WELCOME TO THE JERRY YORK INVITATIONAL

Sorry Jack !! (Photo by Melissa Wade)

For those of you that are NHL fans, have you ever seen the commercials that say "History will be made" ? Well last night, history was made in a big way. The Boston College Eagles officially ended Jack Parker and BU's magical run in a tournament that they have owned for so long in a 3-2 OT victory Monday night. The Eagles were led by a first period goal from Pat Mullane who made just a fantastic individual effort to give the Eagles the 1-0 edge after a period. In the second, the Terriers tied it up on the first of two power play goals for Garrett Noonan. As time was winding down on a BC power play late in the stanza, Chris Kreider continued to prove to everyone in the building why he is the best player in the league when he roofed a snap shot over BU goalie Kieran Millan to give BC a 2-1 lead after two. In the third, it was the Terriers who scored another power play goal, this time on a 5-3, in the middle of the third to tie it up going into OT. 

In OT, it was Bill Arnold who was the man that will officially go down in Beanpot lore as the man who put an end to "The Age of the Terriers" and continued"The Age of the Eagles". You may ask well why are my saying this win is bigger than the previous two Beanpot wins ? I don't know if people realize that no other team has won three Beanpots in a row besides the Terriers since the Eagles did it back in the mid 1960's. As much as BU people don't want to admit it, the torch has been passed. For so long, every single Eagle fan has had to suffer through a year in and year out beating in the hands of Terriers in this tournament. But now, it is the Terriers that can't seem to overcome the Eagles in the Beanpot as BC has won now four straight vs Parker and his team in this great tournament. 

Overall, this has to be one of the great college games I have ever seen in my life. Sure there were some missed calls and a couple of unnecessary whistles. But in the end, it was a hard fought back and forth battle between two teams that really wanted this game. There are a couple guys that I want to talk about and the first will be Parker Milner. It is no secret that Parker has struggled in his career @ BC vs BU but last night was truly one of the great goaltending performances I have ever seen. Every single BU fan on twitter loves to write on his wall about how he is terrible and will never win a game vs them. Well he just stood them and their team right up on the biggest stage. For a kid to have that type of toughness and to be that good under pressure in that type of situation after all he has been through this season is simply special. 

The next name I would like to get to is Johnny Gaudreau. Now you all know that he is my favorite player and I think anyone who doesn't think he is the best freshman in Hockey East is crazy. The last BC player to win the Beanpot MVP as a freshman was Brian Gibbons in 2008. Just by saying that, you know Johnny G is in some pretty elite company. Although he may not have had his best game of the season last night, he is still the biggest 5' 150 lb threat hockey has every seen (Besides Nathan Gerbe and Brian Gionta).

The third name I would like to talk about is a man by the name of Chris Kreider. You know when I made up that list of top 10 players BC has had since 2000 over the weekend ? I didn't include any current players because I wanted to wait until the end of the year but right now, Chris would be around #5 or #6 on that list. I have never seen a guy that is 6'3 have that kind of speed on the ice. Sure, there are a lot of smaller guys that can go as fast but a 6'3 guy ? Not to mention his shot almost went through the net it was so hard. Just an amazing hockey player. 

Ok sorry I am going overboard on the names but only two more. Coach York said last night that Brian Dumoulin's performance was one of the best he has ever seen. After maybe Leetch, Mottau, and Coach Brown,  I truly think that Brian Dumoulin is the third or fourth best defenseman BC has ever had. I am not sure of the exact number but Dumoulin must have played 18 of the 20 minutes in the OT. I'm not joking. He virtually created that game winning goal because he screened Millan when Arnold was winding up to shoot. If not the best defenseman in BC history, definitely one of the best offensive defenseman I have ever seen. 

Ok, I promise just one more paragraph. The final name I would like to talk about is Jerry York. There are a lot of great coaches in the history of college sports (Paterno, Smith, Coach K, Bowden) but Coach York, in my opinion, needs to be talked about as one of the great college coaches of all time. You will never find a better mix of a coach, disciplinarian, mentor and person in your life. After every game, whether it's a win or a lost, he is the first guy to compliment the other team and talk about how his team played without being too critical. This university needs to do something really special for this man because he has brought not only this program but this school and this sport in general to a level that no one will ever match. 

More to come tomorrow. 

Surely a special day to be an Eagle fan/student/alum 

GO EAGLES 

 Welcome to the Jerry York Invitational: Celebrating a Hockey Legacy

In the world of college hockey, few names carry as much weight and respect as Jerry York. With an illustrious coaching career spanning decades, Jerry York has left an indelible mark on the sport. In honor of his contributions and legacy, the Jerry York Invitational has emerged as a prominent event in college hockey. In this article, we will explore the history of the Jerry York Invitational, its significance in the college hockey landscape, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive overview of this prestigious tournament.

Jerry York: A Hockey Icon

Jerry York's name is synonymous with excellence in college hockey. Born on July 25, 1945, in Watertown, Massachusetts, York's love for the game began at a young age. He honed his skills as a player at Boston College, where he was a standout forward. His transition to coaching was a natural one, and it marked the beginning of a remarkable career that has spanned over five decades.

York's coaching journey has been defined by success. He has served as the head coach for Boston College's men's ice hockey team, leading the Eagles to unprecedented heights. York has earned countless accolades, including multiple national championships, and he became the winningest coach in NCAA Division I men's ice hockey history. His influence on the sport and the lives of his players is immeasurable.

The Birth of the Jerry York Invitational

The Jerry York Invitational is a testament to Coach York's enduring impact on college hockey. It was established to celebrate his legacy and contributions to the sport. The tournament brings together top college hockey teams in a competitive and spirited showcase that honors York's commitment to excellence, sportsmanship, and the development of young talent.

Significance of the Tournament

The Jerry York Invitational holds significant importance in the world of college hockey for several reasons:

Honoring a Legend: The tournament pays tribute to Jerry York, a coaching legend whose impact on college hockey is unmatched. It serves as a platform to celebrate his enduring legacy.

Showcasing Talent: The tournament features some of the top college hockey programs in the country. It provides a stage for talented athletes to display their skills and compete at a high level.

Fostering Sportsmanship: Jerry York has always emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and character development. The tournament upholds these values, promoting fair play and respect on and off the ice.

Inspiring the Next Generation: The Jerry York Invitational inspires young players to pursue their dreams in hockey. It serves as a reminder that hard work, dedication, and a passion for the game can lead to success.

Jerry York Invitational: FAQs

Which teams participate in the Jerry York Invitational?

The tournament typically features a selection of top college hockey programs, with a focus on teams with strong competitive records and a commitment to sportsmanship.

Where is the tournament held?

The location of the Jerry York Invitational may vary from year to year, but it often takes place at venues that have a rich history in college hockey.

Are there awards or honors associated with the tournament?

Yes, the tournament often presents awards for outstanding performance, sportsmanship, and leadership. These honors reflect the values that Jerry York has instilled in the sport.

Is the tournament open to the public?

Yes, the Jerry York Invitational is typically open to the public, allowing fans and supporters to attend and enjoy high-quality college hockey.

How can young players get involved in college hockey and aspire to participate in tournaments like this one?

Young players interested in college hockey should focus on developing their skills, maintaining good academic standing, and participating in junior hockey leagues. College scouts often attend these leagues to identify talent.

The Jerry York Invitational stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a coaching legend. Jerry York's contributions to college hockey are immeasurable, and this tournament serves as a fitting tribute to his dedication, passion, and commitment to the sport. As teams from across the nation gather to compete in the tournament, they not only honor a storied coach but also inspire future generations of hockey players to dream big and reach for the pinnacle of success in the world of college hockey.