P-Bruins journal: McKelvie's hockey career is up in the air
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By MARK DIVVER Army Second Lt. Zach McKelvie thought he'd be playing defense for the Providence Bruins by now. McKelvie graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in May with a degree in management/systems engineering. Like all graduates, he is required to serve five years on active duty in the Army. But McKelvie received permission from his commanding officer to play one year of pro hockey under the Army's alternate service program. He signed a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins in July. McKelvie was in Boston's training camp in late September when the Army apparently had second thoughts. The 24-year-old from New Brighton, Minn., was recalled unexpectedly to West Point. That is where he's been since. He is serving as a graduate assistant for the hockey team, breaking down video and helping with recruiting. Is the Army concerned over possible public relations fallout from allowing a soldier to play hockey, while others are being sent to war in Iraq and Afghanistan? No one has told him that, McKelvie said, though he concedes that it could be a legitimate concern. He points out, however, that representing the Army as a pro athlete and spreading the word about the possibilities that come with military service would reflect positively on the Army. While playing in Providence, McKelvie possibly would work with the National Guard or speak to high school students about the benefits of joining the Army. For now, it is unclear whether McKelvie is going to get a chance to realize his dream of playing professional hockey. "It's definitely up in the air,'' McKelvie said. He remains hopeful that the Army will allow him to play this season. "Some officers (at West Point) are really trying to help me out right now,'' he said. "I wish we could work it out, and we still may be able to,'' he said. "I have absolutely no problem serving in the military,'' he said. "I just wish they would say yes or no'' to allowing him to play for the Bruins. "If they want me to serve, I'll go to Afghanistan or Iraq tomorrow,'' he said. "There's plenty of more important things going on with this country than one athlete who wants to play professional hockey.'' A 5'11'' 200-pound right wing, Rheault had been leading the ECHL's Ontario (Calif.) Reign in scoring with 9-6-15 numbers in 13 games. Rheault, 23, is "fast and has good skill,'' said coach Rob Murray said. He's "another guy who can maybe spark a little offense,'' he said. Rheault played at PC from 2004 to 2008, leading the Friars in scoring in his final two years. He is tied for 42nd on PC's all-time scoring list with 56-49-105 totals in 142 games. Adam Pineault, a late cut after a strong training camp with the P-Bruins, recently joined Pardubice of the Czech pro league, according to Jerry Buckley, his Warwick-based agent. Pineault was caught in a numbers game with the Bruins, said Buckley. NHL teams can have no more than 50 players under contract, and Boston already had a number of players signed and ticketed for Providence. Among Pineault's teammates in Pardubice are Dominic Hasek, still playing goal at 44, and former Mount St. Charles All-Stater Jeff Jillson of North Smithfield.
The Bruins sent goalie Matt Dalton to Reading of the ECHL to get more playing time. Kevin Regan, who started the year in Reading, is Dany Sabourin's backup. Sabourin will continue to play the bulk of the games. "(Management in Boston) wants (Dalton and Regan) to get as much playing time as possible,'' Murray said. 
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Still time to bring Adam Pineault back. He is absolutely what Providence/Boston needs. He was unreal in training camp. GO GET PINEAULT!!!
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I think, the Bruins sent goalie Matt Dalton to reading of the ECHL to get more playing time.
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While playing in Providence, McKelvie possibly would work with the National Guard or speak to high school students about the benefits of joining the Army.
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