Boston College Athletics
Hanifin Selected Fifth Overall by Carolina
June 26, 2015 | Men's Hockey
SUNRISE, Fla. -- Hanover, Mass. native Noah Hanifin became Boston College's second top-five draft pick in program history after being selected fifth, overall, by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft at the BB&T Center, home of the Florida Panthers.
Since 1970, Boston College has had 123 Eagles drafted by an NHL club and 16 first rounders total, including Hanifin. Under the direction of head coach Jerry York, BC has offered 13 first-round draft picks.
Hanifin's fifth selection matches Boston College's highest draft pick in program history. The last time the Eagles boasted the No. 5 draft pick was when Bill Guerin went fifth overall to the New Jersey Devils in 1989.
As of the beginning of April, Hanifin was the top-ranked North American defensemen and third- rated skater, overall, in the NHL Central Scouting's 2015 final rankings behind top pick Connor McDavid (Edmonton) and second selection, Jack Eichel (Buffalo).
The Hanover, Mass., native collected three postseason awards in his debut on The Heights, including Hockey East Second-Team All-Star, a unanimous selection for the All-Rookie Team and a New England Division I All-Star. Hanifin notched five goals and 18 assists from the blue line while his 0.50 assists per game ranked second amongst all Eagles upon season's end.
Amongst all defensemen nationally, Hanifin's 0.64 points per game was the 21st-best mark amongst his position upon conclusion of the regular season and tied for eighth amongst Hockey East constituents.
Against all other first-year skaters, Hanifin was 22nd in scoring and tied for eighth amongst Hockey East rookies. The NHL prospect registered six multi-point performances this year and tied for the club's third-best plus/minus rating of +15.
Hanifin is BC's third-ever Hurricanes' draft pick and first since Brian Dumoulin was drafted in the second round in 2009 while J.D. Forrest went in the sixth round to Carolina in 2000.
Boston College looks to add three more NHL prospects to its roster as incoming forwards Jeremy Bracco and Colin White along with defenseman Casey Fitzgerald look to get selected in the following rounds this evening and tomorrow morning.
