4 national championships since 01. 8 title games since 98. The winningest coach in the history of college hockey. NHL talent up and down the roster. Dozens of alumni currently in the show. You could make the case that Boston College Hockey is the most successful program in all of college sports in the past two decades. When you look at it that way, the 2014-15 campaign was nothing short of a complete and utter disaster, especially when you compare it to that other school down the street and all the success they had. Anytime you lose the likes of Johnny Gaudreau and Kevin Hayes, you know you’re going to struggle, especially offensively. But this program should never sink to the depths it did this year.
The biggest problem BC had time and again was goal-scoring. With the loss of maybe the greatest line in the history of college hockey, the rest of the roster could not fill those giant shoes. All too often they relied too heavily on good defense and goaltending, and it seemed they never scored the important third period goals. Too much was put on the shoulders of freshmen forwards Alex Tuch and Zach Sanford, who had impressive seasons (Tuch led the team in points) but in the end were the only guys contributing on a nightly basis on the front end. Thatcher Demko battled early season struggles, but rounded into form as the season progressed behind a solid defensive unit, but couldn’t overcome the lack of goal scoring, which came back to bite this team repeatedly, usually when it mattered most. Sure, we inched into the top 10 late in the year, but in Chestnut Hill that’s not enough. First round losses in the Beanpot, Hockey East tournament, and NCAA tournament are unacceptable. But enough about this year, time to look at next season and how this team can improve (it won’t be hard).
Forwards
The front line was BC’s most obvious weakness this year, but it is in for a MAJOR upgrade next season. A trio of incoming freshmen promise to turn the Eagles back into the offensive juggernaut it was a year ago. Miles Wood (Devils prospect) and Colin White and Jeremy Bracco (2015 Draft Eligible) headline one of the best recruiting classes in years. Along with returning forwards like Tuch, putting the puck in the net should not be a problem next year.
Defense
One of the lone bright spots of this season, the defense core will remain mostly intact. Loss of captain Mike Matheson to the NHL will hurt, but mainstays Ian Mccoshen, Steve Santini, and Teddy Doherty will once again man the blue line. The Eagles will once again have a rock solid defensive unit to complement what should be an offense loaded with fireworks.
Goaltending
After an incredible freshman season, Thatcher Demko (Vancouver, 2nd round 2014) followed up with another stellar year in 14-15. With Demko in net again for a third season, the Eagles have a reliable rock at the last line of defense and someone who can be counted upon to make the big save, as he has done for two years.
The Eagles came into 2014 with high expectations, as they do every year, and fell very very short of their goals. But what makes this program so special is its ability to bounce back. Mark my words, we will be back. I hope BU enjoyed their moment in the sun with #9, because starting next year, the Eagles return bigger and better than ever.
Dynasty Reign
The Beantown Buzz 