Boston College Athletics
Eagles Ink Four Forwards in Early Signing Period
November 27, 2013 | Men's Hockey
Nov. 27, 2013
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - The Boston College men’s hockey program ushers in some firepower up front, adding four forwards in the early signing period for the 2014-15 class. Head coach Jerry York welcomes in a pair of U.S. National Under-18 Team members from New York, a New Englander and a Canadian product to next year’s roster.
“This elite class of forwards is a group we are very excited about,” York said. “Much like the impact of this year’s freshmen class is having, we anticipate the same kind of results from these four next season.”
Sonny Milano and Alex Tuch will convene in The Heights next fall after playing together with the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich. Zach Sanford, a product from Manchester, N.H., is a highly-touted weapon currently skating in Waterloo (USHL) while Tanner MacMaster, a speedy centerman from Calgary, Alberta, fits the prototype in which the Eagles have had great success.
With the additions of Milano and Tuch, the Eagles will have added five skaters from the National Team Development Program in the last two years. Current BC rookies Steven Santini, Scott Savage and Thatcher Demko all hail from the NTDP.
Sanford is the only incomer whose NHL rights are off the table. The nearby product was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the second round (61st overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
So far this season, Milano is tied for fourth in the United States Hockey League (USHL) in points (22), assists (15) and plus/minus (+13) in 11 games played for the U.S. National Under 18-Team. The Massapequa, N.Y., native broke onto the NTDP scene with a 46-point campaign (20-26-46) as a member of the U.S. National Under 17-Team.
“Milano is creative playmaker whose skill set matches what we’re trying to do here at Boston College,” York said. “He will bring speed to our left wing position.”
NHL Central Scouting services rated Milano as an “A” skater, meaning he is a strong candidate to be selected in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft.
Tuch, will continue playing with Milano at BC and has logged 16 points (7-9-16) through 11 games played for the U.S. National Under 18-Team. Tuch’s point total is tied for 19th in the USHL.
In his first year with the NTDP, Tuch was lethal on the power play, scoring six of his 11 goals with the extra skater. The Baldwinsville, N.Y., native totaled 26 points in his first season with the U.S. National Under 17-Team.
“Tuch is a big and powerful forward,” York said. “He will bolster our front lines through his physical and aggressive style of play.”
Before the NTDP, Tuch averaged 2.53 points per game with the Syracuse Jr. Stars. In 2011-12, Tuch accounted for an astounding 101 points, including 44 goals and 57 goals in just 40 games played.
After a strong season with the Islanders Hockey Club of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL) in 2012-13, Sanford has already scored five goals with Waterloo this year. The Manchester, N.H., native scored 36 points (12-24-36) with the Islanders Hockey Club after a 69-point season (36-33-69) at Pinkerton Academy.
“Sanford offers a great deal of size and skill to our front lines,” York said. “He is a mature, developed skater and will mesh well with next year’s roster.”
In the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Washington traded up with Winnipeg, giving up three draft picks (84th, 114th and 127th) to acquire Sanford.
MacMaster has carved out a strong junior career in Canada, most currently with the Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). The Calgary, Alberta, native is nearly averaging a point per game, accounting for four goals and 15 assists in 20 games so far.
“MacMaster is a crafty centerman whose awareness and quickness will benefit our team down the road,” York said.
In 2012-13, MacMaster charted 48 points (24-24-48) in 54 outings for Camrose, 19th best in the AJHL. Prior to his two seasons, MacMaster scored 39 points (18-21-39) in 32 games for the Calgary Buffaloes Midget AAA.
