Boston College Athletics
Men's Hockey Preview: Eagles Defense Solid All-Around
October 01, 2014 | Men's Hockey
2014-15 Men's Hockey Media Guide
Lettermen Returning/Lost: 6/1
Newcomers: 1
York on Boston College's defensemen:
"When we talk about defense, Michael Matheson is going to lead a very solid group of blue liners for us. The three sophomores, Steve Santini, Ian McCoshen and Scott Savage, have really served notice to both our staff here and the rest of the league. They all had excellent freshmen campaigns and now they are going to be mainstays. Their abilities will be augmented by the addition of freshman Noah Hanifin, who will move up quickly and be a real factor.
I like the abilities of Teddy Doherty from his offense production and I think he has worked hard this summer on gaining strength. Travis Jeke is looking to crack the lineup this season and make a difference for us."
- Michael Matheson, a second team All-American, All-Hockey East first-team member and New England Division I All-Star, will anchor a physical, menacing defense. The Pointe-Claire, Quebec, native is Boston College's leading career scorer from the blue line, having tallied 25 and 21 points, respectively, in two seasons on The Heights.
- Sophomore Steve Santini captured a share of the program's Bernie Burke Outstanding Freshman Award after becoming a mainstay on the blue line. The Mahopac, N.Y., native led all defensemen with a +26 plus/minus rating and was also the club's leader with 68 blocked shots. Santini logged 11 points (3-8-11), including a timely goal in the national semifinal game against Union.
- Second-year skater Ian McCoshen, who represented Team USA at last year's World Junior Championship alongside Santini and Demko, is a strong, two-way player who capped his freshman campaign with a +22 rating and 13 points (5-8-13). The Faribault, Minn., native scored the game-winning goal to propel Boston College to the Frozen Four against UMass Lowell.
- Sophomore Scott Savage was the Eagles' second-leading scorer defensively last season, notching four goals and 14 assists. Junior Teddy Doherty offers veteran leadership and a knack for setting up the scoring play, having notched almost 30 assists in two seasons. Third-year defenseman Travis Jeke looks to add depth at the position, having registered at least a point in both games played last year.
- Highly-touted freshman Noah Hanifin looks to make an immediate impact, having following an impressive season with the U.S. National Team Development Program. The Norwood, Mass., native will be one of college hockey's youngest skaters and projected to be a top-five selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
- The Eagles' defense ranked 12th in scoring defense last year, surrendering a mere 2.35 goals per game.
