Alumnus Update (11/19/09)

Catching Up With Last Year's Favorites

Matt Gilroy
NHL -- New York Rangers

Matty Ice has had more immediate success than any other 2009 Terrier.  Gilroy has played in all 21 Rangers' games so far this season.  He has put up just 2 goals and 2 assists so far for the Blueshirts, but never missing a beat right out of college is impressive in itself.  One of the complaints about Gilroy is that he is putting aside his offensive prowess in favor of concentrating on defense.  Blueshirt Banter expands on this concern:

"I lumped [Marc Stall and Matt Gilroy] together because I think they are two heads of the same coin. I think Staal's game is regressing because he is a defensive defenseman worrying too much about his offense, and Gilroy is an offensive defenseman worried too much about his defense. I've said it a hundred times, I think these two should be paired together so they can both focus on doing what they do best."

As time goes on and Matty gains more confidence at the pro level, he should be able to slide into his game more effectively and do what he does best.  I would imagine that even as this season goes on he will shift more toward the role of offensive defenseman that we all know and love.

Colin Wilson

NHL -- Nashville Predators

NHL.COM

Wilson surprised people when he went into camp and earned his spot on the big team's roster right off the bat.  He worked his ass off in the pre-season, and showed off a physical element of his game that makes him the total package, and a true force to be reckoned with.  The highlight of the season for Colin so far has to be scoring his first career goal in his return to Boston against the Bruins.  Since that however, Wilson has been nagged by a groin injury, and hasn't played since Halloween night.  He skated with the team today, and is expected to go to the team's AHL affiliate for a rehab assignment.  Wilson on the assignment:

"It would pro­bably be the best thing for me,'' he said. ``If I'm out for a bit, I want to get my game back. Get­ting more ice time and some con­di­tio­ning would defi­ni­tely be the right thing for me. If I'm healthy and pla­ying my game, it won't be a very long stint there.''

John McCarthy
AHL -- Worcester Sharks

Last year's co-captain is yet to crack the NHL ranks, but at least his minor league stopping point is close to home.  Johnny Mac has spent the early part of 2009 playing in Worcester for the Sharks, where he has registered 1 goal along with 6 assists through 18 games.  He also managed to hit a plus/minus of +4 on a team that has been outscored by 13 goals.  McCarthy is just 23 years old, so he has some time to work on his game and take it to the next level. He also has an impeccable work ethic, so it may not be too long until the 2006 7th round draft pick moves up.


Brian Strait
AHL -- Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins

Strait has performed well in his first professional season for the Baby Penguins.  He gets to play in front of fellow former Terrier Johnny Curry in Scranton.  Through 16 games Strait is at a strong +7 with 1 goal and 4 assists.  It's not easy to crack the ranks of the defending Stanley Cup Champs, but Strait is helping Scranton have a pretty successful season.  The team is 8-5-1 so far.

Brandon Yip
AHL -- Lake Erie Monsters

Yip is on the roster for the Av's AHL affiliate, but is yet to play a game on the pro level.  Yip, whose BU career was plagued by chronic injury problems, is yet to debut for the Monsters, but is expected to finally do so in December.  We'll let you know as soon as everyone's favorite hot head comes off the injured reserve.


Chris Higgins
AHL -- Syracuse Crunch

Higgins has had a bit of a rough go of it to start out as well.  He's played in just 6 games for the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks.  In those games he is yet to record a point.


Jason Lawrence
ECHL -- Charlotte Checkers

Lawrence went to Bruins camp hoping to earn a spot with their AHL affiliate in Providence.  Unfortunately, Lawrence missed the cuts with his hometown team, but luckily, he did find a spot to land and play some pro hockey.  We all know J-Lo can score when he's with the right players, so let's hope he gets a chance to show off some of those offensive skills in Charlotte.  In 7 games, J-Lo has a goal and an assist for the Rangers' "AA" affiliate.


Steve Smolinsky
No Information Available