The greatest moments in Beanpot history, according to readers

As one of the biggest college hockey events in the country, the Beanpot brings together thousands of alumni and students from the Greater Boston schools to root for their teams in a battle that transcends the stadium. 

We asked Boston.com readers to indulge in their nostalgia and tell us about their favorite memories of the Beanpot. And for most respondents, a win was not everything. A journey to the Garden with friends or a watch party at home made many perfect nights.

“I loved going to this tourney frequently with my uncle, a Harvard grad and former Harvard goalie. He loves this sport, [and] has spent his entire life as an unpaid coach of numerous girls’ teams,” said Michelle M. from North Reading. “With myself a BC (undergrad) and BU (grad) alum and my husband a NU alum, it is such a special, Boston event and someone in our family ‘wins’ every year.”

Jack Williams dreamed of hitting the ice for the Beanpot as a kid in Vermont. Currently a junior at Northeastern University and the men’s hockey captain, Williams is hoping to lead his team to victory this year.

“It’s bigger than just a game. It’s about pride for the city,” Williams told Boston.com.

Speaking shortly after the Northeastern Women’s Hockey team took home the winning title on Tuesday, he said, “If we were to get a trophy on Monday, it would feel unbelievable for this group.”

Northeastern, Harvard, Boston University and Boston College will hit the TD Garden ice for the 2025 Dunkin’ Men’s Beanpot on the first two Mondays of February for the 72nd annual championship. Over 15,000 people are expected to attend the games.

Ahead, see a sampling of responses from readers sharing their favorite memories of past Beanpot tournaments.

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

The blizzard of 1978 and the ‘amusing walk home’

BU beat BC in the 1978 Beanpot during a snowstorm that transformed an ordinary game into an all-night winter adventure. The blizzard of ’78 remains legendary for some readers.

For Bob R. from Brighton, traveling to the game during the storm was a delightful challenge, “When they announced that the storm was bad and the T was shut down — it was a long, cold, windy and amusing walk home!”

Mike D. from Western Mass. remembers, “Watching it on a black and white TV while the snow piled up outside.” RT from the North End recalled how “[p]eople had to sleep in [the] Garden.”

Dedicated fans commuted from every part of New England for the storm. Once the game began, they were trapped inside of TD Garden or in for a treacherous trek back home.

“Myself and my family were at the Beanpot during the Blizzard of ’78. The trip home will never be forgotten,” said Donnie A. from Pelham, New Hampshire.

‘Eventually fights broke out’ at the 1966 game

One of the first Beanpot games remains special for JFT from Middleborough.

“My favorite Beanpot memory is from my first final as a recent transfer student to Boston University in 1966. In the championship game, the Terriers totally dominated the Crimson, and eventually fights broke out as Harvard tried to take out their frustrations,” wrote JFT. “A photo … showed Demment falling backwards to the ice, gloves off and eyes shut, from a single punch from Bassi, whose gloves were still on.”

1999 semifinal: ‘I’ll never forget how much fun I had that night’

“1999 [semifinal] BU vs. BC. Chris Heron gives the most beautiful, perfect touch pass to Russ Bartlett streaking down the opposite wing, who knifed [a] puck and redirected it past a flailing BC goalie Scott Clemmensen in OT,” said Tom from Dorchester. “BU fans and had a sore throat for a couple days after from all the screaming. I’ll never forget how much fun I had that night.”

The 2025 men’s semifinals is on Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. (Boston University vs. Harvard) and 8 p.m. (Northeastern vs. Boston College) at TD Garden. The championship game will take place on Feb. 10.

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