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Boston College Hockey: York Unwilling to Show Hand in Goaltending Battle

Jerry York mum on who will open the season in between the pipes.

By Evan Sporer
Most pundits expect Thatcher Demko to take the goaltending duties and run with them at BC, but head coach Jerry York wouldn't divulge his starter for Thursday's opener at Michigan.
Most pundits expect Thatcher Demko to take the goaltending duties and run with them at BC, but head coach Jerry York wouldn't divulge his starter for Thursday's opener at Michigan.
Bruce Bennett

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- There weren't too many questions for Jerry York to answer after Boston College cruised in its exhibition game, 8-2, past St. Francis Xavier. However, there was one item on the docket he chose to leave unanswered: his starting goaltender for Thursday's opener in Michigan.

"No, I'm not," said York, when asked if he was ready to reveal his starter for when the team travels to Ann Arbor to face Michigan. In Sunday's exhibition game, all three of York's goalies saw time. Last year's starter Parker Milner graduated and moved on to the AHL.

"I thought all three goaltenders did a nice job for us," said York after the game. Junior Brian Billett, the most experienced of the trio, started things off for the Eagles, and allowed both St. Francis goals. It was the Eagles' weakest period defensively, and a deflection goal from the X-Men's Michael Kirkpatrick was virtually unstoppable. Billett made three saves on five shots, and then was relieved by freshman Thatcher Demko.

In his first action in Conte Forum, Demko showed no signs of nervousness. He moved well laterally, and stopped all seven shots he faced. His rebound control was sharp, and Demko tracked the puck will with St. Francis Xavier players throwing bodies in front.

"He's got really good calmness. I thought he played well," said York of the freshman. "Not a lot of shots that period, but I thought all three goalies did a nice job."

If Demko does get the nod come Thursday, he'll be in a familiar environment. The San Diego, Calif. native played in Ann Arbor all of last year with the United States National Under-18 team. Demko posted stellar numbers last season going 30-9-4, including a win over the very Wolverines team the Eagles will face on Thursday night.

The final period saw junior Brad Barone man the crease. Barone, whose only action for Boston College came in a relief appearance last season, stopped all six shots he faced, after entering the game with a comfortable three goal advantage.

Whoever is in goal for Boston College come Thursday will have to deal with a Wolverines offense that was in the top 10 in the nation last season, and returns many of its potent offensive weapons.