Men’s Hockey: Past Meets Present – Four Terriers Selected for World Championships

By Michael Wax

Even as BU’s season ended at the Frozen Four on April 6, several Terriers’ seasons aren’t over quite yet. On Thursday afternoon, three members of the 2022-23 Terriers were selected to the Team USA roster for the 2023 World Championships: defenseman Lane Hutson, junior forward Luke Tuch and goalie Drew Commesso.

As a Hobey Baker nominee in 2022-23, Hutson put together a freshman season for the ages. His 48 points in 39 games not only led the Terriers in scoring, but also led all of Hockey East skaters, the first time in the conference’s history that a defenseman led in scoring.

Hutson’s 15 goals, which ranked tied for third on the Terriers, were matched by his older brother, Quinn. They were also the most goals from a Terrier defenseman since Garrett Noonan had 16 goals in the 2011-12 season. This is Hutson’s second international tournament with Team USA in the past year, as he was also a member of the 2022 World Juniors roster.

Commesso spent three years with the Terriers and saved his best for last. Between a Feb. 18 loss to Merrimack and the Frozen Four defeat to Minnesota, the assistant captain went 9-0 with a .935 save percentage. Commesso also was named the National Goaltender of the Month for March. With all of his accomplishments this past season, Commesso signed his entry-level deal with the Chicago Blackhawks on April 11. This will be Commesso’s second international tournament, as he made two appearances during the 2022 Winter Olympics for Team USA.

Tuch had a breakthrough year for the Terriers, nearly doubling his career-high for points in a season. Tuch assisted on the game-winning goal during both the Hockey East quarterfinal on March 17, as well as the game-winning goal against Western Michigan in the NCAA Regional semifinal. For the first time in a professional setting, Tuch will also have the opportunity to suit up next to his brother and current Buffalo Sabre, Alex Tuch.

In addition to the three Terriers from last year’s roster, former Terrier and current Pittsburgh Penguins forward Nick Bonino was also selected to the roster. Bonino – a member of the 2009 National Champions – donned the Scarlet and White from 2007-10 and spent the 2022-23 NHL season with the Penguins and San Jose Sharks. Bonino will be the oldest member of the Team USA roster as well.

These Terriers will be coached by former BU head coach David Quinn, who guided the Terriers to a 100-59-20 record over five seasons. Quinn led the Terriers to two Hockey East regular-season titles, two Hockey East Tournament titles, four NCAA tournament appearances, and the 2015 Frozen Four final.

The four Terriers, along with the rest of Team USA, will begin play with a pre-tournament game against the German national team at Olympic Ice Stadium in Munich, Germany on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. EST. The preliminary round will begin on Friday against Finland, and the tournament will conclude on May 28.