The Beast is Back

Early last season, Hockey East teams struggled out of the gate against non-conference opponents and many doubted the strength of the league. They only got two teams into the tournament (BC & UNH) after consecutive years of two teams in the Frozen Four. Though BC did win the title last year many still felt that Hockey East as a whole was not a strong league. That appears to have changed to start this year.

As of yesterday's poll, Hockey East as 4 teams ranked in the top 10, more than any other conference (3 WCHA, 2 CCHA, & 1 ECAC). Northeastern, of all teams, is undefeated with a victory over BC to its credit (even if the puddles helped) and BU is coming off a thorough destruction of #8 Michigan.

As much as this writer hates to admit it, should they stay healthy, BU is ready for a run this year. The past few years, BU has consistently been stocking up on top level defensemen (Gilroy, Shattenkirk, Warsofsky) and they have a special talent in Colin Wilson. There big question seemed to be in net and both Rollheiser (1.51 GAA) and Millan (1.67 GAA) have played well to start the season giving BU a consistency they lacked last year which probably cost them a spot in the tournament.

It's still early and the teams are still gelling. Freshmen are still learning the college game and still getting adjusted to playing with their new teammates. Lucky for all of us college hockey fans, BC does not face the resurgent BU until Dec 5th. By then, both teams should be hitting their mid-season stride. Both are top-notch teams this year with dreams of hanging another national title banner. The next edition of the Battle for the Green Line should be a great one.

As these teams go it seems so goes Hockey East. UNH is strong again and having seen Vermont in person and knowing the quality that Enrico Blasi at Miami (OH) puts on the ice (Vermont beat and tied Miami two weekends ago), the Catamounts are not to be counted out this year either. With both UMass and UMass-Lowell also receiving votes in the rankings, its easy to see that Hockey East is once again a force in college hockey.