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When the first week of February rolls around here in New England, it can mean only one thing and that is the annual college hockey tournament known as The Beanpot! Played between the same four schools every year with Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, and Northeastern always brings out the best of every hockey loving fanatic in the city. With the Semifinals set to take place later on tonight between Harvard & Northeastern and BC vs. BU respectively we thought we take a look at the music picks handpicked by yours truly from players of each of the four schools to get a sense of where their mindset is heading into the big game. Without further ado, here it is:
Adam Gaudette (Northeastern) The Black Keys "Howlin' For You"
Kicking things off in style with Adam Gaudette from the defending Hockey East Champs the Huskies with this appropriately named tune from The Black Keys as my musical choice for him. Adam is a native to the area growing up in Braintree, and has instantly provided some high powered offense for the Huskies as they look to make some noise in this tournament. He really relishes in being in the spotlight, and there was no better place to be than the Frozen Fenway taking place in the shadows of Green Monster at Fenway where Adam did his best Big Papi impression with his stick, mimicking his stance of hitting shots towards the seats. We can only imagine he'll be making some big shots of his own in this tournament for sure.
Ryan Fitzgerald (Boston College) The Steve Miller Band "Fly Like An Eagle"
A standout member of the Eagles squad is North Reading native Ryan Fitzgerald with this classic tune from Steve Miller Band as my music selection. BC is no stranger to the tournament as they've won 20 Beanpot titles since it's inception in 1952. Ryan leads a deep and venerable class of talent that BC always seems to have a revolving door of. When one player leaves the team for the NHL, it always seems that there's another developing talent ready to take his place and head coach Jerry York has mastered that system that has led the team to 4 national championships since 2001. With Ryan living just a few towns away from me, it's hard not to root for the hometown boy as BC looks to defend its Beanpot title this year.
Charlie McAvoy (Boston University) Yellowcard "Lights and Sounds"
Defenseman Charlie McAvoy of the BU Terriers has this hockey ready anthem from Yellowcard as my song of choice. The Terriers have won their fair share of Beanpots over the years, the most as a matter of fact with over 30 and are a team that shouldn't be taken lightly as the tournament gets underway. It's always a sore subject to bring up their arch rival BC as their battle is commonly referred to as the "Battle of Comm. Ave" reflecting the street on which both of their schools are positioned. It should be an awesome tournament no doubt, and Charlie and his fellow teammates are more than willing to step up to the task and deliver a shot of glory in the moment.
Clay Anderson (Harvard) AFI "Girl's Not Grey"
Rounding out our music roundup from the Harvard Crimson is none other than Clay Anderson, with this high energy tune from AFI as my anthem of choice. Harvard always seem to be the underdog in the tournament, but they're a team that knows how to put the pressure on opposing teams when it matters the most, and Harvard definitely has the willpower and fortitude to withstand an assault and whatever else may come their way. Whichever team does walk away with the title this year will definitely bask in a sense of pride and unity for their respective schools, and it's that friendly rivalry and sportsmanship on the ice that has made hockey such a honorable and dignified sport that really seems to have a passionate and devoted