Saturday, December 29, 2012

The Greatest


When Father Monan hired Coach York in June of 1994, I'm sure he thought he was making a solid hire and was getting a guy that could help bring Boston College Hockey back to the glory days it experienced under Snooks Kelly. However, I'm not 100 % convinced he knew he was hiring the greatest coach in the history of NCAA athletics. Thanks to goals from Billy Arnold, Danny Linell, Cam Spiro (his first of his career), Brendan Silk, and Steve Whitney, the Boston College Eagles dominated the University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers, en route to a 5-2 victory, handing Coach York his 925th win, breaking Ron Mason's record. With Patch Alber out for the year, Johnny G in Russia, Isaac Macleod down with a shoulder injury, and Destry Straight playing at maybe 75 %, the Eagles were still able to play some solid  hockey throughout the game. With Alber out, I was very concerned with how freshman Travis Jeke and Colin Sullivan would play as their playing time doubled. Overall, I thought all five defenseman played pretty well tonight, sure, it was vs a weak opponent but it's good to see guys like Sullivan and Doherty (who I thought was exceptionally good) play good for all 60 minutes. The staff obviously expects that Matheson and Wey will be able to carry the load and play a lot of minutes, which can be difficult at times but I thought both were solid all night. Matheson continues to impress me every time he takes the ice with his smooth skating, great puck handling, and terrific play making ability.

The first period started out a little rough as BC showing a lot of signs of rust coming off the break allowed UAH to control the play in their zone for a long. Once the Eagles got things settled down, I thought they looked very very sharp, especially the line of Kevin Hayes-Bill Arnold-Brendan Silk. With Johnny G gone, perhaps no forward has to pick up his play even more than Kevin Hayes does and tonight I thought he once again made plays when he had the puck. On one play he skated right through two UAH defenders and almost got off a wrist shot. It was pretty impressive. As for the bottom two lines, no guy was better tonight than Danny Linell. On his goal, he chipped it by a UAH defender, skated around another and chipped the puck on net for a goal. Overall, the staff has got to be happy when they see a guy like Danny making plays and scoring goals. Not to be outdone, linemate Cam Spiro made the most of his playing time by scoring his first career goal in the first period. After Teddy Doherty fired a slapper just wide of the net, the puck bounced right to Spiro who easily put it in to make it 1-0 Eagles. As for Doherty, he was a team high +5 tonight, certainly one of his best games in a BC uniform up to this point. Sure, he needs to improve in his own end but I like the fact that he's confident enough to take the puck and make plays. Thanks to the solid defensive play, the Chargers didn't get too many grade A chances on Parker Milner but were able to capitalize on a power play chance early in the second. Unlike the past couple of games, BC did not have many defensive zone breakdowns that led to good chances for the opponent.

As for Patch Alber, he is most likely done for the season as he suffered a torn meniscus while playing soccer before the game. Obviously it's a tough loss and it means that Travis Jeke will most likely play for the remainder of the season. I saw spurts of good play tonight from Travis but he does need to shore up his play in his own end. Tomorrow is going to be a big test for him. Now onto tomorrows game. I'll say this, this Golden Gopher hockey team is completely stacked and are in my opinion, the best team in the country outside of BC (when they're healthy). You look down their roster and all you see is guys like Haula, Bjugstad, Budish, and Schmidt that are arguably some of the best players in the country. Yes, the Eagles are a big time underdog tomorrow with all the injuries but with a great all around team effort, victory can be accomplished.

Why BC won-

1. All around scoring. Whether it was Linell, Spiro, Doherty, or Hayes, guys were making plays tonight and were getting pucks in the net. Always great to see BC get some secondary scoring.

2. Solid defensive zone play. Sure, it was rusty at times but overall, I liked the way BC played in their own end.

3. The transition game. BC used their speed and skill tonight in a big way and were able to generate tons of odd man rushes on the UAH defense. Probably should have scored more than 5.

 Notes-

1. Steven Whitney had his 100th career point tonight. They Whitney's became the third pair of brothers to each have 100 points along with the Browns and Eaves'.

2. Tonight was Cam Spiro's first career goal. Also, Peter McMullen played a few shifts, his first action in a BC uniform.

3. Really sad to hear about Patch Alber. I hope that his BC career doesn't end from taking a fall 10 minutes before a game. He works hard and deserves better.

I would like to take this time to congratulate Coach York on his accomplishment. This record proves that good men, like him, can do great things in sports. His leadership and class has had an impact on every person that has come across him. There may be great coaches in this sport but let it be known, there will never be another Jerry York.

I'll have my thoughts on tomorrows game sometime tomorrow morning. It's a big one.

Congratulations Coach.

GO Eagles









 Exploring Greatness: What Makes "The Greatest" Truly Exceptional



Throughout history, there have been individuals whose names transcend time and place, people whose deeds and impact on the world have earned them the title of "The Greatest." This distinction isn't given lightly; it's reserved for those who have achieved extraordinary feats, left an indelible mark on their fields, and inspired generations to come. In this article, we will delve into what it means to be "The Greatest," examining the characteristics and achievements that have led certain individuals to earn this honor. We'll also answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) surrounding this prestigious title.

Defining Greatness

Greatness is a concept that transcends any single field or endeavor. It's not limited to athletes, artists, or leaders; it can manifest in a myriad of ways. To understand greatness, we must first recognize its core attributes:

Excellence: The hallmark of greatness is the relentless pursuit of excellence. Great individuals set exceptionally high standards for themselves and continually strive to surpass them. This excellence isn't limited to a single skill or domain; it extends to multiple facets of their lives.

Impact: Being great often means making a significant impact on the world, whether through innovation, social change, or artistic expression. Great individuals shape the course of history and leave a lasting legacy.

Resilience: Greatness is not achieved without overcoming adversity. The ability to persevere in the face of challenges, setbacks, and failures is a defining characteristic of the greatest individuals.

Inspiration: "The Greatest" inspire others. They serve as role models, showing that extraordinary achievements are possible through dedication, hard work, and unwavering determination.

Legendary Figures

Muhammad Ali: The Greatest Boxer
Muhammad Ali is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, earning the nickname "The Greatest." His impact extends far beyond the boxing ring. Ali was known for his quick wit, charisma, and unwavering self-belief, which he famously expressed in phrases like "I am the greatest" and "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." His athletic prowess, coupled with his unapologetic stance on social and political issues, made him a global icon. Ali's legacy continues to inspire athletes, activists, and anyone striving to make a difference.

Leonardo da Vinci: The Renaissance Genius
Leonardo da Vinci, often referred to simply as "The Greatest Genius of the Renaissance," was a polymath whose talents knew no bounds. He excelled in art, science, engineering, anatomy, and numerous other fields. His paintings, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, are among the most iconic in art history. Da Vinci's insatiable curiosity and dedication to innovation make him a timeless symbol of human potential and creativity.

Nelson Mandela: The Great Unifier
Nelson Mandela, known as "The Great Unifier," played a pivotal role in ending apartheid in South Africa and fostering reconciliation in a deeply divided nation. His commitment to justice, equality, and peace earned him worldwide respect. Mandela's resilience during 27 years of imprisonment and his ability to forgive his oppressors are testaments to his greatness as a leader and human being.

Marie Curie: The Pioneer Scientist
Marie Curie, often called "The Greatest Female Scientist," made groundbreaking contributions to the fields of physics and chemistry. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. Curie's tireless dedication to research and her pioneering work in radioactivity have left an indelible mark on the scientific world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can greatness be measured objectively?

Greatness is a subjective concept that varies from person to person. While some achievements are universally recognized as great, the interpretation of greatness can be influenced by cultural, societal, and personal perspectives. Objective metrics, such as records broken or awards won, can provide a basis for evaluating greatness in certain fields, but they don't capture the full essence of what makes someone "The Greatest."

2. Are "The Greatest" born or made?

Greatness often results from a combination of innate talent, passion, and years of dedicated effort. While some individuals may possess natural gifts that give them a head start, the journey to greatness typically involves hard work, learning, and continuous improvement. In many cases, the desire to achieve greatness is a driving force in a person's life.

3. Are there any common traits among "The Greatest" individuals?

Yes, there are common traits that many great individuals share. These include resilience in the face of adversity, a commitment to excellence, a passion for their craft or cause, and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the world. Great individuals often possess a growth mindset, which drives them to continually learn and adapt.

4. Can anyone achieve greatness?

While not everyone will become "The Greatest" in their chosen field, anyone can strive for greatness by setting high standards, working tirelessly, and continually seeking self-improvement. Greatness isn't limited to a specific profession or pursuit; it can manifest in many forms. The key is to find one's passion and dedicate oneself to it wholeheartedly.

5. Is greatness limited to famous or well-known individuals?

No, greatness is not limited to fame or public recognition. Many great individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes, making significant contributions in their communities, professions, or families. Greatness can be found in everyday acts of kindness, innovation, and dedication.

6. Can greatness be maintained, or is it a fleeting accomplishment?

Greatness can be sustained through continued effort and a commitment to excellence. However, it's important to recognize that greatness can be subject to fluctuations and challenges. Maintaining greatness often requires adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to evolve with changing circumstances.



"The Greatest" is a title reserved for those who have achieved extraordinary excellence, made a profound impact on the world, and inspired generations. While greatness takes various forms and is often subjective, it is characterized by traits such as excellence, resilience, impact, and inspiration. Figures like Muhammad Ali, Leonardo da Vinci, Nelson Mandela, and Marie Curie exemplify these qualities and continue to inspire us.

Ultimately, greatness is not an unattainable ideal but a path that anyone can embark upon by setting high standards, pursuing their passions, and working tirelessly to make a positive difference in the world. Whether you aspire to be "The Greatest" in your chosen field or simply strive for greatness in your everyday life, the journey itself is a testament to the human spirit's limitless potential.





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