The Friends of BU Hockey held their annual pre-season social on Friday evening at the
Top of the Charles in the George Sherman Union in honor of the NCAA Championship.
There was a heavy turnout for the event, as players, coaches, parents and Friends came
together looking forward to the new season.  After the meal, Jack gave his annual pre-
season outlook on the team, the league, and the top teams in the country.
 
On the Terriers, Jack mentioned the depth of talent up front BU has and that they will
be expected to have a lot of offense and scoring.  On defense, he mentioned the
experience of the returning players, but that the team also only has 6 players for the
position.  He said that Chris O'Sullivan will remain at forward, but may play defense
occassionally, if required.  On the goaltending, he said that Tom Noble should be the
number one goalie, with J.P. McKersie (returning from his injury),  freshman Michael
Larocque, and Junior Shawn Ferullo battling it out for the backup spot.
 
Jack also announced some coaching changes.  Pertti Hasanen, who was an assitant Terrier
coach from 1988-91, has returned as the third full time coach.  He replaces Mike Eruzione,
who is taking on additional responiblities in the athletic office.  Mike will still be
involved with the team in an off-ice role.  Jack also stated that BU may lose associate
head coach Blaise MacDonald, who is interviewing for the new head coaching position at
Niagara University, which will begin playing hockey in 1996-97.
 
In regards to the league, Jack picked BU, Maine, New Hampshire and Merrimack as the top
teams in the league this season.  He also thinks that all HE teams will do extremely well
outside the league, with the possiblity that the bottom league  teams might have overall
records near .500.  In the ECAC he think Harvard will rebound from last year to agin be
one of the top teams, helped by their strong freshman class.  Jack also mentioned Vermont
as a top team in the ECAC this year, stating that the 28 October game in Burlington will
be a good test for both teams.  In the CCHA Jack mentioned he thinks Lake Superior,
Michigan, Mihigan State, Bowling Green and Miami will all be fighting for the top tops.
In the WCHA he picks Minnesota, with Colorado College as the main challenger.  Nationally,
Jack thinks Minnesota may be the best team in the country, as most of last year's team
returns and they have what he thinks is the best incoming freshman class.
 
Sean Pickett            E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Go Terriers  1995 NCAA, Hockey East and Beanpot Champions
BU Hockey:  http://www.tiac.net/users/spickett/hockey.html
 
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