2014 NHL Draft: Thatcher Demko Drafted by Vancouver Canucks
By Joe Micik
Boston College rising sophomore goalie Thatcher Demko has been selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the 2014 NHL Entry-Level Draft.
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Demko, the youngest player on the 2013-14 Eagles who eventually became the starting goalie as a true freshman, was considered by many to be the top goaltender in the draft.
Much like the other two Eagles drafted into the NHL this weekend, Sonny Milano and Alex Tuch, the San Diego native spent his pre-Boston College days with the the US National Under-18 team. For the 2012-13 season, Thatcher Demko accumulated a 30-9-4 overall record in goal for the Americans.
After arriving at Boston College for the beginning of the 2013 season, Demko and Brian Billett would alternating starting duties for the opening stretch. Ultimately, head coach Jerry York would make Demko the full-time starter, and he grew into this role as the year progressed. He would briefly miss time mid-season while participating in the World Juniors for Team USA.
Under his guidance in goal, the Boston College Eagles would win their fifth-straight Beanpot title in February while they cruised to Hockey East’s regular-season title. In March, Thatcher Demko would lead the Eagles to the Frozen Four for Boston College’s fourth time in the last seven seasons.
In 24 starts last season, Thatcher Demko would go 16-5-3 with a 2.24 GAA – fifth in Hockey East – and two shutouts to his credit. He posted a .919 save percentage for the year. Demko was named Hockey East’s rookie of the month for January 2014.
There will be no doubting Demko’s role on the Eagles for the remainder of his time in maroon and gold. He had a strong debut in the 2013-14 season, and NHL teams have taken note. Boston College can only stand to gain from his continued improvement, and fans of the Canucks will doubtlessly enjoy seeing it for themselves.