Eagles Aim to Avenge '06 Title Game Loss | The Observer at Boston College

As I sit here in the beautiful Hampton Inn located in Southfield, Michigan, the other Eagle faithful and I who journeyed out here are eager to see the Eagles avenge their 2006 National Title loss to The University of Wisconsin. About twenty five of us caravanned out here on Wednesday night and arrived in the Motor City Thursday morning.

We showed up to Ford Field and watched Wisconsin annihilate RIT. It seemed odd on paper that RIT was playing on the last weekend, and it seemed even odder to actually see them play in person on the last weekend. Even though they looked very good against The University of Denver and UNH, the Tigers looked more like Merrimac than a legitimate Frozen Four contender. One could only feel pity for them as they were massacred in front of 35,000+ in an awkwardly large football stadium.

The Eagles and Redhawks finally dropped the puck at 8:41 pm, the moment we had been waiting for since we left the St. Ignatius parking lot on Wednesday night. Miami came out strong the first ten minutes and outshot the Eagles 5-1. The Redhawks gave us a man advantage towards the end of the first period, and center Ben Smith put one home at 18:32 of the first period. Smith redirected a centering pass from Joe Whitney between Connor Knapp’s legs.

Section 101 at Ford Field erupted in frenzy as the Eagles went into intermission up one, even though it seemed that Miami had outplayed us in the opening act. The Eagles came out roaring in the second period and put up two goals only three minutes into the period. Jimmy Hayes beat Knapp at 2:06, and Joe Whitney followed him up 62 seconds later as he beat Knapp top shelf. The Redhawks’ goaltender seemed to fall asleep in net, prompting head coach Enrico Blasi to pull Knapp in favor of Cody Reichard. Knapp had the second best GAA average in college hockey this season, but it didn’t matter against the Eagles’ offensive barrage.

The SuperFans were rockin’ as we had sights of a rematch with the Wiscy Badgers. After a final intermission, the Redhawks drew first blood in the third period as Joe Hartman beat John Muse far, blocker side from the right circle. The Miami faithful came to life and made Ford Field seem to have a pulse. It rejuvenated their players as well, and they had an extra hop to their skate. That did not matter for long though as the Eagles responded with three goals in a 90 second span, five minutes later. A good number of Miami fans exited the building, and started scalping their title tickets on the spot.

After chants of touchdown Eagles by the always witty Eagle die hards, BC completed the day with a PAT, sans Steve Apponavicius. Ben Smith took over Sid Vicius’ duty and capped a beautiful evening in Detroit. Ford Field resonated with “We Are, BC” chants as security men ushered out the students.

There was also the chant, “one more win,” which would give the Eagles their third national title in the 2000’s. Jerry York has a tall task in front of him. His counterpart, Coach Mike Eaves, father of former BC greats Ben and Patrick, has a very impressive group of players this season. The Badgers are big, strong, have outstanding mustaches and an excellent veteran defense. Their offense also does not seem to be lacking as they were able to complete the two-point conversion against RIT.

However, things could and should be different Saturday night. The Eagles have a proven post-season goaltender in John Muse and one of the best college coaches ever in Jerry York. There are several remaining players from the ’08 championship team who can slow things down and redirect the ship when everything gets a little tighter.

So when 7:00 pm rolls around Saturday night, expect it all to be a little closer than things were Thursday night. It’ll be primetime in Mo Town, and BC will have sixty minutes in front of them to capture the trifecta of Beanpot, Hockey East Title Champs and National Champs. Expect both teams to come out flying, and whoever is able to impose their will on the other will likely be hoisting the trophy around 9:30.

If the Eagles can create space and move the puck they should be able to beat goalie Scott Gudmandson at least a few times. They must fight against the Badgers’ physicality. While the Badgers have Hobey finalist Blake Geoffrin, and two other fifty-point scorers, the Eagles could take the title back to Chestnut Hill if they can play their brand of hockey. Let’s hope that the largest indoor hockey crowd ever will hear the “Jerry” chants into the night.

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