Strait out’a town: BU captain bolts for NHL

Boston University defenseman Brian Strait has left the program after signing a deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the franchise which drafted him in the third round of the 2006 NHL Draft.

Strait, who was slated to be a senior this season, leaves Kevin Shattenkirk as the lone captain; Shattenkirk is a junior.

“Obviously, we’re disappointed,” BU head coach Jack Parker told USCHO.com. “We’re losing a very, very good player at a key position and a senior who gives us experience but also a senior who was co-captain of the team. All of that is a big loss.”

Strait’s departure forces the Terriers to speed up the arrival of USHL product Sean Escobedo, who was originally scheduled to land on Comm. Ave in 2010.

“We thought it was a possibility that [Strait] might sign, therefore we had backup in place in case he did sign,” Parker said. “So we’re not so worried about numbers at defense, and we certainly are going to have some quality at defense back, but we’re going to miss his leadership and experience.

“Three of our four returning defensemen are more offensive players, and Strait is more of a defensive player. Escobedo is the same type of player. He’s not an offensive, get-up-the-ice type player like Shattenkirk or David Warsofksy, but he won’t have experience at this level.”

As for Strait, Parker told USCHO:

“It remains to be seen whether it’s the correct decision for him.”

When USCHO’s Scott Weighart asked Parker if Strait had a financial advantage to sign now, Parker said, “I don’t see any at all.

“A lot of guys who are good players in this league have gotten to be NHL players, and there’s no reason to think he won’t,” Parker said. “But will he play next year? It all depends. They’re in the Stanley Cup finals right now; they’ve got a pretty good team. They’re telling him that they’re going to lose all these defensemen to free agency — that they’re not going to sign them. And they may lose some of them, but it doesn’t mean they won’t sign another free agent. They don’t know who they’re going to get in the draft or who they’re going to trade for. I think he thinks it’s best for him.

“I don’t think there’s any question in my mind that the only reason you should leave BU is to go play in the NHL — not to go play in the American Hockey League. What he’s going to give up next year and what he could have had here next year is something he’ll never get back, no matter if he plays 10 or 15 years in the NHL.”

———– ANALYSIS: ———–

There is more to this story, or so it would seem.

I’m not a mind reader, but given the quotes used in the USCHO story, Parker is a little steamed.

Who can blame him? Strait was going to be his senior-captain, and a shutdown defender, no doubt. In Strait’s defense, he may have seen the writing on the wall. He won a national title at BU, and was just on arguably one of the best teams that the storied program has ever seen.

With Matt Gilroy, Colin Wilson and others departed for next season, why would be want to leave BU on a lower note than last year.

Any program will be hard-pressed to have a season like BU had in 2008-09.

There was nothing left for Strait to do at BU (other than graduate, and with three years under his belt, that’s easy enough). He won a championship, was on the best team ever, what else is there to do? The NHL came calling, and how can you blame a kid for jumping at it?

In the cases of Matt Jones and Joe Loprieno at Merrimack, you’re happy for those guys. And you have to be happy for Strait, too.

I understand Parker’s frustrations. I’m sure he would have been a little calmer had Strait not been named captain, but he doesn’t seem too happy for Brian Strait, at least not in this article.

Parker said, “I don’t think there’s any question in my mind that the only reason you should leave BU is to go play in the NHL — not to go play in the American Hockey League.”

And he’s right. No one should leave BU to sign an AHL contract. But Strait signed an NHL deal, he was a third-round pick. Might be start the year in Wilkes-Barre (AHL)? My guess would be yes, but he’s still under NHL control.

How many third-round picks go from the NCAA to the NHL without the minors in between (even for a short while)? Not many. Colin Wilson will probably jump right into Nashville, but he was a first-rounder.

The bottom line is that another kid is getting to live out his dream thanks to playing in Hockey East. The more NHL’ers that come from the league, the better for the league.

Rink Rankings

I was having a discussion over the weekend at the Northeast Regional in Manchester about college hockey rinks, and it sparked me to rank, from 10 to 1, all of the rinks in Hockey East.

Some you may be surprised with, but these are MY rankings. Feel free to leave your input in the comments.

10. Conte Forum (Boston College)
I hate this place. The press box is extremely high to the point where media can barely see the scoreboard (without leaning over the desk to peer through steel beams and flags). The building was built for basketball, not hockey. The atmosphere is never that great, either. It’s okay, but not great. … This building just doesn’t have any feeling to it. I will say, from a spectator standpoint (at least one with some cash) it must be cool to have luxury boxes that on one side looks into the arena and on the other looks out onto the football field. And the concessions are easily accessible and has decent food, but the overall arena stinks.

9. Mullins Center (UMass Amherst)
Again, a basketball building with a rink in it. At least for the games I’ve been to, it’s never been more than half full. The atmosphere is dead, sometimes you don’t even realize there is a game going on. If it’s full, I’m sure it’s a fun place to watch a game, but when it’s not (and it usually isn’t) then it’s terrible (Note: I couldn’t find a picture online of Mullins in a hockey setup, so here it is for basketball, which they fill). Not to mention it’s located in the middle of nowhere out in Amherst. I have some friends who went to the school and don’t mind the drive, but 100 miles (with only about 40 of them on an actual highway) drives me nuts. I dread every trip to this building.

8. Agganis Arena (Boston University)
Surprised? Look, Agganis Arena is a gorgeous facility, the best in the league when it comes to looks, but it’s not a college hockey rink, it’s a pro rink. If that’s to your liking, then great, you’ll love this place, but I like old school college hockey arenas. It’s state of the art and the most comfortable rink in the league (maybe the country) but it’s not a college hockey rink. It has a great location (right on Comm. Ave in Boston) with plenty of good eats before the game and surprisingly ample parking. It might be one of the more expensive rinks to attend as well. … I liked Walter Brown Arena better.

7. Tsongas Arena (UMass Lowell)
Like Agganis, it’s a pro rink. It has a bit more of a college hockey feel to it, though. Maybe because it’s a few years older? It doesn’t have a bad location (just off Rte. 495 and the Lowell Connector) and only takes about 15 minutes to get to from Merrimack. There is plenty of parking and the food is good enough. UML has one of the louder bands in the league which can make for a decent atmosphere.

6. Whittemore Center (New Hampshire)
My favorite of the “pro” rinks, and it’s because of the atmosphere at this place. It’s not the best in the league, but it’s up there. It’s sold out almost every night and it’s loud. They have dippin dots, my favorite ice cream, as well.

5. Schneider Arena (Providence College)
This is a college rink. Seats that are close to the action, and close to the players. It’s in Providence, which can be a hike (especially trying to head down from the North Shore for a Friday night game. Hello rush-hour traffic). But you’re no more than a few feet from the action no matter where you sit.

4. Lawler Arena (Merrimack College)
Yep, that’s right. Where else can you go see a college hockey game and have the players, literally, walk through the crowd to get to the ice? That’s how it used to be. Does the barn need updating, absolutely! (updating is an understatement), but the building is unique. It needs new seats, a new ice bed (which it is getting) and I wish it was possible to raise the damned roof, but you’re right on top of the action here. There is no bad seat at Lawler Arena. If you’re there early enough, you can stand right on the glass.

3. Gutterson Fieldhouse (Vermont)
Think Lawler Arena, just with more seats (and a higher roof). The rows along the side of the ice are actually less than Lawler, but the Gutt has seats that go high up behind the nets. The scary place about this rink for me is the press box, which hangs right over the glass. You have to pay attention up there.

2. Matthews Arena (Northeastern)
Three years ago, this place was dull and stale. Now, with the Huskies winning, it’s incredible. It’s the oldest operating hockey rink in the country, as far as I know. The Boston Bruins played here BEFORE the old Boston Garden was built. Like Lawler, you can reach out and touch the players here. As long as NU is winning (and therefore drawing crowds), this place is perfect.

1. Alfond Arena (Maine)
No matter how bad the team is playing, Alfond Arena is full every night, period. This is the best crowd in college hockey, in my opinion. They seem to know exactly when they need to get up and start something. How many times has Maine trailed by a goal in the third period, then there is a whistle and all of a sudden 5,000 people (or however many it holds) come to their feet in unison, with no encouragement from a scoreboard, and seem to lift the Black Bears. The atmosphere is second to none. If you haven’t seen a game at Alfond, plan a trip with the Warriors next season. It’s worth it.

Whatever happens to the CHA, the Warriors will have nothing to do with it

In what seems like an endless conversation, the CHA appears to be entering what could be the conference’s final season as a part of NCAA Hockey. Yes, we’ve all heard that before, but with just four teams competing next season, it is all but certain that without some sort of reformation, or new membership, the league will fall by the wayside.

Two seasons ago, when Air Force jumped for Atlantic Hockey, the popular “rumor” among message boards and Internet chat was that then head coach (and AD) Chris Serino was in talks with the CHA to bring the Warriors to the conference.

Then, when Wayne State announced that it was folding its program at the conclusion of last season, some of those talks heated up yet again among the Internet college hockey community (or the ICHC, as we’ll call them).

Regardless, the suggestion of some for the Warriors to jump to the CHA never seems to die, even though the conference is the one dying a slow death.

There is an enormous misconception among some that moving to the CHA would be a smart move for the Warriors. The popular argument is that the Warriors will be able to “compete” more easily against the inferior opponents.

First, such a move would only bring the total teams in the conference to five, still one under the minimum to receive an automatic NCAA tournament bid (although the NCAA might give the conference some sort of waiver with 5 teams). So, if anyone does join the CHA, it could be for a lost cause, and they could be putting the future of their own program in serious jeopardy.

Secondly, the cost of moving to the CHA would be astronomical for the Warriors. As it stands in Hockey East, Merrimack only has two league road trips per season which require hotel stays (Maine and Vermont), and neither of those involve the purchase of commercial airfare. A move to the CHA would require at least four such trips, on top of cost of an increased non-conference schedule (travel, etc.). When a college hockey team travels, it involves roughly 35-40 airline tickets, and roughly 20 hotel rooms for multiple nights — that’s not cheap, by any means. A move would literally up the Warriors travel budget by near 400 percent.

And, that’s just one instance in which it would cost the school more money. It would not, in any way, shape or form save money at any level, nor would it be a smart move for Merrimack, despite what some in the ICHC believe.

I’ve talked to school officials, on record, who laughed at the suggestion of moving to the CHA because it’s just that, laughable.

To put in bluntly, such a move makes no sense at any level. It would cost more money, and would put the program in a far less-prestigious conference. The conference games of Niagara, Bemidji State, Alabama and Robert Morris wouldn’t draw flies. At least presently the school is almost guaranteed sellouts (or close to it) when Maine, UNH, BC and BU come to town, even if most of those tickets are sold to opposing fans.

The school has never seriously considered moving to the conference, and quite frankly never will. Being a member of Hockey East is a huge commodity for the school. It’s a selling point not only to potential recruits, but also to others in the student body interested in being a part of a Division 1 program.

With all of that being said, it is sad what might happen to the four remaining CHA squads. It would be a shame for college hockey to lose four more programs. Bemidji State, with a new arena pending, might be able to find membership in the WCHA, even if they need to play a few years as an independent. But, Robert Morris, Niagara, and especially Alabama-Huntsville could be left out in the cold.

I find it hard to believe that someone wouldn’t want to add Niagara, who has been a CHA power and also boast a large and loyal fan base among the locals. In fact, Niagara might not be a bad option for Hockey East, if they wanted to expand into New York and possibly increase the league to 12 teams (which I believe might be a smart move). Going from a 10-team, 27-game conference schedule to a 12-team, 22-game conference schedule would open things up for more non-conference games, which could in turn help the league’s RPI at the end of the year (albeit Hockey East teams need to win their NC games).

Expanding to 12 teams (which is another blog all by itself) allows the league the marketing opportunity to expand its brand into New York or Connecticut, if it wishes. As it stands, Hockey East is represented in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Expanding into New York (possibly Niagara or even Syracuse, if it were to start its long-rumored program) or Connecticut (UConn or Quinnipiac have been popular rumors) gives the league a stronghold in the northeast and would open more avenues of advertising dollars, television opportunities (syndicating “Friday Night Ice” into an upstate New York market?), and would expand the brand of Hockey East to a greater audience, which would in turn mean more money.

But that’s a completely different blog, which I’m sure I’ll attack at some point.

As far as Robert Morris goes, it might be a good fit for Atlantic Hockey, if the league was interested. But I’m not sure Alabama really has a home anywhere. A-H could return to its roots as an independent however, and I’d rather see that than the program fold.

Regardless, watching four teams possibly fold is the worst-case scenario for the sport. The task of running an independant program in this day and age is a tall one, and I can’t see a scenario in which it would be beneficial for any school to run solely as an independent. It would be extremely tough to market, and even tougher to recruit. It would be a lost cause.

So, here’s hoping that the four remnants of the CHA find a home, somewhere.

E-mail Mike McMahon at mmcmahon@eagletribune.com

Mike’s Mailbag

It’s been a while since I last opened the mailbag. I couldn’t get all of the questions in, but took most of them. 

Q: Who do you think really has the potential to be a breakout player this year? Maybe a sophomore? I think (Adam) Ross could really have a good year. He seems like he can move the puck well.
Kevin
A: The guy I am most looking forward to is Francois Ouimet. Last year, we all watched the improvement that J.C. Robitaille made from freshman to sophomore year; adding some weight, and really stepping up as a first-line talent the second half of the season. Watching Ouimet last year, I thought he needed to add some weight, but, the tricky part is adding the weight while keeping his agility and mobility, because his skating and agility is what made him such a threat as a freshman. He showed at times last year that he can be a dynamic, game-changing player at this level, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is close to atop the team-leaders in a few categories come year’s end.

Q: Obviously, Joe Cannata is getting a lot of hype. You’re writing about him and I’ve seen stuff on him in the New England Hockey Journal, Boston Herald, and other places. Given all of this, is he good enough to be a starter as soon as he gets here?
Steve
A: If he had to be, I’m sure he could step in and do a fine job. After all, he played a schedule comprised of mostly NCAA teams last year. So, in reality, he’s a freshman who already has a year of NCAA experience. He won’t have jitters heading into Alfond Arena, or Agganis Arena; he’s played there already. Of course, with the way that Andrew Braithwaite played down the stretch last year, it’s his job to lose. He’s the incumbant, and showed that he is more than capable of playing at this level. He flat out dominated some games in the second half of last season, carrying the Warriors to a 1-1 tie against Providence where I believe he made 51 saves. Stonewalling UNH two nights in a row in late February with the season on the line (a 2-1 loss and a 1-1 tie). He played three games against UNH last season, one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, and held the ‘Cats to just three goals. So to answer your question, yes, Cannata could start right away, but I don’t think he will. It’s not a bad thing to have him learn the ropes, get used to being a college student, all while assuredly pushing Braithwaite and Pat Watson for playing time. I’m sure Cannata will see his fair share of time, but the Warriors have the luxury of not having to rely on him right away. They can ease him into things.

Q: Other than Loprieno, were there any other Merrimack players that went to any NHL prospect camps?
Brian
A: Nope. Loprieno was the only one. As for recent Warriors at development camps, Loprieno was with the Black Hawks last year. A few years back, Marco Rosa skated at the Black Hawks camp. In 2004, Nick Pomponio was at Los Angeles’ camp, with a yet to be drafted Sidney Crosby.

Q: Has Coach Dennehy picked his captains for the upcoming season? It wasn’t announced at the banquet this year, and I hadn’t heard anything
Jeff
A: Nothing official is out yet, although I think it’s a safe bet that you’ll see Joe Loprieno and Rob Ricci wearing letters (they were both appointed alternates last season). Mickey Rego sticks out to me as a guy who is certainly a candidate, as well.

Q: Have you heard anything about Merrimack hiring a full-time athletic director? Also, who do you think they should hire?
David
A: No, I haven’t. That will be something that I assume the new President will handle when he needs to. Right now, Joe Iarrobino is handling the day-to-day operation of the department. As far as who they should hire, I have no idea. In terms of qualities, obviously you need a guy who can fundraise. The hire also needs to be someone that the school can hopefully have stick around for a while. There has been a lot of turnover in the position and it’s time for some continuity. But mainly, I’d like to see someone who can raise funds because facilities, among other things, need upgrading.

Q: When does practice open? Are any open to the public?
Jon, and family
A: The first day that the NCAA allows the coaches on the ice with the players is Oct. 4, which just so happens to be the day of the exhibition with McGill. However, the captain’s will have the players on the ice before that, I’m sure. As far as practices being open to the public, that I’m not sure of. You’d want to check with the athletic department.

Q: This might be an odd question, but that box up in the corner of the rink, by the Zamboni entrance, what is that for?
Nick
A: During home games, that’s where all of the music originates from. Back long before I was around, John Savastano, who ran the music and entertainment at the games for years, equipped the entire room with sound and video equipment that was wired in with the speakers over center ice. Now, I know the music comes from there, and there is also a lot of storage up in that space. The stencils for the painted ice are stored up there, among other things. Personally, I think it would make a great space for an office!

That’s all for now, if you have any questions for the next mailbag, e-mail me at mmcmahon@eagletribune.com .

Who was that other guy?

I’ve received a few emails asking who the other reported candidates were last offseason before Albie O’Connell was hired, in particular, some have mentioned a D-III assistant they remember hearing about.

The D-III assistant whose name was being tossed around as a candidate was Jason Smith, who was at Babson two years ago. Smith actually ended up taking O’Connell’s old post at Holy Cross last season.

USHR mentioned that Tom Fitzgerald was a candidate last year, although I was told that there was never an offer made to him, or even an interview; there was just some conversation.

Shaping up the 2008-09 roster

As it stands right now, it looks as if the Warriors will carry 31 players on their roster for 2008-09, and of those, 19 will play on a nightly basis (12 forwards, 6 defensemen, 1 goalie).

Included in the Warriors returnees are 953 man-games, including 88 goals and 155 assists.

Forwards (20 players — 568GP, 75g-107a-182pts)
Rob Ricci — 68GP, 23-37-60
J.C. Robitaille — 64GP, 13-12-25
Chris Barton — 34GP, 6-13-19
Francois Ouimet — 34GP, 8-8-16
Pat Kimball — 64GP, 6-9-15
John Goebel — 68GP, 8-2-10
Joe Cucci — 16GP, 3-7-10
Justin Bonitatibus — 57GP, 3-7-10
Mickey Rego — 60GP, 2-4-6
Kurt Astle — 26GP, 2-2-4
Bobby Kramer — 20GP, 0-3-3
Chris Nugent — 19GP, 1-0-1
Tom DeRosa — 5GP, 0-1-1
Matt Moulakelis — 8GP, 0-1-1
John Jamieson — 25GP, 0-1-1
Elliot Sheen — Frosh.
Jesse Todd — Frosh.
Jeff Velleca — Frosh.
Ryan Flanigan — Frosh.
Carter Madsen — Frosh.

Defense (8 players — 315GP, 13g-48a-61pts
Grant Farrell — 70GP, 6-17-23
Pat Bowen — 57GP, 2-12-14
Fraser Allan — 34GP, 2-9-11
Joe Loprieno — 65GP, 3-6-9
Adam Ross — 32GP, 0-4-4
Brandon Sadlowski — 57GP 0-3-3
Karl Stollery — Frosh.
Simon Demers — Frosh.

Goalies (3 players — 70GP, 16-33-8 )
Andrew Braithwaite — 31GP, 8-11-2
Pat Watson — 39GP, 8-22-6
Joe Cannata — Frosh.