Monday, September 30, 2024
Thursday, September 19, 2024
2024-25 Captain’s Q&A—Ryan Greene
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?
tw-align-centerThat's the start we were looking for!
— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) March 22, 2024
Watch on ESPN+: https://t.co/dCzHyYuaG7 @hockey_east | @NESN | @espn pic.twitter.com/2rtNLEBbqs
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.
Terriers in 2024 NHL Training Camps
Anaheim - Zegras
Boston - Coyle, McAvoy
Buffalo - Greenway
Carolina - Fensore
Chicago - Commesso, Vlasic
Dallas - Oettinger
Detroit - Chiasson
Florida - Greer, Rodrigues, Skoog
Minnesota - Crotty
Montreal - Hutson, Tuch
Nashville - Bellows, Fabbro
New Jersey - Bowers, Willman
Rangers - McCarthy
Ottawa - Tkachuk
Philadelphia - Farabee
Pittsburgh - Grzelcyk, Nieto
San Jose - Celebrini
St. Louis - Peterson
Toronto - Stevens, Webber
Utah - Keller
Vegas - Eichel, Hickey
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Scott Wheeler's Early 2025 Draft Rankings
Five Terrier recruits are ranked on The Athletic's Wheeler's early top 28 for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
8. Charlie Trethewey, RHD, 6'1", 190, NTDP
One of the top 2007s at the program this year, even though his August birthday makes him one of the youngest players on its U17 team, Trethewey is a talented and confident right-shot defenseman with pro size, a hard shot (slapshot and wrister), stability over his skates and a real command of the game on the puck. He can attack, he can handle the puck, he defends hard (though his decisions/reads/timing could use a little polish) and there’s just a lot of pro quality to his game that should refine as he continues to get reps. He’s got the potential to be a real stud up levels into college and beyond.
10.Sascha Boumedienne, LDH, 6'2", 183, BU
Boumedienne’s a player I’ve been hearing about for some time, and he has lived up to the billing as a rookie in the USHL as well as internationally with the Swedish national under-17 team this year. He’s an excellent skater who has already provided two-way transition value in junior, with a long and fluid stride that is complemented by good footwork and strong four-way mobility. He’s got natural glide but can also stay on top of the ice and flow through his skating patterns. He sees the ice at an advanced level and plays a cerebral, poised game. He handles the puck comfortably and understands timing and spacing on and off of it. He layers fakes into his carries well. He’s going to get stronger and fill out his frame further to add some more power to his game. There’s a lot to work with.
17. Conrad Fondrk, LW, 5'11", 175, NTDP
Fondrk is a highly skilled player who can excite in space. He's got a dangerous mid-range shot, excellent individual skill/hands and good overall skating. The talent level and the ability to execute finishing plays is top-end, for sure. There are some who question his B-game/competitiveness, though (he's got good instincts off of the puck defensively, which helps). If he can develop more layers/intensity to his game, he'll be a high pick next year. He has made some pretty plays this year and he's definitely a threat when the puck lands on his stick in the slot, but I've also wanted to see him separate from the pack and find another level more than he has because I think it's there.
20. Jack Murtagh, C-LW, 6'0, 186, NTDP
Murtagh maybe didn’t have the name cachet coming into the NTDP that forwards such as William Moore, Conrad Fondrk, L.J. Mooney, Cullen Potter and Cole McKinney had but he has looked in line with them in my viewings and has produced in line with them as well. He has played primarily left wing at the program but can also play center. He’s got a late-August birthday and is one of the younger players on the team. He’s a really strong skater and athlete who can play quick and push tempo in straight lines, or round corners with speed to get to his spots. He’s got a dangerous and deceptive in-motion NHL release which he hides well pre-shot. I’ve seen him make skill plays and score big goals. He’s competitive. I really like him. He’s got a game with several pro qualities.
27. Carter Amico, RHD, 6'5", 205, NTDP
Amico's a really interesting pro prospect because of his size and ability to cover a lot of territory with strong forward skating and good overall mobility. There have been some highs and lows for him in some of my viewings, though — games where he struggles with his reads and gets burned, and games where he pushes people around physically, gets a lot of stops, and shows enough of a puck game to look really projectable up levels. He's never going to be a big-time point producer but he can outlet and occasionally carry the puck, he'll jump up into the play or the backdoor, and his length and coverage area get your attention. If he takes some steps next year he'll be a high pick. It does feel to me like he's still pretty raw/there are a range of potential outcomes, though.
Sunday, March 31, 2024
defkit's Terrier Takeaway--Sioux Falls edition
- Two 6-3 wins, two nights with 6 different scorers. Against this level of competition, being able to roll 4 lines that have the ability to score is a huge advantage. To me, it was the difference both nights, and will be key at the Frozen Four.
- To see how this team has improved upon last year, look no further than Lane Hutson. Last year against the Gophers, he struggled and was really a non-factor as they figured out how to neutralize his offensive zone wizardry. This time against Minnesota, he had perhaps his best game of the year, as Coach Pandolfo pointed out. Granted, the Gophers aren't the quite same team they were a year ago.
- Speaking of Lane, he has now somewhat quietly (though not so quietly anymore) eclipsed last season's scoring numbers. Might he change some minds about where he should rank among Hobey Baker finalists? Last year, many felt not being in the final 3 was a slight.
- Another key to being able to roll 4 lines has been discipline. Kaplan and Tuch stayed out of the box, which allows their line (and our most reliable center in Stevens) to play significant minutes while protecting a lead.
- Wilmer is clearly struggling. Didn't play the second half of either game. He had another blind back-pass giveaway that led to a good scoring opportunity for the Gophers. It reminds me of how Jack Hughes was playing early in the year. Hopefully the coaching staff can get Jeremy to make similar adjustments, though he doesn't have the size or physical side to his game that Hughes does. Otherwise, I wonder if it's possible that he doesn't dress.
- Caron played well enough to win, making a key save on Nelson on a breakaway. He might want the first goal back, but he won the goaltending battle, which is what the team needs.
- Obviously, Celebrini just continues to impress. Five points in two NCAA games, and his usual hustle in all zones. It's nice to see/hear the reaction from people that haven't seen him all season, that he is more than just an offensive threat.
-BU's freshman line--Celebrini, Harvey & Lachance--doesn't have to huge numbers of the BC trio, but they continue to deliver on the biggest stage. Putting together three of the USHL's top four goal scorers from a year ago has given the Terrier offense its best weapon.
- And of course, kudos to the coaching staff for getting this team back to the FF despite having to play out west, in essentially a road game on Saturday. The program is in good hands once again!
Monday, February 12, 2024
BU Beanpot Memories
2-6-78: Beanpot Opener—BU thumps BC 12-5 as the Blizzard of '78 brings Boston to a standstill.
2-9-87: Beanpot Championship—Mike Kelfer scores game-winner on a turnaround shot to beat Northeastern, 4-3 in overtime.
2-6-89: Beanpot semifinal—Mike Sullivan scores shorthanded to tie Northeastern with 3:00 minutes remaining. Chris Lappin scores his second career goal in overtime for a 5-4 win.
2-11-91 Tony Amonte's hat trick--all 3 goals in a 5:24 span of the second period--powers BU past BC, 8-4, for the Beanpot Championship, and making him the MVP award. (Full game video)
2-5-96: Mike Grier levels BC's Joe Callahan in the first round of the Beanpot. Grier scored twice, including the game-winner, as the Terriers skated past the Eagles, 4-1.
2-9-98: Beanpot Championship—Nick Gillis tips in Tom Poti’s shot from the face-off circle to win in overtime, beating Harvard, 2-1, for the Beanpot title. 2-1-99: Beanpot semifinal—Russ Bartlett dives to redirect Chris Heron’s pass into the net for the overtime winner as BU beat BC 3-2.
3-14-03: Hockey East semifinal—Against BC, Justin Maiser knocks down the puck with his stick, turns and fires it into the net for the game-tying goal with 3:22 to go in the third. Then, completing a hattrick, Maiser scores the game-winner in double overtime (6-5) to put the Terriers in the Hockey East championship for the first time since 1997.
2-7-05: Beanpot semifinal— John
Laliberte scores twice to lead BU past BC, 2-1.
2-14-05: Beanpot Championship Bryan
Miller scores BU's first goal; then his end-to-end rush in overtime
sets up Chris Bourque's game-winner as the
Terrier edge Northeastern, 3-2.
2-6-06: Beanpot semifinal—Chris Higgins scores highlight reel goal (#2 on ESPN) en route to 5-3 win against Harvard.
2-12-07: Beanpot Championship —Brian McGuirk scores from a faceoff to give BU a 2-1 overtime win over BC for its 28th title.
2-3-15: In the Beanpot semifinal, Danny O'Regan redirects an Evan Rodrigues goalmouth pass in double overtime to complete a come-from-behind 4-3 win against Harvard.
2-10-15: Junior captain Matt Grzelcyk's 40-foot wrist shot at 51 seconds of overtime gave the Terriers the 2015 Beanpot Championship with a 4-3 win over Northeastern
2-14-22 Dylan Peterson scored late in the third period as BU edged Northeastern, 1-0, to claim its 31st Beanpot Championship.