The Bruins faithful got a sneak peek at what the future might look like-and it was wearing maroon and gold under the bright lights of TD Garden.
In the first semifinal of the 73rd Annual Beanpot Tournament, a trio of high-end Bruins prospects led No. 11 Boston College to a commanding 5-1 win over Harvard, punching their ticket to the championship game for the second straight year. And if you're a Bruins fan, this one had to feel extra sweet-not just for the win, but for the glimpse into what could be coming down the pipeline.
Let’s start with the headliners: James Hagens and Dean Letourneau, Boston’s two most recent first-round draft picks, put on a show. Hagens, the seventh overall pick in 2025, tallied two goals and an assist, while Letourneau, taken 25th overall in 2024, added a goal and a helper of his own. The duo didn’t just play well-they took over the game early, setting the tone for a dominant opening period that left Harvard scrambling.
And then there’s Andre Gasseau, the 2021 seventh-rounder who’s quietly built himself into a legitimate prospect. With two assists on the night, Gasseau hit the 100-point milestone for his college career-an impressive benchmark that speaks to his development and consistency. Together, the trio gave Bruins fans a reason to smile, showcasing skill, poise, and chemistry on the very ice they hope to call home in the not-too-distant future.
Boston College head coach Greg Brown certainly appreciated the moment-and the maturity his young stars showed in it.
“They’ve been playing well for a while now, but of course, when they come here … they want to put a good step forward and do well,” Brown said postgame. “You don’t know how kids are going to try too hard sometimes, but our guys didn’t. They stayed right in the moment.”
That’s no small thing. The Beanpot is a pressure cooker-especially for players with NHL futures and expectations already swirling. But Hagens and Letourneau played like veterans, not prospects under the microscope.
For Hagens, this game was about more than just stats. After skating with the Bruins during preseason and deciding to return to BC, he made it clear there was unfinished business. A Beanpot title is high on that list.
“It’s a huge part of that,” Hagens said. “It’s one of the reasons why I wanted to go to school here, just the rich history of the Beanpot. Being able to step on that ice and be a part of it is really special and I’m grateful to be here.”
He wasted no time making his mark. Midway through the first period, Hagens pounced on a rebound in front to make it 2-0.
Less than three minutes later, he finished off a beautiful give-and-go with freshman Oscar Hemming, tapping in a backdoor pass to stretch the lead to 3-0. Two goals in under three minutes-both showcasing his hockey IQ and nose for the net.
Harvard briefly pushed back early in the second when Ryan Healey, a 2022 fourth-round pick of the Minnesota Wild, finished off a chaotic flurry in front to cut the deficit to 3-1. For a moment, it looked like momentum might swing. But even as Harvard pressed, BC didn’t flinch.
Eagles freshman goaltender Louka Cloutier-drafted by Colorado in the fifth round in 2024-was calm under fire, stopping 18 shots in the first period alone and finishing with 30 saves on the night. His performance in the opening frame gave BC the breathing room to build their lead, and his poise between the pipes helped them weather Harvard’s second-period surge.
Harvard goaltender Ben Charette did everything he could to keep the Crimson in it, turning aside 20 shots in the second period alone. But the Eagles broke through again late in the frame, this time on the power play.
Letourneau got the tip-in goal to make it 4-1, with Hagens setting it up with a one-timer from the point. That was the dagger.
Drew Fortescue, a 2023 third-round pick of the Rangers, opened the scoring early in the first, giving BC a 1-0 lead less than four minutes in. From there, it was all Eagles-relentless on the forecheck, opportunistic with their chances, and rock-solid in net.
For Boston College, this win is about more than just advancing to the Beanpot final. It’s about reclaiming a piece of tradition.
They haven’t lifted the trophy since 2016, and last year’s 4-1 loss to BU in the title game still stings. But with a core this talented-and this composed-that drought might be nearing its end.
And for Bruins fans keeping tabs from afar? Monday night was a reminder that the pipeline is alive and well. Hagens, Letourneau, and Gasseau didn’t just flash potential-they delivered in a big-game setting, right in the heart of Boston.
It’s still early, and there’s plenty of development ahead. But if this was a preview of what’s to come, the Bruins have every reason to be excited.