Josh the Intern's HockeyEast Preview

First off, I'm the new intern here at UB. I have a wide variety of skills including, but not limited to, harnessing teams of oxen, hand-milking cows, and writing thank-you notes. I also have a strong interest in Boston sports, particularly college hockey and the Patriots. I'm happy to be servicing you.

At the end of last season, only four teams from HockeyEast made it into the USCHO Poll's Top 20. BC, Maine, UNH, and BU came in at #1, #7, #10, and #14, respectively. This intern asks, will these teams stand up to the hype?

Boston College - Last year's HockeyEast champions, Boston College is obviously looking to repeat. The Eagles will return leading-scorer Cam Atkinson, as well as both Joe Whitney and Brian Gibbons. Rounding out the veterans is senior goaltender John Muse.
Players to Watch: Chris Kreider (F) and Steven Whitney (F)

Boston University - BU lost some quality talent, including four of its five top scorers. Junior Chris Connolly and defensemen David Warsofsky are looking to lead BU to a winning season. Like BC, the Terriers will also be returning their starting goaltender Kieran Millan.
Players to Watch: Alex Chiasson (D) and Max Nicastro (F)

UNH - After losing All-Americans Bobby Butler and Brian Foster, the Wildcats will need some big contributions from forwards Paul Thompson and Phil DeSimone. Most of all, All-American Blake Kessel will need to step up and become a huge leader as a junior. Also look out for returning players Mike Beck (Sr), Matt Campanale (Sr), and goalie Matt DiGirolamo (Jr).
Players to Watch: Brett Kostolansky (D) and Dalton Speelman (F)

Maine - The Black Bears return a steady list of eight upperclassmen, including last year's HockeyEast leading scorer and All-American Gustav Nyquist. Maine also lost their #1 and #2 goalies, leaving the job up for grabs, most likely to Shawn Sirman.
Players to Watch: Ryan Hegarty (D) and Adam Shemansky (F)

Northeastern - Although the Huskies lost #2 scorer Kyle Kraemer, they return Wade MacLeod and captain Tyler McNeely, as well as both sophomore goaltenders Chris Rawlings and Brian Mountain. Sophomore Garrett Vermeersch should also be a strong factor.
Players to Watch: Alex Tuckerman (F) and Robbie Vrolyk (F)

Elsewhere around the league, look out for Rookie of the year Stephane Da Costa to lead Merrimack through a strong season.
Player to Watch: Sebastian Stalberg (Sophomore Forward, Vermont)

Final Standings:
1. Boston College
2. UNH
3. Maine
4. Boston University
5. Vermont
6. Northeastern
7. UMass
8. Merrimack
9. Umass Lowell
10. Providence