BU Freshman Preview Part 2 Forwards- Roberto, Lawrence, Kelley

This part 2 of the 3 part preview of the incoming freshman class. Part 1 on Brendan Collier, Robbie Baillargeon, and Kevin Duane can be read here.

Photo Credit to overtheboards.com

4. Nick Roberto, F , 5'9", 173- Wakefield, MA #15 (Kimball Union Academy- 23-25-48, 28 GP)

Roberto is another local product that played for Malden Catholic before transferring to Kimball Union two years ago where he played with fellow freshman, Doyle Somerby. Roberto was originally committed to Maine for 2014 before he decommitted last fall.  His commitment to the Terriers was the first big get for 1st year head coach David Quinn and he should to be able to contribute right away judging on his success last season. Roberto is a quick,flashy player who could help score goals right away. I would expect top 6 minutes and 30+ points from Roberto right away in his freshman season.

Over the Boards highlighted Roberto in previewing BU's freshman class preview "  the speedy forward brings an explosive shade of offense that should help the Terriers quite a bit very soon."



5. Dillon Lawrence, F , 6'3" 187- Toronto,Ont #12 (Toronto Nationals- 26-31-57, 44 GP)

Lawrence was the last member of the class known to the public.  The walk-on is also the only member of the class to come from outside New England. He is certainly a recruited walk-on just by taking a look at his numbers this past season in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. Lawrence certainly will add size to the forwards up front and will see fourth line action at some point this season.

There are only 14 forwards on the roster so even if he does not play opening night(one month from tonight vs UMass), you would think he would see action sometime in October as soon as a guy struggles or is injured. He could make the lineup opening night too. He is an 18 year old that may take some time to develop his skills at the collegiate level but he has the body to contribute right away. Lawrence was awarded the Wayne Gretzsky aware for his work on the ice and in the classroom. Certainly seems like a good addition to the roster. I would expect 10-15 points from Lawrence this year.

6. Tommy Kelley, F, 5'10", 186- Needham, MA #22 (St. Sebastian's- 14-16-30, 27 GP)

Kelley put up solid numbers at St. Sebs and played with current Terrier Danny O'Regan for multiple seasons along with incoming dman Dalton MacAfee. Kelley, like O'Regan, could contribute right away even though he is coming to college hockey right from high school as did O'Regan. Kelley was also named to the Boston Globe all scholastic team.

I would expect Kelley to jump in and help right away with scoring up front. My projections have him slated for third line but he could easily find himself in the top 6 if he finds the early success in putting the puck in the net. It will be really interesting to how he adjusts to the college game right out of high school.

Photo credit to Dave Arnold