Boston University hockey adds six to incoming recruiting class

Boston University freshmen have arrived on campus to begin taking summer classes and get acclimated with college life. Second year head coach David Quinn is welcoming 11 new Terriers to the men's hockey program, including three NHL Draft picks and a potential top 5 pick in 2015.

As was previously announced, forwards Jack Eichel, J.J. Piccinich and Chase Phelps along with defensemen John MacLeod, Brandon Hickey and Brien Diffley have all signed National Letters of Intent to play for BU.

MacLeod, a lifelong Terrier fan, was taken in the second round by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"Ever since I was younger I've just loved BU. Everything about it: the campus, the people, the facilities, the atmosphere. It's right in the city," said MacLeod.

"Growing up, it was David Warsofsky," said MacLeod when asked about his favorite Terrier. "He was a smaller defenseman, but he was very good. I love watching him when I was going to games."

A big hulking defenseman, the Dracut, Mass. native has a mean streak, but he is also anxious to show he has offensive upside.

"I had a role on the [USNTDP] team. That was to play the shutdown style of game. I think at BU I'm going to get an opportunity to get a different side of the game they've never seen before. Being in contact with the BU coaches, I think I'm going to get an opportunity to do that," said MacLeod.

Piccinich joked about his busy schedule after being selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.

"I have to leave tomorrow. Quick turnaround," said the Englewood, NJ native. "We have a new coach. I love him to death. I love everything he has to say. I like what he's doing. We're going to try to flip things around as soon as possible."

Kimball Union star A.J. Greer, a junior captain this past winter, will accelerate to join the program a year earlier than expected. The former Penn State commit is another serious prospect for the 2015 draft. Also joining Greer are forwards Liam Coughlin and Nikolas Olsson, defensemen Ori Abramson and Brandon Fortunato and goaltender Connor LaCouvee.

LaCouvee is joining the Terriers following a stellar run through the BCHL Playoffs with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. The '94 had a breakout campaign that led to heightened interest among college recruiters. Lacouvee was a late add by the BU coaching staff after it learned that rising-junior goaltender Sean Maguire would not be available for the 2014-15 season due to medical reasons.

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSports.