Mike asked about the possibilities of BU moving Chris O'Sullivan back to defense and the impact it will have on Mike Grier. Here's my thoughts: As an individual player, there is no question. O'Sullivan should play defense, which he did from time to time last year in penalty-killing and four-on-four situations. BU returns four proven defensemen, plus Jeff Kealty who never adjusted to the collegiate level last year. So if Kealty or freshman Dan Ronan isn't ready to go, Coach Jack Parker has a decision to make. BU has been at its best in recent years when defense comes first, so I would not be surprised to see Parker strengthen the blue line corps at the expense of the attack. Remember, BU lacks a second proven goalie so either Noble will have to play every night or the freshman Michel Larocque will need a confident defense in front of him. Mike Grier does not need Chris O'Sullivan playing the opposite wing. What he needs is a center who can get him the puck the way Steve Thornton did last year and defensemen who can use his bulk as a screen, which O'Sullivan will do wonderfully. Hopefully Mike Sylvia can be that center. This BU team will likely struggle, particularly with Parker and some of his players committed to the World Junior Tournament, to be held in Boston over Christmas. In the past, that has meant that Parker will be juggling his line combinations. Expect this to happen a few times this year (as opposed to the last two years where Parker really had few excuses to change except for the Providence game last year). But however things shake out, I expect this team to be ready to defend its "Triple Crown" of Beanpot, Hockey East, and National titles. Nine days to Midnight Madness! Patrick Abegg HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.