Eeli Tolvanen Commits to Boston College

Sioux City(USHL) '99 forward Eeli Tolvanen announced via Twitter on Monday that he has verbally committed to Boston College:

Proud to announce my commitment to play college hockey at Boston College! Thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way! #Eagles

— Eeli Tolvanen (@eeli1999) June 13, 2016

Tolvanen, a native of Finland, won a gold medal with Finland at the World U18 Championship, where he tied for the tournament lead in goals scored despite being an underager.

We've listed Tolvanen as a potential first round draft pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, with this scoutnig report:

Eeli Tolvanen, Forward, Finland, 5'10" 174 lbs. 4/22/99

Tolvanen took the somewhat unconventional route of coming to North America to play in the USHL this past season and had success with the Sioux City Musketeers. Tolvanen is a smooth, strong skater that can be disruptive to the opposition's defense with his speed. He's got great acceleration which allows him to create separation over short distances. He also works hard away from the puck to set himself up in good scoring positions. He has a smooth handle of the puck and can get surprising velocity on his shot.

As a European player, Tolvanen is eligible for the CHL Import Draft--notorious for its' posturing and subterfuge as agents attempt to get their players on the right team and for the right price--for the first time later this summer, and Tolvanen will be high demand, so the commitment is likely a soft one until Tolvanen conclusively turns down the CHL. But for now, him pledging his intentions is a big win, not just for Boston College, but for college hockey.