Boston College Athletics
Men's Hockey Preview: The Defense
September 19, 2016 | Men's Hockey
The Eagles return three defensemen and bring in four rookies to the blue line
DEFENSEMEN
Lettermen Returning/Lost: 3/5
Newcomers: 4
York on Boston College's Defensemen:
"Defensively with Scott (Savage) as a senior and Casey (Fitzgerald) and Michael (Kim) as sophomores, I think those three guys will be key for our club," York said. "We have four very good freshmen defensemen that will solidify that group from the blue line back. I feel even though we are young at the blue line, I think it's going to be a position that will get stronger and stronger as the year progresses," added York. "I feel good where we are at defensively, even though with the youth in the position and at goaltending, I think as we mold them and they make the transition to Hockey East and college hockey, I feel very optimistic about that situation on our team. It is a very important position and I like the promising future they bring."
Scott Savage, the lone senior of the defensive corps, will be counted on as one of BC's top defensemen this year as the San Clemente, Calif., concludes his career at The Heights. Savage tied his career-high with 18 points as a junior with one goal and 17 assistants, while being one of six skaters to appear in all 41 games.
Casey Fitzgerald cemented himself as one of the best two-way defensemen in Hockey East after a stellar rookie campaign. The North Reading, Mass., native touts a fearsome slapshot and was demonstrated in his three power play tallies as a freshman last year. C. Fitzgerald was BC's highest scoring blue liner with four goals and 23 assists (27 points) and tied for third on the squad with a +25 rating. Even with his offensive knack, the 2016 third round draft choice (86th overall) of the Buffalo Sabres did his part defensively, ranking third on the Eagles with 44 blocked shots last year en route to Hockey East All-Rookie Team honors.
Michael Kim, a second half addition to the Eagles last season, made an immediate impact to the blue line upon his arrival at The Heights. The Toronto, Ontario native appeared in 24 games in 2015-16, while tallying one goal and five helpers, along with being ranked sixth on the squad with 21 blocked shots.
Michael Campoli, Jesper Mattila, Luke McInnis and Connor Moore represent the quartet of newcomers on the blue line to help compliment the aforementioned returners. Campoli is one of four rookies from the US National Development program and will offer more size to the defense, while Mattila joins twin brother, Julius, from the Finnish U20 Elite League. McInnis, the son of former Eagle and current assistant coach, Marty, arrives at The Heights after a successful season for the Youngstown Phantoms (USHL), where he earned All-Rookie honors. Moore, another product of the USHL, spent last year with the Youngstown Phantoms and will look to add firepower to the back-end after scoring 33 points (7-26-33) in 2015-16.
Lettermen Returning/Lost: 3/5
Newcomers: 4
York on Boston College's Defensemen:
"Defensively with Scott (Savage) as a senior and Casey (Fitzgerald) and Michael (Kim) as sophomores, I think those three guys will be key for our club," York said. "We have four very good freshmen defensemen that will solidify that group from the blue line back. I feel even though we are young at the blue line, I think it's going to be a position that will get stronger and stronger as the year progresses," added York. "I feel good where we are at defensively, even though with the youth in the position and at goaltending, I think as we mold them and they make the transition to Hockey East and college hockey, I feel very optimistic about that situation on our team. It is a very important position and I like the promising future they bring."
Scott Savage, the lone senior of the defensive corps, will be counted on as one of BC's top defensemen this year as the San Clemente, Calif., concludes his career at The Heights. Savage tied his career-high with 18 points as a junior with one goal and 17 assistants, while being one of six skaters to appear in all 41 games.
Casey Fitzgerald cemented himself as one of the best two-way defensemen in Hockey East after a stellar rookie campaign. The North Reading, Mass., native touts a fearsome slapshot and was demonstrated in his three power play tallies as a freshman last year. C. Fitzgerald was BC's highest scoring blue liner with four goals and 23 assists (27 points) and tied for third on the squad with a +25 rating. Even with his offensive knack, the 2016 third round draft choice (86th overall) of the Buffalo Sabres did his part defensively, ranking third on the Eagles with 44 blocked shots last year en route to Hockey East All-Rookie Team honors.
Michael Kim, a second half addition to the Eagles last season, made an immediate impact to the blue line upon his arrival at The Heights. The Toronto, Ontario native appeared in 24 games in 2015-16, while tallying one goal and five helpers, along with being ranked sixth on the squad with 21 blocked shots.
Michael Campoli, Jesper Mattila, Luke McInnis and Connor Moore represent the quartet of newcomers on the blue line to help compliment the aforementioned returners. Campoli is one of four rookies from the US National Development program and will offer more size to the defense, while Mattila joins twin brother, Julius, from the Finnish U20 Elite League. McInnis, the son of former Eagle and current assistant coach, Marty, arrives at The Heights after a successful season for the Youngstown Phantoms (USHL), where he earned All-Rookie honors. Moore, another product of the USHL, spent last year with the Youngstown Phantoms and will look to add firepower to the back-end after scoring 33 points (7-26-33) in 2015-16.
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