Ex-Terrier gets a shot

Bruins Notebook

Warsofsky may follow a trend

September 11, 2011|By Fluto Shinzawa, Globe Staff

Bruins rookies were under the capable direction of Providence coach Bruce… (Barry Chin/Globe Staff )

WILMINGTON - Two rookies who made an impression on Bruins management and the coaching staff last fall were Matt Bartkowski and Steven Kampfer.

Both are defensemen. Both played college hockey (Bartkowski at Ohio State, Kampfer at Michigan).

David Warsofsky would like to continue that trend.

The Marshfield native, who starred for three years at Boston University, is participating in his first pro training camp. As he’s had to do throughout his career, the 5-foot-8-inch, 170-pound Warsofsky will have to overcome his lack of size to stand out.

So far, Warsofsky’s skills have helped him do just that.

As a freshman, Warsofsky scored three goals and had 20 assists. The following year, he had 12 goals and 11 assists. Last year, Warsofsky submitted a 7-15-22 line in what would be his final college season. He is an offensive-minded defenseman who could potentially quarterback a pro power play.

A fourth-round pick of St. Louis in 2008, Warsofsky was acquired for Vladimir Sobotka. The Bruins have made a habit of trading for collegiate defensemen. They snared Kampfer’s rights from Anaheim. Bartkowski was part of the Dennis Seidenberg package. Last year, the Bruins traded Matt Hunwick to Colorado for Colby Cohen, who manned the BU blue line alongside Warsofsky.

Warsofsky should start the season in Providence. If he is to become a successful AHL defenseman, Warsofsky must rely on his stick skills and positioning to fend off forwards and track down pucks. After the Terriers finished play last season, Warsofsky signed an amateur tryout contract with Providence. In 10 games, Warsofsky logged three assists.

“In reality, it wasn’t that long down there,’’ Warsofsky said. “But just getting a couple weeks there and a couple games gives you an idea of how to prepare for this, how to train, and the level you’re going to be competing at in order to earn a spot.’’

Good hands Tyler Randell fought 21 times last season, making him one of junior hockey’s most willing pugilists. His offensive output was the surprise.

Randell, the Bruins’ sixth-round pick in 2009, popped in a career-high 20 goals for Kitchener. As a first-year pro, he might be expected to make as much noise with his stick as he does with his fists.

“Last year, he really came into his own as a player,’’ said assistant general manager Jim Benning. “He was at the top of the OHL in fighting. He stuck up for his teammates all the time.

“But not only that, the offensive side of his game - going to the net, getting rebounds, getting tip-ins - really took a step forward. He’s ready for pro now.’’