Previewing the Incoming Forwards and Hitting the Links

Last night I wrote some comments on what to expect for each incoming freshman defenseman. Today, I will do the forwards that we will see on campus this fall. Unlike on defense, the Eagles still have some major artillery up front with the likes of Johnny G, Pat Mullane, Steve Whitney, and Bill Arnold all returning from a fantastic championship season. Even though BC loses Kreider, Carey, and Alemdia, the team is still pretty deep up front considering that five freshman started in the National Championship game last season and all played a major role in the teams success. Like last season, the Eagles are going to need guys to step up and put their feet in bigger shoes to help the team win hockey games. Let's take a look at the incoming forwards.

Frank Vatrano- Many consider the 5'10 forward out of Springfield, MA to be the best forward in this class. Vatrano recorded thirty five points for the US National Development program team last season including an assist in the teams 3-3 tie at Boston University. Vatrano played first line left wing for the team most of last year and is noted for having an NHL type shot and is also tough to knock off the puck. This season, Vatrano will need to get a little bit faster to get accustomed to the guys that he will be playing with/against in Hockey East. If he can do that, he will easily be a top three line guy for the Eagles.

Peter McMullen- The 6'2 forward who played last season for the Vernon Vipers recorded just three goals and four assist last season for the Vipers. McMullen played wing at the start of his high school hockey career for the Delbarton School (NJ) but became a center last year for the Vipers. The problem last year with McMullen is that he only played 22 games for the Vipers (Due to injury I think). While at Delbarton two seasons ago, McMullen recorded a team high forty six points including the game winning OT goal to give his school the state championship. Like Vatrano, McMullen does not have a ton of speed but he can use his body to fight off defenders and can use his big shot to put the puck in the net. I am not sure if I think McMullen will start on opening night or not for the Eagles. I could see him going back to right wing and playing with Mike Sit and maybe a Pat Brown on the fourth line but we will see once hockey starts.

Brendan Silk- The 6'2 forward out of Wakefield, MA is coming off a year for the USNDT in which he played first line right wing (along with Vatrano). Silk didn't have a boatload of points last year but he did have a goal in the teams loss to Maine in November among other ones. Like Peter McMullen, I am not sure if Silk will start when the year kicks off. He, McMullen, or even both guys could be a part of the fourth line next year if they continue to improve their skating and get adjusted to the college game but only time will tell if they do indeed start for the Eagles.

Hitting the Links-

Merrimack and Vermont appear to be losing recruits.

BC is the only team not to have "officially" released their Hockey East schedule even though the league released the composite schedule a few weeks ago.

I don't have much on the AD search. In fact, I don't have anything at all..for that, turn to BC Interruption 

Until next time,

GO EAGLES !