The first Monday of February is a significant date in Boston, marking the start of the Beanpot, an annual college hockey tournament featuring the city’s premier Division I programs: Boston College, Boston University, Harvard University, and Northeastern University. Since its inception in 1959, these institutions have competed for glory, with semifinal games kicking off the tournament at TD Garden, home of the Boston Bruins.
This year’s semifinals see Boston College face off against Harvard at 5 p.m. ET, followed by Boston University competing against Northeastern at 8 p.m., both being broadcast on NHL Network. The tournament has grown beyond local pride and is recognized as a vital platform nurturing future NHL talent.
An impressive 44 players from the four participating teams have been drafted by NHL teams this season, with two more—Tynan Lawrence from BU and Oscar Hemming from BC—anticipated to be first-round selections in the 2026 NHL Draft. Boston University leads the pack with 18 drafted NHL players, while Boston College has 10, reflecting their historical dominance in the tournament. Boston University is the defending champion, boasting a total of 31 Beanpot titles, while Boston College has claimed the trophy 20 times.
As the debate over which university produces the best NHL talent continues, insights from NHL.com writers Mike Morreale and Tracey Myers shed light on the rich histories of both programs. Morreale emphasizes Boston University’s status as the all-time winningest team in the tournament and its pipeline of NHL talent. He points out that no team has ever won a national championship without first claiming the Beanpot in that same season, which adds significant value to the tournament’s prestige.
On the other hand, Myers argues that Boston College’s 20 Beanpot wins and its strong performance in NCAA tournaments establish its own legacy in college hockey. Both writers have selected current NHL alumni to showcase the talent cultivated by their respective schools, demonstrating the strength and vibrancy of Boston’s college hockey scene.
Morreale highlights a potential all-star lineup from BU, featuring standout names such as Jack Eichel and Brady Tkachuk, while Myers counters with a younger team from BC, including rising stars like Will Smith and Matt Boldy. This casting of current player talent emphasizes the ongoing legacy and impact that both universities have had on professional hockey.
As the tournament commences, hockey fans are reminded of the traditions and competitive spirit of the Beanpot, making it not just a local event but a vital part of the larger landscape of college hockey and its influence on the sport as a whole. The excitement surrounding the games promises to showcase the next generation of NHL stars, reigniting enthusiasm for what is one of college hockey’s most enduring and celebrated tournaments.