Vinny Saponari, the former Boston University forward who was dismissed from the team for failing to attend his punishment for underaged drinking, will reportedly join the Eagles next season. Saponari will join BC for the 2011-12 season and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Here's what Saponari had to say about the decision:
"I love the city of Boston, and Boston College always has a good team. I played against them for two years. I know how the program is -- the professionalism that comes with being there and playing there."
Saponari doesn't come to BC without his share of baggage. You may remember Saponari from such chart-topping hits as "Party Like A Puckstar." Or as one of two Saponari brothers that BU coach Jack Parker suspended from the team for an alcohol-related incident the night before BU's Hockey East semifinal against Maine. Saponari was then late to a team bike ride, punishment for the drinking incident, which incited Parker to boot him from the program.
Saponari will have to sit out this year and will join the team next season.
Despite the off the ice issues, the Eagles will be getting a good player in Saponari. He'll arrive at a good time for the program too -- in a year where they'll be losing two key pieces of their offense (seniors Joe Whitney and Brian Gibbons). He scored 20 goals and 27 assists in 71 games with the Terriers, and is currently playing for the USHL's Dubuque Fighting Saints.
Saponari was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the fourth round (96th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.