By Craig White
Head Coach: David Quinn (1st season)
Last Season: 21-16-2 Overall (15-10-2, 3rd in Hockey East), lost to UML in Hockey East tournament final.
Additions: T.J. Ryan (D), Brendan Collier (F), Dillon Lawrence (F), Nick Roberto (F), Kevin Duane (F), Robbie Baillargeon (F), Tommy Kelley (F), Dalton MacAfee (D), Doyle Somerby (D).
Subtractions: Ryan Ruikka (D), Alexx Privitera (D), Ben Rosen (F/D), Jake Moscatel (F/D), Ryan Santana (F), Sam Kurker (F), Matt Nieto (F), Sean Escobedo (D), Sahir Gill (F), Wade Megan (F).
For the first time in 40 seasons, Jack Parker will not be the head coach of the Boston University Terriers men’s hockey team. Replacing the legendary coach is BU alumnus Dave Quinn. This will be Dave Quinn’s first head coaching gig in the NCAA ranks. Another huge loss was last year’s captain Wade Megan. BU will miss his offensive production (16-13—29). The Terriers will also be without the offensive production of Matt Nieto (18-19—37), who chose to forgo his senior season in order to play with the San Jose Sharks.
Despite having some key subtractions, the Terriers will bring back four of their top six scorers from last season. This includes their leading scorer from last season Danny O’Regan, who is in his freshman season had 16 goals and a total of 38 points. Boston University also brings back Evan Rodrigues (14-20—34), Cason Hohmann (10-24—34) and Boston Bruins draft pick Matt Grzelcyk (3-20—23). Grzelcyk, who will only be a sophomore this season, had an outstanding offensive season last year as a defensemen.
As per usual, Boston University will also bring in one of the top classes in the nation. Several blogs have the Terriers 2013 freshman class in the top five classes in the country. Doyle Somerby (NYI) will be a force on the blue line. He stands at 6’5” and weighs 225. Freshmen Brendan Collier (CAR) and Robbie Baillargeon (OTT) will surely contribute on the offensive side as well.
Sean Maguire (PIT) and Matt O’Connor will likely split time in net once again for the Terriers. Last season, the two freshmen goaltenders had very similar numbers and each saw significant minutes. Maguire had slightly better numbers and could emerge as the number one but it will likely vary week-by-week.
Outlook: As always, there are high expectations down on Commonwealth Avenue, even with a new coach at the reins. I expect BU to be towards the top of Hockey East even though the Hockey East coach’s preseason poll has them coming in at No. 6. If the freshmen class contributes as expected the offensive side of the puck could be dangerous for the Hockey East foes. Ultimately, if the goaltending situation works out and the team defense continues to improve, the Terriers should have a successful season.