This Week in Hockey East: Feb. 19, 2004

Jerry York’s list of accomplishments behind the bench at Boston College is a long one, and Dave Hendrickson says it’s time to add “Hockey East Coach of the Year” to his resume. Also: Merrimack defies expectations, while Massachusetts-Lowell rebounds.

Hanson Stable After Fracturing Neck

Vermont backup goaltender Matt Hanson is recovering in a Vermont hospital after a scary injury during last Thursday’s practice. Hanson, according to Vermont school doctor Jon Porter, broke the fourth cervical vertebrae in his neck and had surgery Friday night to stabilize it. Hanson appears to have escaped any lasting paralysis. “He is currently in … Read more

2003 Winner Ayers, Eaves Lead 14 Walter Brown Semifinalists

New Hampshire goaltender Mike Ayers, winner of last year’s award, and three-time nominee Ben Eaves of Boston College were among 14 semifinalists named Monday for the 52nd Walter [nl]Brown Award, presented annually by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston to the top American-born player in [nl]New England. Eleven Hockey East players and three from the … Read more

Brothers In Arms

The Brothers Eaves’ fairy tale at Boston College hasn’t always been the stuff of storybooks. Ben and Patrick, they of the impeccable hockey pedigree, have played with one another at The Heights for the last two seasons, though not as often as they’d like. Patrick missed 20 games last season with a neck injury and … Read more

A Most Valuable, Most Disappointed Player

The seconds ticked away; the Beanpot championship game had been a total mismatch. For 56 minutes Boston College had skated circles around the Boston University Terriers, dominating them territorially and in almost every statistical category. On a BU power play, it looked like even strength; even strength looked like a BC power play. By game’s … Read more

Notebook: Beanpot Championship

The Title’s The Thing Boston College will potentially play for five tournament titles this season. With a victory in the Beanpot, the Eagles have already captured three. BC won the Ice Breaker in October with a shootout win over Minnesota-Duluth after a 2-2 tie, followed by a 4-1 win over Findlay. In December, the Eagles … Read more

Notebook: Boston College-Harvard

Winds Of Change If Harvard’s schedule looks a little different from previous years, there’s a reason. Two items had changed from Beanpots in the Crimson’s past. First, Harvard was playing in the late game in the Beanpot. In the last several years, Harvard has played in the early semifinal on the first Monday in February, … Read more

Notebook: Boston University-Northeastern

The last time Sean Fields played against Northeastern, he allowed three goals on ten shots and didn’t last through the second period. But with his 35-save performance in Boston University’s 5-2 win over the Huskies Monday night, he earned himself a place between the pipes for the Beanpot championship game for the third straight year. … Read more

Old Dog, New Tricks

Over a year ago, he took a hit that sidelined him for six months. Since then it’s been a struggle to force himself into the lineup. And when he has dressed, it’s been as a fourth-liner getting limited minutes. So when Northeastern stunned Boston University with a goal just 1:11 into the Beanpot opener, Steve … Read more

Mass.-Lowell Forfeits Nine Games

Massachusetts-Lowell was dealt a major blow Friday night when it was discovered that sophomore forward Paul Falco, a transfer from Maine, was not eligible to play when he began his tenure on the ice for Lowell about a month ago. As a result, the River Hawks are forced to forfeit nine games, five of which … Read more

This Week in Hockey East: Jan. 29, 2004

There’s plenty to talk about in Hockey East, including Monday’s start to the 52nd Beanpot. Zillion-time champ Boston University finds itself in an unusual position — underdog to Boston College — while rallying Northeastern seeks its first title since 1988. Also, Maine hosts New Hampshire in a series with plenty of league and national implications. Dave Hendrickson reports.

BC Favorite in 52nd Beanpot

Let the trash talking begin. Festivities officially got underway Wednesday afternoon for the 52nd annual Beanpot Hockey Tournament, college hockey’s longest-running and most well-known in-season tournament, with the Beanpot Luncheon held at Legends Restaurant inside the host establishment. Tournament play will begin next Monday night, February 2, with the semifinal round. This year’s edition will … Read more

BC’s Ben Eaves to Miss Four to Six Weeks

Boston College senior forward and captain Ben Eaves is expected to be out four to six weeks with a fractured left kneecap. Ben Eaves will miss four to six weeks with a fractured kneecap. (Photo: Josh Gibney) Eaves suffered the injury in BC’s 4-0 win over Merrimack on Jan. 9. He has not played in … Read more

This Week in Hockey East: Jan. 22, 2004

How good is Boston College? Beaten only one in their last 17, the Eagles have persevered despite injuries, thanks to not only talent but grit. Dave Hendrickson sounds off on BC’s dominance, as well as surprising sniper Elias Godoy, a couple of rising goaltenders, and a little football talk.

This Week in Hockey East: Jan. 15, 2004

Dave Hendrickson gives some perspective on the NESCAC and Proposition 65, lauds a World Junior returnee, inspects New Hampshire’s PairWise standing, and above all, discusses why Vermont’s impending move to Hockey East matters.

Vermont in Place, Hockey East Looks Ahead

The courtship was so swift, even Britney Spears was impressed. Three weeks ago, with rumors swirling, Vermont let it be known it had indeed sent a “letter of inquiry” to Hockey East about the possibility of joining the league. Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna accepted it, planned a meeting of athletic directors, and was expecting … Read more