Every Tuesday, FanHouse discusses the top NHL prospects found in college hockey.More and more underclassmen are signing pro contracts and not playing four years of college hockey. This puts additional pressure on seniors to help carry the load for their teams. Coaches love to lean on experience when the playoffs come, and while the freshmen and sophomores might have all the talent, it's the older guys who bring valuable experience to a locker room. For Boston College, there's hope that a big defenseman -- who happens to be off to a great start -- can help lead them back to the NCAA Tournament.
Carl Sneep (NHL rights: Pittsburgh) has played three years under legendary head coach Jerry York. While he has shown flashes of offensive ability, he has yet to fully realize his potential as a contributor. Not only is he off to a hot start offensively this year, but Sneep is in the role of experienced leader for a young group of defensemen.
"Probably the most pleasant surprise has been Carl Sneep's play for us," York said. "He's a fourth-year player with us and the only upperclass defenseman we can go to. So he's kind of standard-bearer. He's had a real good start for us and (has) shown improvement."So far, so good for Sneep. He has three goals and eight points in the Eagles' first six games. That matches his career-high for goals in a season, and he's more than halfway to his season-best of 15 points, set in his sophomore season. The Nisswa, Minn., native scored twice on Friday, as the Eagles settled for a 4-4 tie at New Hampshire, then assisted on three goals in a 5-1 win over Northeastern Saturday.
While Sneep is a bigger guy, he isn't the most physical defenseman you'll ever see. That's probably the one major knock on his game as he prepares to move on from college hockey after this season. Instead, he appears to have a much more notable offensive upside than people may have thought. He's a steady player who moves the puck well, and he doesn't easily succumb to pressure in his own zone.
Odds are Sneep will get even better this season. He figures to see a lot of ice time in all situations, both even-strength and on special teams. The Eagles figure to be playing deep into March again this season, so that will only aid Sneep's preparation for the next level.
Other Players to Watch
One has to think this was a banner weekend for Miami. The RedHawks swept Michigan in Ann Arbor, winning 3-1 and 5-1, and Michigan coach Red Berenson went after his team pretty hard Saturday.
"I'm embarrassed," Berenson said. "We played like a bunch of spoiled brats, and we've gotta suck it up. When you're getting beat, you just keep working hard for the team. You don't take it out on the other team and take stupid penalties that are going to hurt your team even further. That's not the way we play hockey, and this team will learn that."For Miami, senior Jarod Palmer (undrafted) and freshman Curtis McKenzie (Dallas) each had three points. Sophomore goalie Cody Reichard (undrafted) played both nights, stopping 47 of 49 shots faced.
Notre Dame senior defenseman Kyle Lawson (Carolina) had a hand in three of the four goals the Irish scored (one goal, two assists) in a weekend split at Alaska.
Sophomore forward Gustav Nyquist (Detroit) helped lead Maine to a big win Sunday over Boston University. Nyquist scored a first-period goal and assisted on the game-winner as the Black Bears hung on to beat BU 3-2. It was Maine's second straight win over a ranked Hockey East opponent after a 1-5 overall start.
College Hockey America's leading scorer, Bemidji State junior Matt Read (undrafted), had another big weekend. He tallied two goals and two assists as the Beavers swept Robert Morris (Pa.) at home, winning 2-0 and 6-1.
Colgate senior David McIntyre (New Jersey) helped the Red Raiders sweep weekend games against Harvard and Dartmouth. The Hobey Baker candidate scored once and also picked up four assists over the two games.
