As a sophomore in 2006-07, Bradford scored 19 goals and 26 assists in 42 games for the Eagles. |
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Key Statistics: Bradford averaged a point per game last season for the Eagles. Of course, the 2007 Hockey East Tournament MVP was limited to five matches as a junior after breaking his left arm twice — first in his team’s season-opening loss to Michigan in the Ice Breaker Tournament in St. Paul, Minn., and again in a tie against Boston University in January.
What He Does: He’s a lot like another Burnaby native, Joe Sakic, in that he’s equally adept as a goal scorer and playmaker as evidenced by his 19 goals and 26 assists in 42 games in 2006-07, emphasizes quickness over straight-line speed, and doesn’t seek out contact but isn’t one to shy away from getting hit. He’ll also assume a leadership role for his team during the upcoming season — Bradford will serve as the Eagles’ captain.
The Bigger Picture: Boston College didn’t lose much from its 2008 national championship team — just four seniors and underclassman Nathan Gerbe — and bringing a player of Bradford’s caliber back into the fold is an immeasurable boost to the Eagles’ hopes of repeating in 2009. With apologies to teammates Benn Ferriero and Ben Smith, Bradford is BC’s most dangerous forward, a dynamic threat not unlike Gerbe, and the Eagles will barely skip a beat by plugging him into a spot on the top line.
Bradford, on what he learned by watching games from the press box while injured: “I think the biggest thing from up top is you see how plays develop. You see where the open spots are on the ice and where you have to get to create scoring chances and be a threat out there. Hopefully when I come back I can take the things that I've learned up top and incorporate them into my game.”
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Mike Eidelbes |
