BC goaltender Scott Clemmensen has never been thought of at the Heights as anything but spectacular. The senior netminder already holds the all-time BC record for shutouts and has guided the Eagles to three consecutive NCAA Frozen Four appearances.
But this is the Beanpot, and without bringing the Pot back to Chestnut Hill, it’s been hard for Clemmensen to get his due.
With the title coming back to Boston College for the first time since 1994, Eagles fans are rejoicing and Clemmensen is receiving high praise.
“It’s definitely one of the fond memories for my career,” said Clemmensen after the battle was done. “As a senior, this was [my] last shot at [the Beanpot] so it was definitely important to get this one under my belt.”
The partisan BC fans that lined the glass and remained in the balcony after the game began chants of “Scotty, Scotty” as Clemmensen was presented with the Eberly Award for the best save percentage in the tournament.
“We’ve had a lot of fond memories in this building and also a lot of heartaches,” Clemmensen said. “I’m just glad tonight’s memory is fond.”
Who’s Cheering Now?
No Beanpot game, especially one between the most hated of rivals like BC and BU, would be without plenty of chants traded between respective student sections. Monday’s final was no exception.
Most of the comments, of course, have to be held for vulgarity, but BC did have a decent comeback to one cheer from the BU faithful.
“Where’s your Beanpot?” came from the scarlet and white fans, referring to BU’s six straight titles.
That cheer was great while the game was still deadlocked at zero. Once BC got the lead, BU ended its retort.
And as the players lined up for the trophy presentation, as if on cue, the BC faithful sang, “Where’s your Beanpot?”
Just revenge.
Kolanos is One-Hit Wonder
When Tournament Director Steve Nazro called out Krys Kolanos as the winner of the Beanpot MVP award, more than a few in the building might have been shocked.
Kolanos himself was one of them.
“It didn’t really hit home,” said Kolanos, who only played in Monday’s championship game after being sidelined a week ago with a shoulder injury. “I only played in the one game, but I guess this was the big game.”
Kolanos may not have seemed spectacular, looking at the scoresheet; he registered two points on the night — a goal and a assist that pushed BC to a 3-0 lead. But for those who watched closely, Kolanos’ drive and determination for the puck earned the sophomore plenty of offensive chances, with only BU netminder Jason Tapp holding Kolanos off the board further.
“I think the fire in me after losing in the final game last year [to BU] made me just want to be out there,” Kolanos added. “I wanted to be out there last week but I had to be patient and wait for the x-ray.”
Certainly Kolanos can kiss the doctor who gave him clearance to play.
Dissecting The Streak
BC’s victory ended one of the most heralded runs by any team in the 49-year history of the Beanpot. That the Boston University Terriers had won six straight Beanpots is nothing the average Beanpot aficionado doesn’t know.
But how about the numbers that go along with that?
You Couldn’t Keep The Fans Away
It certainly didn’t hurt having a BC-BU final, but a new Beanpot attendance record was set for this year’s event. Both nights’ crowds surpassed the old single-game mark (17,565), with 17,728 witnessing last Mondays semifinals and 17,953 on hand for the conclusion. The combined total of 35,781 bettered the old mark of 35,130.
Even Sasquatch Couldn’t Save Them
He’s become a staple at the Beanpot through the Terriers’ recent success. And we’re not talking about Parker.
No, we’re referring to “Sasquatch” — the overly hairy, wild, round animal who bares his chest, back and probably more than the fans need to see late in the third period of BU games. But on Monday, not even Sasquatch could save the Terriers.
Just 72 seconds after Sasquatch got the BU faithful on their feet to cheer the Terriers’ rally, BC rookie Ben Eaves buried the insurance goal past Jason Tapp to give the Eagles a 5-3 lead.
They Said It…
“I guarantee that some day I’ll be up here in the winner’s chair. Luckily I got a five-year deal when I came here.” — Second-year Harvard coach Mark Mazzoleni, on his team’s struggle in the Beanpot tournament. Harvard lost, 8-7, to Northeastern in Monday’s consolation game.
“I actually went down on a knee, to make sure I didn’t get buried.” — Clemmensen, on the post-game celebration. The Eagles’ bench swarmed the senior netminder against the boards when the buzzer sounded.
“Our neighbors in Watertown think [the Beanpot] is more important than the national title.” — BC coach Jerry York, describing the importance of the Beanpot to the local fans and more importantly, BC alumni.
“It makes it a little bit easier to lose [the championship streak] to Boston College. They’re arguably the best team in the nation, so it’s not like we gave it away.” — Parker, on the end of the six-year winning Beanpot winning streak.
“You never realize how hard it is to win the Beanpot until you actually do it.” — Clemmensen, on beating BU.
