I have been thinking about this for a little while now and thought it would be good to post who I think are the 10 best players BC has had here since 2000
1. Brian Gionta. Really no debate here, Gionta is one of the best players in the history of Hockey East and played a pivotal role in the revival of Boston College Hockey.
2. Mike Mottau- Probably the second best defenseman BC has had all time (Brian Leetch). Mottau is one of just two Boston College players to take home the Hobey Baker along with David Emma
3. Nathan Gerbe. Now, the best that I personally really remember. The most electrifying player I personally have ever seen here @ BC. It seems like he scored every big goal his team needed. He single handedly won BC the national title in 2008 (ok that's a stretch)
4. Brian Gibbbons. His senior season was one of the best seasons I have ever seen here @ BC. The guy had a vision of the ice that will never be matched.
5. Carl Sneep. Ahh the controversial one...Carl Sneep is the only defenseman @ BC to ever win two national championships. Your in the top five for that.
6. Ben Eaves. Eaves led the 2003-2004 Eagles in scoring and also won the scoring title that season in Hockey East. Another Hobey Baker finalsist
7. John Muse. Johnny Muse won three Beanpots, three Hockey East championships, and two national championships. Also had a 13-1 record in the NCAA tournament.
8. Brian Boyle. Boyle had one of the great performances in BC Hockey histoy when he recorded four points in that memorable beat down of Parker and his team in the 2005-2006 NCAA tournament.
9. Blake Bellefuille. BB ranks 10th all time in total points at BC while also ranking 9th on the all time goals scored list @ BC.
10. Joe Whitney. After a lot of thought, I will go Joey Whitney because after all, he to played a pivotal role in brining two national titles to BC. In 2007-2008, Whitney recorded 51 points (As a freshman) which ranks 4th on the all time list in terms of single season records
Honorable Mentions
1. Cam Atkinson
2. Andrew Alberts
3. Corey Schneider
4. Scott Clemmensen
5. Patrick Eaves
My Top Ten BC Hockey Players Since 2000: A Decade of Excellence
Boston College (BC) has a storied tradition of excellence in collegiate ice hockey, and the period since 2000 has seen the emergence of some remarkable talents that have graced the Eagles' roster. In this article, I will delve into my personal selection of the top ten BC hockey players since the turn of the millennium, highlighting their achievements, impact, and contributions to the rich legacy of BC hockey. Additionally, I will address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about these players and their influence on the sport.
1. Brian Gionta (1997-2001)
Brian Gionta was a dynamic forward during his time with BC. He scored 123 goals, making him the school's all-time leading goal scorer. His speed, tenacity, and scoring ability were unmatched. Gionta went on to have a successful NHL career and won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 2003.
2. Johnny Gaudreau (2011-2014)
Johnny Gaudreau, or "Johnny Hockey," is a BC legend. His incredible stickhandling, vision, and creativity set him apart. Gaudreau won the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in college hockey in 2014 and continued to excel in the NHL, becoming an NHL All-Star and one of the league's top scorers.
3. Chris Kreider (2009-2012)
Chris Kreider's combination of size and speed made him a dominant force at BC. He helped lead the Eagles to a national championship in 2012 and then made an immediate impact in the NHL with the New York Rangers. Kreider's physicality and scoring ability have solidified his place among the top BC players of the era.
4. Cory Schneider (2004-2007)
Cory Schneider was a standout goaltender for the Eagles. His exceptional goaltending skills earned him numerous accolades, including being named a Hobey Baker finalist in 2007. Schneider's successful NHL career includes stints with the Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils.
5. Kevin Hayes (2011-2014)
Kevin Hayes was a versatile forward who could score and set up plays. His vision and hockey IQ were evident during his time at BC. Hayes transitioned to the NHL and has become a key player for the Philadelphia Flyers and other teams in the league.
6. Thatcher Demko (2013-2016)
Thatcher Demko is widely regarded as one of the best goaltenders in BC history. His incredible reflexes and poise in the net made him a standout. Demko, now with the Vancouver Canucks, has continued to impress at the NHL level.
7. Patrick Eaves (2001-2004)
Patrick Eaves was a dynamic forward known for his goal-scoring prowess. He was a crucial part of BC's national championship team in 2001. Eaves enjoyed a successful NHL career with multiple teams and remains a respected figure in the hockey world.
8. Nathan Gerbe (2005-2008)
Nathan Gerbe may not have been the tallest player on the ice, but his heart and determination were unmatched. His speed and scoring ability made him a fan favorite. Gerbe later had a successful NHL career and won a Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers.
9. Cam Atkinson (2008-2011)
Cam Atkinson was a scoring machine for the Eagles. His speed and goal-scoring ability were instrumental in BC's success during his tenure. Atkinson has continued to thrive in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming one of the franchise's top scorers.
10. Noah Hanifin (2014-2015)
Noah Hanifin's one season at BC was nothing short of spectacular. As a defenseman, his poise, skating, and offensive prowess were on full display. Hanifin was drafted fifth overall in the 2015 NHL Draft and has since become a key player for the Calgary Flames.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any BC hockey players who went on to win the Stanley Cup in the NHL?
Yes, Brian Gionta, Chris Kreider, and Patrick Eaves have all won the Stanley Cup during their NHL careers.
How do these BC players rank in terms of NHL success?
The success of these players in the NHL varies, but many of them have become established NHL stars and key contributors to their respective teams.
Did any of these players receive individual honors during their NHL careers?
Yes, several of these players have received individual honors, including All-Star selections, and have been recognized for their contributions to their teams.
What impact have these BC players had on the BC hockey program?
These players have left a lasting legacy at BC, serving as role models for future generations of Eagles and contributing to the program's storied tradition of excellence.
Are any of these players still actively playing in the NHL?
Yes, as of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, several of these players were actively playing in the NHL. However, please note that player statuses may have changed since then.
Boston College has a rich hockey tradition, and the
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