Boston University History
For hockey fans, Boston University (BU) has always been a powerhouse in college hockey. Not only has the BU men’s ice hockey team won five national championships, but they have also produced some of the most successful and memorable players in the NHL. But what truly sets BU apart from other universities is their rich history of upsets and wins, making them a force to be reckoned with on the ice.
From their intense rivalry with Boston College to their legendary players and coaches, Boston University has a long list of memorable moments that have solidified their place in college hockey history. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most thrilling and unforgettable upsets and wins in BU’s history.
Mike Eruzione’s Game-Winning Goal at the 1980 Winter Olympics
Who can forget the iconic Miracle on Ice game between the United States and the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics? The game itself was a major upset, with the young and inexperienced American team defeating the formidable Soviet team, which had won the last four Olympic gold medals.
Among the American players on the ice that day was none other than Boston University alumni Mike Eruzione. Eruzione, who served as the team captain, scored the game-winning goal in the third period, leading the U.S. to a 4-3 victory. This historic moment not only put BU on the map, but it also propelled Eruzione to become a household name and a symbol of American pride and perseverance.
Travis Roy’s Inspirational Story
In 1995, BU was poised to have a successful season, with promising player Travis Roy leading the team. However, tragedy struck during Roy’s first collegiate game when a freak accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite this devastating blow, Roy remained an integral part of the BU hockey family, inspiring not only his teammates but also the entire hockey community with his positive attitude and determination.
To honor Roy’s resilience and perseverance, BU established the Travis Roy Foundation, which has raised over $9 million for spinal cord injury research and support for individuals with disabilities. Roy’s story continues to inspire, and his impact on the hockey world and BU will never be forgotten.
1997 National Championship Win
After their devastating loss to Michigan in the 1996 championship game, BU came back stronger than ever the following year. Led by standout players Chris Drury, Tom Poti, and Jay Pandolfo, the Terriers took down heavily favored North Dakota in the championship game, winning their first title since 1978.
But their journey to the top was not an easy one. In the semifinal game against Boston College, BU found themselves down 2-1 in the third period. However, with just over a minute left in the game, Shawn Bates scored the tying goal, and then Drury scored in overtime to secure the win. With this victory, BU showed their resilience and determination, solidifying themselves as a true underdog story.
Beating BC in the Beanpot 1995–1999
The annual Beanpot tournament, held in February, is an intense battle between BU, Boston College, Harvard, and Northeastern. Winning the Beanpot is a matter of pride for these fierce rivals, making it a highly anticipated event among hockey fans in Boston.
But between 1995 and 1999, BU reigned supreme, winning the Beanpot five times in a row. Their dominance during this period, especially against their biggest rival, BC, showcased the strength and talent of the Terriers and cemented their place as a top college hockey program.
The Emergence of Jack Eichel
In 2014, BU welcomed a highly touted freshman, Jack Eichel, to the team. And it didn’t take long for him to make his mark. In his first season, Eichel led the nation in points and was named the NCAA’s player of the year. His standout performance on the ice not only propelled BU to the Frozen Four, but it also landed him a spot on the U.S. national team and made him a top prospect for the upcoming NHL draft.
BU fans got to witness Eichel’s remarkable talent for just one season, as he quickly moved on to the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres the following year. However, his brief time at BU left a lasting impression and further solidified the university’s reputation for producing top NHL talent.
To summarize
From the 1980 Miracle on Ice goal to the emergence of powerhouse players like Mike Eruzione, Jack Eichel, and Travis Roy, BU’s history is filled with historic upsets and wins that have captivated the hockey world. These moments not only showcase the grit and resilience of BU’s athletes, but also the rich history and strong legacy of one of the top college hockey programs in the country.
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