New York Islanders' Richard Park, left, battles for the puck with Boston Bruins' Bobby Allen, right, during the second period of their hockey game, Thrusday, Feb. 15, 2007, at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)

Bobby's Back
As a writer there are some stories that you never tire of telling…

And the story of Boston Bruins defenseman Bobby Allen continues to be an example of good things happening to good people.

Allen is most definitely "good people" and the Hull product -- who won the Carlton Trophy from the B's (best high school player in Eastern Mass.), played his college hockey on the Heights of Boston College, won a NCAA title with the Eagles in 2001, was drafted by the Bruins and, after several seasons in the minors, returned to Boston to be one of the bright spots in the B's very tough 2006-07 second half -- has extended his say with the Black & Gold.

By the sounds of it, he could not be happier to be employed by his hometown team. When I caught up with him, via phone a couple of hours after the Bruins reported his re-signing, Allen had been out of the house "celebrating" in a truly local fashion.

John Bishop is the beat writer for BostonBruins.com. He covers the Black & Gold hoping to offer a positive look at the team, not only from the stands and the press box, but also from inside the locker room. A graduate of Boston U. and Northeastern, 'Bish' grew up in Connecticut and moved to the Hub of Hockey in 1993. Since then he has made all four rinks at the Beanpot schools, as well as both Gardens, his icebound homes away from home. Prior to joining the TD Banknorth Garden staff in 2005, Bishop had written for several publications, with his primary focus being college hockey. He coauthored the book Bygone Boston in 2003 and hopes someday to pen a bio of Hobey Baker.

"I just came from (Mary Lou's)," said Allen. "I got my afternoon iced coffee."

Endorsement deal, anyone?

Although I couldn't see him, there's no doubt that Bobby was all smiles as he spoke.

"I am excited," he said. "It's always a little nerve wracking going through a free agency period because you don't really know where you are going to be.

"It's tough to uproot your family and move to another city.

"So I am just happy to be back with Boston," Allen said.

Allen, who played in 31 games with the B's last season, clearly enjoyed playing in the NHL for his hometown squad.

"It's a good situation for my family," continued Allen. "I am just happy and proud to be part of the organization again and I look forward to coming to training camp and having a good year."

Having played for new head coach Claude Julien, Bobby has special insight into what might be in store for the team and its fans.

"I read the newspapers," said Allen. "I've heard a lot of comments (saying) that he is not going to be as aggressive as some would like.

"But I think that is the farthest thing from the truth. Claude's an aggressive coach.

"When I played for him in Hamilton our team was very aggressive, especially on the forecheck. We were always getting in quick on the puck, trying to create as many turnovers as possible and ," he said.

Judging from his time with the coach in the American Hockey League, Allen reiterated that he believes that the Bruins will appreciate Julien's approach.

"As a player he is a great coach to play for. I think you could go around the room, and ask any of the guys that I've played with who played under him, and they'll have nothing but positive things to say about him."

That’s funny, because everyone I know has only positive things to say about Bobby Allen.

Nice to have you back, Bobby.

Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas makes a sprawling save during the third period of the Bruins' 3-2 shootout win over Buffalo Sabres in an NHL game in Boston Monday, Jan. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

Another bit of nice news
My friend Bruce Bosley from the University of Vermont tells me that Tim Thomas has made the college's sports hall of fame.

Here's the release:

BURLINGTON, Vt. – Three hockey All-Americans who are currently skating in the National Hockey League, two track and field standouts, an All-American gymnast and a two-sport standout from the 1940s make up the seven former University of Vermont student-athletes who will be inducted into UVM’s Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 6, 2007.

This year’s inductees include men’s hockey all-time greats Eric Perrin ’97, Martin St. Louis ’97 and Tim Thomas ’97, men’s gymnast Jamie Abbatiello ’97, track and field record holders Carrie DuBray ’97 and Dan Bokan ’90, and basketball and baseball star Henri Beauchemin ’41.

The inductees will be lauded at the 39th annual UVM Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner at the Burlington Wyndham Hotel on Saturday, October 6, 2007. Tickets to the dinner may be purchased starting August 28 through the UVM Athletic Ticket Office in Patrick Gym.

Congrats to Timmy!