Preseason Top 16: Number 3

The defending national champs land at number three in our preseason top 16. The saying goes that “defense wins championships” and BU better hope that’s right, cause they lost a ton of offense. Colin Wilson (17-38-55), and Chris Higgins (14-34-48) are gone, but the Terriers return a ton of defensive studs. The leader is Kevin Shattenkirk, who was probably the best US defenseman at the World Junior Championships last winter, but they also have Colby Cohen who had an extremely solid year last year. In all, 5 of their top 6 blueliners return.

In net, Kieran Millan looks poised to build on a Freshman season that finished with him hoisting a national championship. Millan was first in Hockey East in GAA and 3rd in save percentage.

The offense won’t be able to score a ton like they did last year, but 50 point scorer Nick Bonino is back and will go a long way towards another deep BU run. Look for Alex Chiasson and Justin Courtnall to add some offensive punch as well as the Terriers will be on their way to another NCAA tournament and perhaps back to back Frozen Four appearances.