For those who say that family ties are the strongest, I present to you the exception: The 1999-2000 Recruiting Year for Hockey East. A few years back, Chris Kelleher helped lead Boston University to a National Title. This year his little brother Tim will be a freshman at hated cross-town rival, and two-time Hockey East Champion Boston College. John Sabo's big sister is a die-hard BC alum and supporter so where does little bro John go, Boston University. The only question to be answered isn't who will win the on-ice battles between the two, but who will win the battles at the dinner table come hockey season. The Hockey East conference enjoyed its greatest year ever in 98-99. Three of four Frozen Four participants, a Hockey East National Title tilt, and of course a National Champion in U. Maine. With such competition every night in conference, this year's recruiting has never been more fierce. The University of New Hampshire made the biggest splash in this year's recruiting war. Replacing Hobey Baker winner Jason Krog will be tough, but bringing in three star recruits should help nicely. Patrick Foley, fresh off the US National Development Squad will add an instant scoring punch while Lanny Gare, from Vernon in the BCHL, should help as well. UNH also stole a prize recruit from BC-BU territory named Kevin Truelson from Archbishop Williams High School in Massachusetts. UNH coach Dick Umile hopes this recruiting class, maybe their best ever, will continue UNH's strong play in conference. Jerry York's Boston College Eagles boasts back-to-back Hockey East Championships, as well as back-to-back Frozen Four appearances, but still ended 1998 without BC's elusive National Title. BC has the luxury of not having a Jason Krog caliber player to replace as most players will return next season. The Eagles did score a talented pool of recruits to add to their talent-rich roster for next season. Krys Kolanos from Calgary bypassed a chance to play for North Dakota or Denver to travel east to attend BC. His skills have been compared to former BC player Marty Reasoner and should see significant time on the second offensive line next season. Bill Cass, a D-man from the US National Development Squad, should add to a talented defensive corp. With the anticipated departure of Mike Mottau to the NHL, Cass could see quality time from the get-go if he works hard. Tim Kelleher, a Goaltender from St. Sebastian's (Mass.) raised a few eyebrows at rival Boston University when he chose BC. Tim's brother Chris led BU to the 1995 National Championship. Although hardly a top class for BC, the existing talent should help this group prepare for the nightly grind in Hockey East, and possibly their first National Title since 1949. With limited slots to fill, National Champion Maine scored two highly touted prospects from Canada. Martin Kariya (that name sound familiar?) should in time be as strong as older brothers Paul and Steve, both former Maine Blackbears, both with National Championship rings. Head coach Shawn Walsh also scored another talent player named Robert Liscak. With most of the defending National Title team returning, Kariya and Liscak will be forced to fight for playing time which should make Maine even stronger next season. Boston University and the term 'rebuilding process' sounds like an oxymoron. But that's where Jack Parker's Terriers, once a annual National Title threat are these days. Since the departure of Chris Drury, as well as other talented underclassmen like Tom Poti, BU finds itself in a rebuilding position that they are not accustomed to. The bad news is they are looking up at BC, Maine, and UNH for the next couple of years. The good news is a steller recruiting class, which is among the best in the country. BU stole prize recruits John Sabo and Rick DiPietro, both of the US National Development Squad, from BC, which stunned many Eagle followers. Sabo is an incredible offensive talent, which should help a talent-limited Terrier offense. DiPietro will be asked to start in goal as a freshman, hardly an enviable task for anyone. Parker is also hoping that Brian Collins, from St. Johns (Mass.) will help. Collins is one of the top prospects in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and should see plenty of ice time from day one. The only question Parker must be asking is will these players be around when BU reaches the level of National Contender again? With BU's track record of players leaving early for the riches of the NHL, he can only hope these blue-chippers have the patience to stay in a rebuilding process that has a long way to go. Overall, Hockey East recruited well enough to remain arguably the strongest conference in the country for the next few years. Certainly Boston College, Maine, and UNH will be title contenders next season with BU, Providence, and the rest of Hockey East fighting for a shot at the National Tournament, which fitting enough is played in Providence, Rhode Island next year. Hockey East fans are hoping that once again, next year's Frozen Four will be a family affair. -DJW
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