As the four remaining teams in NCAA Division I men's hockey prepare to take the ice Thursday at the Frozen Four in Tampa, Fla., there will again be a distinct BCHL flavour as more than a dozen league alumni are participating.
And there is guaranteed to be a BCHL grad with a chance for a national title as all but one team left has league products on their roster.
We'll give you a brief look here at the who's got a shot at a ring. For more detail, there is an excellent breakdown of the action ahead HERE ON THE COLLEGE HOCKEY INC. WEBSITE.
Thursday, April 5, 1:30 p.m. PDT
Ferris State University Bulldogs vs. Union College Dutchmen
This matchup of Central Collegiate Hockey Association rivals contains 11 BCHL grads in all and will lead things off at this year's Frozen Four.
Due to the nine BCHL grads on the Union roster, this semifinal has the greater number of league alumni. Dutchmen Kelly Zajac, Kyle Bodie, Mat Bodie, Nolan Julseth-White (captain), Charlie Vasaturo, Daniel Carr, Matt Hatch, Cole Ikkala, and Shawn Stuart.
Zajac, a former Salmon Arm SilverBack, is the points leader among that group with eight goals and 34 assists on the season.
Ferris State features former Penticton Vees centre Travis Ouellette former Vernon Vipers centre Cory Kane. Ouellette has nine goals and 14 assists coming into the game while Kane has seven goals and four assists.
Thursday, April 5, 5 p.m. PDT
University of Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Boston College Eagles.
All but four Minnesota players are from in state and there are currently no BCHL alums on the roster. But that will change next season as Connor, Ryan and Mike Reilly will all play for the Golden Gophers.
Boston College has former Penticton Vees defenceman Isaac MacLeod, a San Jose Sharks draft pick, on the blueline and also have 2011 BCHL Coastal Conference Rookie of the Year Destry Straight up front. Straight and fellow Coquitlam Express alum Mark Begert both chose BC after last season though Begert will likely be granted redshirt status for this season having played just one game.
