#1- Boston College Eagles
Top Returnees- Johnny G, Steve Whitney, Pat Mullane, and Parker Milner.
Key Losses- Chris Kreider, Brian Dumoulin, and Barry Almeida.
Last time I checked, we return three of our five best forwards from a year ago, the best goalie in the league, and add a first round pick on defense. O yea, and Coach York is still behind the bench. Season preview coming up later this week.
#2- Lowell River Hawks
Top Returnees- Scott Wilson, David Carr, and Chad Ruwhedel
Key Losses- David Vallonari and Michael Budd.
Coming off a fantastic 2011-12 campaign, second year coach Norm Bazin and his River Hawks will look to build off a second place finish in Hockey East a season ago and a NCAA's second round exit. Wilson, Wetmore, and Ruwhedel are all very good players that will produce so I wouldn't be surprised if the Hawks' gave the Eagles a run for their money during the regular season.
#3- New Hampshire Wildcats
Top Returnees- Nick Sorkin, Kevin Goumas, and Casey DeSmith
Key Losses- Steve Moses and Damon Kipp.
After a horrible year last season, UNH is looking to make it back to the Garden and to the NCAA's. With a strong core of forwards and a solid defensive group, I believe we will see the Cats' back in the Garden and competing for a spot in the NCAA's. There could be some problems early on with Moses gone but they will improve as the season goes on.
#4- Providence College Friars
Key Returnees- Tim Schaller, Ross Mauermann, and Drew Brown
Key Losses- Alex Beaudry, Danny New, and Mark Bergland
With a top recruiting class coming in this fall, Nate Lehman has his Friars primed to make a run back to the top of the Hockey East standings. If freshman Jon Gilles (goalie) and forward Mark Jankowski step up, the Friars could definitely be a team vying for home ice. However, if Gilles does not live up to his name in net , it could be another lost year in Friartown.
Top Returnees- Matt Nieto and Wade Megan
Key Losses- Alex Chiasson, Adam Clendening, Chris Connolly, and Kieran Milan
Honestly, who knows where these guys will end up. Sure, Nieto is a great player and Megan had a hot finish last year season for the Terriers but freshman will need to step up all across the board for Jack Parker and his staff. If the freshman goalies don't get adjusted to the college game quickly, it could be another long season for these guys.
Hockey East Predictions Part Two: A Deep Dive into the Upcoming Season
As the new hockey season approaches, fans of the Hockey East Conference eagerly anticipate the fierce battles and thrilling moments that lie ahead. In this article, we continue our journey through the realm of Hockey East predictions, taking a closer look at the teams, players, and storylines that will shape the upcoming season. Whether you're a dedicated fan or a newcomer to college hockey, we've got you covered with insights, analysis, and answers to frequently asked questions about this exciting conference.
The Powerhouses and Rising Stars
Hockey East is renowned for its competitive balance and the ability of its teams to consistently challenge for national championships. In this season's predictions, we'll explore both the traditional powerhouses and the emerging contenders in the conference.
Traditional Powerhouses:
Boston University (BU): BU has a storied history in Hockey East, boasting multiple national championships and a tradition of excellence. This season, they're expected to be a force to be reckoned with, thanks to a talented roster and a commitment to success.
University of Maine: The Black Bears have consistently been a tough opponent in Hockey East. With a strong emphasis on defense and a never-give-up attitude, they're likely to make life difficult for their rivals once again.
University of New Hampshire (UNH): UNH is known for its relentless pursuit of excellence. They have a knack for producing top-tier talent and competing at a high level, and this season should be no different.
Emerging Contenders:
Northeastern University: Northeastern has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, clinching the NCAA championship in 2018. Their dynamic style of play and youthful energy make them a contender to watch.
Providence College: The Friars have made significant strides in Hockey East and have a reputation for being a disciplined and well-coached team. They could surprise some opponents this season.
UConn (University of Connecticut): UConn has been steadily building a competitive program and could be a dark horse in the conference. Their strong recruiting efforts and improving roster make them a team to keep an eye on.
Star Players to Watch
Hockey East is known for producing top-tier talent, many of whom go on to have successful careers in the NHL. Here are some star players to keep an eye on in the upcoming season:
Spencer Knight (Boston College): Knight is a highly touted goaltender and Florida Panthers prospect. His exceptional skills between the pipes make him one of the best in college hockey.
Jordan Harris (Northeastern): Harris is a standout defenseman with excellent offensive and defensive abilities. His poise on the blue line makes him a crucial asset for Northeastern.
Jack McBain (Boston College): McBain is an offensive dynamo who can change the course of a game with his scoring ability. His presence on the ice is a significant advantage for Boston College.
Trevor Kuntar (Boston College): Kuntar is a rising star known for his scoring prowess. His ability to find the back of the net will be vital for Boston College's success.
Key Storylines for the Season
As with any sports season, there are captivating storylines that unfold throughout the year. Here are a few to watch out for in Hockey East:
Can Boston College Reclaim the Throne?: Boston College has a storied history in college hockey, but they've been chasing another national championship for a while. Will this be the season they return to the top?
Northeastern's Ascent: Northeastern University's men's ice hockey team has been on a remarkable journey in recent years. Can they continue their rise and clinch another national championship?
Impact of Returning Players: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some players chose to return for another season. How will the return of experienced players impact the balance of power in Hockey East?
The Freshman Phenoms: Every season brings a new crop of talented freshmen. Who are the standout newcomers who will make an immediate impact on their teams?
Coaching Changes: Coaching changes can bring new energy and strategies to a team. How will recent coaching changes affect the fortunes of various programs in the conference?
FAQs About Hockey East
What is Hockey East?
Hockey East is a collegiate ice hockey conference that features some of the top men's and women's hockey programs in the United States. It was founded in 1983 and has a rich history of competition and excellence.
How can I watch Hockey East games?
Hockey East games are typically televised or streamed online through various platforms. You can check the official Hockey East website for information on game schedules and where to watch.
What is the significance of the Beanpot Tournament in Hockey East?
The Beanpot Tournament is an annual ice hockey tournament that features four Boston-based college hockey teams: Boston University, Boston College, Harvard, and Northeastern. It's a prestigious event that garners significant attention in the region.
Do Hockey East teams compete in the NCAA tournament?
Yes, Hockey East teams compete in the NCAA tournament, vying for the national championship. The tournament typically includes teams from various conferences across the country.
What is the Frozen Four in college hockey?
The Frozen Four is the semifinal and championship rounds of the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament. It features the top four teams in the tournament, competing for the national championship.
The upcoming Hockey East season promises to be an exciting journey filled with incredible talent, fierce competition, and captivating storylines. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the sport, there's something special about the thrill of college hockey. As the puck drops and the players take the
No comments:
Post a Comment