BU vs. BC: Which School Dominates the Beanpot’s NHL Legacy?
The Beanpot hockey tournament, held in Boston, is a prestigious annual event that showcases the city’s top college teams. Since its inception in 1959, the tournament has included Boston College, Boston University, Harvard University, and Northeastern University. The tournament typically kicks off on the first Monday of February, with the semifinals and finals played the following week. All matches occur at TD Garden, home of the NHL’s Boston Bruins.
Understanding the Beanpot Legacy
This year’s semifinals feature Boston College competing against Harvard at 5 p.m. ET, followed by a match between Boston University and Northeastern at 8 p.m. Both games will be broadcasted on NHL Network. Over the years, the Beanpot has evolved beyond a local rivalry; it has become a vital arena for nurturing future NHL talent.
Current Talent Pool
As the 2023 season unfolds, a remarkable 44 players from the participating teams have been drafted by NHL organizations. Additionally, Tynan Lawrence from Boston University and Oscar Hemming from Boston College are projected as first-round picks in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft.
Championships and Achievements
- Boston University has 31 Beanpot titles and is the defending champion.
- Boston College boasts 20 championship titles.
- Boston University holds an overall record of 96 wins and 48 losses in the tournament.
- BC maintains a record of 83 wins, 60 losses, and 1 tie.
Both teams have experienced significant success. Each has claimed the NCAA championship five times and has proven to be a launching pad for NHL careers. Notably, none of the teams has won a national championship in a season without first claiming the Beanpot title.
All-Star Teams from BU and BC
Regarding their NHL alumni, experts debate which institution produces superior talent. Boston University’s roster includes top NHL figures such as:
- Jack Eichel (2014-15)
- Macklin Celebrini (2023-24)
- Brady Tkachuk (2017-18)
On defense, they feature Charlie McAvoy (2015-17) and Lane Hutson (2022-24), with Jake Oettinger (2016-19) as the goaltender. Five of these players are set to represent the U.S. in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
In contrast, Boston College presents a youthful roster, including:
- Will Smith (2023-24), who led NCAA Division I in scoring
- Cutter Gauthier (2022-24)
- Matt Boldy (2019-21)
Defensively, they have Mike Matheson (2012-15) and Noah Hanifin (2014-15) on their squad, with Spencer Knight (2019-21) guarding the net. Each player also aims to showcase their skills at the Olympics.
Conclusion: BU vs. BC
The debate on which school dominates the Beanpot and its NHL legacy remains ongoing. Boston University emphasizes its successful, veteran-laden team, while Boston College counters with its influx of young talent. As the tournament unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate which program will solidify its legacy in this historic competition.
