The Beanpot: The World's Most Lopsided Tournament (WSJ.com)
The Beanpot tournament is one of the oldest and most cherished traditions in Boston sports. For the past 60 years, four major-college hockey teams—Boston College, Boston University, Harvard and Northeastern—have competed in a winter tournament for ultimate local bragging rights. Just one problem: Half of the four schools never win anymore.
Entering Beanpot final, Milner is an emblematic Eagle (The Boston Globe)
"Right now we’re at an all-time confidence level from the coaching staff, from the team, and from Parker,’’ said York. "I think he’s playing, positional wise, confidence wise, poise . . . at the very top of his game right now. These four games have been a terrific boost to all of us. Goaltending is like quarterbacking or a starting pitcher in baseball. You just need them to be real good factors in the game.’’
Goalies in spotlight (BostonHerald.com)
"The biggest thing is to have the same approach. You have to stay sharp and focused," Milner said. "I’d be lying if I said I won’t be nervous, but sometimes nerves are a good thing because it usually means you’re sharp and on your toes."
Boston College’s Barry Almeida having a career year (The Boston Globe)
"He certainly has impaired vision in one eye, and I think it took him a while to adjust,’’ said York. "He came up the ladder a little bit freshman, sophomore, and junior years, and now he’s taken four giant steps up the ladder. "He’s always been a good player for us, solid. This is a completely different level he’s playing on this year and he’s putting up some great numbers.’’
Faceoff ace draws ‘Pot luck (BostonHerald.com)
"He’s a big, strong center iceman who can affect the game in all three zones," said BC coach Jerry York after practice yesterday at Kelley Rink. "He’s really good defensively, he finishes his checks and can make plays. What I like right now is he is winning a lot of key faceoffs for us."
Point/Counterpoint: Will Boston College Win The Beanpot Again? (The Heights)
So whether it's a huge defensive play from Cross or a last-minute wrister from Gaudreau, the Eagles will be hoisting the Beanpot trophy for the third straight year and the 17th time in their history next Monday night. Rest assured, Superfans–luck wins games, but BC toughness wins Beanpots.
Boston University, Boston College fitting Beanpot finalists (ESPN Boston)
"It was like boys against men," a somber Northeastern coach Jim Madigan said after Monday's loss to a relentless BC squad. "It's hard to come back after a slow start, not so much because of this tournament, but against that team."
From NEHJ: BC-bound Vatrano on verge (New England Hockey Journal)
Vatrano has come a long way from providing entertainment for his brothers in their East Longmeadow, Mass., driveway. A center on the U.S. Under-18 National Team with a scholarship waiting next year at Boston College, Vatrano’s ability also has him in the mix at the highest level of the game. Last month, he was ranked 118th among North American skaters for June’s draft by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau.