The Beanpot: A Rivalry Like No Other in College Hockey
In the world of college hockey, the national championship trophy is the ultimate prize. However, there is one event that stands out as a rival to that accolade: the Beanpot tournament. This prestigious tournament, now in its 72nd year, features Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern, and Harvard competing for glory. The tournament will conclude on Monday at TD Garden with a championship game between Boston College and Boston University at 7:30 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN+.
Both teams are currently ranked in the top 10 in the country, with Boston College holding the number one spot and Boston University ranked at number eight in the latest polls. The Beanpot is known for its intense energy, fierce competition, and longstanding rivalries between the participating schools and their fans. Even in years when the tournament may not have national implications, the passion for victory and the spirit of competition always run high.
This year’s final game has a unique twist as nine players, six from Boston College and three from Boston University, were teammates at the IIHF World Junior Championship, where they won the gold medal for Team USA in January. In that tournament, players from both teams played crucial roles in securing victory for the United States, showcasing their talent and teamwork on an international stage. However, on Monday night, all friendships will be set aside as they battle on the ice for the Beanpot championship.
BC freshman James Hagens emphasized the competitive nature of the game, stating, “It’s just understanding that you can’t have any friends out there. You might play with them for a while. They might be your best buddies, but you just have to understand it’s a hockey game, and you have to go out there and win.” Similar sentiments were echoed by BU’s Cole Eiserman, highlighting the players’ shared determination to win for their respective schools.
While Boston College swept their home-and-home series with Boston University in January, the Terriers are eager to turn the tide and claim victory in the Beanpot championship game. Boston University last won the Beanpot in 2022, while Boston College’s most recent championship title was in 2016. Northeastern has been a dominant force in the tournament in recent years, securing five of the last six titles.
Although Monday’s game will not impact the Hockey East standings, conference races are heating up across the country as teams vie for spots in the NCAA tournament. The NCAA field will include the winners of the six conference tournaments: Atlantic, Big Ten, CCHA, ECAC, Hockey East, and NCHC, along with 10 at-large teams determined by the PairWise rankings.
Conference tournament championship games are set for March 22, with the NCAA tournament selections to be announced on March 23. Regional games will be held from March 27-30, leading up to the Frozen Four in St. Louis on April 10 and 12. Fans can catch all the action of the NCAA tournament, including the selection show, on ESPN networks and streamed on ESPN+.
As the NCAA tournament approaches, the race for a coveted spot in the Frozen Four intensifies. Teams like Boston College, Michigan State, and Minnesota are considered frontrunners to make it to St. Louis based on their exceptional performances this season. These teams are determined to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level in pursuit of the national championship.
In addition to the top contenders, other teams like Maine, Western Michigan, and Providence are positioned well to secure spots in the NCAA field as conference champions or at-large selections. These teams have demonstrated their potential and are primed to make a strong showing in the tournament.
Teams on the bubble, such as UMass, Penn State, and New Hampshire, face a challenging road ahead as they compete for at-large bids to the NCAA tournament. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, every game counts as these teams look to solidify their positions and earn a chance to compete on the national stage.
As the college hockey season progresses, fans can expect thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments on the road to the Frozen Four. Stay tuned for more updates, scores, and highlights as teams battle for supremacy in one of the most exciting tournaments in collegiate sports.