WINNERS!!

Boston College captured their 3rd NCAA hockey national title on Saturday defeating Notre Dame 4-1. After being present for the past two heartbreaking losses, this was a special moment. It was the first title I have been able to share with Mrs. Pike (whom I had not yet met when they won in 2001) so it made it even better.

Looking at the talent on this team compared with the last two seasons you wouldn't think that this would be the year. Freshman goalie, only one All-American (granted a very good one), other freshmen at important positions, lack of defensive depth, players getting thrown off the team, and the team's second-best player only playing 4 1/2 games all year. But they pulled it out.

Before the tourney you heard Jerry York talking about how this is one of the best teams he has ever had. Not necessarily in talent (once you get past Gerbe there is no top-flight player on the roster like a Boyle, Shannan, Eaves, or Gionta) but in cohesiveness and "team" attitude. This seems to be a theme for Boston champions of the past few years.

The Patriots of 2001 and Red Sox of 2004 certainly showed this attitude even more so than the championship teams of later years. Granted the Red Sox were loaded with talent but they had the "idiot" attitude that some feel carried them over the top and enabled them to come from 3-0 against the Yankees. Certainly the Patriots of 2001 had that as well. It has been said that management in San Antonio will only make deals that they feel will keep the Spurs chemistry as a team intact as that is the key to championships. One can hardly argue with the results.

Will the 2007-08 BC team go down as one of the greatest ever? Probably not. The 2001 team certainly had more talent at many positions and were a deeper scoring team. But they captured championship number three by playing as a team and elevating their play when it mattered the most. Congrats Eagles!!