Thursday, June 6, 2013

The Priviteras Part Ways

Alexx Makes a pass in a game
at Merrimack this past season.
(Photo by Matt Dresens)

Yesterday, defenseman Alexx Privitera and his brother Jarrid decided to cut ties with Boston University. Alexx was a solid defense on the squad last winter, but did struggle to stay out of trouble on the ice. He was eventually suspended after the Beanpot for the remainder of the season for on ice disciplinary reasons. He did not play another game after the Beanpot consolation game, which BU lost 7-4 to Harvard. 

His brother, Jarrid was a recruit for this upcoming season. As a member of the recently crowned Clark Cup Champion Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL, Jarrid posted 15 goals, 11 assists for 26 points in 56 games played. The 5-7 150 pound forward will no longer becoming to BU in the fall and in an interview with the Boston Hockey Blog, Jarrid said "[decommitting] was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make."

The departure of Alexx comes as no surprise, but what is a little puzzling is what took him so long? He was suspended in February and the season ended a little less than two months later in the Hockey East Championship Game. It is now June. The only logical explanation is that he wanted to finish out the semester school wise and make his decision after the academic year. If that is truly the case, I commend Alexx on that. He could have easily left school and Wes Myron’d the situation, but instead stayed in school and can transfer to a different college. Of course, he will need to take a year off from college hockey per NCAA rules, if that is indeed what he wants to do.

As for replacing him, not much needs to be said. The D really stepped up last year, especially Garrett Noonan and Matt Grzelcyk after his suspension. Next year could see an increased roll for Ahti Oksanen and incoming freshman Doyle Somerby.

Before being suspended, Alexx posted 2 goals, 10 assists for 12 points in 23 games. There is no word yet where he or Jarrid will be next year.