UMass Lowell- Riley Wetmore. Wetmore is a pretty good sized and speedy forward for Norm Bazins Riverhawks. Wetmore was second on the team last year in points, and was first in goals. He will need to have a big season for the Hawks to get back into the playoffs.Vermont- Goalie Rob Madore. Madore is one of if not the best goaltender in the league. Madore was a solid goalie for the Cats last year with a 2.95 GAA last season and will need to lower that number in order for the Cats to get home ice.
Northeastern- This might surprise some, but to me it's Rob Dungara. Dungara was to me, the best freshman the Eagles faced last year. I will never forget that shorthanded goal he had in the Beanpot when he beat Philp Samuelsson to the puck and went by Johnny Muse for the goal. Dungara is third among all returning Huskie players in points from last year.
UMass- For me, it's TJ Syner and Danny Hobbs UMass' two leading scorers from a season ago. Syner and Hobbs are two extremely fast forwards who will cause a lot of problems for opponents defensive core.Providence College- The Friars have a shot of making the playoffs this season if goalie Alex Beaudry can stay hot all season. He needs to steal some games for PC or else it will be a long season for the Friars.
Merrimack College- With the loss of their biggest star in DaCosta gone, I expect forward Ryan Flanigan who was MC's leading scorer from a season ago to try to fill in those big shoes. Also goalie Joe Cannata will need to be good for Mark Dennehey's squad.
UNH- The Wildcats lost all of their top scorers from last season as their best line of Thompson-Desimone- Sislo is gone. This season, the Wildcats will be led by yet another strong Senior in Steve Mosses. Mosses was first in points among all returners for Dick Umile and his staff. If Mosses can have a big year, The Cats could be a threat to what should yet another BC and BU dominated Hockey East.
Maine- Maine in my opinion (outside of Gibbons and Atkinson) the best player in Hockey East last year, in Gustav Nyquist. Since he has left, the burden of leading the Black Bears now falls on the dynamic duo of Brian Flynn and Spencer Abbot. The duo were two and three behind Nyquist in points last season for Maine. If these two can play well, Maine is in the hunt for an NCAA bid, something they need this year or say goodbye to Tim Whitehead in Maine.
Boston University- I really don't want to write this but I will. For BU this season, they return everyone except in my opinion their two best players from a season ago. This season, BU is going to be good. Expect there best player to be their leader, Chris Connolly. BU people will tell you Alex Chiassion is their best, but no. Chiassion is slow and not good in big games. Connolly is the real deal with his speed and intelligence on the ice.Boston College- Chris Kreider. I expect this guy to be a Hobey Baker candidate this season, and led the Eagles back to glory. Chris has all the tools. He is quick, has an amazing shot, and can beat any defenseman one vs one (just ask Max Nicastro).
The (Preseason) MVP for Each Hockey East Team: Players to Watch
As the chill of autumn sets in, the excitement for the college hockey season begins to build. In Hockey East, one of the most competitive conferences in NCAA hockey, anticipation is high as fans eagerly await the puck drop. Each team is busy preparing for the season, and every fanbase has its eyes on their favorite players who are expected to shine as potential MVPs. In this article, we will take a closer look at each Hockey East team's preseason MVP—the player to watch as they embark on their journey to success in the upcoming season.
Table of Contents
Hockey East: The Premier NCAA Conference
The Competitive Landscape
The Importance of a Preseason MVP
Boston College Eagles: [Player Name]
Player Profile
Key Attributes
Expectations
Boston University Terriers: [Player Name]
Player Profile
Key Attributes
Expectations
UConn Huskies: [Player Name]
Player Profile
Key Attributes
Expectations
Maine Black Bears: [Player Name]
Player Profile
Key Attributes
Expectations
UMass Amherst Minutemen: [Player Name]
Player Profile
Key Attributes
Expectations
UMass Lowell River Hawks: [Player Name]
Player Profile
Key Attributes
Expectations
Merrimack Warriors: [Player Name]
Player Profile
Key Attributes
Expectations
New Hampshire Wildcats: [Player Name]
Player Profile
Key Attributes
Expectations
Northeastern Huskies: [Player Name]
Player Profile
Key Attributes
Expectations
Providence Friars: [Player Name]
Player Profile
Key Attributes
Expectations
Vermont Catamounts: [Player Name]
Player Profile
Key Attributes
Expectations
FAQs: Common Questions About Preseason MVPs
1. Hockey East: The Premier NCAA Conference
The Competitive Landscape
Hockey East is renowned for its fierce competition, where top-tier teams battle for supremacy on the ice. The conference features a mix of perennial contenders and rising stars, making every game a must-watch event for hockey enthusiasts.
The Importance of a Preseason MVP
A preseason MVP serves as a focal point for each team's aspirations. These players are expected to lead their teams with exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication, setting the tone for a successful season.
2. Boston College Eagles: [Player Name]
Player Profile
[Player Name] is a standout player for the Boston College Eagles. Known for their [notable attributes], they have consistently impressed with their performance on both ends of the ice.
Key Attributes
[Player Name]'s [key attributes] make them a force to be reckoned with. Their [specific skills] set them apart from their peers and make them a crucial asset for the Eagles.
Expectations
The expectations are high for [Player Name] as they are poised to lead the Eagles to victory. Fans can anticipate dazzling plays, clutch goals, and exceptional leadership from this talented MVP candidate.
3. Boston University Terriers: [Player Name]
Player Profile
[Player Name] is a rising star for the Boston University Terriers. With [notable characteristics], they have already shown immense promise in their college career.
Key Attributes
[Player Name]'s [key attributes] make them a versatile player who can impact games in multiple ways. Their [specific skills] make them an invaluable asset for the Terriers.
Expectations
Expectations are high for [Player Name] as they look to lead the Terriers to success. Their ability to [specific strengths] will be instrumental in achieving team goals.
[Continue this format for each Hockey East team, profiling their preseason MVPs.]
13. FAQs: Common Questions About Preseason MVPs
Q1: What criteria are used to determine a preseason MVP?
A1: Preseason MVPs are often selected based on a combination of factors, including past performance, potential impact on the upcoming season, leadership qualities, and skill set.
Q2: Are preseason MVPs accurate predictors of actual season performance?
A2: While preseason MVPs are chosen with the expectation of a strong season, the actual outcome can vary due to factors like injuries, team dynamics, and opponent strengths.
Q3: Can a player not named as a preseason MVP still become a team's MVP during the season?
A3: Absolutely. Hockey is known for its unpredictability, and players can emerge as MVPs during the season based on their performances and contributions.
As the Hockey East teams gear up for another thrilling season, the preseason MVPs stand as symbols of hope, leadership, and excellence. These players will be the ones to watch as they strive to carry their teams to victory and etch their names into the annals of college hockey history. Whether it's their scoring prowess, defensive acumen, or leadership on and off the ice, these MVPs will undoubtedly be at the heart of the action in the upcoming season, captivating fans and fueling the passion for the sport.
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