Boston College Hockey Recruiting: Tanner MacMaster '96 Commits To The Eagles

The Boston College hockey program received a verbal commitment from ’96 forward Tanner MacMaster on Wednesday. He is expected to join the program for either the 2014-15 or 2015-16 season.

Committed to Boston College.

— tan (@TannerMacMaster) February 28, 2013

In 54 games this season with the Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL), the Calgary, Alberta native has 47 points (24 goals, 23 assists). In 32 games with the Calgary Buffaloes Midget AAA team last season, the 5-foot-10 forward tallied 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists).

The WHL’s Spokane Chiefs own MacMaster’s CHL rights, drafting him in the first round with the 19th overall pick in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft. York and the Eagles don’t go all the way to western Canada often, but MacMaster is one of Alberta’s top draft prospects and should continue BC's long line of small-ish forwards who can create scoring opportunities and score goals.

This is also a big win for NCAA hockey in its battle with the CHL for junior hockey talent. MacMaster will forgo a career in the WHL for playing college hockey on the Heights. Don Cherry’s head might explode.

Here is the full release from the AJHL website.

The Camrose Kodiaks are pleased to announce that Tanner MacMaster has accepted a scholarship offer from Boston College. The rookie forward has had an exceptional year and is deserving of this achievement. MacMaster is nominated for Rookie of the Year in the AJHL this year and was a unanimous selection to the AJHL South All-Rookie Team. Details of when Tanner will attend Boston College will be determined in the future. The entire Kodiaks organization would like to congratulate Tanner and his family on this accomplishment and wish him well in his future at Boston College.

You can follow Tanner on Twitter @TannerMacMaster. Welcome to the Heights, Tanner!