“Playing on a line with skilled players like Chris Kreider and Johnny Gaudreau,’’ who was also named to the preliminary US team roster, “and already having a full year under my belt at BC has been important to my development,’’ Arnold said.
Drafted in the fourth round (108th pick overall) of the NHL draft by the Calgary Flames, Arnold played on the gold medal-winning U-18 US team and captained the U-17 select team at the Five Nations Tournament, when he was named the outstanding forward.
The US national junior team will be cut to 22 players next Thursday, and then compete at the International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Junior Championship, taking place Dec. 26 through Jan.5 in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta.
“We’re extremely pleased with Bill. His offense has improved remarkably,’’ said BC coach Jerry York, whose team is 12-6 overall (9-4 Hockey East) and resumes play Dec. 29 at the Great Lakes Invitational against Michigan. “His selection to the US camp is a reflection of how well he is playing.’’
Arnold was on skates at the age of 3, thanks to his father, David, who played hockey at the Middlesex School in Concord. He finished high school in Ann Arbor, Mich., while playing for the national development program.
“I accelerated my studies so I could get to BC a year earlier and it’s been a good decision,’’ said Arnold, who has two goals on the power play and another shorthanded.
“Johnny is a creative player, Chris has great speed and passing skills and I’m a two-way player with a scoring touch who can also find the open man.’’
Palazini is back, healthy and scoring
After missing the second half of his freshman season with an injury, Matt Palazini has emerged as scoring threat off the bench for the Babson College men’s basketball team.
A 1,000-point scorer and Globe All-Scholastic at Franklin High School, the 6-foot-3 Palazini averaged 6.7 points and 1.5 rebounds in the first 11 games last season for Babson, including a career-high 22 points in his college debut.
