by Chris Aliano
According to multiple sources, including the Boston Globe, WEEI.com and the Daily Free Press, the defending national champion Boston University men’s ice hockey team will square off against its archrival, Boston College, in a unique twist to this year’s installment of the National Hockey League’s Winter Classic.
While all that is certain about the 2009-10 Winter Classic is that it will indeed be held at iconic Fenway Park and that one of the two NHL teams slated to play is the Boston Bruins (the Philadelphia Flyers or Washington Capitals are the Bruins’ likely opponent), the attention has temporarily been diverted from the pros’ affair ever since rumors began surfacing about a possible BU-BC matchup which could take place on January 8, one week after the Bruins take the ice at Fenway.
Should these rumors hold any truth to them, this would be the first time in Classic history a college hockey would team would participate in the day’s festivities. Neither BU head coach Jack Parker nor BU men’s hockey sports information director Brian Kelly could be reached to verify these reports.
WEEI.com reported on June 26 the contest between the Terriers and the Eagles would be part of a doubleheader to take place a week after the Classic on Friday, January 8, 2010, with the second game pitting two other Hockey East opponents against one another. WEEI’s article can be found here: http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/this-just-in/212532/sources-bc-and-bu-will-play-outdoor-game-fenway-park-jan-8
A Boston Globe Bruins Blog entry article also confirmed the Flyers or Capitals as the Bruins’ opponent during the New Year’s Day matchup. That blog entry can be found here: http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2009/04/bruins_at_fenwa.html
Until the NHL announces the 2009-10 season schedule later this month, including details about the Winter Classic, everything at this point is mere speculation. While both Parker and Boston College head coach Jerry York had been hopeful their teams would get a chance to play within the confines of Fenway Park and alongside the “Green Monster,” both assuredly have had their agendas full regardless of the swirling storm of rumors with incoming recruits and the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Boston College saw the rights to a handful of its up-and-coming talent selected by NHL clubs last week, while BU saw three of its own--including National Rookie of the Year Kieran Millan—selected in the draft.
Many fans anticipated their schools would announce their respective schedules for next season during or after the weekend of the draft, but the event came and went with not so much of a glimmer of change on either University’s athletics website. Perhaps fans could take this as a blessing in disguise—while other Hockey East schools (University of Maine, University of New Hampshire) have announced their 2009-10 ice hockey schedules, the fact that BU and BC have not yet could indicate the waiting process involved in finalizing the two teams’ midwinter night’s dream.
While waiting for the rumors to crystallize could prove to be a demoralizing task, Terrier fans can take solace in the confirmation of two key games early in the season: BU is scheduled to open its season October 20, 2009, against the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a banner-raising evening featuring two of last season’s best teams; BU and UND were the top-ranked and second-ranked teams, respectively, in the country for most of the 2008-09 season, and if not for an early upset to Cinderella-Bemidji State in the NCAA Regionals, the Fighting Irish were expected to provide BU’s stiffest test during their run to the championship.
Another familiar non-conference foe, the University of Michigan Wolverines, will visit Boston Saturday, October 24, 2009, in another pivotal non-conference matchup, pitting BU against its second stalwart CCHA opponent during that four-day span. BU routed Michigan 7-2 when the Wolverines visited Agganis Arena last October, while Michigan took both games against the Terriers at Ann Arbor in 2007.
Check back at wtburadio.org for more information regarding the 2009-10 Winter Classic and everything else Terrier hockey.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Millan, Two Incoming Recruits Selected in 2009 NHL Draft
by Chris Aliano
The 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft came and went Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27, 2009, and while no member of the Boston University men’s ice hockey team were selected during the event’s first round, three Terriers were taken during the second day of the draft.
Among the Terriers selected were reigning HCA National Rookie of the Year and rising sophomore goaltender Kieran Millan, who posted the nation’s best winning percentage of .897 during his freshman season. Millan was selected 124th overall during the fifth round of the draft by the Colorado Avalanche, and was the tenth goalie taken overall despite being ranked #17 by the NHL’s Central Scouting Service.
Colorado has now selected 12 Terriers through the entry draft—more than any other NHL franchise. Colorado also owns the rights to BU’s Colby Cohen, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Brandon Yip. The four played pivotal roles during BU’s ascendance to the 2009 national championship. Also noteworthy of the tie between BU and the Avalanche is the recent link between coaches of both organizations. Former associate head coach David Quinn recently accepted an offer by the Avalanche to man the helm of their AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters. Quinn, who provided BU head coach Jack Parker with five years of service, is now in the same organization as former Terrier Joe Sacco, who had been promoted from within the organization to head coach of the Avalanche earlier in June. Sacco and Quinn played together at BU for one season.
But it was an incoming recruit who was selected higher than Millan, as freshman forward Alex Chiasson was selected 38th overall in the second round by the Dallas Stars. Chiasson had been ranked #34 among North American skaters prior to the draft, and was the sixth collegiate forward selected overall. The 6’4”, 187-pound St. Augustin, Quebec native has been heralded for his size and his aggressiveness on the ice, and is expected to have an immediate impact for the Terriers, who lost Hobey Baker Finalist and fan-favorite Colin Wilson to the Nashville Predators after finishing his sophomore season with the most assists and tied for most points in Hockey East.
Chiasson garnered accolades while a member of the United States Hockey League’s Des Moines Buccaneers, earning USHL-All-Rookie status during a season in which he totaled a team-high 50 points (17 goals, 33 assists). Chiasson was not the only incoming freshman drafted, as fellow forward Wade Megan saw his rights taken by the Florida Panthers. Megan finished off an impressive prep school career at South Kent School, stringing together 63 points (27 goals, 36 assists) during the 2008-09 season.
While the Terrier offense will certainly see a boost by these two stellar incoming prospects, the greatest impact by recruits could be seen on the blue line with the highly hyped arrival of defender Max Nicastro. A member of the USHL’s Chicago Steel in 2008-09, Nicastro strung together 31 points and has been touted as the heir-apparent to Hobey Baker winner Matt Gilroy’s position. Alongside Nicastro will most likely be Sean Escobedo, who played for the Tri-City Storm and Sioux Falls Stampede in 2008-09. Escobedo garnered 17 points on the season, but his true talent lies in his ability to neutralize opposing threats, a job that once belonged to BU’s Brian Strait.
It is no secret that Strait’s decision to defect to the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins organization was unexpected by Parker, and according to sources the initial plan for Escobedo was for him to remain in the USHL another season, allowing for him to refine his skills while holding off on his arrival on campus until the fall of 2010. Strait’s departure, however, left the coaching staff with few options as they decided Escobedo’s presence would be required immediately should BU plan to defend its national championship.
Rounding out the group of six incoming recruits are left-winger Justin Courtnall and defender Ben Rosen. Courtnall tallied an impressive 63 points last season with the British Columbia Hockey League’s Victoria Grizzlies, capping off a three-year career in which he strung together 128 points on 46 goals and 82 assists. Rosen hails from the Eastern Junior Hockey League’s South Shore Kings, and his 53 points last season were good enough for best in the league among defenders.
With such a dynamic group of young talent headed to Agganis Arena this fall, it will be interesting to see just how profound a role these young men will play in BU’s quest to repeat as national champions for the first time since 1971 and 1972. Expect to see Nicastro and Escobedo as possible replacements for Gilroy and Strait (though no one will ever be able to fully replace Gilroy), with Chiasson and Megan seeing some time on the ice as well.
Check back at wtburadio.org as the season approaches for more in-depth information regarding the 2009-10 recruiting class and all things Terrier hockey.
Also, don’t miss out on this feature by NHL.com staff writer John McGourty regarding Alex Chiasson and the expectations surrounding him as he makes his transition to college hockey.
The 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft came and went Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27, 2009, and while no member of the Boston University men’s ice hockey team were selected during the event’s first round, three Terriers were taken during the second day of the draft.
Among the Terriers selected were reigning HCA National Rookie of the Year and rising sophomore goaltender Kieran Millan, who posted the nation’s best winning percentage of .897 during his freshman season. Millan was selected 124th overall during the fifth round of the draft by the Colorado Avalanche, and was the tenth goalie taken overall despite being ranked #17 by the NHL’s Central Scouting Service.
Colorado has now selected 12 Terriers through the entry draft—more than any other NHL franchise. Colorado also owns the rights to BU’s Colby Cohen, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Brandon Yip. The four played pivotal roles during BU’s ascendance to the 2009 national championship. Also noteworthy of the tie between BU and the Avalanche is the recent link between coaches of both organizations. Former associate head coach David Quinn recently accepted an offer by the Avalanche to man the helm of their AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters. Quinn, who provided BU head coach Jack Parker with five years of service, is now in the same organization as former Terrier Joe Sacco, who had been promoted from within the organization to head coach of the Avalanche earlier in June. Sacco and Quinn played together at BU for one season.
But it was an incoming recruit who was selected higher than Millan, as freshman forward Alex Chiasson was selected 38th overall in the second round by the Dallas Stars. Chiasson had been ranked #34 among North American skaters prior to the draft, and was the sixth collegiate forward selected overall. The 6’4”, 187-pound St. Augustin, Quebec native has been heralded for his size and his aggressiveness on the ice, and is expected to have an immediate impact for the Terriers, who lost Hobey Baker Finalist and fan-favorite Colin Wilson to the Nashville Predators after finishing his sophomore season with the most assists and tied for most points in Hockey East.
Chiasson garnered accolades while a member of the United States Hockey League’s Des Moines Buccaneers, earning USHL-All-Rookie status during a season in which he totaled a team-high 50 points (17 goals, 33 assists). Chiasson was not the only incoming freshman drafted, as fellow forward Wade Megan saw his rights taken by the Florida Panthers. Megan finished off an impressive prep school career at South Kent School, stringing together 63 points (27 goals, 36 assists) during the 2008-09 season.
While the Terrier offense will certainly see a boost by these two stellar incoming prospects, the greatest impact by recruits could be seen on the blue line with the highly hyped arrival of defender Max Nicastro. A member of the USHL’s Chicago Steel in 2008-09, Nicastro strung together 31 points and has been touted as the heir-apparent to Hobey Baker winner Matt Gilroy’s position. Alongside Nicastro will most likely be Sean Escobedo, who played for the Tri-City Storm and Sioux Falls Stampede in 2008-09. Escobedo garnered 17 points on the season, but his true talent lies in his ability to neutralize opposing threats, a job that once belonged to BU’s Brian Strait.
It is no secret that Strait’s decision to defect to the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins organization was unexpected by Parker, and according to sources the initial plan for Escobedo was for him to remain in the USHL another season, allowing for him to refine his skills while holding off on his arrival on campus until the fall of 2010. Strait’s departure, however, left the coaching staff with few options as they decided Escobedo’s presence would be required immediately should BU plan to defend its national championship.
Rounding out the group of six incoming recruits are left-winger Justin Courtnall and defender Ben Rosen. Courtnall tallied an impressive 63 points last season with the British Columbia Hockey League’s Victoria Grizzlies, capping off a three-year career in which he strung together 128 points on 46 goals and 82 assists. Rosen hails from the Eastern Junior Hockey League’s South Shore Kings, and his 53 points last season were good enough for best in the league among defenders.
With such a dynamic group of young talent headed to Agganis Arena this fall, it will be interesting to see just how profound a role these young men will play in BU’s quest to repeat as national champions for the first time since 1971 and 1972. Expect to see Nicastro and Escobedo as possible replacements for Gilroy and Strait (though no one will ever be able to fully replace Gilroy), with Chiasson and Megan seeing some time on the ice as well.
Check back at wtburadio.org as the season approaches for more in-depth information regarding the 2009-10 recruiting class and all things Terrier hockey.
Also, don’t miss out on this feature by NHL.com staff writer John McGourty regarding Alex Chiasson and the expectations surrounding him as he makes his transition to college hockey.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Programming Note 5/17/08
It is with the utmost disappointment that WTBU must announce that it will not be broadcasting Saturday's NCAA quarterfinal women's lacrosse game between the University of Pennsylvania and Boston University.
Due to graduation ceremonies at Penn, Saturday's game has been moved to Drexel Univesity's Vidas Field in Philadelphia at 1 o'clock. Unfortunately, Vidas Field does not have the facilities necessary to broadcast the game.
Should the Terriers win, and advance to the Final Four next weekend, WTBU will be at Towson University to call all the action.
Due to graduation ceremonies at Penn, Saturday's game has been moved to Drexel Univesity's Vidas Field in Philadelphia at 1 o'clock. Unfortunately, Vidas Field does not have the facilities necessary to broadcast the game.
Should the Terriers win, and advance to the Final Four next weekend, WTBU will be at Towson University to call all the action.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Bennett Released from Men's Hockey
Sophomore goaltender Brett Bennett will not return to the Boston University men’s hockey team for the 2008-09 season, as announced by head coach Jack Parker in a statement Tuesday.
“Our staff has decided that we move in a different direction in regards to our goaltending,” Parker said in the statement.
Bennett appeared in 31 games this season, making 29 starts. He posted an .888 save percentage and a 2.63 goals against average along with a 16-10-3 record.
“Our staff has decided that we move in a different direction in regards to our goaltending,” Parker said in the statement.
Bennett appeared in 31 games this season, making 29 starts. He posted an .888 save percentage and a 2.63 goals against average along with a 16-10-3 record.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Programming Note 4/16/08
Today's doubleheader between the Terriers softball team and the Boston College Eagles has been rescheduled as a single game. The single game will now take place at 4:00 pm, and can be heard on the alternate stream at www.wtburadio.org, beginning with Terriers Today at 3:40 pm.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Women's Lacrosse to Host AE Tournament
By virtue of their 7-6 win over the University of New Hampshire Wildcats on Saturday, the Terriers women's lacrosse team clinched at least a share of the regular season America East crown, and the right to host the America East tournament.
The Terriers will be hosting the conference tournament for the first time since 2005, and for the fourth time since 2000. The Terriers have appeared in the conference championship game the last nine years, and have won the America East Championship six times, including the last three in a row.
The top four teams in conference play at the end of the regular season will qualify for the tournament. Semifinals action will take place on Friday, April 25 at Nickerson Field, with the championship game to be played on Sunday, April 27. WTBU will have the call of all the games in which the Terriers participate. Check back here for game times, after they are announced.
The Terriers will be hosting the conference tournament for the first time since 2005, and for the fourth time since 2000. The Terriers have appeared in the conference championship game the last nine years, and have won the America East Championship six times, including the last three in a row.
The top four teams in conference play at the end of the regular season will qualify for the tournament. Semifinals action will take place on Friday, April 25 at Nickerson Field, with the championship game to be played on Sunday, April 27. WTBU will have the call of all the games in which the Terriers participate. Check back here for game times, after they are announced.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Programming Note 4/12/08
Today's women's lacrosse game will be heard on the "alternate stream" at wtburadio.org. The team is ranked 10th in the nation, and will go for their ninth straight win, at the hands of the 14th ranked University of New Hampshire Wildcats. A win would clinch home field advantage for the Terriers throughout the conference tournament.
At the same time, the softball team will be taking on the University of Hartford Hawks at the BU Softball Field. The Terriers are a perfect 10-0 at home this season. The double header can be heard on the new "sports stream" at wtburadio.org.
At the same time, the softball team will be taking on the University of Hartford Hawks at the BU Softball Field. The Terriers are a perfect 10-0 at home this season. The double header can be heard on the new "sports stream" at wtburadio.org.
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