NHL Scouting Has Eichel,Hanifin 1st Round Picks

The UMaine hockey team heads to Beantown for a weekend set against Boston University and Boston College. According to the NHL Central Scouting Service, the Bears will meet two likely first round draft picks in the next amateur draft.

BU's Jack Eichel and BC's Noah Hanifin have recieved "A" ratings from CSS and are called "players to watch" for the June draft.

The Black Bears already know about Eichel. The freshman was a major force in the Terriers 3-1 at Alfond Arena last Friday night. He has 6 goals and 9 assists in his first 8 college games.

Hanifin is a big 6-foot-3 freshman defenseman for BC. He has a goal and 3 assists so far for the Eagles. Maine plays BC Saturday night.

For Red Gendron's Black Bears, the roadtrip to Boston is a chance to get back on track after losing three in a row. Maine is 3-7-1 overall and 2-3 in Hockey East.

By the way, Maine has four players that have been drafted by pro teams in recent drafts - Devin Shore, Ben Hutton, Blaine Byron and Nolan Vesey.