:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66583463/1200365428.jpg.0.jpg)
This afternoon, the Boston College men’s hockey program announced the captain and assistant captains for the 2020-21 season. Rising junior Marc McLoughlin will take over the C from David Cotton, while seniors Logan Hutsko and Michael Karow and junior Patrick Giles will serve as assistant captains. (The fact that Aapeli Räsänen is not receiving a letter lends more credence to the rumors that he will not be returning to the NCAA for his senior season, which we have been unable to officially confirm).
McLaughlin, who appears set for 2 seasons as captain as he takes on the role as a junior, is a 6’0” forward from North Billerica. As a sophomore, McLaughlin recorded 12 points and went 150-149 on the face-off. McLaughlin can likely be expected to continue to be a third/second line player in his remaining seasons at BC, but he has shown steady improvement throughout his time with the Eagles and will also likely increase his offensive output.
Hutsko, one of a pair of senior assistant captains, is set to be the star player for next year’s BC team. Hutsko recently announced he would be returning for his senior year, and the internet is already rumbling with Hobey Baker buzz. Hutsko has struggled some with injuries, but still recorded an impressive 33 points last season. With his line-mates David Cotton and Julius Mattila graduated, Hutsko will be leaned on to put up even bigger numbers.
Karow, the other senior assistant captain, is the only non-forward in next year’s leadership group. A defenseman, Karow will play a big role on this team of young defensemen. Alongside sophomore standouts Marshall Warren and Drew Helleson, Karow will be responsible for helping a new crew of defensemen adjust to the NCAA.
Rounding out next year’s leaders is Patrick Giles, a rising junior. Giles missed much of this year with injuries, and the loss to the team’s depth was clearly felt, despite the fact that the lines remained quite deep. At 6’5”, Giles is a big forward who can effectively use his body to make space on the ice and who has shown some real promise in terms of creating offense.