BC retires Gionta’s jersey
Eagles legend honored
There’s little doubt that Boston College hockey legend Brian Gionta owns a rich dossier of accolades: NCAA title. Beanpot championship. All-American recognition. The all-time goal scorer at The Heights with 123 lamp-lighters.
It’s difficult to pinpoint one signature moment, although his epic performance on Jan. 27, 2001, in a 7-2 drubbing against Maine goaltenders Matt Yeats and Mike Morrison, which saw Gionta score five goals on five shots in one period certainly stands out.
Incomparable feats like that led to Gionta, who had the rare feat of serving as captain of BC, Buffalo (NHL), Montreal (NHL), and the U.S. Olympic team, getting his jersey No. 12 raised to the Kelley Rink rafters on Saturday as a plethora of former teammates and other ex-Eagles skaters nodded approval. Those same players were equally quick to point out Gionta’s off-ice leadership qualities and humble nature as much as producing on-ice thrills.
“He was the ultimate team player, a competitive player but his contributions on the ice don’t compare to the great person he is off the ice. I was proud to play with him,” said BC great Jeff Farkas, who once had a 5-goal game against Dartmouth en route to becoming BC’s coNo. 6 all-time scorer.
Former Hobey Baker Award winner Mike Mottau, who preceded Gionta as captain, said, “I would say he was the most electrifying college player I ever played with or against. It was easy for me as a ‘D-man’ because I would see him picking up speed in the neutral zone and I’d just throw it up to him and watch him do the rest.”
Few persons were more pumped for the ceremony than Gionta’s 36-year-old brother, Stephen, nicknamed ‘Little G’, who followed a similar path to BC and later with New Jersey.
“It’s an unbelievable honor. He’s one of the all-time greats,” said Stephen.”To see his jersey go up and with the U.S. Hall of Fame induction earlier in the year is great to see.”
Quiz of the Week: Tyler Wall is the first UML goalie to wear the captain’s “C” since 1993-94. Which masked man wore the “C” for the River Hawks that season? Answer below.
Bruins Bulldog
With long locks peeking from under the helmet and a 6-foot-3 frame that masks a fluid stride, there is little doubt that Yale sophomore center Curtis Hall is destined to be a future fan favorite. Hall, whom the Bruins selected in the 4th round (No. 119) in 2018 has been a revelation since playing for the U.S. at the World Juniors. Hall leads Yale with 14 goals after erupting for a goal, 2 assists in Friday’s 4-4 tie at Harvard. Hall’s dad, Mike, played one year under York at Bowling Green and three more seasons under Hyde Park native and Boston University standout Buddy Powers.
“He’s a terrific player. He’s strong. He’s very good on faceoffs. He gets to the net front on power plays. I think he’s one of the more impactful players in our (ECAC) league,” said Harvard coach and ex-Bruins skater Ted Donato.
Also, Yale freshman forward Elle Hartje (2-1-3), who keyed the 5-3 win over Colgate, is the daughter of exHarvard center Tod Hartje, who played on the 1989 NCAA Champs. Harte was the first North American to play in the Soviet Championship League (1990) and penned a book, “From Behind the Red Line” about the experience..
Slapshots
The Hockey East search committee to select its next commissioner reportedly interviewed four finalists on Wednesday. One unconfirmed name that surfaced is that of Worcester State athletic director Michael Mudd, a former St. Lawrence University goaltender, who played for Saints coaching legend and Lynn native Joe Marsh. Efforts to reach Mudd on Sunday were unsuccessful.
Former Boston Herald Dream Team member Michaela Boyle, of Reading, reached a milestone for Robert Morris over the weekend when the sophomore potted her 20th goal. Boyle has goals in three straight games. … NU junior Lauren MacInnis, who nabbed the Beanpot double-OT game-winner, is the daughter of ex-NHL Hall of Famer Al MacInnis and wears the same jersey No. 2 as her dad did. … Don’t look now but AIC (18-11-1, 18-5-1 AHL), has won nine straight and vaulted to the top in Atlantic Hockey. Senior forward Hugo Reinhardt of Sweden leads in goals (12) while senior forward Blake Christensen tops in points (26). … Curry senior forward Billy Vizzo had a 5-point game with a hat trick to beat Salve Regina. … Junior Barclay Gammil (3-0-3), sophomore Devin Moore (0-4-4), and freshman Cole Poliziani (3-1-4) led the way for Trinity against Bowdoin.
Kudos to Norfolk native Coleman Noonan, a former winner of the Joe Concannon Award as New England’s top Div. 2-3 player, on being inducted into the Saint Anselm Hall of Fame. Noonan’s brother, Garrett, starred at BU.
Quiz Answer
Dwayned Roloson. Drop the puck!