By Warren Kozireski —
To say Buffalo Sabres 2023 third round draft pick and Clarence Center native Gavin McCarthy has taken huge strides forward in his game this season would be an understatement.
Moving from the third pair on Boston University’s defense as a freshman to now playing major minutes on the top pair for the Terriers and their return trip to the Frozen Four is one indicator. Jumping from five points in 40 games last year to 16 points in 37 games this season is another and he has shown durability missing just one game over the last two seasons.
But probably the biggest stride is the maturity to his game. Playing with Washington Capitals second round draft pick Cole Hutson, who was named the National Rookie of the Year after a 46-point season, means McCarthy often needs to be the one that stays back and is more defensively aware.
“Last year I was just happy to be here,” McCarthy said about reaching the Frozen Four. “I think this year a little bit more of a business trip so looking forward to the opportunity this year.
“Like the whole team, a little up and down this season. Kind of a tough start but really found my game in the second half. The chemistry with Cole took a little bit.
“I try to be a two-way D but obviously Cole is super-talented offensively and he’s going to do his thing, so I just try to play my game and I think we compliment each other very well.”
The 6’2”, 188 lb. right shot spent three years with the hometown Buffalo Jr. Sabres before jumping to Muskegon in the USHL for two seasons doubling his point total in year two.
Then the NHL draft where he was taken by his hometown team just months before heading to BU to play last season with his brother Case, who is now in the New York Rangers organization as a free agent.
With the usual brotherly competition of course as it took Gavin more than a few games to score his first Terrier goal until getting the game-winner in the Hockey East title game last March.
“I talked to after the Cornell game (Regional final) actually and he was kind of chirping me because two years and two Frozen Fours for me and he was five years and got two.
“My brother was chirping me all (last) year, I hit a couple posts and wasn’t able to get it but finally got it in a pretty cool moment.”
(Photos by Boston University Athletics & Men’s Hockey; Koz, NY Hockey OnLine)
