia question about Darryl Abbott's distinction (see Looking Back-BU-Cornell 2OT Tie) is that he was the only Terrier hockey player to also serve as student body president (at least according to my sources).
Without looking at the BU stats online, which players currently rank first and second on the team in +/- ?
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
A Selke for Pandolfo?
At BU, he was a Hobey Baker finalist, a dynamic offensive player who found the net 38 times his senior year and added 29 assists. He was a weapon on defense, too, once recording a short handed hattrick against Northeastern.
In ten pro seasons, however, Jay Pandolfo’s contributions have been concentrated on the defensive side of the puck. Together with former Michigan Wolverine John Madden—his nemesis in the 1996 NCAA semifinal—Pando gives the Devils the NHL’s best penalty-killing duo. At full strength, he generally finds himself covering each opponent’s best right wing. Madden has received more recognition in the past, but now Pandolfo is being discussed as a potential Selke Award winner. NHL.com offers a profile of the Winchester native, including a mention of how Jack Parker still uses Jay’s career evolution in his recruiting efforts.
In ten pro seasons, however, Jay Pandolfo’s contributions have been concentrated on the defensive side of the puck. Together with former Michigan Wolverine John Madden—his nemesis in the 1996 NCAA semifinal—Pando gives the Devils the NHL’s best penalty-killing duo. At full strength, he generally finds himself covering each opponent’s best right wing. Madden has received more recognition in the past, but now Pandolfo is being discussed as a potential Selke Award winner. NHL.com offers a profile of the Winchester native, including a mention of how Jack Parker still uses Jay’s career evolution in his recruiting efforts.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Update on BU Recruits
Two future Terriers have been putting up impressive numbers in the New England prep hockey leagues this season. Nick Bonino, a senior at Avon Old Farms, who arrives at BU next fall, is now fifth in prep scoring with an 18-33-51 line, coming off a 4-point effort against Gunnery. 2008 recruit David Warsofsky of Cushing Academy is the top scoring prep defenseman with 15-30-45. Two of Warsofsky's teammates, forwards Matt White and Ryan Bourque, who have made unofficial visits to BU, are among the top scorers, too. White has 55 points and Bourque, just a sophmore, has 43.
Linkorama
For the first time, the Terrier Hockey Fan Blog offers a an article about a fan, perhaps the most recognized BU fans in recent years, Brian Sive, a/k/a Sasquatch. His story is featured in the Boston Globe...The Herald looks beyond Jack Parker’s on-ice coaching achievements to assess his ability to handle crises involving severe injuries to players, focusing on the assault on three Terrier seniors in December...The Globe’s Jim McCabe examined the decreasing number of goals scored in college hockey games, with Coach Parker and former Terrier 30-goal scorers David Silk and Terry Meagher quoted. Parker has gone on the record before advocating that the size of the goal be increased. That opinion was seconded recently on SI.com by veteran writer E.M. Swift, co-author of Travis Roy’s “Eleven Seconds” and a former collegiate goalie at Princeton...In the just completed Five Nations Tournament in the Czech Republic (See “Looking Ahead—Captain Clutch,” below), there was a new face on the Team U.S.A. roster. Vinny Saponari, a winger from Georgia, was called up from the U17s. Saponari who is squarely on the radar of BU recruiters was the subject of this weeks USA Hockey NTDP feature...With Ryan Whitney, Brooks Orpik, Rob Scuderi, Dominic Wilson and Noah Welch on its roster, the Pittsburgh Penguins boast the most former Beanpot participants of any NHL team, but it was young superstar Sidney Crosby who was the focus in an nhl.com story on the Beanpot.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Looking Forward—Captain Clutch
Readers of this blog know that 2007 BU recruit Kevin Shattenkirk is an elite talent, an exceptional offensive defenseman and a recognized leader. Over the past few days, he’s proven he knows how to produce in the clutch. Shattenkirk, the U18s’ captain, scored game-winners against both Sweden and Russia in consecutive games of the Five Nations Tournament in the Czech Republic. The U.S. squad won all four games against its international opponents, also beating Finland and the host Czechs. The last three wins were all by 3-2 margins and all went beyond regulation.
In Thursday win over Sweden, Shattenkirk scored in overtime. The next day, against Russia, the game went to a shootout and the future Terrier blueliner was the only goal-scorer. USA Coach Ron Rolston was right on the money calling his captain “a terrific offensive defenseman with a lot of skill that can be a difference-maker in hockey games.”
Colin Wilson, who had two goals and three assists in the tournament, also delivered a clutch goal for Team USA, scoring with 28 seconds left in the third period to bring the U.S. even with Finland before UNH recruit James Van Riemsdyk scored in overtime.
International Scouting Service has ranked Shattenkirk 24th for next June’s NHL draft. McKeen’s has him at 17th, while NHL Central ranks him 13th among North Americans.
A few online articles about Shattenkirk: USA Hockey East Coast Selects
In Thursday win over Sweden, Shattenkirk scored in overtime. The next day, against Russia, the game went to a shootout and the future Terrier blueliner was the only goal-scorer. USA Coach Ron Rolston was right on the money calling his captain “a terrific offensive defenseman with a lot of skill that can be a difference-maker in hockey games.”
Colin Wilson, who had two goals and three assists in the tournament, also delivered a clutch goal for Team USA, scoring with 28 seconds left in the third period to bring the U.S. even with Finland before UNH recruit James Van Riemsdyk scored in overtime.
International Scouting Service has ranked Shattenkirk 24th for next June’s NHL draft. McKeen’s has him at 17th, while NHL Central ranks him 13th among North Americans.
A few online articles about Shattenkirk: USA Hockey East Coast Selects
Looking Back: The '66 BU-Cornell 2OT Tie
Thanks to Hurl82, we have the Ithaca Journal's account of the Dec. 1966 double-overtime tie with Cornell mentioned in the "Sister Kissers" post below.
"Who is number one in Eastern college hockey?
The question wasn't settled here Friday night, as unbeaten Cornell and Boston University battled through two overtime periods to a 3-3 tie before a capacity crowd of 5,450 in the climax of the Boston Arena Christmas Tournament.
Both teams were near exhaustion during the two extra 10-minute sessions. The teams, both now 11-0-1, battled evenly throughout. They probably won't meet again until the ECACchampionships at Boston Garden in March.
The goalkeeping by Cornell's Ken Dryden and Boston's Wayne Ryan, who shared the Most Valuable Player award, was superlative, with Dryden having 40 saves and Ryan 32.
Cornell shut out the East's top-scoring line of BU sophomores Mickey Gray, Serge Boiley and Herb Wakabayashi in a sterling defensive effort.
Defensemen had two goals for both teams. Cornell had two apparent first period goals disallowed, and hit the post several times, but BU held its own in all respects, particularly in the late going.
Cornell had a wide edge in territorial play in a penalty-marred first period, but the Terriers capitalized on their opportunities and thwarted theBig Red's power plays.Harry Orr, on a pass from Mike Doran, scored at 2:13 with BU two men down to put Cornell ahead, 1-0.The Big Red was a man down when Jim Quinn scored the equalizer at 6:35 on a feed from Fred Bassi.
TheTerriers went ahead, 2-1, at 19:29 with Cornell two men down, on Brian Gilmour's slapshot. In the first period Cornell was two men up for 3:22and one man up for 1:56, but managed just one goal. BU was two men up for 28 seconds and one man up for 1:19, but scored two goals. Cornell's two disallowed goals were by Mike Doran, on a deflection of a Bruce Pattison slapshot, and by Pete Tufford, but officials ruled that Cornell players near the cage had raised their sticks higher than the allowed limit. Cornell exploded early in the second period with two quick goals on slapshots by Bob Ferguson from 20 feet at 1:14 and Skip Stanowski from 35 feet at 2:15. Ryan got a glove on both shots but they trickled into thenet and Cornell went ahead, 3-2.
Dryden's brilliant goaltending kept Cornell ahead in the second period and well into the third as both teams, playing their third game in as many days, tired visibly in the late stages. BU tied the score at 15:22, with the Terriers down one man, when defenseman Darrel Abbott drove in on a solo rush to beat Dryden and make it 3-3. Seconds earlier, Bob Ferguson and Stanowski had hit the pipe with 15-footers.
Cornell blitzed the Terrier goal in the last minute ofthe third period but couldn't score.Cornell had the edge in the first three minutes of the first overtime with Ryan making a sensational save on Doran from in close, but BU outskated the Big Red over the last seven minutes. Dryden had brilliant saves on Boiley and Bill Hinch late in the period. In the second overtime, both teams struggled to mount an attack and failed to threaten seriously.
The two head coaches, BU's Jack Kelley and Cornell's Ned Harkness, agreed to play the unprecedented secondovertime period and agreed that would be all.
"I thought we played excellently and that we shouldhave won," Harkness said in a silent Cornell dressing room. "You bet your life we still think we're No. 1,"he added.
Harvard won the first game over Northeastern, 5-4,also in overtime.
Note: The officials were Giles Threadgold and Bill Cleary(yes, THAT Bill Cleary)
Trivia: What distinction does Darryl Abbott have among all BU hockey players?
"Who is number one in Eastern college hockey?
The question wasn't settled here Friday night, as unbeaten Cornell and Boston University battled through two overtime periods to a 3-3 tie before a capacity crowd of 5,450 in the climax of the Boston Arena Christmas Tournament.
Both teams were near exhaustion during the two extra 10-minute sessions. The teams, both now 11-0-1, battled evenly throughout. They probably won't meet again until the ECACchampionships at Boston Garden in March.
The goalkeeping by Cornell's Ken Dryden and Boston's Wayne Ryan, who shared the Most Valuable Player award, was superlative, with Dryden having 40 saves and Ryan 32.
Cornell shut out the East's top-scoring line of BU sophomores Mickey Gray, Serge Boiley and Herb Wakabayashi in a sterling defensive effort.
Defensemen had two goals for both teams. Cornell had two apparent first period goals disallowed, and hit the post several times, but BU held its own in all respects, particularly in the late going.
Cornell had a wide edge in territorial play in a penalty-marred first period, but the Terriers capitalized on their opportunities and thwarted theBig Red's power plays.Harry Orr, on a pass from Mike Doran, scored at 2:13 with BU two men down to put Cornell ahead, 1-0.The Big Red was a man down when Jim Quinn scored the equalizer at 6:35 on a feed from Fred Bassi.
TheTerriers went ahead, 2-1, at 19:29 with Cornell two men down, on Brian Gilmour's slapshot. In the first period Cornell was two men up for 3:22and one man up for 1:56, but managed just one goal. BU was two men up for 28 seconds and one man up for 1:19, but scored two goals. Cornell's two disallowed goals were by Mike Doran, on a deflection of a Bruce Pattison slapshot, and by Pete Tufford, but officials ruled that Cornell players near the cage had raised their sticks higher than the allowed limit. Cornell exploded early in the second period with two quick goals on slapshots by Bob Ferguson from 20 feet at 1:14 and Skip Stanowski from 35 feet at 2:15. Ryan got a glove on both shots but they trickled into thenet and Cornell went ahead, 3-2.
Dryden's brilliant goaltending kept Cornell ahead in the second period and well into the third as both teams, playing their third game in as many days, tired visibly in the late stages. BU tied the score at 15:22, with the Terriers down one man, when defenseman Darrel Abbott drove in on a solo rush to beat Dryden and make it 3-3. Seconds earlier, Bob Ferguson and Stanowski had hit the pipe with 15-footers.
Cornell blitzed the Terrier goal in the last minute ofthe third period but couldn't score.Cornell had the edge in the first three minutes of the first overtime with Ryan making a sensational save on Doran from in close, but BU outskated the Big Red over the last seven minutes. Dryden had brilliant saves on Boiley and Bill Hinch late in the period. In the second overtime, both teams struggled to mount an attack and failed to threaten seriously.
The two head coaches, BU's Jack Kelley and Cornell's Ned Harkness, agreed to play the unprecedented secondovertime period and agreed that would be all.
"I thought we played excellently and that we shouldhave won," Harkness said in a silent Cornell dressing room. "You bet your life we still think we're No. 1,"he added.
Harvard won the first game over Northeastern, 5-4,also in overtime.
Note: The officials were Giles Threadgold and Bill Cleary(yes, THAT Bill Cleary)
Trivia: What distinction does Darryl Abbott have among all BU hockey players?
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Sister-kissers
The eight ties thus far this season have frustrated BU fans as well as the coaches and players since most of those games were very winnable. Two came against last-place Lowell. If BU registers one more tie this season, it will equal the school’s all-time record of nine in 2003-04.
In the ten years that Jack Kelley coached the Terriers (‘62-‘63 through ‘71-‘72), they played just eight ties in 294 games (2.7%) By comparison, during the Parker era, BU has played 92 ties in 1,232 games (7.5%)
BU’s longest streak of games without a tie? 100 tie-less games covering more than three years during the Kelley stewardship. After tying New Brunswick twice to open the ‘63-‘64 season (games against Canadian school were not exhibitions at the time), the Terriers played their remaining 22 games without a tie that season. The ‘64-’65 season (25-6-0) and ’65-’66 season (27-8-0) were played without any ties, nor were there any deadlocks in the first twelve games of the ’66-’67 season. The streak ended with the most famous tie in BU hockey history: a double-overtime tie with Cornell (anchored by Ken Dryden) in the Boston Arena Christmas Tournament on December 30. It was the only tie that season (25-5-1) which concluded when BU and Cornell met for the NCAA title. The Big Red won that one, 4-1.
In the ten years that Jack Kelley coached the Terriers (‘62-‘63 through ‘71-‘72), they played just eight ties in 294 games (2.7%) By comparison, during the Parker era, BU has played 92 ties in 1,232 games (7.5%)
BU’s longest streak of games without a tie? 100 tie-less games covering more than three years during the Kelley stewardship. After tying New Brunswick twice to open the ‘63-‘64 season (games against Canadian school were not exhibitions at the time), the Terriers played their remaining 22 games without a tie that season. The ‘64-’65 season (25-6-0) and ’65-’66 season (27-8-0) were played without any ties, nor were there any deadlocks in the first twelve games of the ’66-’67 season. The streak ended with the most famous tie in BU hockey history: a double-overtime tie with Cornell (anchored by Ken Dryden) in the Boston Arena Christmas Tournament on December 30. It was the only tie that season (25-5-1) which concluded when BU and Cornell met for the NCAA title. The Big Red won that one, 4-1.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Live Chat with Jack Parker
Here's your chance to ask Jack the questions that have been gnawing at your gut during this often-frustrating season. Live chat on CSTV.com begins Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 1 PM E.T.
Linkorama
Ex-Terrier and current NTDP U17 coach John Hynes has been named head coach of the U.S. squad for the 2008 World Junior Championships. Jack Parker was WJC coach in 1996...Future Terrier Colby Cohen scored a goal in the West’s 9-3 win over the East in the U.S.H.L. all-star game last week. A pregame article in the Waterloo Sioux Falls Courier mentions Cohen as a player scouts would be watching: “Scouts from every NHL team will be on hand in hopes of finding the next USHL gem. It could be Sioux City forward Max Pacioretty. Defensemen Nick Petrecki of Omaha and Colby Cohen of Lincoln also have scouts drooling.” Cohen was ranked #27 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting last month. Following his 10th goal of the season for Lincoln, this past weekend, hee is currently the highest scoring USHL defenseman with 11-25-36 in 30 games...Colin Wilson scored three assists and Kevin Shattenkirk had two helpers in the NTDP U18s final game before leaving for this week's Four Nations Tournament in the Czech Republic. Wilson is second on the team in scoring with a 19-25-44 line. Shattenkirk is the top-scoring blueliner with 23 points.
Interesting reads
College Hockey News looks at a possible return to college hockey for Dean Blais and a number of possible destinations...The Boston Globe recently examined the increasing role of regional junior leagues in player development...The New Haven Register looked at early plans for a Beanpot-like tournament in Connecticut with UConn, Yale, Quinnipiac and Sacred Heart participating.
In case you missed it....Chris Drury scored a highlight reel goal Saturday night in the Sabres 3-2 loss to the Devils. Driving to the net on goalie Martin Brodeur's left side, Drury faked a shot to pull the ace netminder out of position, then circled the net for a wraparound goal. It was Chris' 30th goal of the season, equaling his career high set last season...Ryan Whitney scored his 10th of the season last night and now is 9th in the league in scoring by defensemen.
Interesting reads
College Hockey News looks at a possible return to college hockey for Dean Blais and a number of possible destinations...The Boston Globe recently examined the increasing role of regional junior leagues in player development...The New Haven Register looked at early plans for a Beanpot-like tournament in Connecticut with UConn, Yale, Quinnipiac and Sacred Heart participating.
In case you missed it....Chris Drury scored a highlight reel goal Saturday night in the Sabres 3-2 loss to the Devils. Driving to the net on goalie Martin Brodeur's left side, Drury faked a shot to pull the ace netminder out of position, then circled the net for a wraparound goal. It was Chris' 30th goal of the season, equaling his career high set last season...Ryan Whitney scored his 10th of the season last night and now is 9th in the league in scoring by defensemen.
Beanpot
The Free Press reports that Tom Morrow and Eric Thomassian will return to the lineup tonight as BU takes on Northeastern in the Beanpot opener...Check out a fabulous team photo on the cover page of the BU game notes...The Boston Globe's pre-game coverage include a feature on senior Tom Morrow... New England Hockey Journal offers a feature on Kenny Roche.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Linkorama
Let's begin with a few pre-Beanpot stories. Today's Boston Globe looks at the role John Curry has played for the team as "emotional savior" as well as ace netminder....INCH's weekly Hockey East column looks back at the old Boston Garden as the Beanpot's venue. The column also points out that a Canadian dish network has picked up the games and will broadcast the tournament throughout Canada... The Boston Herald's coverage reports that Clark Donatelli was guest speaker at the Beanpot press luncheon, which, as always, was punctuated by Jack Parker's one-liners.
Ex-Terrier and current NTDP U17 coach John Hynes has been named head coach of the U.S. squad for the 2008 World Junior Championships. Jack Parker was WJC coach in 1996...Future Terrier Colby Cohen scored a goal Tuesday night in the West’s 9-3 win over the East in the U.S.H.L. all-star game. A pregame article in the Waterloo Sioux Falls Courier mentioned Cohen as a player scouts would be watching: “Scouts from every NHL team will be on hand in hopes of finding the next USHL gem. It could be Sioux City forward Max Pacioretty. Defensemen Nick Petrecki of Omaha and Colby Cohen of Lincoln also have scouts drooling.” Cohen was ranked #27 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting last month...When 2008 goal prospect Kieran Millan visited Agganis Arena last Friday night, he was joined by 2007 recruits Colin Wilson and Kevin Shattenkirk, both of the NTDP U18 team, which leaves Sunday for a Four Nations tournament in the Czech Republic.
Interesting reads
College Hockey News looks at a possible return to college hockey for Dean Blais and a number of possible destinations....The Globe examines the increasing role of regional junior leagues in player development.
Ex-Terrier and current NTDP U17 coach John Hynes has been named head coach of the U.S. squad for the 2008 World Junior Championships. Jack Parker was WJC coach in 1996...Future Terrier Colby Cohen scored a goal Tuesday night in the West’s 9-3 win over the East in the U.S.H.L. all-star game. A pregame article in the Waterloo Sioux Falls Courier mentioned Cohen as a player scouts would be watching: “Scouts from every NHL team will be on hand in hopes of finding the next USHL gem. It could be Sioux City forward Max Pacioretty. Defensemen Nick Petrecki of Omaha and Colby Cohen of Lincoln also have scouts drooling.” Cohen was ranked #27 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting last month...When 2008 goal prospect Kieran Millan visited Agganis Arena last Friday night, he was joined by 2007 recruits Colin Wilson and Kevin Shattenkirk, both of the NTDP U18 team, which leaves Sunday for a Four Nations tournament in the Czech Republic.
Interesting reads
College Hockey News looks at a possible return to college hockey for Dean Blais and a number of possible destinations....The Globe examines the increasing role of regional junior leagues in player development.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Jack and Toot
Today's Boston Herald reported on this tongue-in-cheek exchange following Saturday's 3-3 comeback tie with UMass.
During that same postgame interview, Parker spotted UMass coach Don Cahoon in the back of the room waiting for his turn at the podium.
“That game obviously should have been in the bag for UMass if they had any kind of coaching at all,” quipped Parker as he glanced toward his former assistant.
When Cahoon got his chance, the ex-Terrier said, “He’s my mentor. . . . He’s so overrated!”
During that same postgame interview, Parker spotted UMass coach Don Cahoon in the back of the room waiting for his turn at the podium.
“That game obviously should have been in the bag for UMass if they had any kind of coaching at all,” quipped Parker as he glanced toward his former assistant.
When Cahoon got his chance, the ex-Terrier said, “He’s my mentor. . . . He’s so overrated!”
Friday, January 26, 2007
Recruit in for a visit
2008 prospect Kieran Millan, a standout goalie for the Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL, is visiting BU and should be at tonight's game at Agganis Arena. Millan returns to Alberta this weekend to participate in the league all-star game.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Hattrick Corey
Two weeks ago Corey Trivino marked his 17th birthday with a 2 goal, 3 assist game for Stouffville/OPJHL. Perhaps his coaches put birthday cake on the menu again tonight as Trivino registered his first hattrick of the season and, for good measure, assisted on the game-winner in the Spirit’s 6-5 come from behind win over Ajax, 6-4. Trivino now has 23-33-56 in 45 games, and 8-6-14 in his past 5 games for the streaking Spirit.
2007 recruit Nick Bonino continues to lead Avon Old Farms in scoring and added 3 goals and 5 assists in three games this past week. His 16-24-40 line in 17 games puts him 6th in the New England Prep scoring race.
2007 recruit Nick Bonino continues to lead Avon Old Farms in scoring and added 3 goals and 5 assists in three games this past week. His 16-24-40 line in 17 games puts him 6th in the New England Prep scoring race.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Laliberte earns ECHL All-Star honors
The transition from college to pro hockey started slowly for John Laliberte. The team that drafted him, Vancouver, didn’t offer a contract, nor did Colorado after Laliberte had a decent free agent tryout. He landed in Trenton, a franchise that has always been friendly to college players, and just completed a strong first half that took him to the ECHL all-star game, where he joined another ex-Terrier, Ken Magowan, now skating for the Toledo Storm. New England Hockey Journal tracks John's progress.
Updated access to tonight's BU-BC game
Can’t get a ticket to tomorrow night’s BU-BC game at Conte? You can watch online using the ACC Select Service. You can buy a single game for $3.99 or take a 15-day free trial for the service....Another way to follow the game is through a live blog that INCH's Hockey East Writer
Jeff Howe will run throughout the game from Conte Forum. .. And, as always, you can listen live to Bernie Corbett and Tom Ryan's play-by-play on the radio or online. The BU site also links to CSTV's game tracker.
Friday night's rematch at Agganis is on NESN in New England and SportsNet New York in the New York Metro area.
Jeff Howe will run throughout the game from Conte Forum. .. And, as always, you can listen live to Bernie Corbett and Tom Ryan's play-by-play on the radio or online. The BU site also links to CSTV's game tracker.
Friday night's rematch at Agganis is on NESN in New England and SportsNet New York in the New York Metro area.
Transcript of John Curry's CSTV.com chat
All-American goalie John Curry discussed the Terriers' need for a strong second half without peaking too soon as well as his appreciation for the support of BU fans in an online chat held earlier today on CSTV.com .
Saturday, January 20, 2007
We've got the horse right here...
His name is Aces Marks and this three-year old colt was named by his Ottawa Senators scout owner, Lew Mongelluzzo, in remembrance of Mark Bavis and Ace Bailey. Details in an NHL.com feature.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Nobles Winger Joins 2008 Recruit Class
.jpg)
The second forward in BU's 2008 class is Nobles' LW Andrew Glass who verballed earlier this week. A 5-11, 180 lb junior left wing from Wrentham, Mass, he joins joins Corey Trivino and David Warsofsky in the 2008 recruit class. Glass had a strong sophomore season at Nobles, scoring 15-24-39, but injuries have limited him this season. Prior to the current prep season, he played for the Little Bruins (Jr. Bruins organization) and had 7-8-15 in 12 games.USHR reports that "Glass is a smooth skater who moves the puck quickly and accurately – and he keeps his feet moving while doing so." Other scouting comments:
--"...his skating is his best asset...great edges and control...excellent puck skills...smart with the puck...offensive creativity"
--"really clever, nice hands, strong puck skills, has to get physically stronger, but all kids do!"
Glass played in 2006 Select 17 tournament and had 4-1-5 in five games. He also participated in the in 2005 Select 16 and 2004 Select 15, and was invited to 2005 NTDP tryout camp.
BU and Harvard were the finalists for Glass, who was ranked #110 by Central Scouting for N. American skaters. BC and Providence recruited him, too.
Trivia Answer
Question: Besides Ferullo, which four players have worn uniform number 1 since 1990?
goterriers came up with two of them--Stephen Siwiec and Scott Cashman. The other two were a bit more obscure. During the 98-99 season, the team's third goalie was David Magid, who never skated in a game. If I recall correctly, he transferred to a D3 school. The fourth goalie was Ian Arrougheti, who was a practice squad goalie during the 97-98 season when BU had just two netminders, Tom Noble and Michel Larocque, on the roster. When Noble suffered a leg injury, Arrougheti dressed as the backup to Larocque for several games and, like Magid, did not get into a game. Googling Magid reveales little information, but Arrrougheti is still actively stopping pucks in a Southern California adult league.
goterriers came up with two of them--Stephen Siwiec and Scott Cashman. The other two were a bit more obscure. During the 98-99 season, the team's third goalie was David Magid, who never skated in a game. If I recall correctly, he transferred to a D3 school. The fourth goalie was Ian Arrougheti, who was a practice squad goalie during the 97-98 season when BU had just two netminders, Tom Noble and Michel Larocque, on the roster. When Noble suffered a leg injury, Arrougheti dressed as the backup to Larocque for several games and, like Magid, did not get into a game. Googling Magid reveales little information, but Arrrougheti is still actively stopping pucks in a Southern California adult league.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Kudos
Beyond the four points earned in Orono, BU’s sweep of Maine last weekend brought individual and team honors to the Terriers. Hockey East named John Curry Defensive Player of the Week and standout first-year defenseman Brian Strait was recognized as Rookie of the Week. Inside College Hockey chose Peter MacArthur as its Player of the Week and College Hockey News designated the Terriers as its team of the week in an article full of quotes from MacArthur.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Looking back
Think back to BU's last national championship team in 1995. The netminding chores, you'll recall, were shared by senior Derek Herlofsky and freshman Tom Noble. But who was the Terriers third goalie? It was Shawn Ferullo, who played just 55 minutes in eight games during his career. Today, Ferullo, a family physician in South Boston, is one of three former BU athletes who became physicians and now are involved with BU sports again, as described in the current edition of Bostonia.
Terrier trivia: besides Ferullo, which four players have worn uniform number 1 since 1990? We'll post the answer later this week.
Terrier trivia: besides Ferullo, which four players have worn uniform number 1 since 1990? We'll post the answer later this week.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Looking forward
Cushing Academy sophomore and BU recruit David Warsofsky is considered one of the top players in New England prep hockey and perhaps the best defenseman. Warsofsky, who turned down an invitation to join the NTDP U17s was the subject of a recent feature in New England Hockey Journal. When Warsofsky verballed to BU this past summer, USHR reported: "Warsofsky, in our opinion the most skilled defenseman in prep hockey last winter – and that as a ninth grader – is scheduled to enter BU in the fall of ’09, but look for him to accelerate his studies and arrive on Agganis Way in the fall of ’08.
"Warsofsky, who’s 5’9” and 155 lbs., is a native of North Marshfield, Mass. Last season, in 37 games with the Penguins, Warsofsky had an 8-26-34 scoring line, making him one of the top-scoring defensemen in prep hockey.
"Warsofsky is small, but he has excellent mobility, an excellent stick, and he sees the ice uncommonly well. He can thread the needle with his passes – a high number of them are exceptional. He has poise a-plenty. When he’s running the power play for the Terriers in a few years, those high-priced seats in the new arena will be worth every penny. He’s just a fun player to watch."
Following a Labor Day weekend midget tournament in which Warsofsky played for the GBL Jr. Bruins, McKeen'sHockey.com offered these insights:
David Warsofsky D, (Cushing)A tremendously talented defender .. a definite offensive defenseman with an accurate shot from the point as seen by his hat trick against Neponset Valley .. the game against Neponset Valley saw his team with a 5-on-3 advantage with 7 minutes left in the first and the first 8 minutes in the second, and David played a huge portion of that power play .. showed great patience and poise to work the puck around and wait for the best shot .. his first goal during the 5-on-3 was when he walked in from the blue line and blasted a shot beating the goalie top corner with no screen .. his second goal was a one-timer that he kept low and went right in .. the last goal he scored is when he sneaked down from the point, received a nice pass, and re-directed the puck into the net .. needs to add more strength for his defensive play and in the corners .. very vocal and displays a great talent for carry the puck.
In 12 games with Cushing this season, Warsofsky has 20 points.
"Warsofsky, who’s 5’9” and 155 lbs., is a native of North Marshfield, Mass. Last season, in 37 games with the Penguins, Warsofsky had an 8-26-34 scoring line, making him one of the top-scoring defensemen in prep hockey.
"Warsofsky is small, but he has excellent mobility, an excellent stick, and he sees the ice uncommonly well. He can thread the needle with his passes – a high number of them are exceptional. He has poise a-plenty. When he’s running the power play for the Terriers in a few years, those high-priced seats in the new arena will be worth every penny. He’s just a fun player to watch."
Following a Labor Day weekend midget tournament in which Warsofsky played for the GBL Jr. Bruins, McKeen'sHockey.com offered these insights:
David Warsofsky D, (Cushing)A tremendously talented defender .. a definite offensive defenseman with an accurate shot from the point as seen by his hat trick against Neponset Valley .. the game against Neponset Valley saw his team with a 5-on-3 advantage with 7 minutes left in the first and the first 8 minutes in the second, and David played a huge portion of that power play .. showed great patience and poise to work the puck around and wait for the best shot .. his first goal during the 5-on-3 was when he walked in from the blue line and blasted a shot beating the goalie top corner with no screen .. his second goal was a one-timer that he kept low and went right in .. the last goal he scored is when he sneaked down from the point, received a nice pass, and re-directed the puck into the net .. needs to add more strength for his defensive play and in the corners .. very vocal and displays a great talent for carry the puck.
In 12 games with Cushing this season, Warsofsky has 20 points.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
The view from Orono
After catching Friday nght's game the way most BU fans did - on NESN - I made the trip up to the North country for Saturday night's game. And needless to say, I was glad I did. That's two trips to Orono in two years for me, and both times I've come home happy. Here are some thoughts.
- Alfond must be among the most unique venues in collegiate athletics. From outside, it looks more like a college cafeteria than a hockey arena. Once inside, you realize they have seats in every nook and cranny available. I am always amazed that the building holds over 5,000 people. At first glance, it seems more like 3,000. Anyway, the building and the atmosphere were once again a treat.
- Maine's "experimental" jerseys - really not sure why new material requires such a change in design, but if nothing else, enlarge the player names on the back. The lettering looks horrible.
- The net fiasco - despite all the talk in the past, it had been my impression that ever since Fields left, the net dislodging had dropped dramatically. Certainly wasn't the case Saturday. I'm not sure what the issue was with getting the pegs into the holes, but my gut tells me that it contributed to the frequency of the dislodgings. Tom Morrow was lucky that he didn't get called for delay at one point.
- Maine players - Purcell looked good - no surprise he's the top freshman in the country. However, the senior leadership lacked on Saturday with Levielle and Soares taking unneccesary penalties. Bishop looked better Saturday, but still gave up a bad rebound that led to Gilroy's goal.
- BU - as a team, they looked excellent in the second period Saturday, and carried it through the rest of the game. Their passes in the defensive zone were crisp. Other than Sully's slapshot from the point that led to the Ryan breakaway, they made good choices with the puck. The center on every line was in position to intercept passes into the slot, and the backchecking was inspiring.
- My unsung hero for the weekend - Kevin Schaeffer. He was robbed of a goal and an assist by the refs/scorekeeper on Friday night and played solidly on Saturday. He pinched and pokechecked the puck to Yip who fed MacArthur for his second of the night, and he scored the 5th goal, not Lawrence.
- My weekend MVP. Curry is an easy choice, but for the second year in a row, MacArthur picked a 2-game series with Maine to lift his game to another level and helped them take 4 points. Scoring 15 seconds after Maine did on Friday was huge, and his SH breakaway goal was the goal that really put BU in command (the late collapse notwithstanding). There is no question in my mind that he is the inspirational leader of this team. If he can continue to play at that level, BU will win games down the stretch and will make the NCAA's without having to worry on selection day.
- Alfond must be among the most unique venues in collegiate athletics. From outside, it looks more like a college cafeteria than a hockey arena. Once inside, you realize they have seats in every nook and cranny available. I am always amazed that the building holds over 5,000 people. At first glance, it seems more like 3,000. Anyway, the building and the atmosphere were once again a treat.
- Maine's "experimental" jerseys - really not sure why new material requires such a change in design, but if nothing else, enlarge the player names on the back. The lettering looks horrible.
- The net fiasco - despite all the talk in the past, it had been my impression that ever since Fields left, the net dislodging had dropped dramatically. Certainly wasn't the case Saturday. I'm not sure what the issue was with getting the pegs into the holes, but my gut tells me that it contributed to the frequency of the dislodgings. Tom Morrow was lucky that he didn't get called for delay at one point.
- Maine players - Purcell looked good - no surprise he's the top freshman in the country. However, the senior leadership lacked on Saturday with Levielle and Soares taking unneccesary penalties. Bishop looked better Saturday, but still gave up a bad rebound that led to Gilroy's goal.
- BU - as a team, they looked excellent in the second period Saturday, and carried it through the rest of the game. Their passes in the defensive zone were crisp. Other than Sully's slapshot from the point that led to the Ryan breakaway, they made good choices with the puck. The center on every line was in position to intercept passes into the slot, and the backchecking was inspiring.
- My unsung hero for the weekend - Kevin Schaeffer. He was robbed of a goal and an assist by the refs/scorekeeper on Friday night and played solidly on Saturday. He pinched and pokechecked the puck to Yip who fed MacArthur for his second of the night, and he scored the 5th goal, not Lawrence.
- My weekend MVP. Curry is an easy choice, but for the second year in a row, MacArthur picked a 2-game series with Maine to lift his game to another level and helped them take 4 points. Scoring 15 seconds after Maine did on Friday was huge, and his SH breakaway goal was the goal that really put BU in command (the late collapse notwithstanding). There is no question in my mind that he is the inspirational leader of this team. If he can continue to play at that level, BU will win games down the stretch and will make the NCAA's without having to worry on selection day.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Johnny B. Good Tonight…Again
Don’t let the five goals allowed fool you. John Curry was exceptional again in the Terriers’ nail-biting 6-5 win over Maine. HockeyEastOnline’s game account of the win includes links to video of all the goals. Before the weekend series began, NHL.com's “On Campus” column looked at the achievements of BU’s best-ever walk-on.
Seventeen Candles
Future Terrier Corey Trivino turned 17 on Friday night and celebrated his birthday with his best performance yet in his first Junior A Season. Trivino bagged a pair of goals and three helpers in Stouffville’s 6-0 win. He now has 47 points (17g, 30a) in 41 games, second best on the Spirit....Colin Wilson scored his 18th goal of the season as the U18s lost in overtime to Traverse City. Kevin Shattenkirk, who went scoreless, was the subject of USA Hockey’s weekly NTDP feature story.... Colby Cohen had an assist for the Lincoln Stars in a 4-2 win, bringing his point total to 27 in 22 USHL games. Before joining Lincoln, Cohen had a goal and 7 assists in 12 games with the U18s.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
NESN Games on SportsNet New York
THFBlog visitors from the New York metro area will be able to watch Terrier hockey live on television tomorrow and several other Friday nights. SportsNet New York, the Mets cable station (www.sny.tv) is airing the NESN Friday Night Hockey East Game of the Week package. Tomorrow night's game is BU-Maine from Orono. The BU-BC game at Agganis is on the schedule Jan. 26, as is the Feb. 16 game at UNH. The full schedule is at HE TV.
Check your local cable listings to find out what channel SNY is on.
Check your local cable listings to find out what channel SNY is on.
NHL Central Scouting
On the heels of srsterrier's informative observations of future Terriers Kevin Shattenkirk and Colin Wilson, NHL Central Scouting has issued its midterm rankings for the 2007 draft. Shattenkirk is ranked #13 among North American skaters, making him a likely first round draft choice. Wilson, whose draft year is 2008, is not ranked. Colby Cohen's stocked has soared since he made the switch from the U18s to the Lincoln Stars where he's among the USHR's top defenseman. He's ranked #27. Interestingly, BC recruit Nick Petrecki, whom some rating services had in their top ten, is ranked #31 by Central Scouting. BU forward recruit Nick Bonino, a senior at Avon, is ranked #117.
Chris Heisenberg's recruiting blog (see link to the right) has listed all NCAA and NCAA-bound players in the midterm ranking. To see the full list of rankings, go to http://centralscouting.nhl.com/ To log in, the username is public access . The password is hockey 2004 .
Chris Heisenberg's recruiting blog (see link to the right) has listed all NCAA and NCAA-bound players in the midterm ranking. To see the full list of rankings, go to http://centralscouting.nhl.com/ To log in, the username is public access . The password is hockey 2004 .
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
An Early Look At Two 07' Freshmen
The US National Development Under –18 team played this past Saturday Night against the top-ranked Division III School, Manhattanville, in Stamford, CT. This provided an opportunity to get a look at two of next year’s recruits, Kevin Shattenkirk and Colin Wilson. After hearing much about them, my expectations were high. Still, I did not go home disappointed as both showed the potential to be great NCAA players:
Kevin Shattenkirk - the best way to describe his style of play is to compare him to a point guard in basketball. When he’s out on the ice - which is often - Shattenkirk is usually the player who skates the puck up the ice and distributes it to the forwards (not just during power plays but at even strength too). Once in the offensive zone, he usually stays up at the point. He is a smooth skater who handles the puck with ease. There was not much hesitation to his game. He seemed to always know where he wanted to pass the puck. Shattenkirk regularly creates scoring chances for his teammates (he is 5th on the team in scoring at 6-14-20 with 32 PIM in 30 games as of 12/18/06) and wound up with an assist on the power play in this game. I would not describe his shot as very hard but it is accurate. He is not very big, but a player with his skills is well-suited to the “new” NHL. He is projected as a late first-round or early second-round selection in this year’s NHL entry draft. Also: Shattenkirk wears the “C” and is clearly the team’s leader on the ice, often giving directions to teammates before draws.
Colin Wilson - Wilson is 2nd on the team in scoring (16-21-37 with 25 PIM in 30 games as of 12/18/06). Although he was kept off the scoresheet for this game, he showed a lot of skill. Like Shattenkirk, Wilson gets his share of ice time. He kills penalties, plays on the power play and also takes draws. I wasn’t keeping track, but he won a number of them. Wilson has good wheels and can stickhandle the puck pretty well. With his stickhandling, he created a couple of chances. He also showed that he could play physically. Wilson is listed as 6’0, 190 lbs. but looks a little bigger than that. Because of his late birthday, Wilson will not be draft-eligible until 2008. Early projections have him going as high as the top-5.
I was hoping to speak to both players after the game but there were about 500 squirts from the Stamford Youth Hockey League waiting for autographs. Wilson did give me the “thumbs up” when he saw my BU cap. As for Shattenkirk, his mom (along with several other family members and friends) was sitting near us and she said that he is very excited about the program and is looking forward to the fall. With this next class coming on board, so am I.
Kevin Shattenkirk - the best way to describe his style of play is to compare him to a point guard in basketball. When he’s out on the ice - which is often - Shattenkirk is usually the player who skates the puck up the ice and distributes it to the forwards (not just during power plays but at even strength too). Once in the offensive zone, he usually stays up at the point. He is a smooth skater who handles the puck with ease. There was not much hesitation to his game. He seemed to always know where he wanted to pass the puck. Shattenkirk regularly creates scoring chances for his teammates (he is 5th on the team in scoring at 6-14-20 with 32 PIM in 30 games as of 12/18/06) and wound up with an assist on the power play in this game. I would not describe his shot as very hard but it is accurate. He is not very big, but a player with his skills is well-suited to the “new” NHL. He is projected as a late first-round or early second-round selection in this year’s NHL entry draft. Also: Shattenkirk wears the “C” and is clearly the team’s leader on the ice, often giving directions to teammates before draws.
Colin Wilson - Wilson is 2nd on the team in scoring (16-21-37 with 25 PIM in 30 games as of 12/18/06). Although he was kept off the scoresheet for this game, he showed a lot of skill. Like Shattenkirk, Wilson gets his share of ice time. He kills penalties, plays on the power play and also takes draws. I wasn’t keeping track, but he won a number of them. Wilson has good wheels and can stickhandle the puck pretty well. With his stickhandling, he created a couple of chances. He also showed that he could play physically. Wilson is listed as 6’0, 190 lbs. but looks a little bigger than that. Because of his late birthday, Wilson will not be draft-eligible until 2008. Early projections have him going as high as the top-5.
I was hoping to speak to both players after the game but there were about 500 squirts from the Stamford Youth Hockey League waiting for autographs. Wilson did give me the “thumbs up” when he saw my BU cap. As for Shattenkirk, his mom (along with several other family members and friends) was sitting near us and she said that he is very excited about the program and is looking forward to the fall. With this next class coming on board, so am I.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Back on the Ice
The Terriers resume play today with a first round game against St. Lawrence in the Ledyard Bank Tournament in Hanover, N.H. INCH has a tournament preview and BU game notes have been posted. While there is no mention of it in the media, one unofficial report indicates that Kevin Schaeffer will return to the lineup today. Brandon Yip is now due to return for next week’s Providence/Merrimack games.
Host Dartmouth meets North Dakota in the other semi, which has been a bit overshadowed by controversy over UND’s nickname, the Sioux.
All four tournament games are being broadcast by Comcast's CN8 in both the New England and Mid Atlantic Regions. The games also can be seen online at these links:
http://cn8.tv/channel/article.asp?lArticleID=4664&lChannelID=604&subhead=cn8live
http://ne.cn8.tv/channel/article.asp?lArticleID=4665&lChannelID=644&subhead=cn8live
Host Dartmouth meets North Dakota in the other semi, which has been a bit overshadowed by controversy over UND’s nickname, the Sioux.
All four tournament games are being broadcast by Comcast's CN8 in both the New England and Mid Atlantic Regions. The games also can be seen online at these links:
http://cn8.tv/channel/article.asp?lArticleID=4664&lChannelID=604&subhead=cn8live
http://ne.cn8.tv/channel/article.asp?lArticleID=4665&lChannelID=644&subhead=cn8live
Odds and ends
Chris Drury has been on a tear this week, following a 2 goal, 2 assist game against the Caps with his 20th goal of the season last night against Carolina. Drury is tied for the Sabres team lead with ex-Gopher Thomas Vanek...Mike Eruzione’s son, Paul, is playing varsity hockey for Berkshire School in Sheffield, where he also is a baseball standout...2008 Terrier recruit Corey Trivino was named to the Ontario U17 team. He is one of only three squad members from junior A rather than the OHL. Another of the junior A players chosen, St. Mike's defenseman Brandon Burlon, has caught the eye of BU recruiters for 2008.
Camrose Kodiaks forward Mike Connolly, one of BU’s top targets for 2008 was named to the AJHL all-star game. Connolly did not visit BU in December, as posted earlier, but is expected to make an official visit in January. Another player named to the AJHL all-star game, goalie Kieran Millan, is a prospect BU is looking at for its 2008 recruit class.
International Scouting Services ranks 2007 recruit U18 forward Colin Wilson #3 for the 2008 NHL draft. For the 2007s draft, ISS currently ranks U18 defenseman and co-captain Kevin Shattenkirk #23. You might recall a few other names on this list—BU targets that made other choices.
Camrose Kodiaks forward Mike Connolly, one of BU’s top targets for 2008 was named to the AJHL all-star game. Connolly did not visit BU in December, as posted earlier, but is expected to make an official visit in January. Another player named to the AJHL all-star game, goalie Kieran Millan, is a prospect BU is looking at for its 2008 recruit class.
International Scouting Services ranks 2007 recruit U18 forward Colin Wilson #3 for the 2008 NHL draft. For the 2007s draft, ISS currently ranks U18 defenseman and co-captain Kevin Shattenkirk #23. You might recall a few other names on this list—BU targets that made other choices.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
McEachern's New Career
When former BU All-American and 14 year NHL veteran Shawn McEachern visits Agganis Arena early next month, he'll be working behind the visitors' bench, having been named an assistant coach to Northeastern head coach Greg Cronin. The Globe looks in on Shawn and his new career.
RLR Ranks BU 2007 class #2
Red Line Report likes what it sees in BU's four-man 2007 recruit class, which might add another skater along with a walk-on goalie.
2. Boston University— This class is all about quality over quantity, and it's the best class in the east. Looks like they simply sent all their scouts to watch the U.S. NTDP as they nabbed two potential NHL first-round picks in gritty and talented centre Colin Wilson and superb puck-moving defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. Their third top recruit is another skilled rearguard in Colby Cohen, who was also in Ann Arbor until moving on to the USHL a month ago.
ISS has Wilson listed among its top 5 2008 NHL draft choices. He has a late birthday and misses the 2007 draft.
NTDP U18 Ron Rolston commented on Shattenkirk in a recent CSTV.com chat: Kevin Shattenkirk is an extremely talented player, and he's our captain with the 89 birth year here at the National Team Development Program, which speaks volumes of his character. He has the potential to be an elite player at the college level, and he already an elite player with his age group right now, but he certainly has to continue to develop. He has to continue to mature, continue to get stronger and work on the weaknesses in his game, but he's a terrific offensive defenseman with a lot of skill that can be a difference-maker in hockey games.
Several future Terriers, including Shattenkirk, Cohen and Corey Trivino, have been mentored in the East Coast Selects program by Travis Howe, Gordie's grandson. ECS is a top spring/summer tournament program that allows young players to compete against elite level teams. ISS recently profiled Howe.
2008 recruit Corey Trivinio is second in scoring on his Stouffville team with 13-22-35 in 34 games.
2008 recruiting target Mike Connolly has been on a tear since his visit to BU early in December. With 10 points in his past 7 games, he's now tied for leading scorer on Camrose Kodiaks, which is Canada's top-ranked junior A team.
2. Boston University— This class is all about quality over quantity, and it's the best class in the east. Looks like they simply sent all their scouts to watch the U.S. NTDP as they nabbed two potential NHL first-round picks in gritty and talented centre Colin Wilson and superb puck-moving defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. Their third top recruit is another skilled rearguard in Colby Cohen, who was also in Ann Arbor until moving on to the USHL a month ago.
ISS has Wilson listed among its top 5 2008 NHL draft choices. He has a late birthday and misses the 2007 draft.
NTDP U18 Ron Rolston commented on Shattenkirk in a recent CSTV.com chat: Kevin Shattenkirk is an extremely talented player, and he's our captain with the 89 birth year here at the National Team Development Program, which speaks volumes of his character. He has the potential to be an elite player at the college level, and he already an elite player with his age group right now, but he certainly has to continue to develop. He has to continue to mature, continue to get stronger and work on the weaknesses in his game, but he's a terrific offensive defenseman with a lot of skill that can be a difference-maker in hockey games.
Several future Terriers, including Shattenkirk, Cohen and Corey Trivino, have been mentored in the East Coast Selects program by Travis Howe, Gordie's grandson. ECS is a top spring/summer tournament program that allows young players to compete against elite level teams. ISS recently profiled Howe.
2008 recruit Corey Trivinio is second in scoring on his Stouffville team with 13-22-35 in 34 games.
2008 recruiting target Mike Connolly has been on a tear since his visit to BU early in December. With 10 points in his past 7 games, he's now tied for leading scorer on Camrose Kodiaks, which is Canada's top-ranked junior A team.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Terrier reunion on Long Island
For the third time in their hockey careers, Rick DiPietro and Freddy Meyer are teammates. The two played together for the NTDP U18s in 98-99 and then were Terrier freshmen in 99-00, both earning Hockey East All Rookie honors. Now, with Meyer's trade today from Philly to the Islanders, the two are teammates again. After starring for the AHL Philadelphia Phantoms two-plus seasons, Freddy earned a regular spot in the Flyers' blueline rotation last year and quickly became a fan favorite. With Philly's woeful start this season, the Flyers have been restructuring their team and acquired Alexei Zhitnik for Meyer.
Not counting alumni events, the last time DiPietro and Meyer skated for the same side in a meaningful game was the Terriers' 4 OT loss in the 2000 NCAA regional final to St. Lawrence.
The Islanders now boast four ex-Terriers on their squad. Longtime Isle Shawn Bates was joined this year by his former BU teammate Tom Poti, whose career has been resurgent on the Island. The big question, will DiPietro and Bates let Freddy join in on their post-victory jump-bump ritual?
Not counting alumni events, the last time DiPietro and Meyer skated for the same side in a meaningful game was the Terriers' 4 OT loss in the 2000 NCAA regional final to St. Lawrence.
The Islanders now boast four ex-Terriers on their squad. Longtime Isle Shawn Bates was joined this year by his former BU teammate Tom Poti, whose career has been resurgent on the Island. The big question, will DiPietro and Bates let Freddy join in on their post-victory jump-bump ritual?
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Arrest made in assault on Terrier athletes
This afternoon, the Globe reports one arrest in the Dec. 3 assault on four BU athletes which left Kevin Schaeffer with serious injuries including broken facial bones...Tuesday's Daily Free Press report extensively quotes Coach Parker and several eyewitnesses to the assault...INCH's weekly HE report addresses the incident, too, and also reveals that the proposed outdoor game at Fenway is still under consideration.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Thursday, November 30, 2006
BU-BC: Game #234
Ready or not, Terriers, it's time for a weekend pair with the "team from up the block." For the record, BU leads the series, 118-100-15, as noted in the BU gamenotes. ...CSTV's Rink Rat Elliott Olshansky looks at the current edition of rivalry from the viewpoints of goalies John Curry and Cory Schneider ...The Free Press game preview focuses on the lingering nightmares from last April's NCAA regional final loss to BC. Revenge is a good motivator, unless it leads to dumb and uncessary penalties...The only televison coverage of Friday's game, which begins at 8 PM, is on CSTV, channel 610 for DirecTV subscribers. Saturday's game is on CN8, only in New England, and also available via the All-Access service and the CN8 Live Web site...Globe preview ...
Top Canadian prospect visiting BU this weekend.
Camrose Kodiaks center Mike Connelly, a top 2008 recruit prospect (see Nov. 9 blog post) who is expected to choose between BU and Wisconsin, is visiting Boston this weekend and will be at Agganis Arena for Saturday's game. Connolly has 14-15-29 in 27 games for the Kodiaks, the top-ranked Canadian Junior A team.
Top Canadian prospect visiting BU this weekend.
Camrose Kodiaks center Mike Connelly, a top 2008 recruit prospect (see Nov. 9 blog post) who is expected to choose between BU and Wisconsin, is visiting Boston this weekend and will be at Agganis Arena for Saturday's game. Connolly has 14-15-29 in 27 games for the Kodiaks, the top-ranked Canadian Junior A team.
Laliberte to the AHL
John Laliberte's ECHL success in Trenton has earned him a professional tryout with the Worcester Sharks where he rejoins Dan Spang.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Alumni Update
John Laliberte, who leads the ECHL Trenton Titans in goals with ten and is among the top rookie scorers in the league. His success is reported in today's Trenton Times....Jakubs Redlihs, a Blue Jacket draft choice, has been promoted from the ECHL Dayton Gems to the AHL Syracuse Crunch. Redlihs played four games for the Crunch last Spring.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Catching up on the recruits
Defensman Colby Cohen had another game-wining goal for Lincoln (USHL) in the Stars' 4-3 win last Saturday. Through ten games, Cohen has 6 goals and 6 assists…Colin Wilson had the game-tying goal and an assist in the USNTDP U18s 2-2 comeback tie against Robert Morris University. Wilson is second in scoring on the U18s with 8-15-23. Fellow future Terrier Kevin Shattenkirk is the top-scoring defenseman at 5-10-15. The team’s starting line and defense pair all are headed to Hockey East. Besides the Terrier duo, winger James Van Riemsdyk is a UNH recruit, winger Jimmy Hayes is a BC (’08) recruit and Shattenkirk’s partner Joey Lavin is headed to Providence. The U18s are in Maine for the weekend, facing off against Colby tonight and taking on Terry Meagher’s Bowdoin Polar Bears on Sunday. Meagher, a standout on three BU ECAC championship teams in the ‘70s, is in his 24th season at Bowdoin…2008 recruit Corey Trivino, who won’t be 17 until January, is the second leading scorer for Stouffville in the OPJHL. Trivino has recorded 10 goals and 20 assists in 26 games.
Hockey Talk on the Airwaves & Web
Longtime Terrier play-by-play announcer Bernie Corbett is co-hosting College Hockey on Campus, a weekly two-hour discussion and interview program. It airs Wednesday nights from 7-9 p.m. (ET) on WZON (1510) in Boston. The program also is accessible on the Internet at www.1510thezone.com/campus/ . Bernie’s co-host is Paul McNamara.
Alumni in Action
Former Terrier star and 2nd team All-American Carl Corazzini is back in the NHL, recalled by the BlackHawks following his hattrick performance last Saturday for Norfolk/AHL. Corazzini, who had played 12 games for the Bruins in 2002-03, scoring two goals, made his BlackHawk debut on Wednesday, and tallied an assist, but Chicago lost, 4-1, to Calgary which received a goal from Tony Amonte... Dan Spang continues to thrive in Worcester, playing for the Sharks' AHL team. He recently participated in an online chat that brought some questions from Terrier fans…Shawn Bates, who tallied a pretty goal for the Islanders in their 4-2 win over Carolina this past week, and Rick DiPietro have begun a post-game ritual following wins. They're the last two Islanders to skate off the ice and leap into the air for some celebratory shoulder-to-shoulder (mild) impact. Coach Ted Nolan doesn't seem to mind...Reaching back a few years, John Bethel played three seasons at BU including the 77-78 national championship run before reaching the NHL with Winnipeg. Participatory hockey is still part of his life, except it’s roller hockey and he’s playing in the Nassau Street Hockey League in the Bahamas.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Friday Night with the Friars
BU-PC is tonight's game and game notes are up along with a link for gametracker and Webcasts (audio and video). According to the Free Press, Coach Parker has tweaked the lines again.
Lawrence Mac Arthur Ewing
Roche Higgins Gilroy
McGuirk Popko Weston
Cohen McCarthy Thomassian
Lawrence has yet to find the back of the net this season, Mac has gone a while without scoring and Boomer is just back. Terriers' scoring slump could be relieved if this trio finds some chemistry.
Once again Steve Smolinsky is not in the lineup. A few years ago, BU outbid Michigan State, Colorado College and a few Hockey East rivals for Smolinsky's commitment, following a standout performance in the Midget Nationals. He brought a reputation for outstanding speed and solid offensive skills. Why hasn't he earned more starts in his year-plus in the program? What's holding him back? Has he been willing to pay the price in the defensive end?
Lawrence Mac Arthur Ewing
Roche Higgins Gilroy
McGuirk Popko Weston
Cohen McCarthy Thomassian
Lawrence has yet to find the back of the net this season, Mac has gone a while without scoring and Boomer is just back. Terriers' scoring slump could be relieved if this trio finds some chemistry.
Once again Steve Smolinsky is not in the lineup. A few years ago, BU outbid Michigan State, Colorado College and a few Hockey East rivals for Smolinsky's commitment, following a standout performance in the Midget Nationals. He brought a reputation for outstanding speed and solid offensive skills. Why hasn't he earned more starts in his year-plus in the program? What's holding him back? Has he been willing to pay the price in the defensive end?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
A golden blast from the past
Over the weekend, the USA Hockey site posted a 1980 Sports Illustrated article on the U.S. win over the Soviets in the Lake Placid Olympics. The article, by E.J. Swift, was posted to mark the election of Herb Brooks to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Descriptions of that magical evening 26 years ago never get old.
Looking for a W in Burlington
The Terriers will seek to build upon strong outtings, albeit ties, in the past two games, as they go on the road tonight to play Vermont at Burlington's Gutterson Fieldhouse. BU's last trip to UVM, in February, resulted in a pair of low-scoring ties. A pre-game article on the BU athletics site includes links to the radio Webcast and gametracker. The game will be broadcast on CN8 in New England and also is available as a free Webcast on the CN8 Live site. The Free Press also previews tonight games. Senior winger Kenny Roche's hattrick against New Hampshire earned him Hockey East co-player of the week honors.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Dogs and Cats have at it
BU travels to the Whitt tonight to play the University of New Hampshire which is coming off a sweep of Northeastern. The Wildcats are led by sophomore center Trevor Smith, an emerging star who is tied for the Hockey East scoring lead. The link to BU gamenotes, the CSTV gametracker and the Internet broadcast of the game is here. UNH game notes are at this link. The game will be broadcast on NHPTV and there is a free Webcast of tonight’s game on the New Hampshire Public TV Web site. An access link will appear on the homepage a few minutes before gametime.
Dave Hendrickson’s weekly Hockey East column on USCHO has been posted. He predicts a UNH win tonight, but see the Terriers bouncing back on Tuesday against Vermont. Comments from Jack Parker are featured in a CSTV column on expectations for traditional college hockey powers.
Dave Hendrickson’s weekly Hockey East column on USCHO has been posted. He predicts a UNH win tonight, but see the Terriers bouncing back on Tuesday against Vermont. Comments from Jack Parker are featured in a CSTV column on expectations for traditional college hockey powers.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Recruit and Prospect Ratings
NHL Central Scouting has released its preliminary ratings of 2007 draft eligible players to watch. Those selected get either an A or B rating. Defensemen Kevin Shattenkirk (NTDP U18s) and Colby Cohen (Lincoln Stars) both received A ratings, while forward Nick Bonino (Avon Old Farms) had a B rating. Colin Wilson has a late birthdate and is not eligible for the 2007 draft.
Among some of the prospects BU is pursuing, Salisbury forward Paul Carey received an A rating and Nobles winger Andrew Glass received a B rating.
Cohen has been thriving since leaving the NTDP U18s and joining the USHL Lincoln Stars. He has scored 4 goals in his first four games, including a hattrick (plus an assist) this past weekend in a 7-5 win.
Shattenkirk and Wilson are in Sweden this week as the U18s participate in the 4 Nations Tournament. Through 16 games Wilson is 2nd in team scoring and Shattenkirk is 4th. The team, now 12-4, recently swept a pair of games in upstate New York, beating Clarkson and SUNYPlattsburgh.
Among some of the prospects BU is pursuing, Salisbury forward Paul Carey received an A rating and Nobles winger Andrew Glass received a B rating.
Cohen has been thriving since leaving the NTDP U18s and joining the USHL Lincoln Stars. He has scored 4 goals in his first four games, including a hattrick (plus an assist) this past weekend in a 7-5 win.
Shattenkirk and Wilson are in Sweden this week as the U18s participate in the 4 Nations Tournament. Through 16 games Wilson is 2nd in team scoring and Shattenkirk is 4th. The team, now 12-4, recently swept a pair of games in upstate New York, beating Clarkson and SUNYPlattsburgh.
Boomer is back
Today's Daily Free Press reports Boomer Ewing will return to the lineup for tomorrow night’s game against UNH. He’ll skate on the first line with Peter MacArthur and Matt Gilroy. Brandon Yip’s return from a serious shoulder separation is targeted for the Dartmouth holiday tournament.
The Free Press also took a look this week at freshman Luke Popko, whom server observer felt was the best Terrier on the ice in the 2-2 OT tie against Maine last Saturday.
The Free Press also took a look this week at freshman Luke Popko, whom server observer felt was the best Terrier on the ice in the 2-2 OT tie against Maine last Saturday.
Recruiting update
USHR reports that BU and Wisconsin are the finalists for Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL) talented rookie center Mike Connolly, a 5-11 left shot who is currently tied for second on his team in scoring. Camrose is the top-ranked Junior A team in Canada
Last year, Connolly captained the Calgary AAA Buffalos to the AMHL title and into the Telus Cup tournament (Canada’s national midget championship) where he was named Most Valuable Player. BU freshman Eric Gryba was named top defenseman in the 2005 Telus Cup.
Darren Rommerdahl, Connolly’s AAA coach says: "In my opinion though, he was the best player in this league without a doubt. His strengths are puck handling, speed, smartness with puck, ability to find open men and he competes very hard. His is solid in both ends of the rink and hits guys hard! His best attribute is his competitiveness. I have coached many good players and he might be the best I have ever had at the same age.”
Last month, the Alberta Hockey Now site profiled Connolly, who also has been mentioned in Paul Shaheen's Research on Ice newsletter.
During the past two weeks, two of Connolly's Camrose teammates, Chris Barton and Karl Stollery, have committed to Merrimack, and another teammate, Joe Colborne, is being pursued by several Ivies. Perhaps those cold Canadian winds blowing off the prairie will continue to reach the East coast.
Last year, Connolly captained the Calgary AAA Buffalos to the AMHL title and into the Telus Cup tournament (Canada’s national midget championship) where he was named Most Valuable Player. BU freshman Eric Gryba was named top defenseman in the 2005 Telus Cup.
Darren Rommerdahl, Connolly’s AAA coach says: "In my opinion though, he was the best player in this league without a doubt. His strengths are puck handling, speed, smartness with puck, ability to find open men and he competes very hard. His is solid in both ends of the rink and hits guys hard! His best attribute is his competitiveness. I have coached many good players and he might be the best I have ever had at the same age.”
Last month, the Alberta Hockey Now site profiled Connolly, who also has been mentioned in Paul Shaheen's Research on Ice newsletter.
During the past two weeks, two of Connolly's Camrose teammates, Chris Barton and Karl Stollery, have committed to Merrimack, and another teammate, Joe Colborne, is being pursued by several Ivies. Perhaps those cold Canadian winds blowing off the prairie will continue to reach the East coast.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Tonight's Lineup & Game Notes
BU-Lowell Game Notes are now available along with links to the audio Webcast, the CSTV All-Access video Webcast and the CSTV gametracker. The Daily Free Press preview article indicates a change in tonight's lineup. Matt Gilroy, pressed into service at forward following injuries to Bryan Ewing and Brandon Yip, moves up to the White Line with Chris Higgins and Jason Lawrence, while Ryan Weston is reunited with Brian McGuirk and John McCarthy on the Orange Line. The first and fourth lines remain intact as do the defensive pairings.
Gilroy brings good offensive skills to the second line, similar to Yips. And, like Yip, he can move over to the point on powerplays with Popko centering the second powerplay unit, as he did last weekend.
Dan McGoff, who entered the lineup as Brian Strait's partner, was effective moving the puck out of the zone against Merrimack and seemed to hold his own
when the Warriors were on the attack. He and Strait even spent some time on the powerplay. McGoff came to BU with a strong reputation. Circumstances have worked against him his first two year. Now presented with an opportunity, we'll see how he responds.
Gilroy brings good offensive skills to the second line, similar to Yips. And, like Yip, he can move over to the point on powerplays with Popko centering the second powerplay unit, as he did last weekend.
Dan McGoff, who entered the lineup as Brian Strait's partner, was effective moving the puck out of the zone against Merrimack and seemed to hold his own
when the Warriors were on the attack. He and Strait even spent some time on the powerplay. McGoff came to BU with a strong reputation. Circumstances have worked against him his first two year. Now presented with an opportunity, we'll see how he responds.
Recruit controversy update
USHR reports that Colby Cohen was claimed yesterday by the Lincoln Stars and will be in uniform for the Stars' game against Tri-City tonight...Also on the recruiting front, a 2008 defenseman BU had been recruiting, 6-3 Tommy Cross of Westminster, has committed to BC. Providence and several Ivies also were in the mix for the Simsbury, Connecticut, native who recently was named to join the NTDP U18 for their upcoming tournament in Sweden. He replaces Cohen on the roster.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Recruit controversy
BU 2007 recruit defenseman Colby Cohen reportedly has left the NTDP U18 program and is seeking to relocate to a USHL team. The story has been reported for several days on USHR, a subscription site.
It appears Cohen, who was among the U18s’ top scorers earlier this year and had a strong Select 17 tournament during the summer, was not happy about his icetime. The USHR reports say BU wanted him to stay with the NTDP and had persuaded him not to leave the program last Spring. The report also indicates friction between Cohen and some of his teammates.
In a hockeyfuture.com article we’d previously referenced, U18 coach Ron Rolston praised Cohen’s ability, but questioned his decision-making. Another defenseman on the squad, Dave Kolamaitis, who had been a UNH recruit, left the team during the summer for the OHL. Two seasons ago, two players (Mike Stuart and Chris Cahill) left the Rolston-coached U18 team in midseason. USHR also reports that Cohen still plans to play at BU next season. We’ll report further on this matter as more facts become available.
It appears Cohen, who was among the U18s’ top scorers earlier this year and had a strong Select 17 tournament during the summer, was not happy about his icetime. The USHR reports say BU wanted him to stay with the NTDP and had persuaded him not to leave the program last Spring. The report also indicates friction between Cohen and some of his teammates.
In a hockeyfuture.com article we’d previously referenced, U18 coach Ron Rolston praised Cohen’s ability, but questioned his decision-making. Another defenseman on the squad, Dave Kolamaitis, who had been a UNH recruit, left the team during the summer for the OHL. Two seasons ago, two players (Mike Stuart and Chris Cahill) left the Rolston-coached U18 team in midseason. USHR also reports that Cohen still plans to play at BU next season. We’ll report further on this matter as more facts become available.
Best Walk-on??
A thread on the USCHO messageboard asks about each school’s top walk-on players. Several Terriers come to mind, beginning with current goalie John Curry and the versatile Matt Gilroy. Matt Radoslovich was a rare unrecruited walk-on who made the team and was an important contributor. Others include Ken Rausch, a member of the 1995 NCAA title team, Mike Grier, also on the 94-95 squad and an All-American, and Doug Friedman, who captained the Terriers in 93-94 and later had a cup of coffee in the NHL. Keith Emery was a walk-on defenseman who had a few solid season on the BU blueline. Are we missing any who were major contributors. Who were your own favorites and why?
Linkorama
New England Hockey Journal named BU Captain Sean Sullivan its HE Player of the Week for his efforts against Northeastern and RPI....INCH, Hockey East Online and The Boston Globe have issued previews of this weekend’s games...This article is a week or so old but an interesting take on Jakubs Redlihs who is holding down a blueline spot for the Dayton Bombers, who recently acquired Justin Maiser...We’ve reported on most of the graduates from last season’s team. Dan Spang is in Worcester, Brad Zancanaro is playing for Albany, John Lalberte is in Trenton (with Mike Pandolfo and Greg Johnson). Vandy is playing in Omaha. Now we’ve located Jakubs Redlihs who is holding down a blueline spot for the Dayton Bombers, who recently acquired Justin Maiser.
Friday, October 20, 2006
CSTV All-Access Service Begins Tonight
We've just learned that the CSTV-All Access service will be available for BU home games, begininning with tonight's game. This is a pay-per-view Webcast using the video feed from the Agganis Arena scoreboard and the audio from the game broadcast by Bernie Corbett and Tom Ryan. Last year, it was possible to view the games live or later as an archive. Cost last year was $5 per game. Details for signing up are expected to appear on the BU athletics Web site this afternoon.
Games On
BU’s first two-game weekend features tonight's home opener against Northeastern and tomorrow's visit to Merrimack’s Volpe Arena. Will John Curry be between the pipes both nights or will Karson Gillespie or Brett Bennett get a start? ….USCHO Correspondent Dave Hendrickson’s information-laden This Week In Hockey East column has returned. Dave predicts a pair of Terrier wins this weekend. Will he be a prophet or the kiss-of-death?.... The BU athletics Web site game notes are not yet posted, but should be available later today.…The NTDP U-18s won another game against NCAA competition, edging Michigan State 5-4, Thursday night. Colin Wilson and Colby Cohen recorded assists. The U18s recently took both Michigan and BC to overtime before losing.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Gordie—The Movie
Ready for another hockey movie? David Kelley, Mike Illitch, the Baldwins (Howard and Karen, not Alec and Billy) and the Howe family think so. They’ll collaborate on a film about the WHA’s second season, 1973-74, when 44 year old Gordie came out of retirement to join sons Mark and Marty on the Houston Aeros. David Kelley, of course, is the son of former BU coach Jack Kelley, and the award-winning writer director whose credits include Ally McBeal, The Practice and Mystery Alaska. Howard Baldwin was the original owner of the New England Whalers when Jack was coach and general manager, and later owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins with the elder Kelley serving as team president.
So, who will play the role of NHL Hall of Famer Howe? Bobby Hanson, who portrayed David Silk in Miracle? Too young. BU All-American Mike Hyndman, who played Cornell’s Francois LaFleur in Love Story and punched out Ryan O’Neal? Too old. How about MacGyver—Richard Dean Anderson? He’s about the right age and still plays in charity hockey games.
One more BU connection here is Travis Howe, Gordie’s grandson, who heads the East Coast Selects program and has coached future Terriers Kevin Shattenkirk, Colby Cohen and Corey Trivino.
So, who will play the role of NHL Hall of Famer Howe? Bobby Hanson, who portrayed David Silk in Miracle? Too young. BU All-American Mike Hyndman, who played Cornell’s Francois LaFleur in Love Story and punched out Ryan O’Neal? Too old. How about MacGyver—Richard Dean Anderson? He’s about the right age and still plays in charity hockey games.
One more BU connection here is Travis Howe, Gordie’s grandson, who heads the East Coast Selects program and has coached future Terriers Kevin Shattenkirk, Colby Cohen and Corey Trivino.
Linkorama
INCH has posted its weekly Hockey East notebook….New England Hockey Journal looks at two goalies from opposite ends of Comm. Ave—BU’s John Curry and BC’s Cory Schneider....Hockeysfuture.com has posted an article about members of the NTDP U18 team who are eligible for the 2007 NHL draft. Player descriptions are from their coach, Ron Rolston. While Colin Wilson has a late birthday and isn’t eligible next Spring, Rolston also offers some thoughts on Colin and also BC recruit Jimmy Hayes, who also has a late birthday....If you plan to follow Friday’s home opener against Northeastern on the radio or via the Webcast, CSTV’s gametracker will be available. There is a link on the CSTV College Hockey homepage and, later this week, a link will appear on the BU Athletics homepage....In an Oct. 17 post, The Western College Hockey blog offered an interesting look at the Alaska rivalry between UA-Anchorage and UA-Fairbanks. Coach Parker noted in his podcast interview that a trip to Alaska was on next season’s schedule and Scarlet informs us that the trip is for games with each of the UA teams, rather than a season-opening tournament....Jay Pandolfo scored his first goal of the season last night, putting him just half a dozen behind NHL goalscoring leader Chris Drury. Devil’s announcer Mike Emrick pointed out that in the history of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Jay has the lowest ratio of penalty minutes to playoff games played. (There are stats for everything.) That’s quite impressive considering Jay and his partner John Madden are usually matched against their opponents best offensive players.
And then there were two
So much for the McConnell-Maiser reunion in Trenton. Brian was released yesterday and Justin was traded to the Dayton Gems. Johnson and Laliberte will have to muck on without them.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
A Plethora of Penalties
Saturday night’s season-opening 4-4 tie with Renssalaer is examined by The Daily Free Press with a focus on the bushel of “dumb and undisciplined” penalties taken by the Terriers. BU is adopting a new approach to killing penalties this season and the RPI game provided ample opportunities to try it out. The Terriers were shorthanded 13 times, and killed 11 Engineer powerplays, including the entire first eight minutes of the second period....Prior to the RPI game, The Saratogian profiled junior forward Peter MacArthur, a native of upstate New York where he played for Northwood Prep.
“Podcast” Parker Previews 2006-2007 season
Jack Parker and Terrier radio announcer Bernie Corbett have teamed up for a 30-minute video preview of the new season. The interview, featuring highlights of last season and some pre-season practice video, can be seen as a podcast which is easily downloaded from the the BU athletics Web site. Click on the “subscribe link” and, if necessary, download the free itunes software.
Discussing the freshman class, Coach Parker compares the skill and flash of goalie Brett Bennett to that of Sean Fields and likens defenseman Brian Strait to Dan Spang, an All-American last season.
In addition to looking at the roles to be played by returning players and newcomers, Coach Parker discusses some of the out-of-conference games on the 2006-2007 schedule which includes trips to Michigan and Alaska (perhaps to open the season at the Nye Frontier Classic?--TBD) and the renewal of the BU-Cornell rivalry, beginning with a neutral ice matchup at Madison Square Garden the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
The interview also reveals that, during the current season’s December 2 game against Boston College at Agganis Arena, BU will honor the 1976-1977 squad, captained by Mike Eruzione and Rick Meagher, whose seniors won four consecutive ECAC tournament championships.
Discussing the freshman class, Coach Parker compares the skill and flash of goalie Brett Bennett to that of Sean Fields and likens defenseman Brian Strait to Dan Spang, an All-American last season.
In addition to looking at the roles to be played by returning players and newcomers, Coach Parker discusses some of the out-of-conference games on the 2006-2007 schedule which includes trips to Michigan and Alaska (perhaps to open the season at the Nye Frontier Classic?--TBD) and the renewal of the BU-Cornell rivalry, beginning with a neutral ice matchup at Madison Square Garden the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
The interview also reveals that, during the current season’s December 2 game against Boston College at Agganis Arena, BU will honor the 1976-1977 squad, captained by Mike Eruzione and Rick Meagher, whose seniors won four consecutive ECAC tournament championships.
Remember these Titans?
Justin Maiser and Brian McConnell were teammates for two seasons in the National Team Development Program and another two at BU. Brian stayed in school while Justin moved on to the WHL. Now, they’re back together as linemates on the ECHL Trenton Titans and the old chemistry remains strong. Maiser scored the game-winner in the Titans’ first exhibition game with a assist going to McConnell. Gregg Johnson and 2006 grad John Laliberte, who scored in each of the two exhibitions this past weekend, also are on the Titan’s roster. All four were Terrier teammates in 2002-03. The M. Pandolfo listed on the gamesheet is ex-Lowell forward Mark Pandolfo.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
The Road to Troy—Now and Then
With high expectations, the Terriers head West on the Mass Pike today to meet the Rensselaer Engineers, BU’s frequent season-opening opponent. The Daily Free Press provides a game preview that reveals some line shuffling. Coach Parker has reunited last year’s freshman line, and moved Eric Thomassian to the third line with Brian McGuirk and John McCarthy. Ryan Weston, who earned Parker’s praise for his effort in the exhibition game, moves to the offwing on the 4th line with rightwing Steve Smolinsky adding some speed to the checking unit. They’ll be centered by freshman Luke Popko, whom Parker has dubbed “our new Zanc.” The first unit remains intact. We’ll update this post when BU’s game notes are available.
Some of the message board discussion of Terrier fans’ choice of seats at RPI’s Houston Field House—either behind the goal at one end or beyond the goal line alongside the other end—recalls a memorable trip to Troy, for both fans and players, in 1971.
Student buses to home games and some away had been organized during the final season that BU called ancient Boston Arena home, and one road trip was to RPI’s sold out arena. Some 85-90 students, parents and Friends of BU Hockey members, sitting in the section beyond the goal line saw BU clinging to a 2-1 early second period lead but the Engineers were clearly controlling the play, Trying to change the momentum, the BU fans simply got louder and louder; their cheers soon were dominating the old converted dirigible hanger. The Terriers responded with goals from All-American defenseman Bob Brown and Toot Cahoon, and pulled away for a 7-2 win. Two of the goals came off the stick of Paul Giandomenico, who remembers the game well. “Our locker room was directly under the stands and when the RPI fans kicked the backs of the aluminum seats benches, the noise was deafening. [Coach Jack] Kelley couldn’t even speak to us between the periods because we couldn’t hear him with the noise resonating through the room. I also remember that it was the BU fans coming alive which gave us a huge emotional lift and helped us regain the momentum.”
Just before the student bus left the parking lot after the game, the hoarse crew of fans was startled by Coach Kelley climbing aboard the bus. They were further shocked when “The Mentor” informed them they had made the difference in the game were in large part responsible for the win. His words of thanks –and a stop for “refreshments”— made for a remarkably quick and happy return to Boston.
Some of the message board discussion of Terrier fans’ choice of seats at RPI’s Houston Field House—either behind the goal at one end or beyond the goal line alongside the other end—recalls a memorable trip to Troy, for both fans and players, in 1971.
Student buses to home games and some away had been organized during the final season that BU called ancient Boston Arena home, and one road trip was to RPI’s sold out arena. Some 85-90 students, parents and Friends of BU Hockey members, sitting in the section beyond the goal line saw BU clinging to a 2-1 early second period lead but the Engineers were clearly controlling the play, Trying to change the momentum, the BU fans simply got louder and louder; their cheers soon were dominating the old converted dirigible hanger. The Terriers responded with goals from All-American defenseman Bob Brown and Toot Cahoon, and pulled away for a 7-2 win. Two of the goals came off the stick of Paul Giandomenico, who remembers the game well. “Our locker room was directly under the stands and when the RPI fans kicked the backs of the aluminum seats benches, the noise was deafening. [Coach Jack] Kelley couldn’t even speak to us between the periods because we couldn’t hear him with the noise resonating through the room. I also remember that it was the BU fans coming alive which gave us a huge emotional lift and helped us regain the momentum.”
Just before the student bus left the parking lot after the game, the hoarse crew of fans was startled by Coach Kelley climbing aboard the bus. They were further shocked when “The Mentor” informed them they had made the difference in the game were in large part responsible for the win. His words of thanks –and a stop for “refreshments”— made for a remarkably quick and happy return to Boston.
Friends’ Lounge Dedicated
During last weekend’s exhibition game at Agganis Arena, the Friends of BU Hockey Lounge was dedicated. Jack Parker marked the occasion by presenting Friends’ sweaters to original members Hank Freniere and Bill Leary. The 80th birthday of Jodi Sidd, widow of another Friends founder, Al Sidd, also was celebrated. Former coach Jack Kelley organized the Friends of BU Hockey in the early 1960s to build alumni and fan support for the hockey program. The organization was instrumental in the fundraising for Walter Brown Arena and remains at the forefront of the BU hockey community. The current president of The Friends is Paul Giandomenico, a member of both the 1971 and 1972 NCAA championship teams.
Future plans for the lounge include adding several plaques detailing the mission and early history of the Friends, as well a photo wall that will make the room a veritable Who’s Who of the BU Hockey program.
The dedication ceremony was well attended and among the former players on hand was a contingent of Canadian alums, including Fred “The Bear” Bassi, Mark Fennie, and Darrell Abbott. Coach Kelley was unable to attend the event, but plans to visit HAA for several games this season.
A pre-game meal is regularly served in the lounge for members of The Friends and beverages are available for them between the periods and after the game. Click here for information on Friends of BU Hockey activities and membership details.
Future plans for the lounge include adding several plaques detailing the mission and early history of the Friends, as well a photo wall that will make the room a veritable Who’s Who of the BU Hockey program.
The dedication ceremony was well attended and among the former players on hand was a contingent of Canadian alums, including Fred “The Bear” Bassi, Mark Fennie, and Darrell Abbott. Coach Kelley was unable to attend the event, but plans to visit HAA for several games this season.
A pre-game meal is regularly served in the lounge for members of The Friends and beverages are available for them between the periods and after the game. Click here for information on Friends of BU Hockey activities and membership details.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Linkorama
Today, USA hockey's Web site takes a look at NTDP U17 Coach John Hynes, a one-time Terrier walk-on and now one of the bright young stars of coaching. The article discusses the impact on Hynes' career of his years as a player and volunteer assistant at BU. Hynes guided the development of current freshmen Brett Bennett, Luke Popko and Brian Strait for the past two seasons and led the U18s to the IIHF World Under-18 Championship last Spring.
INCH has introduced a Monday feature, First Shift, which provides a quick recap of the previous weekend’s college hockey activity….An ESPN.com feature ranks the ten “Ultimate Hockey Experiences in North America.” The Beanpot was rated third. First? The Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament....Coach Parker’s comments about Saturday’s 3-2 exhibition win over New Brunswick appeared in the Daily Free Press. Look for a new penalty-killing scheme this season. Parker acknowledged the team needs to work on the power play…Two more Hockey East season previews have appeared, one from the Boston Globe and the other from Dave Hendrickson and Scott Weighart of USCHO.
We’ve added a new entry to the sidebar list of recruiting links. This Web page tracks scoring totals for the NTDP U18 team. Through nine games, Colin Wilson is tied for the team scoring lead, while both Kevin Shattenkirk and Colby Cohen are among the top five. In the U18s 3-2 OT loss to Michigan this past Sunday, Wilson, who scored his sixth goal of the season, centered the first line between future Hockey East opponents Jimmy Hayes (BC) and James Van Riemsdyk (UNH).
INCH has introduced a Monday feature, First Shift, which provides a quick recap of the previous weekend’s college hockey activity….An ESPN.com feature ranks the ten “Ultimate Hockey Experiences in North America.” The Beanpot was rated third. First? The Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament....Coach Parker’s comments about Saturday’s 3-2 exhibition win over New Brunswick appeared in the Daily Free Press. Look for a new penalty-killing scheme this season. Parker acknowledged the team needs to work on the power play…Two more Hockey East season previews have appeared, one from the Boston Globe and the other from Dave Hendrickson and Scott Weighart of USCHO.
We’ve added a new entry to the sidebar list of recruiting links. This Web page tracks scoring totals for the NTDP U18 team. Through nine games, Colin Wilson is tied for the team scoring lead, while both Kevin Shattenkirk and Colby Cohen are among the top five. In the U18s 3-2 OT loss to Michigan this past Sunday, Wilson, who scored his sixth goal of the season, centered the first line between future Hockey East opponents Jimmy Hayes (BC) and James Van Riemsdyk (UNH).
TV Terriers
Eighteen regular season games will be televised this season. Eight of the games will be on Comcast’s CN8, which has replaced NESN as the carrier for BU’s own schedule of games. Those who don’t get CN8 can watch those games as Webcasts on the CN8 Live Web site. BU also will appear on NESN three times on the Hockey East regular season schedule and for Beanpot broadcasts. Two games will air on CSTV and single games will be on NHPTV (also a a Webcast), Cox Cable and WBAI.
For a full schedule, go to College Hockey on TV (link also found on this blog's sidebar), then choose BU in the team filter box and click on “Show all upcoming games.” A complete league television schedule is available on the HockeyEastonline.com site.
For a full schedule, go to College Hockey on TV (link also found on this blog's sidebar), then choose BU in the team filter box and click on “Show all upcoming games.” A complete league television schedule is available on the HockeyEastonline.com site.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Recruiting News--A Pair of W's
In today's Research on Ice, Paul Shaheen reports:
"The USHL held its Futures Draft two days ago. The first overall pick? Ohio selected 2008 Boston College recruit Jimmy Hayes, a star forward with the US NTDP in Ann Arbor. Second was Cushing Academy defenseman and 2008 Boston University recruit David Warsofsky.
"We found it interesting that Omaha selected both Warsofsky (in round one) and Cushing's Matt White (Five Good Minutes, ROI July 11, 2006) in round three. Interesting in that White is being watched closely by coach Jack Parker and the Terriers. Could Warsofsky and White both follow in each other's footsteps--from Cushing to Omaha to Commonwealth Avenue?"
THFB reported on Sept.13 that White and Warsofsky's Cushing and GBL Jr. Bruins(AAA Midget) teammate, Ryan Bourque, had recently visited BU.
Results of the USHL futures draft. Nobles forward Andrew Glass who is being recruited by BU, BC and Harvard, was taken in the 10th round.
"The USHL held its Futures Draft two days ago. The first overall pick? Ohio selected 2008 Boston College recruit Jimmy Hayes, a star forward with the US NTDP in Ann Arbor. Second was Cushing Academy defenseman and 2008 Boston University recruit David Warsofsky.
"We found it interesting that Omaha selected both Warsofsky (in round one) and Cushing's Matt White (Five Good Minutes, ROI July 11, 2006) in round three. Interesting in that White is being watched closely by coach Jack Parker and the Terriers. Could Warsofsky and White both follow in each other's footsteps--from Cushing to Omaha to Commonwealth Avenue?"
THFB reported on Sept.13 that White and Warsofsky's Cushing and GBL Jr. Bruins(AAA Midget) teammate, Ryan Bourque, had recently visited BU.
Results of the USHL futures draft. Nobles forward Andrew Glass who is being recruited by BU, BC and Harvard, was taken in the 10th round.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Freddy Flourishes in Philly
Most Terrier fans would admit being surprised that 5-10 Freddy Meyer has not only reached the NHL but also has established himself as a key Flyers blueliner, regularly seeing powerplay time. He's also become a fan favorite in the City of Brotherly Love. Yesterday, USA Hockey took a look at Freddy's success in an NTDP alumni feature.
Midnight Mania-- Part III
defkit's take on Midnight Mania on the players and the on-ice doings.
I reached WBA with the countdown at 30 seconds (I'd been on the ice in Marlboro at 11:05!)...timing is everything. I have to say that as I walked in off the street and could hear the roar of the crowd, it got my blood pumping in a way that HAA unfortunately will never be able to. But that's okay, we need HAA, and it is a phenomenal arena. But just for a night, it was great to be back in the old barn. You just can't compare the way the fans are right on top of the action. I was impressed with the size of the crowd. I was saying to myself that as the freshmen are skating onto the ice in this environment, they are saying to themselves..."this is why I chose BU, and I'm glad I did."
- Glad to hear only a slight hint of booing during Parkers remarks, and also glad to hear the cheering when he was done discussing the swearing.
- Bennett definitely is a crowd pleaser, pumping the arms, and diving for the finish line in the fastest goalie competition to try to make up ground on KG.
- I know it's just goofing around, but dang, the players on this team sure can dangle the puck around. The sophomore line on the 3-0 drills was sick.
- Higgins looks like he put on some muscle...a very good sign. (And still won the speedskating competition)
- I still can't believe what Lawrence did on the breakaway drills. First he did the Mike Legg scoop up and spin around throwing the puck at the net. Nice, but I've seen many guys do it. However, on his last breakaway, he took it to a whole new level. Once he has the puck scooped up, he lifted his stick so it was straight up in the air and flicked the stick back and forth (picture a lacrosse player flicking his stick, spinning it side to side) about 4 times before he finally lost control of the puck. Obviously, it wouldn't be legal in a game, but it was sick. Of course, that has nothing to do with how he'll be as a player, but it was pretty cool to watch.
- I watched Strait quite a bit, and thought he looked very good. Just a solid mix of skating, stickhandling, and passing.- Gryba looked like he can get that big frame moving.
I reached WBA with the countdown at 30 seconds (I'd been on the ice in Marlboro at 11:05!)...timing is everything. I have to say that as I walked in off the street and could hear the roar of the crowd, it got my blood pumping in a way that HAA unfortunately will never be able to. But that's okay, we need HAA, and it is a phenomenal arena. But just for a night, it was great to be back in the old barn. You just can't compare the way the fans are right on top of the action. I was impressed with the size of the crowd. I was saying to myself that as the freshmen are skating onto the ice in this environment, they are saying to themselves..."this is why I chose BU, and I'm glad I did."
- Glad to hear only a slight hint of booing during Parkers remarks, and also glad to hear the cheering when he was done discussing the swearing.
- Bennett definitely is a crowd pleaser, pumping the arms, and diving for the finish line in the fastest goalie competition to try to make up ground on KG.
- I know it's just goofing around, but dang, the players on this team sure can dangle the puck around. The sophomore line on the 3-0 drills was sick.
- Higgins looks like he put on some muscle...a very good sign. (And still won the speedskating competition)
- I still can't believe what Lawrence did on the breakaway drills. First he did the Mike Legg scoop up and spin around throwing the puck at the net. Nice, but I've seen many guys do it. However, on his last breakaway, he took it to a whole new level. Once he has the puck scooped up, he lifted his stick so it was straight up in the air and flicked the stick back and forth (picture a lacrosse player flicking his stick, spinning it side to side) about 4 times before he finally lost control of the puck. Obviously, it wouldn't be legal in a game, but it was sick. Of course, that has nothing to do with how he'll be as a player, but it was pretty cool to watch.
- I watched Strait quite a bit, and thought he looked very good. Just a solid mix of skating, stickhandling, and passing.- Gryba looked like he can get that big frame moving.
Midnight Mania--Part II
In the first of two guest posts on Midnight Mania, Scarlet provides insights on the atmosphere and enthusiasm at the event. She also took this photo of four sophomores (L-R, Higgins, McCarthy, Gilroy and Lawrence) with Rhett.
I arrived at Walter Brown Arena 9 pm. My friends and I walked in and immediately went to our old seats. After sitting in them for about 10 minutes, the stroll down memory lane was over as we all realized how uncomfortable the benches were. Yes, the old barn has a lot of charm and some awesome memories, but sadly, not very comfortable seating. My friend Laura was emceeing the festivities so I was able to hang out with her down at ice level, on the bench. It was an interesting perspective.
The doors opened prior to 11pm and for about a half hour, there was a solid stream of students entering the building. The band was out in full force. I forgot how the sound bounces off the low ceiling. They were playing prior to everyone getting there and wow, loud. And good. The team was hanging out on the ice, not dressed yet. I would have liked to have gotten the reaction from the freshmen and sophomores, as I'm sure they didn't know what to expect.
Thirty seconds after Section 8 filled up, they all did their infamous Song, to Rough em Up. Nice. Not even here a full minute and they're already swearing, and right after a get together up in Case Gym with Dean Elmore and Mike Lynch. But wait! A student leans over to tell me they're saying "Puck em Up", not using the F-word. Sure, that makes it all better.
The music alternates between the band and the DJ. The students are all standing, chatting, chanting, just having fun. About 11:30, the games begin. Laura heads out on the ice with some students. She tries to explain the rules of the game about to be played, to no avail, no one can hear. Another thing I do not miss about WBA - the pretty lousy sound system. There was an electric car race, a Let's Make a Deal game (which gave me an opportunity to play Carol Merrill and display the envelope choices), an accurate shot game with these little teeny nets that I think the coaching staff should utilize to improve shot accuracy, and a Name That Tune game. During one of the breaks I chatted with Dan McGoff, pointed to Laura and told him that she was responsible for the very first Midnight Madness at Walter Brown. He was sufficiently impressed and proceeded to tell me he loves in WBA and wishes they still played there. So much for the $95 million palace on the next block.
The team was hanging out on the bench and definitely got a kick out of the goings on. They were particularly interested in signs some female fans were holding over in section 2. Ah, young lust. They were also confiscating most of the candy that Rhett was supposed to throw to the fans. "But I love Dots!!!" said Ryan Monaghan.
They were using the Zamboni entrance for the player entrance and there were red lights and a smoke machine - neither of which were used at prior Midnight Madnesses at WBA. Then, they lowered the lights and the team came out on the ice through all that-- pretty cool. The place was incredibly loud. The lights stayed off as the team lined up in front of the visitors bench. Jack skated out to say a few words. He touched upon the new swearing policy, amidst a few boos, then turned it over to Jim Prior for introductions. Again, a difference from previous MMs where the players lined up on the goal lines. And what would a Midnight Mania be without at least one incorrect player announcement? The more things change, the more they stay the same. This year it was Luke Popko.
Once that was all done, the lights came up, and the skating and passing drills began. I decided to walk around at this point and can't provide the best recap of the rest of the evening. Once the drills were over, the skills challenge began and the team had fun with it. Everyone got pumped for the start of the season, which Jack had to remind everyone was the exhibition on Saturday the 7th. I'm so glad they resurrected this event and held it at WBA. It definitely added to the festive atmosphere and brought back some great memories. But now, a new season begins and all is right in the world.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Does Spang Know the Way to San Jose?
Former BU defenseman Dan Spang, an All American his senior season, was recently sent to the AHL Worcester Sharks after a strong showing in San Jose training camp. So, his minor league career continues (he played briefly in Cleveland last spring) on the same ice, the DCU Center, where his college career ended.
But his stay in Worcester may be short-lived. Spang has already impressed Worcester coach Roy Sommer, who said in a hockeysfuture.com article: "“He’s got a lot of leadership qualities. He sees the ice real well, he’s got a lot of hockey sense, he plays a lot bigger than he is, can shoot a puck, run a power play. He’s going to log a lot of minutes here -- I’d be surprised if he was here all year. Some players you say might take a year or so to mature and be ready to play in the National Hockey League, but he’s a kid that I think is on the fast track to get there.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
