Boston College Athletics
Men's Ice Hockey Season Preview
September 29, 2005 | Men's Hockey
Sept. 29, 2005
As Jerry York looks ahead to the 2005-06 campaign, he does so with great excitement. With more than 700 career coaching wins to his credit, York surely knows what it takes to win. He's won with veteran clubs and he's won with young guns.
This year, York will work with a combination of veteran performers and eager newcomers. As always, he'll adapt to the loss of the past year's graduated seniors, in this case a brilliant class of 10 that won 97 games in four years. He'll cope with the early departure of All-America forward and 2004-05 Hockey East Player of the Year Patrick Eaves.
He'll focus instead on the 12 lettermen who are returning. Topping the list are senior forwards Chris Collins and Stephen Gionta, and senior defenseman Peter Harrold. York believes this trio will be the key if the club is to win its fourth consecutive conference crown.
"This is a team that gives us reason for optimism based on a number of different criteria," York said. "First and foremost is senior leadership. Stephen, Chris and Peter have been through a lot of championship-type situations and they've been in some nationally-significant games."
Indeed. The three seniors have played a crucial role in the program's recent successes - three Hockey East regular-season titles, one Hockey East Tournament championship and three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Each has played in more than 110 collegiate games.
Collins and Gionta are experienced forwards who have toiled on the team's second and third lines for much of their careers. York expects both players to improve upon their 2004-05 numbers. Collins tallied 17 points in 40 games, while Gionta notched 19 points in 39 contests.
Harrold will anchor the team from the blue line. Renowned as a defensive defenseman, the senior has also proven his value at the offensive end of the ice.
"Peter's gotten stronger each year and he's become a better player each of his three years," York said. "He's an exceptional leader who is very appreciated by our coaching staff and by his teammates. He's certainly one of the top defensemen in college hockey."
Further, York points to sophomore goalie Cory Schneider as another reason to smile. As a freshman, the Phillips Andover product went undefeated in 10 league contests and finished the season with a stunning 13-1-4 record and a 1.90 goals against average.
"Cory is coming off a very impressive freshman season and we fully expect him to be a very important part of our whole make-up this season," the coach said.
The veteran coach also stresses last season's emergence of junior forwards Brian Boyle and Joe Rooney. Boyle and Rooney are the two top returning scorers from the 2004-05 season. Boyle tallied 19 goals in 40 games last winter, including 13 power-play strikes. Rooney finished with 20 points, increasing his production toward season's end. York believes both are capable of posting far greater numbers in 2005-06.
"I believe Brian and Joe will really contribute to our team's offense. Both have had two years in which they haven't had to be the main focus. They've learned and they've progressed," York said. "Now, they'll be real catalysts for our offense."
All totaled, the team's returning players accounted for 44.1 percent of last year's offense - 48.4 percent of the goals and 41.4 percent of the assists.
ON OFFENSE
Lettermen Returning/Lost: 7/4
Newcomers: 5
"We certainly lost a lot of firepower from our team. Now, we think we're going to see much improved goal scoring from Collins, Gionta, Boyle and Rooney. These four are going to have a much more significant role on our club this year. We lost four seniors. We expect these four to really step up in their absence."
The Eagles return seven forwards, including two 20-point scorers - juniors Brian Boyle and Joe Rooney. In addition, three more forwards - seniors Chris Collins and Stephen Gionta, and sophomore Dan Bertram - each tallied at least 17 points. The seven returning forwards combined for 114 points last year.
Yet, York and his staff - as is the case each year - fully expect the returning players to raise their games and the five newcomers to make strong contributions. The loss of five talented forwards who totaled 155 points last winter will make that imperative. The quintet, led by two-time All-America honorees Patrick Eaves and Ryan Shannon, combined to play 683 career games.
Collins and Gionta now lead the way as senior forwards. Both players utilize their speed to create scoring chances. Both also play a punishing, two-way style. Collins played in all 40 games in 2004-05. The Fairport, N.Y., resident registered 17 points - nine goals and eight assists. Most notable among his goals was the double-overtime winner against St. Cloud State in the Florida College Classic title contest.
The feisty Gionta, who relishes battles in front of the net, in the corners or anywhere else, recorded 19 points last winter. He enjoyed three multiple-point games. Gionta netted the overtime goal that lifted BC past Massachusetts in the first game of the teams' league quarterfinal-round series.
Boyle and Rooney return for their junior seasons after making significant jumps last year. The 6-foot-7-inch Boyle more than tripled his point total from his freshman season. He finished with 27 points, tying for the team lead with 19 goals. Just as impressive as his overall totals was the progress he demonstrated during the season. He notched six goals in the first 18 games, before posting 13 goals in the final 22 contests. In this final stretch, Boyle recorded two multiple-goal games and three game-winning goals. His late-season prowess didn't go unnoticed as he captured MVP honors in the Hockey East Tournament and All-Tournament accolades in the NCAA Tournament's Northeast Regional.
"Brian has developed into a true power forward. He's very confident in his ability," York said. "I think he'll have a real impact on games. His physical strength is impressive. His skating has come on. He's quicker and more agile on his skates, and mentally he's made great strides in his approach to the game."
Similarly, Rooney's numbers made a substantial leap from one year earlier. He tallied six points in his first collegiate campaign, before notching 20 points as a sophomore. The Canton, Mass., resident recorded five multiple-point games. He registered at least one point in four of the club's six postseason games.
"Joe is certainly capable of scoring of a lot of goals for us. Last year, he had lots of chances and, this year, as a junior, those chances are going to become goals. He's maturing as a hockey player," the coach said. "After two good years, he's really ready to contribute to our offense."
The three sophomores - Dan Bertram, Pat Gannon and Matt Greene - were able to ease their way into last year's veteran line-up. Each made solid contributions, taking advantage of the opportunities he was presented. Bertram tied for seventh on the team in scoring with 17 points - nine goals and eight assists. A swift skater with great ice awareness, he made his presence felt early in the season. Bertram netted two goals, including the gamewinner, in the season opener against Denver and then, three games later, tallied two goals against North Dakota. He was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
"We're very encouraged by his freshman year," York said of Bertram. "He showed signs of being an exceptional player here at BC, despite his youth. He's a very skilled player with a lot of grit to him. He'll see a lot of ice time."
Gannon took a little longer to adapt to the college game. He saw action in just five of the season's first 15 games. By season's end, however, his adjustment was clearly complete. Gannon played in 17 of the final 25 games - missing four because of injury. The Arlington, Mass., resident scored five of his six points in this later stretch, including a clutch goal in a 3-3 home tie against New Hampshire in late February and a goal against Mercyhurst in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
"Pat was the biggest surprise of our club last year," the coach said. "He was playing in some critical situations down the stretch. I think he's going to work himself into a regular shift this year."
Greene, a BC High graduate, was a key contributor who played primarily on the team's third forward line. He tallied eight points - three goals and five assists - in 40 contests.
"Matt's skating is his biggest asset, and now he has the confidence that he can play at this level," York said. "He's also one of our hardest workers."
York and his staff will welcome five newcomers to the forward lines - Brock Bradford, Benn Ferriero, Nathan Gerbe, Kyle Kucharski and Andrew Orpik. Three of the five were selected in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Orpik is the younger brother of former BC defenseman Brooks Orpik.
Bradford is a highly-regarded prospect who registered 57 points for the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League last winter. He captured MVP honors at the league's 2005 Prospects/All-Star Game in Grand Forks, N.D. Prior to his one-year stint in Omaha, Bradford toiled for two years with the Coquitlam Express of the British Columbia Hockey League. Selected by the Boston Bruins in the seventh round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, the 5-foot-10-inch forward joined with BC teammate Bertram to lead Canada to the gold medal at the 2004 Under-18 Junior World Cup. York believes Bradford is a crafty player whose keen hockey sense will make him a gifted playmaker.
Ferriero, a 5-foot-11-inch forward, comes to BC after a standout career at Governor Dummer (Mass.) Academy. An aggressive player who is strong on his skates, he gained All-Independent School League honors as a junior and senior, before moving on to help the U.S. National Under-18 Team capture the gold medal at the 2005 World Under-18 Championship in the Czech Republic. He recorded one goal and three assists in six tournament games.
Gerbe enters the program after spending the last two years in the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich. Last winter, he notched 29 points - 13 goals and 16 assists - in 38 regular-season games for the Under-18 Team, where he played for former BC assistant coach Ron Rolston. Rolston describes the 5-foot-6-inch spark plug as a player who's "all heart" and who plays with lots of energy.
York heaps similar praise on Gerbe, who was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
"He reminds me an awful lot of Brian Gionta," the coach said. "He has a similar-type attitude on the ice. He's a very determined, gritty player who is capable of scoring a lot of goals."
Kucharski and Orpik complete the list of freshman forwards. The 6-foot-3-inch Kucharski registered a team-high 55 points - 24 goals and 31 assists - at Phillips Andover Academy last winter. The 6-foot-2-inch Orpik, who hails from Thayer Academy, was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the seventh round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
ON DEFENSE
Lettermen Returning/Lost: 3/4
Newcomers: 4
"The greatest losses to our team would be on defense. Four of our top six defensemen graduated, so there are plenty of spots to be filled. Three of the spots will be filled by Peter Harrold, Mike Brennan and Brian O'Hanley. The first half of the year we'll really depend on these three. We'll have to develop this corps of four freshman defensemen."
The Eagles return three defensemen from last season. The returnees - senior captain Peter Harrold and sophomores Mike Brennan and Brian O'Hanley - give BC fans reason for optimism as the unit ranked third in the nation last winter by allowing just 1.98 goals per game. The losses of John Adams, Andrew Alberts, Greg Lauze and Taylor Leahy to graduation, however, might give fans some reason to pause. Alberts was a two-time All-America first-team selection, while Adams, Lauze and Leahy were battle-tested veterans.
Harrold has established himself as one of the nation's premier defensemen. Last winter, he totaled 14 points, while posting a plus-20 rating in 35 games. Solid in his own end, the Kirtland Hills, Ohio, resident has also shown a knack for scoring big goals. As a sophomore, he netted the gamewinner against Niagara in the NCAA Tournament's opening round, and then assisted on Ben Eaves' brilliant overtime goal against Michigan in the quarterfinal round. Last season, Harrold scored the equalizer with 17 seconds remaining in regulation in the regular-season finale against Maine, clinching the league regular-season title for the Eagles.
"He's a rock-steady player who makes very few mistakes, either physical mistakes or mental mistakes," York said. "This should be his best year. He's stronger and he's experienced."
Brennan gained valuable experience in his first collegiate season. Joining the Eagles after two seasons in the U.S. National Team Development Program, he played in all 40 games, tallying eight points. Each of his two goals was a gamewinner.
"Mike had an exceptional freshman year," the coach said. "He's shown very good improvement in his puck skills. He's very strong and he's a tenacious checker. I think his minutes will be way up this year."
The versatile O'Hanley saw action in 35 games last winter, playing both defense and forward. He recorded 13 points. York believes O'Hanley's first-year trials will pay great dividends this winter.
"Brian had a big adjustment last year, but he learned a lot," York said. "His offensive skills are the strength of his game, but he's learning to really play hockey. His positional play is a lot better. He's going to play a good role for us this year."
Rounding out the list of returning defensemen is junior Justin Greene. The older brother of BC forward Matt, Greene played in eight games last winter after not seeing any ice time in his freshman season. In his first contest - at Merrimack on Jan. 4 - he tallied an assist on Brennan's game-winning goal.
York will look to four highly-regarded freshmen to vie for playing time along the blue line. Anthony Aiello, a 6-foot-2-inch product of Thayer Academy, joins the Eagles after gaining All-New England honors as a junior and senior and All-Independent School League accolades three times.
Tim Filangieri, who hails from North Massapequa, N.Y., played the last two years with the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League (USHL). The 6-foot-1-inch defenseman played in 101 regular-season games in two seasons, totaling 16 points and a plus-25 rating. A physical, stay-at-home defenseman, he was selected to the 2005 USHL Prospects/All-Star Game.
Tim Kunes played the last two seasons with the New England Junior Falcons of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL). He earned team Rookie of the Year honors in 2003-04. Last winter, the 6-foot-1-inch, Huntington, N.Y., resident recorded 40 points in 50 games, gaining All-EJHL second-team accolades. An exceptional skater, he teamed with Benn Ferreiro on the 2004 U.S. Under-18 Select Team that competed in the Junior World Cup in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Brett Motherwell played the last two seasons with the USHL's Omaha Lancers. After earning USHL All-Rookie Team honors in 2003-04, the St. Charles, Ill., resident captured the league's Defenseman of the Year award in 2004-05. He registered 38 points in 60 regular-season games and finished with an impressive plus-19 rating. York believes he will be an effective two-way player who could see action on both special-teams units.
IN GOAL
Lettermen Returning/Lost: 1/2
Newcomers: 2
"Cory Schneider has shown that he can play a lot of games. His summer workouts have been very good. His physical strength has shown some measurable gains. He's stronger than he's ever been. I think he's ready to become our "iron horse" ... We'll have capable backups with Joe Pearce and Adam Reasoner."
For York and his staff, the goaltending situation is solid. That view is sparked by the return of sophomore Cory Schneider.
Last winter, Schneider split goaltending duties with Matti Kaltiainen, a four-year stalwart. Kaltiainen, who was coming off a spectacular 2003-04 season in which he won 17 games and ranked second in the nation with a 1.76 goals against average, enjoyed another stellar campaign. The Espoo, Finland, resident registered 13 victories and a 1.80 goals against average.
Yet Schneider, who entered the program with great expectations and, by all measures, exceeded those lofty standards, proved his mettle early and earned a spot in the rotation. The sturdy 6-foot-2-inch netminder finished his first season with a remarkable 13-1-4 record, a 1.90 goals against average and a .916 save percentage. He was undefeated in 10 Hockey East games (6-0-4).
The Eagles also lost Robbie Miller, a hard-working four-year back-up. Miller saw action in four games during his collegiate career.
The Eagles will look to junior Joe Pearce and freshman Adam Reasoner to provide depth behind Schneider. Pearce, who registered a 2-2-0 record in five appearances in 2003-04, returns to the program after a one-year absence. The Brick, N.J., resident captured MVP honors at the 2003 Great Lakes Invitational after making a combined 49 saves in victories over Michigan and Michigan State.
Reasoner joins the program after playing the last three seasons with the Bay State Breakers of the Eastern Junior Hockey League. The younger brother of former BC All-America forward Marty Reasoner, Adam totaled 18 wins and a .904 save percentage in 38 games last winter.
