Paul Carey- A-. I thought Paul Carey had his best season ever at The Heights this season and really became a force on the ice whenever he was out there. He was one of those guys that could do PP, PK, and every situation in between. Great season.
Pat Mullane- B+. Like Paul, Pat Mullane had his best season as an Eagle so far this season. He struggled in the early goings but he scored huge goals in the Beanpot, Hockey East championship, and NCAA tournament.
Johnny Gaudreau- A. Definitely one of the best, if not the best (well besides Gionta) freshman ever at BC. He could make plays and score like no one I have ever seen at this level. To have him back next year is going to be huge for this team.
Barry Almeida- A. Like his fellow senior Paul Carey, Barry Almeida became a star this year thanks to more playing time and hard work. In his earlier years, he didn't get talked about too much and was very underrated. This year however, he was phenomenal and played a huge role in the teams success.
Steve Whitney- B+. You may remember at mid season when I gave Steven a C or something for his performance to that point. Well ever since the Beanpot, Steven Whitney has been one of the best players on this team without a doubt. He scored huge goals all season long. Can't wait to have him back.
Bill Arnold- B+. Definitely one of the best two way players on this team. He scored the biggest non NCAA tournament goal in the history of BC hockey in the finals of the Beanpot versus BU so yes, he gets a good grade.
Chris Kreider- B. Ok, Chris was one of the better players on this team but in some games this year, he just looked like he was out of it. Yes, he brought his stuff to the big games but for a time in the season, he looked like he had lost his game. Overall though, very solid career at BC.
Kevin Hayes- B-. Kevin had an up and down year in my mind, as he didn't get off to a great start but finished up really well I thought as the year came to an end. I mean he had the winning goal in the National Semifinal versus Minnesota. Look for him to have a big year next year.
Destry Straight- B At the start of the season, Destry really struggled to find his game but as the year progressed, he like Kevin Hayes, benefited from playing with Chris Kreider. I thought Destry really turned up his game right around the Vermont game (In Burlington) and never seemed to look back.
Quinn Smith- B. I really like this kid for a lot of reasons. First of all, you can see that he is as tough as nails. He goes into the corner and battles whenever his team needs him to. As he gets more ice time in his next three years, I think he will really start to shine here at BC.
Mike Sit- B-. Mike Sit may not have the stats that someone like Johnny G has but he still had a pretty solid freshman year at BC. He has speed, is good at the faceoff dot, and works as hard as anyone on that team. Pretty solid first year.
Danny Linell B + - Like his linemates Smith and Linell, I think Danny Linell is going to become a really solid hockey player for this program in the next three years. He is skilled and can make plays while also being one of the better defensive forwards on the team. Great first season.
Pat Brown- N/A
Tommy Atkinson- N/A
Cam Spiro- N/As
End of the Year Grades: Analyzing the Forwards' Performance
As the season comes to a close, it's time to assess the performance of the forwards who graced the ice with their skill, speed, and scoring prowess. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the forwards' performance, assigning grades based on their contributions, highlighting standout moments, and addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this vital aspect of the game.
Section 1: The Role of Forwards
Forwards: The Offensive Engine: An introduction to the crucial role that forwards play in the game of hockey, serving as the primary source of goals and offensive production.
Balancing Act: Exploring the delicate balance between scoring goals and defensive responsibilities that forwards must maintain.
Section 2: Individual Assessments
A detailed look at the performances of individual forwards, considering their statistics, contributions, and impact on the team:
Leading Scorers: Recognizing the forwards who topped the team's scoring charts, highlighting their goal-scoring prowess and playmaking abilities.
Two-Way Excellence: Analyzing the forwards who excelled in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game, showcasing their versatility.
Breakout Stars: Singling out young or unexpected players who made significant strides in their development and had breakout seasons.
Section 3: Chemistry and Line Dynamics
Discussing the importance of chemistry among forward lines and how it can make or break a team's offensive success:
Line Combinations: Analyzing successful forward line combinations and how they contributed to the team's overall performance.
Power Play Impact: Exploring the role of forwards in power-play units and their ability to create scoring opportunities with the extra skater.
Section 4: Challenges and Adversity
Addressing the challenges and setbacks that forwards faced during the season and how they responded:
Injury Impact: Discussing how injuries affected the team's forward lines and the resilience shown in overcoming adversity.
Scoring Droughts: Analyzing periods of offensive struggles and how forwards worked collectively to break through.
Section 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Forward Performance
Answering common questions and discussions related to the performance of forwards:
What are the key attributes that make a forward successful in today's game?
Exploring the skills and qualities that distinguish successful forwards, including speed, vision, and hockey IQ.
How do forwards contribute defensively, and why is it important?
Highlighting the defensive responsibilities of forwards and their role in overall team success.
What makes a successful forward line combination, and how do coaches determine them?
Exploring the art of line combinations and the factors coaches consider when assembling them.
Section 6: Conclusion
The performance of forwards is often the heartbeat of a hockey team, driving the offense and generating the excitement that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. As we wrap up the season, it's essential to recognize the contributions of these skilled athletes who masterfully wield their sticks to score goals and make plays. The end-of-year grades provide a snapshot of their accomplishments, but the impact of forwards extends far beyond statistics. They are the engines that power their teams, the heroes who light the lamp, and the leaders who inspire the next generation of hockey stars. As the offseason begins and players regroup, we look forward to another season of thrilling goals, jaw-dropping assists, and unforgettable moments from the forwards who make the game of hockey so captivating.
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