Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Sonny Milano chose to play for the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League instead of the Boston College Eagles in 2014-15.
“We have a lot of respect for Boston College, their program and their ability to develop players,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen told Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch. “We also have the same kind of respect for Plymouth and their ability to develop players … which is why we didn’t get involved (in Sonny Milano’s) decision. We left it up to the player and his family from the get-go.”
The Whalers are a highly respected OHL franchise that has developed top NHL players such as Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin.
Milano, an 18-year-old left wing, was the 16th overall selection in the 2014 NHL draft. He tallied 39 points (14 goals, 25 assists) in 25 games for the U.S. National Under-18 team last season. Milano is expected to attend the Blue Jackets’ training camp in September.
Milano’s decision hurts the Eagles’ forward group, but BC still should compete for Hockey East and national titles during the upcoming season. Jerry York’s squad has a top goaltender in Thatcher Demko, a talented blue line and enough top-six skill to score goals consistently against quality opponents.
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