Get the latest Boston sports news
Receive updates on your favorite Boston teams, straight from our newsroom to your inbox.
Eamon Powell is making the most of his extra year at Boston College, and a men’s Beanpot title would make it sweeter
“His leadership, his maturity, his presence off the ice, all make us a better team, and then his play on the ice speaks for itself."
More in sports
Eamon Powell was ready to move on as the 2023-24 season was drawing to a close. The senior captain had helped lead the Boston College men’s hockey team back to the Frozen Four for the first time since 2016 before the Eagles were stunned by Denver, 2-0, in the national championship game, and was trying to figure out his next step.
The Marcellus, N.Y., native had been selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft, and the plan was to turn pro in the spring of 2024. But in the days following the loss to the Pioneers, Powell realized he could benefit from another year in college. Perhaps generously listed at 6 feet and 185 pounds, Powell knew he would be better served if he added some size.
Advertisement:
That was just fine with the BC coaching staff, which had made it clear to the defenseman that should he exercise his right to play a fifth year, one granted by the NCAA to athletes who played during the pandemic, he would be welcomed back at Chestnut Hill after a season in which he finished fourth nationally among defensemen in assists (33) and points (38).
“Last year was such a fun year, a historic year in BC’s hockey history,” said Powell. “I just had a blast with all the guys. I truly believed we could’ve won the national championship, and I firmly believe we have a chance to go back there this year, so that played a huge role.
Advertisement:
“You only get this time once in your life, so I’m really grateful to be back here. I’m just kind of soaking it up.”
The bonus year also gives Powell another opportunity to check off a box he has yet to do — bring a Beanpot title to BC. Last year’s squad lost to Boston University, 4-3, in the opening round. It was the fourth straight tournament the Eagles did not reach the final, and the third for Powell. (The Beanpot was not held during the pandemic in 2021.) Of the four schools, the Eagles have the longest drought, having last claimed the trophy in 2016.
“After that game, I think everyone in that locker room knew we didn’t play up to our expectations, but moving forward, I think we each kind of looked at each other and knew we weren’t going to let that happen again,” said Powell.
Powell believes the lesson served as a catalyst for the 15-game winning streak that led them to the national championship game. It’s one that he and his teammates hope to carry into this year’s Beanpot, which begins Monday at TD Garden. BU (14-9-1) will take on Harvard (7-11-2) in the opener at 5 p.m., followed by BC (19-4-1) and two-time defending champion Northeastern (9-12-3) in the nightcap. Both games will air on NESN.
Advertisement:
As was the case for last year’s tournament, BC enters as the favorite and is riding a seven-game winning streak, perched atop the PairWise rankings, the system used to select and seed the NCAA tournament. Coach Greg Brown is happy to have Powell back, serving as the captain for a squad that looks to break through and play in the second game on the second Monday night in February.
“His leadership, his maturity, his presence off the ice, all make us a better team, and then his play on the ice speaks for itself,” said Brown. “He can play in every situation. He can defend against top players in the country. He can create offense from the back end, power play, penalty killing. He helps us in every aspect of the game.”
Powell is savoring the extra year off the ice as well. Having graduated with a business degree from the Carroll School of Management last spring, he is working toward a graduate certificate in sports administration.
He’s also enjoying time with his family. Older brother Emmet played one season in Finland after graduating from Wesleyan, but recently hung up the skates and works in South Boston. Younger brother Seamus played one season at BC with Eamon before transferring to Merrimack. The two try to catch each other’s games when their schedules do not conflict, and faced each other when the teams split a series last month. Having his siblings in close proximity has made it easier for parents Chris and Katie to connect with all three of their sons when they travel to Boston for games.
Advertisement:
They will be locked in when Eamon takes the ice Monday night for his final Beanpot. Northeastern has won five of the last six tournaments, and the teams split a series in November, with the home team prevailing each night.
“It’s going to be a great atmosphere again,” said Powell. “It’s going to be another great task. Northeastern always seems to do very well in the Beanpot, so it’s going to be a great battle. It’s a great introduction to playoff hockey as we make our way down the stretch.”
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com