Boston College has inched toward a national title in each of the past three seasons, and with a roster as talented as ever, that mission has gotten a bit more challenging.
The Eagles will lose two top defenders to the Olympics with Kali Flanagan (Burlington, Mass.) and Megan Keller gone. They were two of the key players for the Eagles’ Frozen Four run last season, so it’s going to take a group effort to find a way back to the national tournament.
"There’s a lot of motivation," said Eagles head coach Katie Crowley (Salem, N.H.). "The ultimate goal is always winning a national title. It’s eluded us, but we’re fired up to fight for it."
The loss of top talent isn’t uncharted territory for the Eagles, who seem to roll out some of the best players in the nation each year. On top of those two being out and leaving the Eagles with a short roster, BC also graduated Haley McLean, Kristyn Capizzano and Andie Anastos. After every season it seems like Boston College is losing a stud scorer or top defender, so even with the Olympics in play, it’s just another year for the Eagles.
"We lost two phenomenal players and wish them luck," said Katie Burt (Lynn, Mass.), the starting goalie for the Eagles. "Every year there’s a lot of turnaround. Last year everyone talked about (Alex) Carpenter (North Reading, Mass.). This year we lost two to the Olympics, but we have to get the job done."
Crowley has led the Eagles to the NCAA tournament in each of the past seven seasons, but BC hasn’t been able to take home a title.
Burt, one of only four seniors returning, is back in the crease after being the first overall selection to the NWHL’s Boston Pride. The three-year starter, who is a year ahead in college, is one of the backbones of the team.
"She’s always been great," Crowley said. "She’s logged a lot of minutes. She’s young for her class group, probably one of the youngest seniors in the nation. She’s a leader, and her skill tied in with her confidence help her and her team."
Burt knows it’s now or never to get that national title, but there is still a process to get there.
"There’s always motivation," she said. "We ran into a great Wisconsin team last year. The goal is to win the national championship, but there are also 34 games to hopefully win before then."
Another senior, two-sport star Kenzie Kent of Norwell, Mass., is on the heels of playing in two final fours, one with this Eagles hockey team in March, and with the women’s lacrosse team at Gillette Stadium in May.
"She’ll be in a leadership role," Crowley said. "There’s more on her shoulders. I’m excited to see her excel."
Kent is motivated by making the Frozen Four in each of her three seasons with the hockey team as well as the underdog run to the NCAA title game by the women’s lax team, which fell to Maryland in the finale.
"I always take a few off weeks after lacrosse," said Kent. "After that, I start to play hockey and play once a week. I run a lot for stamina. The mindset is always to win, and after being at three in a row, now making the Frozen Four this season will mean everything this year."
Toni Ann Miano, a Riveteers draft pick, will be manning the defense. "She’s a natural leader," Crowley said. "I’m looking forward to really seeing her take a big step and fill gaps we lost in the defense and log a lot of minutes."
Makenna Newkirk, who is a junior captain this season, also will be heavily relied upon, according to Crowley. Caitrin Lonergan (Roslindale, Mass.) and Delaney Belinskas will be in their second years after making an impact last season, along with Erin Connolly (South Boston, Mass.), who scored twice at Frozen Fenway last season. "Sophomore year is tough," said Crowley. "I hope they continue to bring what they brought last season."
Cayla Barnes, who like Kent has starred in lacrosse as well as hockey, is one of the big freshmen joining this group, along with Maegan Beres and Daryl Watts, who played with Canada’s U-18 team. "All of them will have an impact," Kent said. "Barnes is going to be expected to play a lot because of losing two defenders, and she knows that."
The Eagles still look like the strongest team in Hockey East and remain a national title contender, but things are just a little bit more difficult. It won’t be the same team that won 40 in a row before losing in the title game, or even the same team that knocked off St. Lawrence 6-0 in the quarterfinals last season, but Boston College has extra motivation to finally bring home that elusive title.
