Since the Beanpot’s inception in 1952, much has changed. Originally called the New England Hockey Invitational, Boston Globe writer Leonard Fowle minted the name “Beanpot” as a nod to Boston’s nickname, Beantown, as well as the shape of the trophy. Today, it is a tradition that defines a city and marks the start of trophy season in college hockey.
After the 2021 tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Boston College men’s hockey (10–13–4, 5–9–3 Hockey East) opens the 69th Beanpot against three-time defending champion Northeastern (17–8–1, 9–6–1) on Monday at TD Garden. In its 244th all-time meeting with the Huskies, BC will look to hoist its first Beanpot trophy since 2016 and its 21st overall.
Patrick Giles is the de facto on-ice leader while captain Marc McLaughlin, Drew Helleson, and Jack McBain compete in Beijing at the 2022 Olympic Games. Defensemen Marshall Warren and Jack St. Ivany were named assistant captains prior to Tuesday’s game against Harvard in McLaughlin and McBain’s absence.
Who is BC playing?
Northeastern
When is BC playing?
Monday, Feb. 7 at 8:00 p.m.
Where is BC playing?
TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
How to Watch:
The game will be streamed live on NESN.
Tournament and Series History
Boston University holds the most tournament titles with 30, while BC is second with 20, followed by Harvard with 11 and Northeastern with seven. The Huskies currently hold a tournament win streak that began in 2018 despite historically going without success in the Beanpot.
The first-round lineup rotates annually. Each school’s student section fills a corner of the 300 level at TD Garden, creating a rowdy game atmosphere. The winners of the games on Feb. 7 face off in the finals the following Monday. The losers of the first round play for third place that same Monday.
The Eagles meet the Huskies for the 48th time in Beanpot history on Monday. BC holds a 34–13 advantage in the tournament series. Since falling to Northeastern in the 2019 Hockey East title game, the Eagles have won five straight in the series outside the Beanpot and have outscored the Huskies 28–10 in those matchups.
BC’s last Beanpot win over Northeastern was a 4–1 victory in the 2014 championship game. BC head coach Jerry York is 9–5 all time against the Huskies in the Beanpot. York’s nine titles broke the program record previously held by legendary BC coach John “Snooks” Kelley.
What to Expect from Northeastern
Northeastern ranks No. 16 in the nation and holds fourth place in Hockey East standings behind UMass Lowell, UMass, and BU.
Statistically, the Husky pack sits middle of the road on offense. Northeastern has a .194 power-play conversion percentage, good for fifth in Hockey East—behind BC.
The offense is a well-furnished crew, equipped with quick skaters in the crease and slot, but Aidan McDonough generates the majority of the Huskies’ offense. McDonough leads the Huskies with 17 goals and 24 points. Jakov Novak has seven goals, and Justin Hryckowian has 19 points.
Northeastern’s goal differential outshines its competitors’ thanks to netminder Devon Levi, who sustains the Huskies’ success with a 0.948 save percentage. Levi ranks first among Hockey East goaltenders in save percentage and second in goals against, allowing an average of 1.88 goals per game.
Levi departed Northeastern to compete for Team Canada in the Beijing Olympics.
Outlook
The Huskies will likely start T.J. Semptimphelter, who has allowed six goals in two starts. BC will need to attack the net from all angles in hopes of gaining an immediate advantage.
BC relies on the strength of its five-member senior class, which has accounted for 90 of the Eagles’ 230 points this season.
Giles has scored twice in his three career Beanpot games, and both have been the opening goal in a semifinal matchup. St. Ivany will also play an important role as a defensive lock. St. Ivany sits second among Hockey East defensemen in points per game with 20 points in 25 games.
In its last nine games, BC has lost eight, and the Eagles are in dire need of a turnaround. With anticipation growing for Monday, the Beanpot is the opportunity for a fresh start.
Featured Graphic by Annie Corrigan / Heights Editor
