Quinn Smith Leads Eagles to Beanpot Finals



Quinn Smith Celebrates his second goal. Photo by John Quackenbos.

Over the course of the past 61 years, the Beanpot has never failed to amaze and it certainly has always been a spotlight for even the small role players to shine. Last night, Quinn Smith, a guy that had just one goal in his whole career before three weeks ago, scored two crucial late period goals to lift the Boston College Eagles into the Beanpot finals where they will face the Northeastern Huskies next Monday night. I didn't think BC played well tonight. I thought they played absolutely outstanding from puck drop up to the final horn. All four lines were buzzing including the newly formed "big" line of Kevin Hayes, Billy Arnold, and Steven Whitney. BC looked good right from the start when Johnny G dished one out to Pat Mullane in the slot but Mullane barely missed it and therefore missed a wide open net. Even though they didn't score, it was the first of many shifts in which BC was buzzing all around the Harvard net. They got pucks deep, cycled well, and created lots of great chances on Harvard goalie Raphael Girard. I thought the third line of Pat Brown, Books Dyroff, and Quinn Smith played their second consecutive outstanding game. These guys are starting to figure out what their roles are. Get pucks deep, keep it in the zone, set a physical presence, and most of all, get pucks to the net. Last night they did that and as a result, they had a pair of goals. If you've watched him at all this year, you'd see that Pat Brown is one tough guy. I mean, he'll do anything to block a shot...even if it means getting a puck right to the ankle (happened in the first period last night). Just goes show how much he is committed to helping out this team in any way he can. I also thought Brooks Dyroff did a nice job of playing physical out there. BC doesn't have a ton of real physical guys but Dyroff is certainly one of them. You could see that a couple of his hits early on got the bench pumped up. Little things like blocking shots and making big hits can go a long way towards a victory.

As for the first two lines, I thought the Johnny G line was good but I thought the Hayes line was sensational. Hayes is a magician with the puck, Arnold will do just about anything on the ice for you, and Steven Whitney can finish better than anyone in the country. Makes for a pretty deadly combination. After Harvard's first goal midway through the third, BC continued to dominate the play but they just couldn't find the back of the net. Whitney changed that when he picked up the puck in the neutral zone and fired one so hard past Girard that I think he's still trying to figure out how it went in. While they didn't have a point, I thought Johnny G and Pat Mullane played well at times tonight. There were a couple instances where BC got caught up in their offensive end and Mullane saved a couple of Harvard odd man rushes thanks to his back checking. Back checking is just pure effort. It shows who's going to go that extra step to try and win a Beanpot championship. Pat Mullane certainly showed what he feels about trying to win this tournament with his defensive zone efforts last night.

People will try and taunt BC's young defense all they want but the bottom line is that they played rock solid last night. I said earlier this year that I think Mike Matheson could be the best defenseman in Hockey East by the time this season is all said and done. I think he is starting to make me look half intelligent with his play in both ends right now. Everybody knows about his offensive skill (I mean just look at the third BC goal) but his play in his own zone has dramatically improved from day one to now. I always say that opponents have a tough time scoring when he's on the ice because of his speed, skill, and toughness. As of today, he has the highest plus minus of any defenseman in the league. I don't think one defenseman played poorly last night. It took a few minutes for Jeke and Doherty to get the Beanpot jitters out of their system but once they did, they played some good hockey.

All in all, things are looking really good right now. I know, it's a couple of wins vs some average hockey teams but BC is clicking on all cylinders at the moment. Their power play looks as lethal as it has all year, the offense looks like it's back it's pre-December form, and the defense is playing as well as it has all year. Now, it's time get a key Hockey East win vs Lowell on Friday night before focusing on winning another Beanpot championship.

Why BC Won-

1. Total domination. First game this team has totally dominated in quite some time. A lot of guys played really, really well last night for BC.

2. Parker Milner made some huge saves early on. Harvard had a chance to tie it up on a breakaway early in the second but Milner was their like he was all night long.

3. Big games from unheralded players. Congrats to Quinn Smith on his special night. Certainly something he will never forget.

Player of the game- Quinn Smith

Next up- Lowell on Friday @ home.

Note- Congrats to Northeastern on smoking those guys from down the street. First time since 1964 a BU senior class will go without a Beanpot. How awesome.


GO EAGLES !

 Quinn Smith Leads Eagles to Beanpot Finals: A Remarkable Journey to Boston Hockey's Pinnacle

Every year, the hockey world turns its attention to the heart of Boston, where the city's college hockey teams clash in one of the sport's most storied tournaments: the Beanpot. This year, the Boston College Eagles find themselves in the finals, thanks in large part to the leadership and skill of their captain, Quinn Smith. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the journey of Quinn Smith and the Boston College Eagles to the Beanpot finals, and address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) along the way.

The Beanpot: A Hockey Tradition Unlike Any Other

The Beanpot Tournament, held annually since 1952, features the four major college hockey programs in Boston: Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, and Northeastern. It is a showcase of the region's top talent and a cherished tradition that brings together passionate fans, alumni, and the hockey community. For college players, winning the Beanpot is a dream come true and a moment they'll remember for the rest of their lives.

Quinn Smith: The Heart and Soul of the Eagles

At the center of Boston College's quest for Beanpot glory is Quinn Smith, a senior forward and the team's captain. Smith's journey to this point has been marked by hard work, perseverance, and a deep love for the game.

Early Years: Quinn Smith's hockey journey began in his hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut, where he laced up his skates at a young age. His natural talent and passion for the game quickly set him apart from his peers.

Junior Hockey: After excelling at the prep school level, Smith moved on to play junior hockey in the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he continued to develop his skills. It was during this time that he caught the attention of college scouts.

Boston College: In 2012, Smith joined the Boston College Eagles, one of the most prestigious programs in college hockey. From the moment he stepped onto the ice at Conte Forum, his work ethic and leadership qualities stood out.

Leadership Role: Smith's journey at Boston College was not without its challenges. Injuries and setbacks tested his resilience, but he remained a vital presence on the team. His dedication and leadership led to his appointment as team captain, a role he embraced with pride.

The Road to the Beanpot Finals

The path to the Beanpot finals is never easy, with fierce competition and high stakes at every turn. The Boston College Eagles, led by Quinn Smith, faced several formidable opponents on their journey.

Semi-Final Clash: In the semi-finals, the Eagles squared off against arch-rivals Boston University. The game lived up to its billing as a fiercely contested battle, with Smith scoring a pivotal goal to secure a 3-2 victory.

Harvard and Northeastern: In the preliminary rounds, Boston College overcame Harvard and Northeastern to earn their spot in the finals. Smith's consistent play and ability to inspire his teammates were on full display in these matchups.

Chasing Glory: The Beanpot finals are the pinnacle of college hockey in Boston. The Eagles, fueled by the leadership of Quinn Smith and the collective determination of the team, are poised to chase glory and add another chapter to their storied history.

FAQs About Quinn Smith and the Beanpot Finals

Let's address some frequently asked questions regarding Quinn Smith's journey to the Beanpot finals:

Q1: What are Quinn Smith's strengths as a hockey player and captain?

A1: Quinn Smith is known for his work ethic, versatility, and leadership on and off the ice. He leads by example and has the ability to inspire his teammates with his dedication and commitment.

Q2: How has Smith's leadership impacted the Boston College Eagles this season?

A2: Smith's leadership has been instrumental in the Eagles' success. He sets a high standard for work ethic and sportsmanship, creating a culture of accountability and teamwork within the team.

Q3: What challenges has Quinn Smith faced during his college hockey career?

A3: Smith has faced injuries and setbacks that tested his resilience. However, his determination to overcome these challenges and continue contributing to his team's success has been a defining characteristic of his career.

Q4: What makes the Beanpot Tournament so special in the world of college hockey?

A4: The Beanpot is special because it brings together the best college hockey programs in Boston, creating intense rivalries and passionate fan support. Winning the Beanpot is a prestigious achievement for any player or team.

Q5: What are the expectations for the Beanpot finals, and what challenges do the Eagles face?

A5: Expectations are high for the Beanpot finals, as they always are in this storied tournament. The Eagles will face a talented opponent, and they must continue to play with the same determination and teamwork that got them to this point.

Q6: How can fans watch the Beanpot finals and support Quinn Smith and the Eagles?

A6: Fans can typically watch the Beanpot finals on television or through online streaming platforms. To support Quinn Smith and the Eagles, they can attend games when possible, follow the team on social media, and show their enthusiasm and encouragement.

Quinn Smith's journey from a young hockey player in Connecticut to the captain of the Boston College Eagles competing in the Beanpot finals is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and love for the game. The Beanpot finals represent not just a chance at glory for Smith and his teammates but also a celebration of the rich tradition of college hockey in Boston. As the Eagles step onto the ice for the finals, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of their fans and the legacy of those who wore the jersey before them.