DETROIT – Move over Len Ceglarski and Snooks Kelley, as Boston College convincingly beat Wisconsin, 5-0 in the NCAA ‘Frozen Four’ Championship game. Jerry York is the new hockey legend for Boston College. This was York’s fourth NCAA title in 38 years of college coaching. Ceglarski and Kelley were previous successful Boston College hockey coaches but York has now surpassed their legacies.
Photo by Jonathon Knight, Rolco Sports Network
In front of a record crowd, (37,592) at Ford Field and a nationally televised audience on ESPN, BC dominated the highly ranked Badgers. “They were the best team we played all year,” said BC Coach York. His grace and enthusiasm shined as he bragged about the A-plus way Detroit hosted the finals. He also complimented opposing Coach Mike Eaves and his Badgers. York was visibly impressed by Wisconsin’s six defensemen. “They were the strongest and biggest we played,” continued York.
John Muse, the Boston College junior, gave all the credit to his teammates but Coach Jerry York praised the goalie as rising to the occasion for the big win. Muse upped his NCAA tournament record to 8-0. Two years ago, as a freshman, he led the Eagles to a NCAA title. Muse had 20 saves in this year’s title game. “It’s really not me; it’s everyone in the locker room. My defense is right there to clear it out of the way,” said Muse in the post game interview.
This was the 16th season at BC for York and he added, “John Muse was clearly on his game tonight.”
Eagle senior Ben Smith scored a first period power play goal which became the game winner. BC got four more in the third period to ice the game. It was the constant pressure of Boston College that turned the tide in their favor. Said York, “We play an equivalent of a basketball full press we shut down the shooting lanes. I actually recruit for a fast and disciplined player. Most important, we recruit great attitudes. We call it the Eagle Way.”
The four seniors on Boston College ended up winning 101 games in their collegiate career. Matt Price, Matt Lombardi, Carl Sneep and Smith included a 25-2, NCAA postseason total.
Sophomore, Cam Atkinson had two goals for the winners. Next years tournament will be in St. Paul, Minnesota hosted by the University of Minnesota.
(Raymond Rolak is a Michigan based Sports Broadcaster)
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
F- Cam Atkinson, Boston College
F- Ben Smith, Boston College
F- Joe Whitney, Boston College
D- Brendan Smith, Wisconsin
D- Brian Dumoulin, Boston College
G- John Muse, Boston College
Most Outstanding Player, Ben Smith, Boston College