Boston College Ends Beanpot Drought in Statement Win Over Boston University
It might be a quieter stretch in the pro hockey world, but the college ranks are keeping things lively - and few events capture that energy quite like the Beanpot. The annual Boston-based tournament always delivers its share of drama, and this year’s title game between Boston College and Boston University didn’t disappoint. It was a rivalry showdown with real stakes, and for a couple of Flyers prospects suiting up for BU, it was a night that started with promise but ended in frustration.
BU Jumps Ahead, But BC Takes Over
The Terriers came out flying. Less than three minutes in, Brandon Svoboda found the back of the net and gave BU an early lead.
For a brief stretch, it looked like they might take control. They had the energy, the momentum, and a few chances to widen the gap.
But Boston College didn’t flinch.
The Eagles weathered the early push and used two key penalty kills to turn the tide. Then, on their first power play of the night, Bruins prospect Andre Gasseau cashed in - a goal that not only tied the game but shifted the momentum squarely in BC’s favor.
From that point on, the Eagles took over.
Will Vote put BC ahead late in the second period, and Lukas Gustafsson followed with a power play tally to make it 3-1. When Gasseau struck again on the man advantage early in the third, it was clear the Eagles weren’t just looking to win - they were making a statement.
Gasseau’s second of the night pushed the lead to 4-1, and while BU’s Cole Eiserman briefly cut into the deficit with a power play goal late in the third, BC had an answer almost immediately. Dean Letourneau scored just over a minute later, and Vote sealed it with an empty-netter to cap off a 6-2 win.
A Long Time Coming for BC
This win was more than just another notch in the rivalry. It marked Boston College’s first Beanpot title in a decade - a surprising drought for a program that’s been loaded with talent in recent years.
But that’s the nature of a single-elimination tournament. You don’t always get what the roster says you should.
This time, though, BC delivered on its promise, and did it in emphatic fashion.
On the other side, it’s a tough pill to swallow for BU. Not only did they fall short in a marquee rivalry game, but it adds to a troubling trend.
Over their last eight games against conference opponents, the Terriers have just one win and one tie to show for it. With only five games left in the regular season, the runway is getting short - and so are the odds of locking down an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament.
For a team that made it all the way to the national championship game just last spring, that’s a steep drop.
Flyers Prospects in the Spotlight
Even in a tough loss, there were some encouraging moments for Flyers fans keeping tabs on the college pipeline. Freshman forward Jack Murtagh, skating on BU’s fourth line, didn’t get a ton of ice time, but he made the most of his chances.
He was noticeable early, showing some jump in the first period and nearly setting up Svoboda for a second goal with a slick cross-ice feed to a prime scoring area. Svoboda missed the net, but the setup was sharp - a flash of vision and poise that stood out.
Later in the second, Murtagh created a solid look for himself, weaving through traffic at the blue line and working his way into the left circle for a shot - his only one of the game, but a good example of his ability to generate offense on his own. It wasn’t a breakout game, but it was a glimpse of what he might bring as he grows into a bigger role.
Senior Owen McLaughlin, meanwhile, saw limited action. He’s been shuffled around BU’s lineup all season, and lately he’s been used as the extra forward - a tough spot for any player, let alone one in his final college season. He brought some pace in the few shifts he got, but didn’t register a shot attempt.
For McLaughlin, it’s a disappointing way to go out in a tournament like this. But for Murtagh, this is the kind of experience that can pay dividends down the line.
Big-game reps, even in a loss, are valuable. And if BU can regroup and come back stronger next season, Murtagh could be a key piece in that turnaround - now with a better understanding of what it takes when the lights are brightest.
The Bigger Picture
This year’s Beanpot final was more than just another chapter in the BC-BU rivalry - it was a microcosm of two programs heading in different directions, at least for now. Boston College looks like a team ready to make noise in March. Boston University, meanwhile, is searching for answers with the clock ticking on their season.
And for NHL fans watching the next wave of talent, especially those in Philadelphia, there were some intriguing signs. Murtagh’s game is still developing, but the tools are there. Nights like this one - high-stakes, high-pressure - are where young players start to figure out who they are.