Boston College Picked to Finish First in Hockey East

Defending national champion Boston College has been tabbed by both Hockey East coaches and media to claim the conference again in 2012-13, according to the circuit's web site. The Eagles, who have also won three consecutive Hockey East championship games, were ranked ahead of UMass-Lowell, Boston University, and New Hampshire in both polls released Tuesday.

Sophomore forward Johnny Gaudreau and senior goaltender Parker Milner (pictured) were also named to the preseason All-Hockey East team. Gaudreau tallied 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points a year ago, including a dazzling clinching goal in the national title game against Ferris State, while Milner finished 29-5-0 overall with a 1.66 goals-against average, and won his last 19 games of the season.

Also concerning BC, a shout-out to former defenseman and old friend Greg Brown, who was recently elevated to the position of associate head coach. Brown has been on Jerry York’s staff for the past eight seasons, and has helped the Eagles to three NCAA titles in that span. A great player, a very good coach, and an even better person, he’s more than deserving of the promotion.

BC opens its 2012-13 campaign with an exhibition contest against New Brunswick on Oct. 6, before ringing in the regular season a week later at Northeastern.