A hearty "welcome back" is extended to Boston College's Brock Bradford, who scored a goal last night in the Eagles' 4-1 win over Vermont. I said it before, and I'll say it again: look out for the Eagles. They're now a point out of first place in Hockey East, and BC has gotten stronger as the second half has gone on in each of the last two seasons.

When Bradford originally got hurt at the Ice Breaker, Jerry York spoke of him returning around the Beanpot, and here we are, a good three weeks and change before the Beanpot, and Bradford is back in the lineup and contributing to the offense. It really is amazing what can be done these days, between the skill of athletic trainers and the work ethic of student-athletes.

Which brings us to the other significant contributor who was injured against Michigan at the Ice Breaker. Bruce Brothers reported in the St. Paul Pioneer Press that Minnesota forward Ryan Stoa has resumed light skating, and is ahead of schedule in recovering from his supposed season-ending injury, openiing up the possibility of a return.

Hey, if Bradford's back ahead of schedule, why not Stoa?

I would recommend a measure of caution, naturally. Players' comebacks have failed to pan out in the past - there was talk before the season of the Gophers' Nate Hagemo attempting a comeback, for example - and even when players have been able to return to the lineup, their benefit is quesitonable. Former Dartmouth forward Hugh Jessiman returned to the lineup in the spring of 2005 after a major ankle injury that was thought to be season-ending, but was a decided non-factor in the games that he played, and really failed to get going in the first couple of years of his pro career.

So, while welcoming back Bradford, and hoping Stoa can make a similarly speedy recovery, the encouragement from this end is for cautious optimism.

Of course, with the limited time these young student-athletes have to wear their college uniforms, any time they can be given back is wonderful.