Perrault had a goal and two assists, Fowler 20 save shutout
By Anthony Pellegrino @Pellegrinoap50 IceInsider.com Predators All Access Reporter
BOSTON--Boston College had more than just a win at stake in last night's home opener. They played for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The brothers spent their college careers at Boston College, before pursuing pro hockey careers. Johnny went on to play eleven seasons in the NHL.
He had five seasons left on his seven-year deal with Columbus. This past summer, Johnny and Matthew tragically passed away when struck by a drunk driver on bikes, along the shoulder of a road in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, near their childhood home.
Boston College Head Coach Greg Brown paused multiple times when asked about what the win meant, in honor of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau postgame:
"It's great. We talked about it before the game. Let's honor them with a heck of an effort. It's hard, to see, (paused) I think lots have been said, it's been great to see the tributes that Columbus has held, it's unbelievable.
Peyton Grainer started in goal for AIC, who stopped 27 of 31. Although he did not know the brothers personally, he felt the weight of the night postgame.
"It was a great honor to play in this game. Especially for Johnny and Matthew. It's a situation that no one ever anticipates will happen. So unfortunate."
The first period felt as if the game was a modern-day NCAA edition of USA Hockey's historical 1980 "Miracle on Ice." Boston College, known as one of the best hockey schools in the NCAA, had a staggering twelve NHL draft picks including all six starters, against AIC's sole pick, the Capitals goaltender draftee, Chase Clark who did not start.
It took twelve shots in just ten minutes for Boston College to get on the board. Maintaining possession of play for the greater part of the opening minutes, it was the Dallas Stars 4th round pick in the 2023 draft, Aram Minnetian who netted his first goal of the campaign. Placing his shot perfectly between goaltender Peyton Grainer's shoulder, and the crossbar.
Eamon Powell fired a pass perfectly from above the circle, down to Perrault, whose shot squeezed through the five-hole of Grainer, to put the Eagles up by two.
The second frame showed New York Rangers prospect Gabe Perrault carrying the puck through the zone setting up linemates to fire pucks home. The play seemed to be attempted and carried by Perrault, every chance he got, forming two-on-one opportunities.
The play, setting up linemates to fire pucks home on two-on-one opportunities; formed high-danger chances for the Eagles leading to echoed "OH's!" throughout the Conte Forum.
Until they scored with the play, on back-to-back chances.
Will Vote capitalized on the play, which was led by Perrault. Then Prior to the fifth Boston goal which was scored with the play, defenseman Will Skahan immediately fired the puck upon Boston winning the faceoff, and the puck went right past Grainer's blocker just 20 seconds after the third goal.
Yet then again the fifth goal was the same play, which ended up being challenged by ACI for offsides, yet it stood as a good goal. That time Perrault set up forward James Hagen for his first goal in the NCAA.
The final frame showed a rather slow period compared to the opening 40. Goaltender Jacob Fowler earned his first shutout of the campaign and fourth NCAA career shutout. He turned aside all 20 shots that came his way.
For Johnny and Matthew:
Before the puck dropped, a tribute to the brothers was shown on the video board, followed by a moment of silence. During the silence, it was evident that the coaching staff felt the weight of the tragic passing.
Coach Brown went on after to talk about what they truly meant to the hockey world:
"I think the effect that those guys had on people was so much more than just hockey. They were great hockey players, but you just don't have that reaction, and you don't get that reaction if their just good hockey players.
The effect that they had on everybody here in BC and clearly everyone in Columbus (paused), and all over is just, it's so sad. (It's the) worst nightmare is when you have to bury your kids. It's not supposed to go that way.
"It's just hard to let go. They were such a big part of the community here. The group of alumni that stayed so close all these years, I feel terrible for them; but the worst for the families."
Boston added the brother's initials "JG and MG" along the boards. Additionally, the initials will be prominently featured on the dashboard in front of the team bench through the game on Nov. 8 against Maine. During warmups of the Hockey East opener against the Black Bears, Boston College players will wear jerseys that feature either Voice, or either Johnny or Matthew Gaudreau.
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