Freshman center Jack Eichel paved the way for the No. 3 Boston University men’s hockey team at the 31st annual Hockey East Awards Reception at the Royal Sonesta Hotel Thursday, securing Hockey East Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year along with numerous other accolades, while head coach David Quinn was presented with the conference’s Coach of the Year award.
Eichel stands as just the third player in conference history to secure Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season, following in the footsteps of University of Maine forward Paul Kariya (1992-93) and Boston College defenseman Brian Leetch (1986-87).
Additionally, Eichel is the first Terrier to earn Player of the Year honors since goaltender John Curry received the nod during the 2006-07 campaign, as well as the first BU skater to win Rookie of the Year since forward Charlie Coyle in 2010-11.
“Our league’s so great, there could have been so many winners,” Eichel said in his acceptance speech. “I just want to thank our team. I’ve had some great line mates this year. You guys made it so fun to come to the rink every day … Our coaches, you guys coached us every day as well.
“My parents, there have been ups and downs this year, but you guys supported me through everything, and you guys don’t know what you mean to me. Thank you, all the fans up at BU, it’s so fun playing in front of you at Agganis every night. Thank you.”
After helping the Terriers rebound from a 10-win season last year en route to a current record of 23-7-5 and the top seed in the Hockey East playoffs, Quinn was voted the conference’s Coach of the Year in just his second campaign as head coach at BU.
Eichel was also named the Squad Locker Scoring Champion, for leading the league in points, and also the Army ROTC “Three Stars” winner for collecting the most postgame “Three Stars” accolades throughout the season. The young forward was also named to the conference’s Pro Ambitions All-Rookie Team.
Rounding out his impressive list of awards, Eichel was also a unanimous pick for Hockey East’s First Team All-Stars, where he was joined by junior captain Matt Grzelcyk.
Grzelcyk led all Hockey East defenseman in scoring during league play, totaling 20 points on six goals and 14 assists. The Boston Bruins draft pick has compiled a career-high 32 points on the year and is on a nine-game point streak.
The Terriers were also well-represented on the conference’s Second Team All-Stars, with BU accounting for three of the six selections in senior assistant captain Evan Rodrigues, junior forward Danny O’Regan and junior goaltender Matt O’Connor.
Rodrigues has been a constant presence for the Terriers this season, ranking second in the nation in both points (54) and assists (36). The senior winger dominated against league foes, compiling 36 points in 22 Hockey East games. This is the second time that Rodrigues has been named to the conference Second Team, receiving the nod during the 2012-13 season.
Also named to the Hockey East first team were Providence College goaltender Jon Gillies, University of Notre Dame defenseman Robbie Russo and forward Vince Hinostroza and Northeastern University forward Kevin Roy.
I spend my days serving as Sports Editor of The Daily Free Press, covering BU Hockey and finding more ways to worship Tom Brady. Previous experience includes covering the Red Sox and Bruins for WEEI.com and writing for South Boston Today. Follow me on Twitter: @ConorRyan_93
