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Canucks prospect Tom Willander inches closer to ELC as Boston University falls short of National Title

Photo credit: © Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston University Terriers’ run is officially over.
Canucks prospects Tom Willander and Aiden Celberini’s collegiate school fell to Western Michigan in the NCAA National Championship game by a score of 6- 2 on Saturday night.
Despite trailing by just a goal heading into the third and final frame, Western Michigan scored two third-period goals to hang on for its first National Championship in the school’s history.
This effectively puts an end to both Vancouver Canucks’ prospects campaigns.
Willander wraps up his sophomore season with two goals, 24 points, and a plus-19 through 34 games. That total is just one point shy of his freshman totals, showing consistent year-to-year numbers.
As for Celebrini, he carried on his third-pairing role, which he saw much of in his freshman year. Having missed some time with injury, he set highs in every statistical measure and in fewer games. He enjoyed an improved year with two goals, eight points, and a plus-8 through 31 games.
The Vancouver native, brother of Macklin, has already committed to his Junior year and will return to Boston for another season.
The focus now shifts to Willander and whether he will turn toward the professional ranks. While most reports indicate that a deal should be reached, returning to school is always an option.
Assuming he turns pro, the big question turns to his landing spot for the remainder of the season. With two games remaining on the season slate, there is the potential for the smooth-skating rearguard to join Vancouver for its final pair of games.
Doing so would effectively burn a season off his entry-level contract, giving him just two seasons before his next contract expires.
The other option, perhaps he more realistic one, would be for Willander to join the Abbotsford Canucks. The AHL affiliates have three regular-season games remaining on their schedule, but have clinched a playoff berth for the first round of action.
Whatever the decision, we should have a conclusion within the next 24 or 48 hours, and after two year’s of waiting, Tom Willander could finally be a member of the Vancouver Canucks’ on ice system.
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