Boeser is the top ranked returning player in college hockey according to the USCHO website!
1. Brock Boeser, So., North Dakota (2015-16: 27 goals-33 assists—60 points)
The top returning forward in college hockey is really not much of a debate.
All Boeser did during his stellar first college hockey season was lead last year’s national championship-winning North Dakota squad offensively, racking up 27 goals and 60 points. Each was a benchmark for this year’s returning players, and there is little to doubt that, as a sophomore, Boeser will be in the discussion for the Hobey Baker Award.
“Brock is a phenomenal player and the best pure scorer at the college level that I’ve seen in a long time,” Denver coach Jim Montgomery said. “Every shot he takes, he’s not only trying to put it through the net, but out of the building. He’s a smart hockey player that makes the players around him better and I’m sure he will be one of top players in college hockey this year.”
It took just four games for Boeser to record his first college-level hat trick. The Burnsville, Minn., native was even better in the NCAA tournament, turning in a three-point performance against Northeastern in North Dakota’s opening game and then picking up two assists in the national semifinal against Denver. Boeser saved his performance for last, contributing a goal and three assists as the Fighting Hawks blew away top-ranked Quinnipiac in the title-clinching game.
“Being a freshman last year, (Brock) did very unfreshman-like things with his scoring ability and his overall game,” Nebraska-Omaha coach Dean Blais said. “He was noticeable almost every time on the ice, but he will be more of a targeted player this year because of some of the players that North Dakota lost.”
Expectations will be high for Boeser and North Dakota in 2016-17, just like they are every year in Grand Forks. But expect this super sophomore to deliver on all of his impressive promise, and lead the Fighting Hawks on a spirited title defense.
“(Brock) is rock solid on and off ice, very focused and loves to play,” CBS Sports Network/ESPN/NHL Network college hockey analyst Dave Starman said. “He developed into a multifaceted threat as the year went on and started to score from everywhere in many different ways. (Plus) he’s an ultimate team first guy, and a perfect fit to the North Dakota culture.”
Full article: http://www.uscho.com/2016/09/27/ten-to-watch-meet-some-of-college-hockeys-impact-forwards-for-2016-17/
Also of note: Will Lockwood is 4th on the list for potential impact forwards this year (behind Keller, Bellows & Jost). Exciting times for us prospect followers!