Sophomore Forward Jimmy Hayes Skates His Way to a Win
Welcoming the top four collegiate teams in Boston, the twonight Beanpot tournament is one of the most anticipated events in a Boston College athletic season.
Over the past five years, however, Boston University has squelched the Eagles’ hopes by monopolizing the tournament, claiming four out of five titles—their single dethronement coming at the sticks of an Eagles’ championship.
Before they could even consider another Beanpot title, the Eagles faced off against Harvard in their first game on February 1st. A 6-0 victory was the result and a very promising start to this tournament.
The Eagles went into the game against Harvard with some confidence because they had a 3-2 victory earlier this season against their Ivy counterpart, but no one in the locker room overlooked their first opponent.
Keys to the game against the Crimson included winning special teams battles, limiting odd man rushes and getting shots on net with bodies screening the goalie.
With school pride at stake, execution of this game plan was important, especially in such a short tournament.
Despite Harvard’s mediocre record of 5-10-3, the Eagles focused on their first matchup, and it paid off as they advanced to the championship game.
“You can throw the records out the window. Whoever plays the hardest on that night is going to come away with a victory. We expect it to be a close game, as Beanpot matchups always are,” said junior team assists leader Brian Gibbons.
Bitter rival BU also advanced to the championship game on Monday night. They defeated Northeastern in a closely contested game, coming away with a 2-1 victory.
Fans eagerly hoped for this rematch between the Eagles and the Boston University Terriers, as it should make for an exciting championship game on Monday, February 8th.
The rivalry between the two schools has intensified even more this year, with the Eagles at 1-2 against the Terriers, losing the past two games in heartbreaking fashion. Beating BU in the Beanpot could avenge BC’s past two losses.
“The loss at Fenway was tough, but losing on home ice in overtime was devastating. Winning against them would enrich the Beanpot’s rivalry,” said Boston College freshman Jonathan Arone.
In a tournament filled with tradition, the hockey rivalry between the Eagles and Terriers transcends the rest. The road to the Beanpot championship runs through the perennial powerhouse BU, as the Eagles hope to earn their 15th title.
Rich with 58 years of grueling matchups between four cross-town rivals, the Beanpot tournament brings together four teams vying for hockey supremacy in Boston.
The Eagles go into the tournament looking to capture their first title for the freshmen and sophomores, while providing a memorable victory for seniors in their final year.
Gibbons described a Beanpot championship as “something truly special.”
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