From college ice to the NHL spotlight, Gabe Perreault and Drew Fortescue are living the dream as teammates once again. Drafted by the New York Rangers in 2023, these two have been on a remarkable journey together, starting from their days at Boston College.
Their friendship didn’t just begin at the draft. It was forged during their time with the U.S.
National Development Program, where they spent four years honing their skills and building a strong bond. Fortescue fondly recalls, “We've been teammates ever since NTDP.
He's one of my best friends. We’re really close.”
Boston College provided the perfect backdrop for their camaraderie to flourish. Perreault reflects on the team spirit there, saying, “Everyone was super close. Age or class didn’t matter; we built relationships that we’ll remember forever.”
Their shared ambition to join the Rangers only strengthened their connection. Perreault even spent last summer with Fortescue’s family in Pearl River, New York, a testament to their tight-knit friendship.
Perreault made the leap to the NHL after his sophomore year, signing his entry-level contract with the Rangers. Meanwhile, Fortescue chose to continue his development at Boston College for another season. Despite the distance, they kept in touch, with Perreault offering insights from his NHL experience to Fortescue.
As Fortescue wrapped up his junior year, he too signed with the Rangers, reuniting with Perreault. “It’s super cool that we are both here together,” Perreault shares. “Hopefully, we can be here together for a long time.”
Their journey from college teammates to NHL partners is a testament to their talent and friendship, and it’s clear they’re just getting started.