Q—In your two seasons at BU, you’ve experienced the leadership style of Dom Fensore and Case McCarthy. What can your teammates expect from you as captain?
A— Having Dom and Case as guys to look up to coming in here at a younger age was something really beneficial for me, getting to know those guys on a deeper level. Having those guys lead you into battle all the time was something I’ll always remember and I’ll always take a lot from those guys. Going into this year, for myself, I’m just trying to lead by example. Whether that’s on the ice, off the ice, always being respectful and a good teammate and somebody that hopefully the younger guys and all the guys can lean on if they ever need anything.
Q—What went into the decision to return to BU for your junior season? Did the Blackhawks, who drafted you in the second round in 2022, ask you to turn pro?
A— It was a tough decision, but at the end of the day I love it here. There is nowhere else I’d rather be than here at BU with all my best friends. Having the opportunity to get another kick at the can and hopefully get back to another Frozen Four and maybe come out on the other side of it this time is something I’ve thought a lot about. Last year we didn’t win as much as we hoped to with the group we had, but hopefully we can change the narrative this year.
Q—You've had a few development camps with the Blackhawks. How do they differ from BU pre-season practices and what will you bring from the more recent development camp to your skills toolkit?
A— Off-ice isn’t something a lot of the teams do. It’s their own approach and something they’ve taken into their hands to try. I think it’s been awesome going to those camps. I think when it’s off-ice, it’s still competitive but it feels a little less like you’re trying to take someone’s job. You can really get to know the guys a little more and become closer with them and get that chemistry that you want with guys. Those camps have been really good for me.
Q—What elements of your game do you want to enhance this season before taking the next step?
A— I want to round out my game even more. I think I’ve been able to do that over the last two years, round out my game and be able to play in all areas of the ice. That’s something I’m going to continue to try and improve on this year and grow. On top of that, I think shooting more, having more of an attack mentality. Playing in all situations, you get to learn a lot, so I’m just excited to learn and grow my game and try to win hockey games.
Q—BU is coming off two consecutive Frozen Four season, but there has been a substantial turnover both on defense and at forward. Besides skills, what attributes will this squad need to continue that success?
A— I think a lot of the success we have comes from within the locker room. I think we’ve established a culture here. since Jay has taken the job here. I think he’s done an incredible job with all the teams so far. It starts in the locker room, being close with each other and doing everything for each other. I think last year we played to our identity a lot of the time when we were at our best, and that’s fast, heavy and hard. That’s something I expect us to do every game this year and something we’re looking to dial in on.
Q. Coach Pandolfo says he wants BU to be a team that’s “hard to play against,” and one that going to “own the puck.” What does that mean to you?
A— It means a lot. I see myself as a player that likes to possess the puck and play fast. Sometimes being hard to play against isn’t always laying a body check or being the most physical guy on the ice. I think it’s being tenacious, possessing the puck, playing fast, playing smart with and without the puck. I think that all goes into being a hard player to play against. That’s something Pando’s preached to all of us.
Q—With four of the top six scorers from last season departed, how do you see your role as an offensive leader this season?
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A— We’re losing a lot of key guys that stepped up for us, both offensively and defensively. That’s something I want to embrace this year: add offense, add a good defensive game, a good penalty kill, a good power play, all those things. I think I’ll have an opportunity to continue to do that at an even better rate this year, so that’s something I’m really looking forward to.
Q—BU had one of the best power plays in Division 1 last season. With the two top PPG scorers departed, how might the power play look different this year?
A— Definitely no shortage of talent. We’re all playing at BU and we have a ton of talent between the freshmen and the returners. Obviously, it’ll look a little different without Lane and Macklin. We’re gonna miss having them around, obviously, but I think it opens the door for some new guys to get some looks in those positions and we definitely have the guys to do that and be successful with it.
Q—Last season, BU was 14-2 on home ice with both losses by one goal. The previous year, the home record was 14-3 with two one-goal losses and one with an ENG. How much emphasis is there on a “defend the house” mindset and how do the captains convey it to the 10 newcomers?
A— Obviously you want to be successful in front of your fans. You always want to be successful, but it’s a little bit of a different feeling playing in front of your home fans and playing at your home rink. You go into those games feeling like you already have the advantage in a way and those are the games that you should always win. When it comes to playing here, that’s something I take a lot of pride in. The years go by fast so you want to take advantage of those opportunities. I’ll do everything I can, along with the other leaders, to put our team in the best position when it comes to playing at Agganis.
Q—Nearly every profile of you includes the words “200-foot player,” referring to responsibility and effort on both sides of the puck. Is that something you’ll want to impart to younger players on the squad?
A— Definitely. I think that’s something that could help everybody as you go up the levels. I feel like it gets more and more important to be a complete player and to be reliable in all areas of the ice versus just being a one-dimensional offensive player and, vice-versa, all defense. I think there’s a balance that you can find and I think once you’re able to find that you can continue to work on that and that’s where the 200-foot game really comes from.
Q—Finally, we always ask, which returning player(s) do you expect to take a big step up and surprise Terrier fans this season?
A— Guys like Devin Kaplan, Shane Lachance, Jack Harvey, Gavin McCarthy. These guys were obviously unbelievable players for us last year, but coming back a year older, stronger, having a good summer in the gym. I see the work that those guys put in every day. They have an elevated role this year and I think they’re gonna crush it. I’m really happy for those guys. I’m excited.
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