Hold Up … The Belfast Beanpot Would Not Replace the Regular Old Beanpot
The Beanpot…in Belfast?
Well, not really. This would just be the Belfast Beanpot. The regular old Beanpot will continue as it always has in the great city of Boston.
In a statement realeased this afternoon by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s staff, the proposed overseas hockey tournament backed by the Mayor earlier today in an interview with the BBC Belfast affiliate would not replace the longtime college hockey tradition.
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Unfortunately for Mayor Walsh, his original quotes in the BBC article regarding the overseas hockey tournament did not clarify the original Boston-based college hockey battle would remain intact.
“In the 62 years since its inception it has become the official battle for Boston’s hockey bragging rights and is widely known as the ‘social event of the winter season’,’’ Walsh told the BBC during a visit to Odyssey Arena as part of his overseas tour.
“In light of the recent Sister City twinning between Belfast and Boston, which is underpinned by a longstanding connection between the two cities through ice hockey, I think it would be wonderful to bring the Beanpot to Belfast and am lending my support to the campaign.’’
The Beanpot, which features Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern University, and Harvard University, has been played at Boston Garden and TD Garden since 1954.
“You’re used the tradition of playing in the Boston Garden, but a chance to bring hockey international, and particularly college hockey international, I think it’d be great for the colleges,’’ Walsh said.
A delegation from Belfast will be headed to Boston next month, when they will meet with the NCAA and representatives from each college to discuss if a Belfast Beanpot is a realistic venture to pursue.
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