Okay so as I was investigating the Bruins roster I realized there were about 10 players that I either have never heard of or just didn't know that much about. So to not only help myself, but also my readers I will be splitting this introduction into two posts. Going in true roll call status this post will contain the first 5 unknowns alphabetically. Beginning with....
(C) Noel Acciari is an undrafted 24 year old from Johnston, Rhode Island. The Bruins signed him to a two year entry level contract in 2015 and he made his NHL debut on March 1, 2016. Since being in the NHL he has played 31 games with 3 points and -3. He is currently out for the next four weeks with a lower body injury. A random fact about Acciari is that he was hit by a puck while playing in the AHL, broke his jaw, and was sidelined for just under a month.
(RW) David Backes was the talk of the town during this past summer and so far hasn't really disappointed. In 11 games he has 3 goals and 4 assists with a +9 rating. Nothing to write home about, but really nothing to complain about either. The 32 year old from Minnesota was drafted in 2003 by the St. Louis Blues. The 07-08 year was his first full season in the NHL playing 79 games and acquiring 31 points. After leading the Blues as team captain for 5 years and playing for the organization for 10 seasons he was traded to the Bruins on July 1, 2016. A random fact about Backes is that in 2012 he earned his private pilots license.
(D) Brandon Carlo was drafted 37th overall by Boston in 2015. The 19 year old Colorado Springs native made his NHL debut on opening night this season against CBJ. He earned his first point with an assist on a goal from Brad Marchand in that game. He scored his first NHL goal four days later against the Winnipeg Jets. So far he has played 16 games and has 2 goals and 2 assists. A random fact about Carlo is that he is the product of the Boychuk trade a year later.
(C) Austin Czarnik is another undrafted player that signed with the Bruins in 2015. The 23 year old Michigan native made his NHL debut on October 13, 2016. After being reassigned to Providence then recalled, Czarnik scored his first goal on October 26 against the New York Rangers. Since then he has tallied 4 points in his 12 games. A random fact about Czarnik is that he is the cousin of ECHL Reading Royals center, Robert Czarnik.
(D) John-Michael Liles was drafted in 2000 by the Colorado Avalanche. After playing for three other NHL teams, Liles was picked up by the Bruins at last seasons trade deadline. His career high was in 05-06 with Colorado where he played 82 games and racked up 49 points, 14 goals and 35 assists. The 35 year old Indianapolis native has played 16 games with Boston and has 4 points. A random fact about Liles is that he is a minority owner of the Indiana Ice, a USHL Junior hockey league. Former Ice members that are now in the NHL include Torey Krug, John Carlson, and Brian Ferlin.
Next time on Brain Freeze:
-Colin Miller
-Dominic Moore
-Riley Nash
-Tim Schaller
-Frank Vatrano
