Boston College Men’s Hockey Preview: The Juniors

The Boston College men’s hockey team has a fairly small junior class for this year’s modified season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t make a big impact on how successful this team is. So let’s take a look at this year’s junior class:

#11 Jack McBain, F. McBain has the skills to really make an offensive difference, and hopefully this is the year he’s really able to break out. He recorded 6 goals as both a freshman and a sophomore, but doubled his assists last season (7 to 15). McBain will definitely see special teams playing time, particularly shorthanded - he had a pair of shorthanded goals last year and his size (6’4”) makes him a defensive asset as well. Fans should also expect to see McBain taking a fair amount of face-offs this years.

#22 Casey Carreau, F. Carreau was a freshman at BC in 2017-18, playing in 33 games and picking up 5 points. He then left BC for a year to play for the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) and Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC) before returning to BC last season as a sophomore. Carreau only saw action in 3 games last year, and likely won’t see much ice time this season either unless there are injuries (or illnesses) that shorten BC’s roster.

#24 Patrick Giles, F. Giles missed much of last season due to injuries, but if he can stay healthy he should be able to be an impact player for the Eagles. After scoring 1 goal and picking up 5 assists as a freshman in 37 games he recorded 3 goals and 2 assists in just 10 games last season. Like McBain, Giles will be an asset on special teams both due to his height (6’5”) and the fact that he also managed a pair of shorthanded goals last season.

#25, Marc McLaughlin, F. McLaughlin was named captain this season, which shows that his teammates have a lot of faith in his character and leadership. No matter what impact he has on the ice, he’ll have a responsibility on the bench and in the locker room. Much like his fellow juniors, McLaughlin hasn’t put up huge numbers the past 2 seasons but does always seem like he’s on the verge of really breaking out (he has 12 points last season and 8 as a freshman). He is also a very strong defensive forward, and will again, like his fellow juniors, likely see a good amount of playing time when BC is shorthanded.