I first reported about a month ago that BC would play rival Notre Dame @ Fenway Park this season and today, Hockey East came out with an official announcement stating the Eagles and Irish will indeed play that game along with three others. BC vs Notre Dame will be the late game on January 4th while PC vs Merrimack is the early game. The following week, Maine will face BU after Northeastern battles Lowell.
To say I am not a fan of this is a huge understatement. I don't know about you but I think this move favors Notre Dame because it's costing the Eagles a huge home game in what is sure to be a booming atmosphere. While I think playing @ Fenway once every 4 or 5 years would be a nice little gig, playing every other year is just overdoing it. This also means the Eagles will not close the season with the Irish as they were originally supposed to.
On the recruiting trail, Thatcher Demko picked up a nice 27 save shutout of Sweden to lead the United States to the Under 18 World Championships semifinals vs Russia.
Go Eagles.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Taking a Look At Next Year's Non Conference Opponents
Before I start with any hockey, let me just say that I hope everyone is recovering well from the horrific events this past week. Obviously, it hurts that much more when it hits close to home. Thankfully, the Boston College community did not suffer any losses. Amazingly, suspect #2 was captured no more than half a mile away from Coach York's house in Watertown. In an interview with the Boston Herald this morning, Coach says he is doing well and that he is thankful for the cops that were able to capture these evil men.
Anyways, on a lighter note, I think it would be nice to take a peek at BC's non-conference opponents next season. BC will play every Hockey East TWICE (instead of the normal 3). Unlike some others clubs, the Eagles will not play any non conference games vs any Hockey East teams, although I would like to see them schedule BU a third time because you know, the more BC-BU, the better. Other than that, here is what we have right now. Just to note, all of this could change. The locations I put down are educated guesses (some are final).
RPI- Right now Boston College is slated to host the Engineers but there is a rumor that the two teams could faceoff at Madison Square Garden with Cornell and BU being the other game. Certainly, that would be a great event. As of now, BC's opening game is RPI but that could very well change.
Army- Not sure the location yet but I'd put the odds on BC hosting.
Minnesota- In the 10+ plus years I've been following BC Hockey, I don't believe they have hosted the Gophers which means a date (or dates) this season should be extra special. It's been a while since BC has hosted a western power like the Gophers, North Dakota, or Wisconsin so hosting both the Badgers and Minnesota should be awesome. Right now, I believe BC is supposed to play two games vs the Gophers but that could change.
Wisconsin- For the first time since 2009, Boston College will host the Badgers. Mike Eaves' club is slated to play Boston College on a Saturday night after facing Boston University on Friday night. My best guess is this game takes place in November.
Michigan- This has the potential to be one heck of a road trip. For the first time in what must be 20+ years, the Eagles will travel to Ann Arbor to faceoff vs the Wolverines per sources. This game has yet to be confirmed but there is a 95% chance that it will take place. I assume the Eagles will play two games out there. Dates not yet known.
Brown- Another opponent we haven't seen in quite some time. Boston College will travel to Meehan Auditorium on January 11th (a Saturday) to take on the Bears.
Holy Cross- The ancient rivals will meet again @ Conte Forum the day after Thanksgiving. It's been a while since the two have met up on the ice.
Harvard- After a two year break, the Crimson and the Eagles will once take the ice against each other. I'm not sure of the location but I am assuming the game is in Cambridge because right now, BC only has three non conference road games (@ Michigan x2, @ Brown).
That's all I have for now but I'd like to see if BC could schedule a couple of more regional opponents. I mentioned the idea of scheduling the Terriers as a non conference game but I highly doubt the staff will do that. Besides that, I hope BC continues their series with Yale. I mean, they're the National Champs and if you want to be the best, you've got to beat the best. I'll be uploading a 2014 schedule page within the next few hours so be sure to check that out.
As you can tell, I'm pretty excited for next season (even though it's April). I feel that this BC team has the potential to reach unprecedented heights if the freshman can gel together sooner rather than later. With the "big four" of Matheson, Johnny G, Arnold, and Hayes returning, along with as deep a freshman class as you'll ever see, I don't see why it is unreasonable to expect this team to be as good a BC team as we've had in the past 5 years.
Anyways, on a lighter note, I think it would be nice to take a peek at BC's non-conference opponents next season. BC will play every Hockey East TWICE (instead of the normal 3). Unlike some others clubs, the Eagles will not play any non conference games vs any Hockey East teams, although I would like to see them schedule BU a third time because you know, the more BC-BU, the better. Other than that, here is what we have right now. Just to note, all of this could change. The locations I put down are educated guesses (some are final).
RPI- Right now Boston College is slated to host the Engineers but there is a rumor that the two teams could faceoff at Madison Square Garden with Cornell and BU being the other game. Certainly, that would be a great event. As of now, BC's opening game is RPI but that could very well change.
Army- Not sure the location yet but I'd put the odds on BC hosting.
Minnesota- In the 10+ plus years I've been following BC Hockey, I don't believe they have hosted the Gophers which means a date (or dates) this season should be extra special. It's been a while since BC has hosted a western power like the Gophers, North Dakota, or Wisconsin so hosting both the Badgers and Minnesota should be awesome. Right now, I believe BC is supposed to play two games vs the Gophers but that could change.
Wisconsin- For the first time since 2009, Boston College will host the Badgers. Mike Eaves' club is slated to play Boston College on a Saturday night after facing Boston University on Friday night. My best guess is this game takes place in November.
Michigan- This has the potential to be one heck of a road trip. For the first time in what must be 20+ years, the Eagles will travel to Ann Arbor to faceoff vs the Wolverines per sources. This game has yet to be confirmed but there is a 95% chance that it will take place. I assume the Eagles will play two games out there. Dates not yet known.
Brown- Another opponent we haven't seen in quite some time. Boston College will travel to Meehan Auditorium on January 11th (a Saturday) to take on the Bears.
Holy Cross- The ancient rivals will meet again @ Conte Forum the day after Thanksgiving. It's been a while since the two have met up on the ice.
Harvard- After a two year break, the Crimson and the Eagles will once take the ice against each other. I'm not sure of the location but I am assuming the game is in Cambridge because right now, BC only has three non conference road games (@ Michigan x2, @ Brown).
That's all I have for now but I'd like to see if BC could schedule a couple of more regional opponents. I mentioned the idea of scheduling the Terriers as a non conference game but I highly doubt the staff will do that. Besides that, I hope BC continues their series with Yale. I mean, they're the National Champs and if you want to be the best, you've got to beat the best. I'll be uploading a 2014 schedule page within the next few hours so be sure to check that out.
As you can tell, I'm pretty excited for next season (even though it's April). I feel that this BC team has the potential to reach unprecedented heights if the freshman can gel together sooner rather than later. With the "big four" of Matheson, Johnny G, Arnold, and Hayes returning, along with as deep a freshman class as you'll ever see, I don't see why it is unreasonable to expect this team to be as good a BC team as we've had in the past 5 years.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
BC to Host Holy Cross in November
Boston College will host ancient rival Holy Cross on Friday, November 29th @ 3 pm according to the Crusader's schedule which was released last night.
I hope that all of you were able to stay safe this week during all the madness. Thankfully, the amazing work of the Boston police, the FBI, and other agencies joined together to help get rid of these two evil men.
Go Eagles.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Leblanc Edges Gaudreau For Hobey; Coach Brown a Candidate For DU Job
It's been 13 years since a BC Hockey player has taken home the Hobey Baker Memorial Award and unfortunately the Eagles will need to wait another year thanks to Drew Leblanc edging out Johnny G yesterday. First of all, congrats to Leblanc. I have not seen him play too often but I am sure he is an outstanding player, that obviously led his team to a great season. Do I think Johnny should have won ? Of course I do. I think is one of the best play makers I have ever seen around here along with Gerbe and Gionta. While it is unfortunate that he wasn't able to win it, I think it will just be more fuel in the tank for him next season.
Some other news that came out yesterday is that Coach Brown is one of 4 finalist for the Denver University head coaching job. I don't think there are many more candidates across the country that are as qualified as Coach Brown. He has coached at multiple levels, he has been metored by the greatest there has ever been, and he has obviously proven his value on the recruiting trail. A couple of reports surfaced today that DU has already offered to job to Jim Montgomery of the USHL but I think he will end up taking the Maine job. To be honest, I would be surprised to see Coach Brown get the DU job because I think he is one of, if not the favorite (along with Coach Cav) to land the BC job whenever Coach York retires. While I hope he stays around Chestnut Hill for a long time, I think it would be great to see him take this job if given the opportunity.
Here are BC's non conference opponents next season (locations not all known)- Minnesota (home), Wisconsin (home), Michigan (probably on road), Army, Harvard, Holy Cross, Brown (road), and RPI.
Go Eagles.
Some other news that came out yesterday is that Coach Brown is one of 4 finalist for the Denver University head coaching job. I don't think there are many more candidates across the country that are as qualified as Coach Brown. He has coached at multiple levels, he has been metored by the greatest there has ever been, and he has obviously proven his value on the recruiting trail. A couple of reports surfaced today that DU has already offered to job to Jim Montgomery of the USHL but I think he will end up taking the Maine job. To be honest, I would be surprised to see Coach Brown get the DU job because I think he is one of, if not the favorite (along with Coach Cav) to land the BC job whenever Coach York retires. While I hope he stays around Chestnut Hill for a long time, I think it would be great to see him take this job if given the opportunity.
Here are BC's non conference opponents next season (locations not all known)- Minnesota (home), Wisconsin (home), Michigan (probably on road), Army, Harvard, Holy Cross, Brown (road), and RPI.
Go Eagles.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Watch Out
Well, all I can say is watch out. Mike Matheson, Johnny G, Billy Arnold, and Kevin Hayes all announced today that they're returning to Boston College next season. This, coupled with a star studded recruiting class, will make BC one of, if not the favorite, to be #1 in next season's top 25 poll.
Go Eagles.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Hayes To Return
Per The Heights, forward Kevin Hayes will return to BC for his senior season. Hayes is a first round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks. Due to his leg injury this February, Hayes will be rehabbing @ BC over the course of the next three months.
Go Eagles.
Go Eagles.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Taking a (Very) Early Look at Next Season's Roster
Now that we have had 4 or 5 days to heal after the tough loss to Union, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look at what next year's roster could potentially look like. Before I do that though, I'd like to congratulate Patrick Brown on being named captain for next years team. He will certainly be an outstanding leader on and off the ice. I think it's a great selection by the players. Also, congrats to Billy Arnold and Isaac Macleod on being named his associate captains.
So, before I reveal what I think the lineup could look like, I need to adress the early departures. As of today, no one has left the school and it is my expectation that everyone will stay. A source indicated today that he thinks that it is "very likely" that Mike Matheson returns to Chestnut Hill for one more year. As for Kevin Hayes, I would guess that there is a very slim chance that he leaves, mainly because of his leg. I think Chicago will want to see how he comes back from the injury. Of the three, I would label Johnny G as the biggest threat to leave but he did say after Saturday's game that he is really looking forward to playing with his brother Matt next season. In the end, I think they all return.
Let's look at who we have coming in.
Forwards- Cangelosi, Gilmour, Calnan, Gaudreau, McGlynn, Richardson and Fitzgerald.
Defense- Santini, McCoshen, and Savage
Goalie- Thatcher Demko
At first glance, I think our defense is going to among the best in the country next season. Santini and McCoshen are two of the biggest defensive recruits in the country so I expect them to come in right away and play lots of minutes. As for the 6th defensive spot, I think it will probably go to Savage but Jeke or Sullivan might have an outside shot at landing it. He is a good sized defenseman that has supposedly good feet and can move the puck well.
Up front, it all depends on who stays and who goes. There is a very good chance that both Gaudreau and Hayes both stay and if that is the case, I think BC is going to have a much deeper forward lineup than they did this season. I expect that Gilmour, Calnan, Richardson, Fitzgerald, and Cangelosi will all start right away but I'm not quite sure about M.Gaudreau and Connor McGlynn.
Here are my (way to early) line projections for next October
Johnny Gaudreau- Billy Arnold- Danny Linell
Kevin Hayes- Chris Calnan- Austin Cangelosi
Ryan Fitzgerald-Adam Gilmour- Quinn Smith
Destry Straight- Pat Brown-Brendan Silk/Matt Gaudreau
Defense
Mike Matheson-Steve Santini
Ian McCoshen- Isaac Macleod
Teddy Doherty-Scott Savage
Goalie
Thatcher Demko
So, before I reveal what I think the lineup could look like, I need to adress the early departures. As of today, no one has left the school and it is my expectation that everyone will stay. A source indicated today that he thinks that it is "very likely" that Mike Matheson returns to Chestnut Hill for one more year. As for Kevin Hayes, I would guess that there is a very slim chance that he leaves, mainly because of his leg. I think Chicago will want to see how he comes back from the injury. Of the three, I would label Johnny G as the biggest threat to leave but he did say after Saturday's game that he is really looking forward to playing with his brother Matt next season. In the end, I think they all return.
Let's look at who we have coming in.
Forwards- Cangelosi, Gilmour, Calnan, Gaudreau, McGlynn, Richardson and Fitzgerald.
Defense- Santini, McCoshen, and Savage
Goalie- Thatcher Demko
At first glance, I think our defense is going to among the best in the country next season. Santini and McCoshen are two of the biggest defensive recruits in the country so I expect them to come in right away and play lots of minutes. As for the 6th defensive spot, I think it will probably go to Savage but Jeke or Sullivan might have an outside shot at landing it. He is a good sized defenseman that has supposedly good feet and can move the puck well.
Up front, it all depends on who stays and who goes. There is a very good chance that both Gaudreau and Hayes both stay and if that is the case, I think BC is going to have a much deeper forward lineup than they did this season. I expect that Gilmour, Calnan, Richardson, Fitzgerald, and Cangelosi will all start right away but I'm not quite sure about M.Gaudreau and Connor McGlynn.
Here are my (way to early) line projections for next October
Johnny Gaudreau- Billy Arnold- Danny Linell
Kevin Hayes- Chris Calnan- Austin Cangelosi
Ryan Fitzgerald-Adam Gilmour- Quinn Smith
Destry Straight- Pat Brown-Brendan Silk/Matt Gaudreau
Defense
Mike Matheson-Steve Santini
Ian McCoshen- Isaac Macleod
Teddy Doherty-Scott Savage
Goalie
Thatcher Demko
Johnny G Named Hobey Hatrick Finalist
Boston College sophomore forward Johnny Gaudreau has been named one of three finalist for the Hobey Baker award for the nation's top colligate hockey player. Boston College has two previous Hobey Winners, Mike Mottau (2000) and David Emma (1991). The Eagles have had numerous runner-ups such as Brian Gionta (a couple of times) and Nathan Gerbe.
Congrats to Johnny and best of luck in Pittsburgh !
I'll have an (extremely) early preview of what I think next year's lineup will look like tonight.
Congrats to Johnny and best of luck in Pittsburgh !
I'll have an (extremely) early preview of what I think next year's lineup will look like tonight.
Monday, April 1, 2013
George Gwozdecky Out @ Denver
Denver Pioneers Head Coach George Gwozdecky has retired from his post after 19 years on the job. For many around the college hockey world, this is a complete shock as Gwozdecky, the only individual in NCAA hockey history to win a championship as a head coach, assistant coach, and player, will call it quits.
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