{"id":37998,"date":"2023-05-01T11:34:38","date_gmt":"2023-05-01T15:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/?p=37998"},"modified":"2023-05-01T18:43:59","modified_gmt":"2023-05-01T22:43:59","slug":"drew-commesso-looking-back-and-ahead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/2023\/05\/01\/drew-commesso-looking-back-and-ahead\/","title":{"rendered":"Drew Commesso: Looking Back and Ahead"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Gracie Davenport<\/em><\/p>\n

Drew Commesso always knew he wanted to be a Terrier, and he has the evidence to prove it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In elementary school, the budding goaltender was tasked with making a dream board of his career aspirations. Alongside the pictures of his favorite NHL teams and players, the Terrier logo burned brightest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think it was in third grade. They said to put everything you want to be on it,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cI had a picture of the BU logo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Growing up in Norwell, it was easy for Commesso to envision himself one day in the Scarlet and White sweater.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After spending the past three seasons on Comm. Ave., the hometown netminder has accomplished just that. Capping off a career-best season with the Terriers, Commesso now hopes to fulfill the rest of his dream board by playing professional hockey.<\/span><\/p>\n

Four days after BU\u2019s 2022-23 season ended, the Chicago Blackhawks’ 2020 second-round pick signed a three-year, entry-level contract.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI feel very prepared,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cI think I wouldn\u2019t have taken the jump if I didn\u2019t feel I was ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Pictured: Commesso making it official with the Blackhawks on April 10, 2023. Photo Credit: Drew Commesso\u2019s Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once a Terrier, Always a Terrier: BU Season Takeaways\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Although excited to take that next step, Commesso is leaving behind a family at BU.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn my whole hockey career, I\u2019ve never been with a group that\u2019s been that close,\u201d Commesso said. \u201c[The team] just had that special factor to it \u2026 it\u2019s hard to know what that is unless you\u2019ve really been a part of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That \u201cspecial\u201d group redefined BU as a program this year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After finishing tied for fourth in Hockey East and missing the national tournament last season, BU won the HE regular season title, HE Championship and Manchester Regional to make it to the Frozen Four for the first time since 2015.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was pretty hard to take in, honestly, because everything was happening so fast,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cAwesome to be a part of.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pictured: Commesso after the Frozen-Four-clinching 2-1 win over Cornell in Manchester, NH. Photo Credit: Josh Gibney\/Union Leader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One reason for the team\u2019s success was the complete culture shift put forth by the Terriers\u2019 new coaching staff \u2014 led by first-year head coach Jay Pandolfo.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone really bought in, and our head coach Jay Pandolfo honestly couldn\u2019t have done a better job,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cHe\u2019s probably the best coach I\u2019ve ever had in my life, and I thank him for making leaving so hard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While Commesso’s career numbers do not appear to drastically improve from one season to the next, the goalie ended his final year on Comm. Ave with a definitive statement. Wearing the ‘A’ in his final year as a Terrier, Commesso owned his leadership role to drive BU deep into the postseason.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Heading into the Frozen Four in Tampa, FL, the Terriers rode a nine-game win streak, and Commesso played a key factor. Over that stretch, the netminder posted a .936 save percentage and a 1.67 goals against average.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of his highlight moments include a 39-save shutout in the regular season finale and carrying his team to a HE title with back-to-back overtime wins at TD Garden.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pictured: Commesso hoisting the Lamoriello Trophy after a 3-2 OT victory over Merrimack. Photo Credit: Matt Woolverton\/BU Athletics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

NCAA Frozen Four: Commesso\u2019s Final Moments in the BU Sweater\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

On April 6, BU\u2019s season ended in heartbreaking fashion to the No. 1 Minnesota Golden Gophers. At the sound of the final horn, the entire roster crowded the blue paint to embrace Commesso in one final hug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe hardest part was just knowing that was the last time that group was gonna be on the ice together,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cWe really spent every second together. We\u2019d go to class, practice and then right after we\u2019d leave the rink we\u2019d just go hang out and play Xbox.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

During his last game as a Terrier, Commesso fought until the end \u2014 conceding only one even-strength goal to the nation\u2019s leading offense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a moment usually reserved for captain Domenick Fensore, Commesso was instead the last Terrier to leave the ice that night.<\/p>\n

As a whole, the netminder applauded the city of Tampa and the NCAA for making his last ride one to remember.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTampa did an amazing job,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cI was talking to some BU alumni after the game. We all agreed they should host it in Tampa every year just because of how well everything was run.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pictured: Commesso and teammates Nick Zabaneh and Domenick Fensore at the Frozen Four Media Day. Photo Credit: Matt Woolverton\/BU Athletics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: Commesso Heads to Rockford\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Commesso joined the Blackhawks\u2019 American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate \u2014 the Rockford IceHogs \u2014 midway through their game on April 11. The IceHogs were playing in one of their final regular season matchups, battling to secure the final playoff spot in the Central Division.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Especially at the end of the season, trying to acclimate to a new team can be a tough transition, but Commesso was reuniting with former BU teammate and roommate Alex Vlasic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was in the locker room area after, and [Vlasic] just came over, gave me a big hug, and put his sweaty glove in my face,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cIt was definitely a warm welcome from ‘Vlas.’\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vlasic is not the only familiar face in the IceHogs\u2019 locker room. Commesso also rejoined former USNTDP teammate Ryder Rolston, who signed with the Blackhawks after finishing his career with Notre Dame in March.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI came in obviously on a team that had been together pretty much the whole season, and everyone’s been so awesome to me \u2014 making me feel at home already,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cI\u2019m actually living with [Rolston] right now, so he\u2019s been great.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Given BU played into April, Commesso found a hungry team waiting in Rockford that did not clinch a playoff berth until its final regular season game. The IceHogs have been backed by an experienced goalie tandem all season, so the young goaltender will not be suiting up for his debut in the team\u2019s Calder Cup run.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShould be awesome. Obviously, I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll be playing,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cI\u2019ve been doing my best to help them out in practice \u2026 I\u2019m confident in the group. I\u2019m looking forward to helping in any way I can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In the first round, the IceHogs swept the Iowa Wild in a best-of-three series to advance to the Divisional Semifinal. Their next series, a best-of-five series against the Texas Stars, began on April 28, with Texas taking the first two games.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

However, the Blackhawks announced in a press release on May 1 that Commesso has been released from his professional tryout with the IceHogs. The netminder will join Terrier teammate Luke Tuch on Team USA at the 2023 IIHF World Championship. The tournament runs from May 12-28 in Tampere, Finland and Riga, Latvia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Welcome to the Commes-show: Decision to Sign<\/b><\/p>\n

The idea of one day playing in the NHL lingers in the back of every young hockey player\u2019s mind, but for Commesso, he was only focused on playing at BU this season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The assistant captain fully committed himself to the Terrier squad this year, and that showed on and off the ice. Commesso did not allow himself to start thinking about signing until after the season ended.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t really sure what I was going to do \u2014 even right up to the end of the season. I told my advisor throughout the year that I just wanted to focus on BU, and I was having so much fun, that nothing else really mattered,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cOnce the season ended, we had some talks, and it was a really hard decision for me to make.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that his collegiate journey is in the rearview, Commesso can finally shift his attention toward the NHL.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

School\u2019s Out for Summer: Prepping for the Offseason<\/b><\/p>\n

Just as becoming a Terrier seemed written in the stars for Commesso from a young age, signing with the Blackhawks also seemed meant to be. BU was not the only logo on the elementary student\u2019s dream board.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Blackhawks logo also shared a spot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor some reason, I just liked the Blackhawks. I think it was just because they were so good, and they were always winning, as one of those little bandwagon kids,\u201d Commesso said, laughing. \u201cI know a younger me would be really proud and happy with how hard I\u2019ve worked and how everything\u2019s played out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In Tampa, Commesso battled against guys currently playing in the 2023 NHL Playoffs. However, the netminder will have a different road to the NHL.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Commesso is entering a Blackhawks organization rebuilding entirely from the ground up. While the entire roster and front office have been gutted, the prospect pool has been steadily growing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For now, Commesso will not be rushed into a contender. Instead, he can gradually develop in Rockford and have the chance to cement himself as a cornerstone of the Blackhawks franchise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow [Chicago\u2019s] going about everything is top-notch,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cI have trust in the organization moving forward, and I\u2019m just really happy and excited to be a part of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With another season full of meaningful experiences under his belt, Commesso should be ready to make his AHL debut next season. In the summer, he will attend his second NHL development camp to see where he stands among the rest of the Blackhawks’ prospects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a great week last year for development camp, and I know dev camp this summer will be awesome, too,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cMaybe spend some more time in Chicago, getting to know the area.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pictured: Commesso at the Blackhawks 2022 Development Camp. Photo Credit: Erin Hooley\/Chicago Tribune<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Future of Terrier Hockey<\/b><\/p>\n

Although Commesso will not be playing at Agganis Arena next season, the tried and true Terrier will not forget about the program that made him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know 10-15 years from now that team will still be talking, and a bunch of those guys are going to be at my wedding,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cThe best group I\u2019ve ever been a part of.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The BU lineup is bound to look different next year with the departure of Commesso and last season\u2019s 11-member senior class, but no warning bells should be rung from the Terrier fan base.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the highly touted incoming freshman class and junior goaltender Mathieu Caron\u2019s recent transfer commitment to BU next season, the Terriers seem poised to get another crack at a national championship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Commesso will be watching every step of the way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll obviously be following them all season. A lot of my best friends still play on that team,\u201d Commesso said. \u201cI think this year is the standard of BU hockey moving forward \u2026 I expect them to be very good next season and for the seasons to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo Credit: Fred Kfoury III\/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Gracie Davenport Drew Commesso always knew he wanted to be a Terrier, and he has the evidence to prove it.\u00a0 In elementary school, the budding goaltender was tasked with making a dream board of his career aspirations. Alongside the pictures of his favorite NHL teams and players, the Terrier logo burned brightest.\u00a0 \u201cI think […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21299,"featured_media":38004,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1026,1028,19],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37998"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21299"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37998"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37998\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38013,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37998\/revisions\/38013"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38004"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37998"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37998"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37998"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}