The drama from last year’s Three Rivers Classic didn’t carry over in the championship game as Boston College cruised to an 8-2 win over Penn State, Saturday night.
The Nittany Lions were flying to start the game which led to a goal by Casey Bailey less than five minutes into the first period. Jonathan Miley was handed the puck by Boston College along the half wall. Miley wasted no time getting the puck to Bailey with a cross-ice pass for the one-timer past goaltender Brian Billet.
“I thought Penn State started the game with an edge and a head start on us. Our team hung in there for awhile and got strnger as the game went on,” remarked legendary coach Jerry York.
Johnny Gaudreau hit the inside of the post mid way through the first period and PSU goaltender Matthew Skoff was able to keep the puck out. From there, however, it was all Boston College.
Ryan Fitzgerald scored his 8th of the season on Boston College’s first power play of the game. Austin Cangelosi scooped up a loose puck and centered to Fitzgerald for the equalizer.
Kevin Hayes scored 33 seconds later to give the Eagles their first lead with only 1:15 remaining in the period. Bill Arnold went behind the net and fed Hayes whose shot slid past Skoff on the far side.
Destry Straight scored 5:26 into the second period to give the Eagles a 3-1 lead. Danny Linell’s slapshot was knocked down by Ryan Fitzgerald at the goal line. Fitzgerald took the puck to the front and shot it between his legs which produced a big rebound for Straight.
Penn State nearly drew within one when a scoring opportunity emerged with the goaltender Billett out of his net, but defenseman Isaac MacLeod was able to get in the way and prevent the goal.
BC added their fourth goal of the game 10:57 into the second period on Straight’s second of the game. MacLeod’s shot from the right face off circle was deflected by Straight into a wide open net.
Johnny Gaudreau scored on a breakaway less than two minutes later to give the Eagles a four goal cushion and the route was on.
The third period was no better for Penn State.
Danny Linell scored his first goal of the season 3:59 into the final period. Linell’s goal marked the 11th tally of the tournament for Boston College, more than the other three participating teams combined.
Destry Straight finished off his hat trick with under seven minutes remaining after using a curl and drag move to get around the defense. On the following shift, Michael Sit scored BC’s eighth goal of the night, deflecting a slapshot by Travis Jeke.
Penn State countered with their second goal of the night. David Goodwin finished off a feed from Eric Scheid during a two on one.
Another National Championship is on the minds for the BC Eagles, but coach Jerry York also expressed his excitement to claim another trophy.
“This was the first trophy we were able to play for this year and we’re very proud of it and we feel honored to receive the Three Rivers Classic [trophy].”
For Penn State, it’s a learning experience and an idea on where to set the bar for future expectations.
All tournament team
RMU: Terry Shafer
PSU: Nate Jensen
BGC: Bryce Williamson
BC: Kevin Hayes
BC: Johnny Gaudreau
BC: Bill Arnold
MVP: Johnny Gaudreau
Photo courtesy of Three Rivers Classic twitter
