Watts’ impact prompt for BC
NEW ENGLAND HOCKEY
Don’t look now but there’s a four-way race for Division1 national scoring title with all the candidates operating close to Commonwealth Avenue, including Boston College freshman Daryl Watts, BC sophomore Caitrin Lonergan of Roslindale and Boston University seniors Victoria Bach and Rebecca Leslie.
All four were on the ice as the Eagles and Terriers played a Women’s Hockey East home-and-home series over the weekend. The teams tied 2-2 on Friday at BC’s Kelly Rink but the second-ranked Eagles (11-1-2) took a 4-2 win Saturday over the Terriers at BU’s Agganis Arena.
After 17 games apiece, Watts is tops among the group with 44 points on 20 goals and 24 assists. Her teammate Lonergan is next at 18 goals and 41 points, then Bach with 17 goals for 33 points and Leslie at 15 goals and 31 points.
While Lonergan, Bach and Leslie had established a certain pedigree in previous seasons, the 18-year-old Watts is new upon the scene and her flourish has drawn raves wherever she has played.
In BC’s last three games, Watts had five goals with two assists. Lonergan had three goals and five assists, even though they now skate on different lines to give the Eagles more balance.
“Well, we knew Daryl was good but I think her production has exceeded our expectations. She is such a poised player for being a freshman. She carries a lot of the offensive load. She is still learning about a lot of things. We’re trying to help her score more goals,” said BC coach Katie Crowley with a chuckle. “Caitrin has certainly done a phenomenal job from last year to this year. She has certainly become one of the best leaders on the team. She’s just grown up from her freshman year. I don’t think she took her leadership role as serious as much as she does now.”
Across the ice, Terriers coach Brian Durocher extolled the talents of Bach and Leslie. In their three games last week, Bach scored twice with five assists and Leslie had five goals and three assists.
“(Bach) is one in a hundred skaters, kids who have that super-elite glide. It also seems to be an unfair glide,” Durocher said. “For a kid, who I don’t think has a super shot, she has a very deceptive shot and an accurate shot. She can put it where she aims. And, she has a pretty good player alongside in her linemate Leslie, who really has a good feel for the game.”
The precocious Watts, who cites ex-BU star and Canadian Olympic hero MariePhilip Poulin as a favorite, is still learning.
“Well, it’s way faster. The pace is faster. The players are stronger. It’s a different game than what I was used to with my club team,” Watts said about her transition to the college game. “There is less time to make decisions . ... I guess, you could say it’s a work in progress.”
Quiz of the week
The BU men’s hockey team honored its 1978 NCAA champs on the weekend. Two Terriers tied for NCAA tourney scoring honors. Who were they? Hint: Both played in the NHL. Answer below.
Slap shots
Local Division 3 men’s players are lighting the lamps at an impressive pace. UMass-Boston forwards Zack Bross (615-21), Colin Larkin (11-10-21), and Nolan Redler (14-6-20) rank Nos. 1-2-3 in the country . . . .
Congrats to Northeastern junior Adam Gaudette of Braintree, who topped the century milestone at 48 goals, 54 assists for 102 points. He is the 52nd player to hit that mark for the Huskies . . . .
Quiz answer: Dave Silk (3-3-6) and Jack O’Callahan (0-6-6). Drop the puck!