With the NCAA postseason kicking off, Hockey East has unveiled its 2024-25 Conference All-Star teams, and Vancouver Canucks prospect Tom Willander has earned Second Team honours for the second straight year.

The 2023 first-round pick continues to shine as a standout defenceman for the Boston University Terriers, cementing his status as one of college hockey’s top two-way talents.

Willander, 20, posted 21 points (two goals, 19 assists) in his sophomore season, finishing with a plus-16 rating through 33 games.

“Willander is perhaps the best two-way defenseman in all of college hockey,” the Boston University press release noted. “He has totaled 21 points on two goals and 19 assists as a sophomore and enters the weekend as a plus-16.

He is one of just seven defensemen in the NCAA and the only Hockey East blue liner to have at least 21 points and be a plus-16 or better this season. In addition, he has blocked 47 shots, which is tied for second among those seven aforementioned defensemen.

Willander enters the postseason having notched a point in three of the last four games to help the Terriers end the season with a 3-0-1 record in that span. In 71 career games, Willander has notched six goals and 40 assists for 46 points and is a plus-44.”

The Terriers now shift their focus to the postseason, starting with a single-elimination quarterfinal against UMass on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at home.

A win would send BU to the Hockey East semifinals on March 20, with the final set for March 21 at TD Garden.

Regardless of the outcome, BU’s strong campaign has secured its spot in the NCAA National Tournament. Regionals will run March 27-30; if they advance, the Frozen Four is slated for mid-April.

But Canucks fans have reason to watch closely—the Tom Willander watch is officially on. After two standout years at Boston University, the 20-year-old is expected to sign his entry-level contract with Vancouver after his college season, officially joining the organization.

Whether he lands with the NHL club in Vancouver or starts with the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks remains unclear, but his arrival promises to provide significant boost of youthful talent.