2014 recruit Conor McGlynn will not be attending BC as he has opted to sign with Kingston of the OHL. In terms of recruiting and future lineups, this really isn't a big loss. In reality, McGlynn was not a scholarship player and might not have played until his sophomore season. Interestingly, he told the New England Hockey Journal last year that he was "100 % committed to BC" and "nothing will change that". Obviously, things changed.
Right now, there are four forwards slated to arrive next season. Tanner MacMaster, Joey Dudek, Zach Sanford, and Alex Tuch. Expect the staff to increase that number by next fall.
Go Eagles.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Freshmen Expectations.....The Defense
With the losses of Pat Wey and Patch Alber, the Eagles will need two, maybe three, freshmen defensemen step in and play at a high level right away. Thankfully, the staff has landed arguably it's best recruiting class ever and there are two real stars coming in next season. Last season, I stared in awe at how freshman Mike Matheson came in and played at such a high level. His skating, his ability to run a power play, and his blistering shot never failed to amaze me on a daily basis. There were high expectations for Mike last season and 95 % of the time, he exceeded them (the penalties bring him down 5%). This fall, I think Eagle fans will once again be star-struck when they see Steven Santini and Ian McCoshen. They're two similar players, both big, physical, and defensive minded (Santini more so than McCoshen) players that can do whatever the staff ask of them. They'll kill penalties, skate on the power play, and go up against an opponents top line. Let's take a more in-depth look.
Let's face it, the defense in the latter half of last season flat out stunk. They barely got by Vermont and proceeded to get torched by BU and Union in what were two embarrising defensive performances. Now, those two games certainly don't rest on the play of 4 or 5 guys because in reality, that's all BC had, 4 defenseman that could really play. I mean, Teddy Doherty and Mike Matheson were playing every other shift ! In an NCAA Tournament game....as FRESHMEN ! Just goes to show how thin the defense was last year. Those guys just ran out of gas. Thankfully, reinforcements are on the way.
Not only are McCoshen and Santini two of the most talented defensive recruits BC has ever landed, they are two guys that will compliment BC's returning 3 guys tremendously. The way I look at it is, Matheson is the most talented offensive defensmam in the country and Doherty is also a guy that is better in the opponents end than he is in his own. The great thing about McCoshen is that he's a hybrid type. He is solid in both ends....something BC hasn't had since Brian Dumoulin. Santini on the other hand is a shut down defenseman that would go great along with Matheson. The Eagles didn't have a guy towards the end of last season where they could just put him out and be confident that he could help shut down another team's top line. Steven Santini will be that guy this season. He isn't a big offensive threat that will score goals and pick up assist like Mike Matheson or even Ian McCoshen but he will get a ton of ice time particularly in late game situations when the team needs to close the door. As the season goes on, he will develop a more well rounded offensive game because he is a good skater and possesses a heavy shot but that's not really what he was brought in to do. If he becomes a "hybrid" type, that's awesome, but if he continues to be a shut down defenseman like he has been over the course of the last few seasons, then he will shine at BC.
Of course, Matheson, Santini, McCoshen, Doherty, and Macleod leave us with one more open spot. Incoming freshman Scotty Savage, who is flying under the radar thanks to his two fellow newcomers, will certainly have a chance to impress the staff and earn a spot on opening night. I think he'll be a bit of a project and I expect that Danny Linell will start the season on defense but by years end, I wouldn't be the least bit shocked to see Savage playing on a nightly basis. Even if he doesn't play, he gives the staff a lot of options if someone doesn't step up or if there are injuries problems such as last year.
Anyways, that's that. I hope you are enjoying The Open as tomorrow sure looks like it'll be a beauty.
Go Eagles and Go Lee Westwood !
Let's face it, the defense in the latter half of last season flat out stunk. They barely got by Vermont and proceeded to get torched by BU and Union in what were two embarrising defensive performances. Now, those two games certainly don't rest on the play of 4 or 5 guys because in reality, that's all BC had, 4 defenseman that could really play. I mean, Teddy Doherty and Mike Matheson were playing every other shift ! In an NCAA Tournament game....as FRESHMEN ! Just goes to show how thin the defense was last year. Those guys just ran out of gas. Thankfully, reinforcements are on the way.
Not only are McCoshen and Santini two of the most talented defensive recruits BC has ever landed, they are two guys that will compliment BC's returning 3 guys tremendously. The way I look at it is, Matheson is the most talented offensive defensmam in the country and Doherty is also a guy that is better in the opponents end than he is in his own. The great thing about McCoshen is that he's a hybrid type. He is solid in both ends....something BC hasn't had since Brian Dumoulin. Santini on the other hand is a shut down defenseman that would go great along with Matheson. The Eagles didn't have a guy towards the end of last season where they could just put him out and be confident that he could help shut down another team's top line. Steven Santini will be that guy this season. He isn't a big offensive threat that will score goals and pick up assist like Mike Matheson or even Ian McCoshen but he will get a ton of ice time particularly in late game situations when the team needs to close the door. As the season goes on, he will develop a more well rounded offensive game because he is a good skater and possesses a heavy shot but that's not really what he was brought in to do. If he becomes a "hybrid" type, that's awesome, but if he continues to be a shut down defenseman like he has been over the course of the last few seasons, then he will shine at BC.
Of course, Matheson, Santini, McCoshen, Doherty, and Macleod leave us with one more open spot. Incoming freshman Scotty Savage, who is flying under the radar thanks to his two fellow newcomers, will certainly have a chance to impress the staff and earn a spot on opening night. I think he'll be a bit of a project and I expect that Danny Linell will start the season on defense but by years end, I wouldn't be the least bit shocked to see Savage playing on a nightly basis. Even if he doesn't play, he gives the staff a lot of options if someone doesn't step up or if there are injuries problems such as last year.
Anyways, that's that. I hope you are enjoying The Open as tomorrow sure looks like it'll be a beauty.
Go Eagles and Go Lee Westwood !
Monday, July 15, 2013
Taking a Look At Expectations for Each Incoming Freshman
If you ask any loyal BC Hockey follower about what their expectations are for this upcoming season, I would bet every single one of them would tell you that they are extremely high (when are the not). I am no different. I expect this team to be good when the season gets underway but as it progresses into "trophy season", I expect them to be REALLY good. The problem with all these expectations is that a lot of them rest on the performances of BC's star studded freshmen class which includes 4 of College Hockey News' best recruits coming in next season. While BC loses Pat Wey and Patch Alber on the blue line along with Pat Mullane and Steven Whitney up front, there is a solid core of players returning, including three highly talented forwards and a couple of young defenseman who were very impressive at times last season.
Anyways, I thought it would be a good idea to look at each incoming freshman and assess some reasonable expectations for them. Let's start with the forwards.
Austin Cangelosi- Even though he was not drafted last month, Cangelosi could perhaps be BC's best incoming forward. He has the speed and creativity that the staff looks for when recruiting, which is why I think there is a chance we will see him on the first or second line at times this year. One thing BC lost with Mullane and Whitney is two great penalty killers and guys that logged a lot of minutes. With Cangelosi, they get that back as I expect that he will play a big part of both the power play (most likely second unit center) and the penalty kill. I'd really like to see the staff put him on a line with Johnny G as I think that could make for some pretty exciting hockey. Player he compares to- Cam Atkinson.
Ryan Fitzgerald- A local kid, Fitzgerald will bring a lot of much needed help on both the offensive and defensive ends. "Fitzy" doesn't really have a weakness to game as he is a great offensive threat who can play on the power play but is also the type of guy who could make a big differences in the defensive end, whether it be 5 on 5 or on the PK. Like Cangelosi, I think we will see Fitzgerald play a role on the first or second line....most likely at left wing. Player he compares to- Brian Gibbons/Billy Arnold
Chris Calnan- Unlike Fitzgerald and Cangelosi who are both smaller guys that use their speed to make an impact on the ice, Chris Calnan is a guy who uses his big 6'3 frame to assert himself on the ice. One thing BC really lacked last season was size up front as we saw a bigger/stronger Union forward core impose their will on a smaller Eagle lineup. While I am not sure where the staff will insert Calnan, I think that he would work really good around two playmakers such as Johnny G or Cangelosi because he can attract a lot of attention in front of the net and will free up space for the smaller/more skilled forwards to do their jobs. Player he compares to- Jimmy Hayes
Adam Gilmour- Like Calnan, Adam Gilmour is another good sized forward (6'2) but unlike his former high school teammate, Gilmour is the type of guy who will try to make his mark on the college game with his puck handling. Gilmour isn't the type of big forward who will go in front of the net and create space. Instead, he will try to use his good puck handling skills to help create plays for the guys around him. This kid can put the puck in the net, evident by leading the Muskeegon Lumberjacks in goals scored and points last season. The big problem last season for the Eagles was they lacked guys that could score on the third and fourth lines. Gilmour is the type of kid who could really help out in this area because I think there is a great chance he wins the battle for third line center and even if he doesn't, he'll be a dangerous fourth line center that teams will have to watch for. It may take some time for him to develop, but once he hits his stride, he could be big time. Player he compares to- Kevin Hayes
Evan Richardson- If there is one "wild card" in this years class, it would be Richardson. I don't say that because of his attitude or his ability to play, but because we really don't know that much about him. Yes, he had a couple of fantastic seasons for the Powell River Kings of the BCHL but BC hasn't had a great track record of players coming out of that league. Richardson is another one of those small but super quick and highly skilled forwards that could find himself on the second power play unit to start the season. I think it will take a bit of time for him to develop into a great player but if he do that sooner rather than later, he is in a position to have a productive season. Player he compares to-Steven Whitney
Matthew Gaudreau- Let me get one thing clear before I start. I hope no one expects this kid to be his brother. That is like expecting a 14 year old kid who is a 5 handicap to become the next Golden Bear (Jack Nicklaus...the greatest). On the other hand, I do expect that Matthew could come in and earn a spot on the fourth line this October. He is going to have to impress the staff in September but I really think he could turn into a solid fourth line/defensive minded "grinding" forward. Player he compares to- Patrick Brown
We'll do the defensemen tomorrow or the next day.
Happy Open Championship Week.
Go Eagles !
Anyways, I thought it would be a good idea to look at each incoming freshman and assess some reasonable expectations for them. Let's start with the forwards.
Austin Cangelosi- Even though he was not drafted last month, Cangelosi could perhaps be BC's best incoming forward. He has the speed and creativity that the staff looks for when recruiting, which is why I think there is a chance we will see him on the first or second line at times this year. One thing BC lost with Mullane and Whitney is two great penalty killers and guys that logged a lot of minutes. With Cangelosi, they get that back as I expect that he will play a big part of both the power play (most likely second unit center) and the penalty kill. I'd really like to see the staff put him on a line with Johnny G as I think that could make for some pretty exciting hockey. Player he compares to- Cam Atkinson.
Ryan Fitzgerald- A local kid, Fitzgerald will bring a lot of much needed help on both the offensive and defensive ends. "Fitzy" doesn't really have a weakness to game as he is a great offensive threat who can play on the power play but is also the type of guy who could make a big differences in the defensive end, whether it be 5 on 5 or on the PK. Like Cangelosi, I think we will see Fitzgerald play a role on the first or second line....most likely at left wing. Player he compares to- Brian Gibbons/Billy Arnold
Chris Calnan- Unlike Fitzgerald and Cangelosi who are both smaller guys that use their speed to make an impact on the ice, Chris Calnan is a guy who uses his big 6'3 frame to assert himself on the ice. One thing BC really lacked last season was size up front as we saw a bigger/stronger Union forward core impose their will on a smaller Eagle lineup. While I am not sure where the staff will insert Calnan, I think that he would work really good around two playmakers such as Johnny G or Cangelosi because he can attract a lot of attention in front of the net and will free up space for the smaller/more skilled forwards to do their jobs. Player he compares to- Jimmy Hayes
Adam Gilmour- Like Calnan, Adam Gilmour is another good sized forward (6'2) but unlike his former high school teammate, Gilmour is the type of guy who will try to make his mark on the college game with his puck handling. Gilmour isn't the type of big forward who will go in front of the net and create space. Instead, he will try to use his good puck handling skills to help create plays for the guys around him. This kid can put the puck in the net, evident by leading the Muskeegon Lumberjacks in goals scored and points last season. The big problem last season for the Eagles was they lacked guys that could score on the third and fourth lines. Gilmour is the type of kid who could really help out in this area because I think there is a great chance he wins the battle for third line center and even if he doesn't, he'll be a dangerous fourth line center that teams will have to watch for. It may take some time for him to develop, but once he hits his stride, he could be big time. Player he compares to- Kevin Hayes
Evan Richardson- If there is one "wild card" in this years class, it would be Richardson. I don't say that because of his attitude or his ability to play, but because we really don't know that much about him. Yes, he had a couple of fantastic seasons for the Powell River Kings of the BCHL but BC hasn't had a great track record of players coming out of that league. Richardson is another one of those small but super quick and highly skilled forwards that could find himself on the second power play unit to start the season. I think it will take a bit of time for him to develop into a great player but if he do that sooner rather than later, he is in a position to have a productive season. Player he compares to-Steven Whitney
Matthew Gaudreau- Let me get one thing clear before I start. I hope no one expects this kid to be his brother. That is like expecting a 14 year old kid who is a 5 handicap to become the next Golden Bear (Jack Nicklaus...the greatest). On the other hand, I do expect that Matthew could come in and earn a spot on the fourth line this October. He is going to have to impress the staff in September but I really think he could turn into a solid fourth line/defensive minded "grinding" forward. Player he compares to- Patrick Brown
We'll do the defensemen tomorrow or the next day.
Happy Open Championship Week.
Go Eagles !
Sunday, July 7, 2013
The Notebook- Week of July 4th
I hope everybody had a fun and safe 4th of July. Hockey season is approaching day by day.
Here are the Eagles that are participating at NHL Evaluation Camps this week. The list could change but I wouldn't expect it to.
Florida Panthers- Ian McCoshen and Mike Matheson
Chicago Blackhawks- Kevin Hayes, Pat Mullane, and Chris Calnan
Anaheim Ducks- Steven Whitney
Calgary Flames- Johnny G and Billy Arnold
New York Rangers- Patrick Brown and Teddy Doherty
Minnesota Wild- Adam Gilmour
Boston Bruins- Ryan Fitzgerald
Washington Capitals- Zach Sanford and Patrick Wey
Toronto Maple Leafs- Teddy Doherty
New Jersey Devils- Steven Santini
Montreal Canadians- Colin Sullivan
San Jose Sharks- Isaac Macleod
In other news, goalie Brad Barone will redshirt a year so he will be a sophomore this upcoming season. I don't think it would be out of this world for him to compete for some time this year. If he improves his game over the summer, then he should see some ice.
BC's game @ UMass has been rescheduled from 11/16 to 11/14 (a Thursday) due to some conflicts with UMass football. Who the heck wants to go to Amherst on a Thursday night.
It was reported earlier this week that BC is looking for a volunteer assistant coach. I had my money on Mike Mottau getting the job but he just signed a two year deal with the Florida Panthers. I'm sure the staff will still hire someone as pretty much every team in Hockey East has four coaches.
Good luck to all the guys at the NHL camps and GO EAGLES !
Here are the Eagles that are participating at NHL Evaluation Camps this week. The list could change but I wouldn't expect it to.
Florida Panthers- Ian McCoshen and Mike Matheson
Chicago Blackhawks- Kevin Hayes, Pat Mullane, and Chris Calnan
Anaheim Ducks- Steven Whitney
Calgary Flames- Johnny G and Billy Arnold
New York Rangers- Patrick Brown and Teddy Doherty
Minnesota Wild- Adam Gilmour
Boston Bruins- Ryan Fitzgerald
Washington Capitals- Zach Sanford and Patrick Wey
Toronto Maple Leafs- Teddy Doherty
New Jersey Devils- Steven Santini
Montreal Canadians- Colin Sullivan
San Jose Sharks- Isaac Macleod
In other news, goalie Brad Barone will redshirt a year so he will be a sophomore this upcoming season. I don't think it would be out of this world for him to compete for some time this year. If he improves his game over the summer, then he should see some ice.
BC's game @ UMass has been rescheduled from 11/16 to 11/14 (a Thursday) due to some conflicts with UMass football. Who the heck wants to go to Amherst on a Thursday night.
It was reported earlier this week that BC is looking for a volunteer assistant coach. I had my money on Mike Mottau getting the job but he just signed a two year deal with the Florida Panthers. I'm sure the staff will still hire someone as pretty much every team in Hockey East has four coaches.
Good luck to all the guys at the NHL camps and GO EAGLES !
Monday, July 1, 2013
Four Eagles Selected On Draft Day
Three current Eagles and one future Eagle were selected within the first five rounds of yesterdays NHL Entry Draft held in New York. Ian McCoshen (Florida), Steven Santini (New Jersey) and Zach Sanford (Washington) were all selected in the second round while Ryan Fitzgerald (Boston) was selected in the fourth. First and foremost, congrats to these guys as they have achieved something that have worked for their entire lives. Fitzgerald, McCoshen, and Santini will all be integral parts of this years squad while Sanford will arrive in the fall of 2014.
Here are some comments from Coach York on the guys selected (No Sanford because he is not enrolled at the university).
Ian McCoshen- "Ian has had an excellent three-year run in the USHL, and he’s still just 17. That’s an anomaly in junior hockey today. PK O’Handley has done an excellent job as his coach in Waterloo and we’re excited about what he may bring to our team. He can be a power-play point man, because he shoots and distributes the puck well. His real strength is his defensive ability. He keeps tight gaps and will continue to get stronger. He really has terrific balance to his game on both sides of the puck -
Steven Santini- He and Ian McCoshen are really very similar in size and makeup – they will actually be roommates this fall at BC. Steven is a bit more of a defensive player than Ian. His skating mobility is outstanding and he can make a good first pass out of the zone."
Ryan Fitzgerald- "He’s a player who certainly has the bloodlines you love to see in a hockey player. He makes plays you can’t teach. Beyond that, he has a great grasp of how to play hockey as a team sport. He’ll make everyone else on the ice better. Despite his size, he has a real on-ice strength, and that will keep improving. He’s a good checker as well, especially for someone with his offensive skill."
These quotes are from College Hockey Inc's website.
I expect that all three of these guys will start right away. I would be shocked if we don't see Fitzgerald placed on either of the first two lines and we will certainly see Santini and McCoshen play a lot of minutes next year right off the bat.
Go Eagles.
Here are some comments from Coach York on the guys selected (No Sanford because he is not enrolled at the university).
Ian McCoshen- "Ian has had an excellent three-year run in the USHL, and he’s still just 17. That’s an anomaly in junior hockey today. PK O’Handley has done an excellent job as his coach in Waterloo and we’re excited about what he may bring to our team. He can be a power-play point man, because he shoots and distributes the puck well. His real strength is his defensive ability. He keeps tight gaps and will continue to get stronger. He really has terrific balance to his game on both sides of the puck -
Steven Santini- He and Ian McCoshen are really very similar in size and makeup – they will actually be roommates this fall at BC. Steven is a bit more of a defensive player than Ian. His skating mobility is outstanding and he can make a good first pass out of the zone."
Ryan Fitzgerald- "He’s a player who certainly has the bloodlines you love to see in a hockey player. He makes plays you can’t teach. Beyond that, he has a great grasp of how to play hockey as a team sport. He’ll make everyone else on the ice better. Despite his size, he has a real on-ice strength, and that will keep improving. He’s a good checker as well, especially for someone with his offensive skill."
These quotes are from College Hockey Inc's website.
I expect that all three of these guys will start right away. I would be shocked if we don't see Fitzgerald placed on either of the first two lines and we will certainly see Santini and McCoshen play a lot of minutes next year right off the bat.
Go Eagles.
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