59 Teams in 59 Days Boston College

The 59 Teams in 59 Days tour continues with a trip to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, where the first of two Commonwealth Avenue Rivals are featured, the Boston College Eagles.

For the past nine seasons Jerry York and the Eagles have been the class of Hockey East winning four Hockey East Tournament Titles (1998, 1999, 2001, 2005) four Hockey East Regular Season Titles (2000-2001, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005), six Frozen Fours (1998-2001, 2004, 2006), and one National Championship in 2001. The Eagles have not had a losing season once in that span as York's teams have gone 240-99-32.

Seems like this years club will have another great season. Two important players Brian Boyle and Cory Schneider who both were important in their surprise run through the NCAA's are expected to return this year. Boyle, this years captain of the Eagles, is about a 90% certainty that he will return. He even mentioned in an article in April that he would return for his Senior season.

Schneider on the other hand is almost a definate that he will return since the team who owns his rights, the Vancouver Cannucks, solved their goaltending situation by trading for Roberto Luongo.

If BC wants to make a National Championship run again, they might need someone to have a Chris Collins like season. Collins last year surprised the College Hockey World where he joined the 30-30 club, and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker. While replacing him will be tough, they won't need a Hobey Baker Canidate from a surprise player like Collins was last year, but they will need people to score more goals.

Expect important roles to be played by some key people such as Junior Forward Dan Bertram, anb Senior Forward Joe Rooney.

Defensively, the Eagles look strong again. Peter Harrold is a big loss, but incoming Freshman Carl Sneep is ready to fill in that Defensive spot. Junior Mike Brennan looks like he will hold his own this year.

All around BC looks like they can make another National Championship run this year. If Boyle and Schneider both stay than they will most likely be the preseason #1 team in the country.

The predicted ceiling for the Eagles is first in Hockey East, the gutter is third.

Tommorrow the team on the other side of Commonwealth Avenue, the Boston University Terriers will be featured. How do they compare to BC this year? Find out tommorrow as the 59 Teams in 59 Days tour continues.