Sabres’ prospect McCarthy set to compete in Frozen Four with Boston University

Buffalo Sabres prospect Gavin McCarthy is set to compete for an NCAA championship with Boston University at the Frozen Four in Saint Paul, Minnesota on Thursday. The winner of this game will move on to play in the national championship game against either Michigan or Boston College on Saturday. McCarthy, a Clarence Center native and Buffalo Jr. Sabres alumnus, was selected by the Sabres during the third round of the NHL Draft last summer.

The 6-foot-2, right-shot defenseman had a successful freshman year, playing 47 games and scoring his first NCAA goal during the Hockey East championship game on March 23. According to Sabres player development coach Tim Kennedy, “Gavin’s game has been trending up all year. He plays on a very good Boston University team with a lot of draft picks and high-end talent.

He plays primarily at even strength and on the PK, this is a normal process in your freshman year. It’s an adjustment your first half of the season, figuring out how to play against older players and he’s done that.” Kennedy also noted, “His second half of the season he’s taken steps to establish himself on his team.

He’s a good skater, hard defender, has offensive ability, and plays with an edge. His game has been improving the whole year and we are excited as he takes the next steps in his development.”