2020–21 Boston College Eagles men's ice hockey season

The 2020–21 Boston College Eagles men's ice hockey team represented Boston College in the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey season. The team was coached by Jerry York, '67, his twenty-seventh season behind the bench at Boston College. The Eagles played their home games at Kelley Rink on the campus of Boston College, competing in Hockey East.

2020–21 Boston College Eagles
men's ice hockey season
NCAA Tournament, Regional final
Conference1st Hockey East
Home iceKelley Rink
Rankings
USCHO.com#6 (Final)
USA Today/
US Hockey Magazine
#6 (Final)
Record
Overall17–6–1
Conference16–4–1
Home10–3–1
Road7–2–0
Neutral0–1–0
Coaches and captains
Head coachJerry York
Assistant coachesMike Ayers
Brendan Buckley
Brooks Orpik
Captain(s)Marc McLaughlin
Alternate captain(s)Logan Hutsko
Michael Karow
Patrick Giles
Boston College Eagles men's ice hockey seasons
« 2019–20 2021–22 »

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no out-of-conference games were scheduled for the regular season, nor any traditional mid-season tournaments. As a result, the Eagles did not compete in any tournaments, including the annual Beanpot championship, which would have been in its 69th year of competition.

The Eagles finished the season 17–6–1, and 16–4–1 in conference play, good for 1st place in Hockey East, however, no regular season title was officially awarded due to disparate scheduling among the conference. They advanced to the semifinals of the Hockey East tournament where they lost 5–6 in double overtime to the UMass Lowell River Hawks. Boston College returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016, as the top seed of the Northeast Regional hosted in Albany, New York. Their first round meeting with Notre Dame was ruled a no-contest as the Fighting Irish were forced to withdraw from the tournament due to COVID-19 protocols, and the Eagles advanced to the Regional final via forfeit. There, they were defeated by the St. Cloud State Huskies by a score of 1–4.

Previous season recap

The Eagles entered the 2020–21 season following a strong 2019–20 effort. With a 24–8–2 record, going 17–6–1 in conference play, the Eagles finished first in Hockey East and captured their 20th regular season title; rebounding from a 7th-place finish in the previous year. However, that would be the only post-season trophy possible to earn, as both the Hockey East and NCAA tournaments were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic before any games were played. The Eagles were a likely NCAA tournament qualifier which would have ended a three-year drought from the nationals. Additionally, they failed to secure any mid-season tournament title, their only tournament result being their third-place Beanpot finish.

Departures

Thirteen Eagles departed from the program from the 2019–20 roster:

Graduation:

  • Luke McInnis, Senior – D
  • Ben Finkelstein, Senior – D
  • Connor Moore, Senior – D
  • Jesper Mattila, Senior – D
  • Zach Walker, Senior – F
  • David Cotton, Senior – F
  • Mike Merulla, Senior – F
  • Julius Mattila, Senior – F
  • Graham McPhee, Senior – F
  • Ron Greco, Senior – F
  • Ryan Edquist, Senior – G

Signed Professionally:

Not Retained:

  • Adin Farhat, Junior – G

Mid-Season Departures:

  • Stephen Davies, Freshman – D (Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL, did not dress for any games and signed during the winter break)[2]
  • Logan Hutsko, Senior – F (Florida Panthers, signed after season-ending injury in February 2021)[3]

Recruiting

Boston College added eleven freshmen for the 2020–21 season: six forwards, four defensemen, and a goalie.[4][5] Additionally, sophomore forward Liam Izyk transferred into the program from the Alabama–Huntsville Chargers.[6]

Player  PositionNationalityNotes
Stephen DavisDefenseman  United StatesHingham, MA; Played for the Madison Capitols of the USHL.
Tim LovellDefenseman  United StatesHingham, MA; Played for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL.
Eamon PowellDefenseman  United StatesMarcellus, NY; Drafted 116th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2020 Draft, played for the USNTDP of the USHL.
Jack AgnewDefenseman  CanadaOakville, ON; Played for the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL.
Nikita NesterenkoForward  United StatesBrooklyn, NY; Drafted 172nd overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2019 Draft, Played for the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL.
Gentry ShamburgerForward  United StatesAtlanta, GA; Played for Avon Old Farms in the New England prep league, the Founders League.
Trevor KuntarForward  United StatesBuffalo, NY; Drafted 89th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2020 Draft, played for the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL.
Danny WeightForward  United StatesLattingtown, NY; Played for the Penticton Vees of the BCHL.
Harrison RoyForward  United StatesLakeville, MA; Played for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL.
Colby AmbrosioForward  CanadaWelland, ON; Drafted 118th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2020 Draft, Played for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL.
Liam IzykForward  CanadaBlackie, AB; Sophomore transfer from the Alabama–Huntsville Chargers, playing in the WHCA.
Henry WilderGoalie  United StatesNeedham, MA; Played for the Hotchkiss School in the New England prep league, the Founders League.

Additionally, some mid-season roster additions occurred during the winter break:

  • Junior defenseman Jack St. Ivany transferred from Yale and was immediately eligible to play.[7]
  • Senior goaltender Adin Farhat was officially recalled from the club team, as he not retained on the roster at the beginning of the season.[8]

2020–2021 roster

2020–21 Eagles

As of January 9, 2021.[9]

No.S/P/CPlayerClassPosHeightWeightDoBHometownPrevious teamNHL rights
1 Adin FarhatSeniorG5' 11" (1.8 m)165 lb (75 kg)1998-05-03Hollis, New HampshireLoomis Chaffee (USHS–NH)
2 Michael Karow (A)SeniorD6' 2" (1.88 m)209 lb (95 kg)1998-12-18Green Bay, WisconsinYoungstown (USHL)ARI, 126th overall 2017
3 Jack St. IvanyJuniorD6' 3" (1.91 m)200 lb (91 kg)1999-07-22Manhattan Beach, CaliforniaYale (ECAC)PHI, 112th overall 2018
4 Drew HellesonSophomoreD6' 2" (1.88 m)191 lb (87 kg)2001-03-26Farmington, MinnesotaUSNTDP (USHL)COL, 47th overall 2019
5 Marshall WarrenSophomoreD5' 11" (1.8 m)163 lb (74 kg)2001-04-20Laurel Hollow, New YorkUSNTDP (USHL)MIN, 166th overall 2019
6 Tim LovellFreshmanD5' 8" (1.73 m)150 lb (68 kg)2002-02-08Hingham, MassachusettsDes Moines (USHL)
7 Eamon PowellFreshmanD5' 11" (1.8 m)170 lb (77 kg)2002-05-10Marcellus, New YorkUSNTDP (USHL)TBL, 116th overall 2020
8 Jack AgnewFreshmanD6' 0" (1.83 m)200 lb (91 kg)2001-10-22Oakville, OntarioChilliwack (BCHL)
9 Logan Hutsko (A)SeniorF5' 11" (1.8 m)175 lb (79 kg)1999-02-11Tampa, FloridaUSNTDP (USHL)FLA, 89th overall 2018
10 Mitch AndresSophomoreD6' 1" (1.85 m)201 lb (91 kg)1998-09-02Brainerd, MinnesotaChilliwack (BCHL)
11 Jack McBainJuniorF6' 4" (1.93 m)208 lb (94 kg)2000-01-06Toronto, OntarioToronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL)MIN, 63rd overall 2018
12 Matt BoldySophomoreF6' 2" (1.88 m)194 lb (88 kg)2001-04-05Millis, MassachusettsUSNTDP (USHL)MIN, 12th overall 2019
13 Nikita NesterenkoFreshmanF6' 2" (1.88 m)180 lb (82 kg)2001-09-10Brooklyn, New YorkChilliwack (BCHL)MIN, 172nd overall 2019
14 Gentry ShamburgerFreshmanF6' 0" (1.83 m)200 lb (91 kg)2000-09-29Atlanta, GeorgiaAvon Old Farms (USHS–CT)
15 Trevor KuntarFreshmanF6' 0" (1.83 m)200 lb (91 kg)2001-06-20Buffalo, New YorkYoungstown (USHL)BOS, 89th overall 2020
17 Danny WeightFreshmanF6' 0" (1.83 m)175 lb (79 kg)2001-05-01Lattingtown, New YorkPenticton (BCHL)
18 Alex NewhookSophomoreF5' 11" (1.8 m)193 lb (88 kg)2001-01-28St. John's, NewfoundlandVictoria (BCHL)COL, 16th overall 2019
19 Mike HardmanSophomoreF6' 2" (1.88 m)204 lb (93 kg)1999-02-05Hanover, MassachusettsWest Kelowna (BCHL)
21 Liam IzykSophomoreF6' 1" (1.85 m)190 lb (86 kg)1998-12-27Blackie, AlbertaAlabama Huntsville (WCHA)
22 Casey CarreauJuniorF5' 9" (1.75 m)185 lb (84 kg)1998-03-08Acushnet, MassachusettsBoston Jr. Bruins (NCDC)
24 Patrick Giles (A)JuniorF6' 5" (1.96 m)217 lb (98 kg)2000-01-03Chevy Chase, MarylandUSNTDP (USHL)
25 Marc McLaughlin (C)JuniorF6' 0" (1.83 m)210 lb (95 kg)1999-07-26North Billerica, MassachusettsCedar Rapids (USHL)
26 Harrison RoyFreshmanF6' 1" (1.85 m)190 lb (86 kg)2000-01-17Lakeville, MassachusettsDes Moines (USHL)
27 Colby AmbrosioFreshmanF5' 9" (1.75 m)170 lb (77 kg)2002-08-07Welland, OntarioTri-City (USHL)COL, 118th overall 2020
30 Spencer KnightSophomoreG6' 3" (1.91 m)192 lb (87 kg)2001-04-19Darien, ConnecticutUSNTDP (USHL)FLA, 13th overall 2019
31 Henry WilderFreshmanG6' 1" (1.85 m)183 lb (83 kg)2001-03-19Needham, MassachusettsHotchkiss (USHS–CT)
32 Jack MoffattSophomoreG6' 3" (1.91 m)192 lb (87 kg)2001-01-08Wellesley, MassachusettsSt. Sebastian's (USHS–MA)

Coaching staff

NamePositionSeasons at
Boston College
Alma Mater
Jerry YorkHead Coach27thBoston College (1967)
Mike AyersAssociate Head Coach8thUniversity of New Hampshire (2004)
Brendan BuckleyAssociate Head Coach3rdBoston College (1999)
Brooks OrpikAssistant Coach1stBoston College (2001)

Standings

Conference recordOverall record
GPWLTOTWOTLSOWHEPIGFGAGPWLTGFGA
#6 Boston College21164132058.6182462417619158
#11 Boston University14103131156.3649371610515245
#1 Massachusetts *22135411155.44764229205410348
Connecticut221010214252.01696323101127069
#16 Providence23108500250.8063612511957167
Northeastern2098310349.946860219936964
#19 Massachusetts–Lowell1678111048.0046532010915963
Maine15310201246.6641611631124368
Merrimack18511201045.3847661851124766
New Hampshire21513332243.6651832361436088
Vermont1219200038.0217371311022042
Championship: March 20, 2021[10]
No Regular Season Champion Awarded[11]
* indicates conference tournament champion (Lamoriello Trophy)
Rankings: USCHO.com Top 20 Poll

Schedule

[12]

DateTimeOpponent#Rank#SiteTVDecisionResultAttendanceRecord
Regular season
November 276:00 pm#7 Massachusetts#2Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, MassachusettsNESNKnightW 4–3 01–0–0 (1–0–0)
November 284:30 pmat #7 Massachusetts#2Mullins CenterAmherst, MassachusettsNESN+KnightW 6–3 02–0–0 (2–0–0)
December 46:00 pm#12 Providence#2Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, MassachusettsNESNKnightW 3–0 03–0–0 (3–0–0)
December 57:00 pmat #12 Providence#2Schneider ArenaProvidence, Rhode IslandNESNKnightW 9–0 04–0–0 (4–0–0)
December 116:00 pmConnecticut#2Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, MassachusettsNESNWilderW 4–3 OT05–0–0 (5–0–0)
December 123:30 pmat Connecticut#2Freitas Ice ForumStorrs, Connecticut WilderL 1–3 05–1–0 (5–1–0)
January 87:00 pmNew Hampshire#2Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, MassachusettsNESNWilderL 3–4 OT05–2–0 (5–2–0)
January 104:00 pmat New Hampshire#2Whittemore CenterDurham, New Hampshire KnightW 3–2 OT06–2–0 (6–2–0)
January 167:00 pmMerrimack#3Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, MassachusettsNESNKnightW 2–1 07–2–0 (7–2–0)
January 174:00 pmat Merrimack#3Lawler RinkNorth Andover, Massachusetts KnightW 5–3 08–2–0 (8–2–0)
January 224:00 pmConnecticut#1Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, Massachusetts KnightT 3–3 SOL08–2–1 (8–2–1)
January 234:00 pmat Connecticut#1Freitas Ice ForumStorrs, Connecticut KnightW 4–2 09–2–1 (9–2–1)
February 27:00 pmat #14 Northeastern#1Matthews ArenaBoston, MassachusettsNESN+KnightW 6–2 010–2–1 (10–2–1)
February 57:00 pm#15 Boston University#1Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, Massachusetts (Green Line Rivalry)NESN+KnightW 4–3 OT011–2–1 (11–2–1)
February 67:00 pmat #15 Boston University#1Walter Brown ArenaBoston, Massachusetts (Green Line Rivalry) KnightL 1–3 011–3–1 (11–3–1)
February 127:00 pmUMass Lowell#1Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, MassachusettsNESN+KnightW 7–1 012–3–1 (12–3–1)
February 136:00 pmat UMass Lowell#1Tsongas CenterLowell, Massachusetts KnightW 4–3 013–3–1 (13–3–1)
February 197:00 pmMaine#1Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, MassachusettsNESN+KnightW 4–2 014–3–1 (14–3–1)
February 205:00 pmMaine#1Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, MassachusettsNESNKnightW 3–0 015–3–1 (15–3–1)
February 267:00 pm#9 Massachusetts#1Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, MassachusettsNESN+KnightL 2–3 OT015–4–1 (15–4–1)
March 55:00 pm#18 Northeastern#2Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, Massachusetts KnightW 4–2 016–4–1 (16–4–1)
Hockey East Tournament
March 144:30 pmNew Hampshire*#1Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, Massachusetts (Quarterfinals)NESNKnightW 3–2 017–4–1 (16–4–1)
March 174:30 pmUMass Lowell*#1Kelley RinkChestnut Hill, Massachusetts (Semifinals)NESNKnightL 5–6 2OT017–5–1 (16–4–1)
NCAA Tournament
March 271:00pmvs. #18 Notre Dame*#2Times Union CenterAlbany, New York (Regional semifinal, Holy War on Ice)ESPNews  No Contest    
March 285:30pmvs. #7 St. Cloud State*#2Times Union CenterAlbany, New York (Regional final)ESPN2KnightL 1–4 1,13617–6–1 (16–4–1)
*Non-conference game. #Rankings from USCHO.com Poll. All times are in Eastern Time.
Attendance data from Hockey East. OTDenotes game ended in the overtime period. SOW or SOLDenotes game resulted in an official tie with a shootout win/loss.

† Notre Dame was forced to withdraw from the regional semifinal match on March 27, as the team received multiple positive COVID tests on March 25.[13] The game was ruled a no-contest and the Eagles automatically advanced to the regional final.

Rankings

PollWeek
Pre1234567891011121314151617181920Final
USCHO.com222222222311111121126
USA Today2222222223111222211376

Statistics

[14][15]

Skaters

No.PlayerPOS YR GP G A Pts PIM PP SHG GWG +/- SOG
1Adin FarhatGSR00000000E0
2Michael KarowDSR2412318000+1033
3Jack St. IvanyDJR181566000–134
4Drew HellesonDSO22411158101+2350
5Marshall WarrenDSO23381127001+1347
6Tim LovellDFR180226000+30
7Eamon PowellDFR24212146100+1225
8Jack AgnewDFR60000000–11
9Logan HutskoFSR11471110000+1137
10Mitch AndresDSO240119000+210
11Jack McBainFJR246131912001+1460
12Matt BoldyFSO221120314232+1571
13Nikita NesterenkoFFR248111918011+1249
14Gentry ShamburgerFFR120004000–10
15Trevor KuntarFFR23641033101+253
17Danny WeightFFR191120001–114
18Alex NewhookFSO1279168401–148
19Mike HardmanFSO241091914101+559
21Liam IzykFSO40000000–12
22Casey CarreauDJR235380001+239
24Patrick GilesFJR24391216001+841
25Marc McLaughlinFJR241014246235+1649
26Harrison RoyFFR2321319000–224
27Colby AmbrosioFFR2478156110+962
30Spencer KnightGSO210112000+360
31Henry WilderGFR30110000–20
32Jack MoffattGSO00000000E0
 Bench8
Team  249115224324213817+33808

Goaltenders

No.PlayerYR GS GP MINGA GAASA SV SV%SO
1Adin FarhatSR000:0000000.00001.000
30Spencer KnightSO21211296:271641472.186916440.9323
31Henry WilderFR33187:43120103.201101000.9090
32Jack MoffattSO000:0000000.00001.000
Empty Net88:0111
Team24241492:111761582.338027440.9283

Awards and honors

Players drafted into the NHL

RoundPickPlayerNHL team
394Aidan HreschukCarolina Hurricanes
7213Andre GasseauBoston Bruins

† incoming freshman[16]

References