Here's a look at five people that will have a huge impact on this weekend's games in Hockey East
1. Jerry York: He could become the all-time wins leader in Division I hockey this weekend. York, who made stops at Clarkson and Bowling Green before returning to his alma mater, has 923 wins entering this weekend's play. Former Michigan State coach Ron Mason is the current all-time wins leader at 924. If York ties or breaks the record this weekend, he will do it against arch-rival Boston University. In addition to all his coaching wins, he has NCAA Championships at Bowling Green in 1984 and four at Boston College, in 2001, 2008, 2010 and 2012.
2. Jon Gillies: The freshman from South Portland, ME was highly recruited, and came to Providence as property of the Calgary Flames. Gillies has been stellar in the early going, amassing a 1.87 GAA and a .932 save percentage. In a match-up with Merrimack that is fairly even, goaltending could be the difference and the edge on paper has to go to Providence. Gillies could be the game changer this weekend in the home-and-home with the Warriors.
3. Joey Diamond: The senior from Long Beach, NY came into the season with 45 goals in his first three years in a Black Bear uniform. Diamond certainly benefited from playing with Brian Flynn and Spencer Abbott last season, but to give him no credit for his previous success would be unfair. He works as hard as anyone in the tough, physical areas, like in front of the net and in the corners. Maine is a playoff team, and they have a perfect chance to pick up four valuable points this weekend. With the talent he has, Diamond should be the catalyst to get Tim Whitehead's offense on track.
