Quality Codfish to invade UMB
N.E. HOCKEY
It could get lost in all the holiday bustle but the 53rd annual Codfish Bowl tournament, hosted by UMassBoston Dec. 29-30, features one of the best four-team fields in recent memory.
First-day matchups pit No. 2 Adrian (8-3-0) against Salve Regina (8-32) in the opener, while No. 5 UMB (10-3-0) meets No. 14 Williams (5-2-0) in the second game.
The host Beacons claim the nation’s leading goal scorer in sophomore forward Nolan Redler (15), the country’s No. 2 scorer in senior captain Colin Larkin (12-11-23), and the top-scoring freshman in the country in Zack Bross (6-15-21). Junior Gabe Chukran (2-4-6) is the anchor on the blue line, while sophomore Bailey MacBurnie (9-1-0, 1.90 GAA, .925 SP) has been solid in net.
“Overall I think it’s a good group with really good leadership,” UMB coach Peter Belisle said. “I keep hearing about the camaraderie they have for each other. Larkin (team’s only senior) has done a great job with the leadership and they’ve really bonded well together.”
Quiz of the Week
This player led the late Len Ceglarski’s first Boston College team (1972-73) in scoring and proceeded to do it again for the next three years. Who is he? Answer below.
Lenny tributes
Merrimack coach Mark Dennehy and Northeastern counterpart Jim Madigan were a bit busy during Saturday’s 1-1 overtime matinee but afterward both spoke fondly about the legendary Ceglarski, who died Saturday at the age of 91.
Dennehy, who played from 1987-91 at BC for Ceglarski, said, “A true gentleman. I’m very obligated to him for giving me an opportunity. Some of his records are going to be tough to beat.’’
Madigan came in contact with Ceglarski as an opposing player and later as a member of the coaching fraternity.
“It was very sad,” Madigan sad. “I knew coach Ceglarski since when I first played. He was very classy. He had a lot of dignity. He won with class and he lost with grace. A true icon of college hockey.’’
Seney stuns
Merrimack senior center Brett Seney moved to within two points of 100 for his career. Seney, a New Jersey Devils draft pick, has 33 goals and 65 assists in 119 games.
“Seney is so dynamic,” Dennehy said. “When (NU’s Adam) Gaudette takes the puck, I gasp. I’m sure when Seney gets the puck, the opposing coaches do the same thing. He’s really worked hard on the defensive side.” . . .
Bowdoin junior forward Brooke Solomon had a fourassist game in a 6-0 shutout of Southern Maine . . . .
Salve Regina freshman forward Danny Eruzione, of Winthrop and nephew of Boston University great Mike Eruzione, had three assists in a 7-2 rout of Becker . . . .
Endicott junior forward Thomas Daniels dished out three helpers in an 8-2 win against Salem State . . . .
Worcester State junior forward Mitchell Purdie had three assists in a 5-2 win over Stonehill.
Quiz answer
Richie Smith, still No. 5 all-time in scoring at The Heights. Drop the puck!