James Hagens, Bruins Prospects Shine in BC Season Opener
The Boston Bruins’ prospects showcased their abilities during the season opener at Chestnut Hill, as Boston College faced off against Quinnipiac. The match highlighted several promising players, including top draft pick James Hagens, who began his sophomore season with high expectations.
Bruins Prospects Make Their Mark
Boston College featured a number of Bruins draft picks on the ice. Seven skaters with ties to the Bruins participated in this exciting opener, including:
- James Hagens, 2025 first-round pick (No. 7 overall)
- Will Moore, 2025 second-round pick
- Dean Letourneau, 2024 first-round pick
- Oskar Jellvik, 2021 fifth-round pick
- Andre Gasseau, 2021 seventh-round pick
Although Kristian Kostadinski, a 2023 seventh-round pick, was on the roster, he did not play on Friday night. Meanwhile, Quinnipiac also featured two Bruins prospects: Chris Pelosi and Elliott Groenewold, both of whom contributed to their team’s effort.
Game Highlights
Quinnipiac emerged victorious, defeating Boston College 4-3. The Bobcats overwhelmed the Eagles with a 30-15 advantage in shots on goal. Six Bruins prospects recorded points in the match, underscoring the depth of Boston’s talent pool. BC’s head coach, Greg Brown, noted that his team struggled against Quinnipiac’s cohesive play style.
James Hagens Shines Despite Setbacks
James Hagens, the standout Bruins prospect, faced a challenging debut. He showed strong skating skills but struggled to find space against the aggressive Bobcats. Hagens recorded an assist during a power play, contributing to the score but did not register a shot on goal. Coach Brown emphasized that Hagens will benefit from fewer expectations now that the NHL Draft pressure is behind him.
Other Notable Performers
Andre Gasseau stood out for the Eagles, demonstrating his offensive capabilities with three assists. His ability to win puck battles and create scoring opportunities will be crucial as he aims for a successful senior year.
Quinnipiac’s Chris Pelosi and Elliott Groenewold are also players to watch. Pelosi scored the game-winning goal and has showcased steady improvement, while Groenewold’s defensive play illustrates his potential in the professional ranks.
Future Prospects and Development
All eyes will be on Dean Letourneau as he looks to build on last season’s performance. After scoring no goals in his freshman year, coach Brown noted Letourneau’s physical play against Quinnipiac showed promise for his development. Freshman Will Moore has also been tasked with an important role on the second line, demonstrating his potential early in the season.
As the Bruins prepare for the regular season, fans should keep an eye on these prospects, especially James Hagens and Andre Gasseau, who are set to play pivotal roles in Boston College’s quest for success this year.
