Yale will bring in 8

Yale will take another sizable graduation hit, including the loss of the program's second all-time leading scorer in Brian O'Neill. It will replenish with eight new recruits -- three defensemen and five forwards -- to replace seven graduating seniors and an eighth spot vacated by freshman Adam Thompson, who left school back in September.

One recruit who won't be in the class is Milford resident and Avon Old Farms defenseman Colin Sullivan. A draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens last June, Sullivan had planned to play a season of Junior hockey next winter before enrolling at Yale. He changed his mind on Juniors in February. Since Yale's incoming class had already been filled, Sullivan informed Yale he would be re-opening his recruitment. Boston College is believed to be at the top of his list.

Here is the list of who is expected to arrive, though still unofficial:

Matt Beattie, RW, Phillips Exeter: A 6-foot-3 forward from New Jersey emerged as a star this winter as one of the top scorers in New England Prep hockey. Drawing NHL interest. Picked Yale over Harvard and Princeton.

Charles Orzetti, LW, Surrey (BCHL): At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, Orzetti, a New Jersey native who went out to B.C. this season, finished with 19 ponts in 39 games.

Carson Cooper, C, Fort McMurray (AJHL): Enjoyed solid production with 59 points in 49 regular season games as well as 14 more in eight playoff games.

Cody Learned, RW, Junior Bruins (EJHL): The 5-foot-9, 175-pound New Hampshire native finished season with 14 goals and 50 points and seven points in four playoff games.

Stu Wilson, LW, Cedar Rapids (USHL): A 5-9, 164-pound wing from Rochester, N.Y., Wilson had 21 points in 39 regular season games.

Mitch Witek, D, Waterloo (USHL): The Illinois resident, a Junior teammate of current Yale freshman Anthony Day, finished with 16 assists and a +9 rating for the season.

Ryan Obuchowski, D, Indiana (USHL): Detroit native played for former Yale assistant Kyle Wallack in Indiana this year, and finished with five goals and 13 points

Rob O'Gara, D, Milton Academy: Like Beattie, an All-New England prep school pick this winter. Drafted by the Boston Bruins last June. At 6-foot-3 and pushing 200 pounds, should be an immediate contributor in New Haven.