Clendening Signs With Chicago

Adam Clendening in a game at
Lowell last year.
(Photo by Matt Dresens)

Today, Sophomore defenseman Adam Clendening decided to forgo his remaining two season's of eligibility at BU and sign with the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL.

After the World Junior Hockey Championships in late December, Clendening really picked up his game, not as much on the stat sheet, but with his overall play. He really took it upon himself to pick up the BU team following the departures of Corey Trivino and Charlie Coyle.

After Coyle's left in mid December, there was much talk about Clendening bolting to the OHL, but those rumors were put to sleep after Adam stated he would be back for BU's next game, a home game against Merrimack. True to his word, he was on the ice in Scarlet and White that night, and even picked up an assist in the Terrier’s 4-2 win.

In 77 games played at BU, Clendening posted 9 goals, 50 assists for a total of 59 points. Personally, I think he will be in the AHL next season, but who knows? Maybe the 'Hawks will call him up, either way, best of luck Adam, its been fun watching you run the point the last few years. 

*More to come on who may replace (or fill his spot would be a better term) in the coming days. 

Bourque Traded To Bruins

Chris Bourque scores the game
winning goal in the 2005 Beanpot
final in overtime to give BU a 3-2
win over Northeastern.
(Photo by Jim Davis) 

Yesterday, former Terrier Chris Bourque was traded by the Washington Capitals to the Boston Bruins for Bruins former first round pick Zach Hamill. Bourque played one year at BU, the 2005 season, where posted 10 goals and 13 assists in his lone season as a Terrier. 

Bourque reportedly left after his freshman season because of academic reasons. He was a drafted 33rd overall by the Capitals in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He spent the bulk of his first few pro seasons in the AHL, before being called up to the Cap's in 2007. In 33 NHL games (2007-2010) Bourque has one goal, three assists, and 12 penalty minutes. Last season, Bourque lead the AHL in scoring with 93 points (27 goals, 66 assists, 73 games played) as a member of the Hershey Bears. 

Polesello Says No

Sam Kruker on St. John's
Prep.
(Photo by David Arnold)

According to USHR, 2012 recruit Robert Polesello has decommitted from BU and will not be on the roster this coming Fall. Polesello originally committed to BU back in the summer of 2009 when he was attending the Peach School in Ontario. In the 2010 USHL draft, Polesello was selected 7th overall by the Indiana Ice. Last season with the Ice, he racked up 15 goals and 16 points in 58 games played.

This now opens the door for 2013 recruit Sam Kurker to join next year's incoming class of freshman. Last season, Kruker posted impressive numbers with St. John's Prep. In 20 games played, Kurker amassed 32 goals, 28 assists for 60 points. Kurker was slotted 41st on the NHL draft board for this year's draft. Just this past week, the SJP alum was selected 134th over all in the USHL draft. Obviously he will not play for the Ice next season though, because he will be at BU.

So the 2012 recruit class should look as follows: Matt Grzelyck (USA U18), Matt Lane (USA U18) Sean Maguire (Powell River Kings, BCHL), Mike Moran (Victoria Grizzlies, BCHL), Wesley Myron (Victoria Grizzlies, BCHL), Matthew O'Conner (Youngstown Phantoms, USHL), Jarrid Privitera (Dubuque Fighting Saints, USHL) Sam Kruker (St. Johns Prep, MIAA)