Boston College two-year captain Casey Fitzgerald will play in his fourth and final Beanpot tonight when his Eagles face off with Northeastern in the championship game. Casey's brother, Ryan, also was an assistant captain at BC and is now playing in the Bruins organization.
You’ve always been a significant contributor on offense during your BC career. Are those the NHL players you model your game after?
“Yeah, I’m more of an offensive defenseman. That’s the way the game’s going with a lot of undersized ‘D’ in the NHL these days, so it’s nice to watch and learn from (Kris) Letang, Torey Krug, guys like that.”
Your brother, Ryan, is now playing in the Bruins organization. How often do you get to talk with him?
“We’re best friends, so I talk to him almost every day to see how he’s doing and kind of pick his brain about the pro life and what it’s like in Providence, jumping from a 35-game schedule in college to the pros. We talk about things like that, how he’s feeling, how the game is. I’ve followed the same path as him, so I’ve always been able to — whether it’s coming from high school and talking about what college hockey is like, or now — it’s great to have a guy like him in my corner. And my dad has been through it all, too, obviously, so talking about their experiences and what they’re going through is something I’ve really been able to soak in.”
How did your dad’s career play into your hockey fandom? Are you a Bruins fan?
“I’m more of a Penguins fan because my dad won a Cup as a coach there. He was around there when I was 12 to 14 and really starting to fall in love with hockey and watching the sport more in-depth than I was as a kid. It was fun to watch him as a coach. He retired in 2006 so I remember him with the Bruins, but we weren’t paying as close attention to the actual game until we were a little older and he was with Pittsburgh after his career was over. ... I think his work ethic is something that always stood out; that’s what led him to an 18-year career and something I try to bring along to BC as well.”
Being a local native, was BC kind of a dream home for you?
“Yeah, it was certainly a no-brainer for me. I grew up going into Boston for the BU-BC games, so I got to see how big of a rivalry that was right away. That was big, plus seeing the culture at BC with all the players who came through like the Hayes, who are cousins of mine, Brian Gibbons, Cam Atkinson. Those guys were at BC when I was younger, so I remember watching them and emulating them. Getting the chance to put this sweater on and play for Coach (Jerry) York was a dream.”
What is it like to play for him? What do you look back on most, especially entering the final stages of your senior year?
“It’s crazy how fast it flies, but we’ve had some great years winning the Beanpot my freshman year, going to the Frozen Four, and winning back-to-back Hockey East titles. This experience is, obviously, something I can’t replace and something I’ll hold close to my heart. Playing for Coach York, learning from him and seeing the history that has been here at BC because of him is something very special. You definitely don’t take it for granted. I’ve been able to grow here as a player and a person.”
Last season was pretty unique for BC in that there was not a single senior on the roster, meaning you were one of the captains as only a junior. How did that experience help prepare you guys for this season?
“There was definitely a learning curve, but it’s a testament to our other two captains, Christopher Brown and Michael Kim. It’s definitely not easy having no senior class and taking on that role as the leaders. I thought we did a good job of coming in and leading the team as younger guys, as juniors. It prepared us well for this year, but it was a lot easier having two other guys by my side throughout the season.”
What does playing in the Beanpot mean to you?
“Playing in the Beanpot is always so special. Every year I don’t take it for granted, but this year I know it’s my last one and I’ll never get the chance again. Growing up around here, watching the Beanpot games every year was almost like a holiday for me. All of my buddies would gear up and go to the Beanpot. It was such a big deal back then and still is to this day for me. To be able to put on the maroon and gold and play against BU, Harvard and Northeastern in such a competitive tournament is always really fun and something I’ll always look back on."
Key facts
Hometown: North Reading, Mass.
Team: Boston College
Pos.: D
Year: Senior
Major: Applied psychology
Before BC: U.S. National Team Development Program/Malden Catholic
Noteworthy: Selected in the third round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft (No. 86 overall) by the Buffalo Sabres ... Two-year captain at BC ... Named a Hockey East second-team All-Star and Best Defensive Defenseman after his 19-point junior season; led Eagles with 102 shots on goal and 43 blocked shots ... Given the William J. Flynn Coaches Award by head coach Jerry York and his staff ... Won gold with Team USA at 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship ... Led BC’s defensemen with 27 points as a freshman.
Favorites
Pregame meal: Chicken parm
Favorite opposing rink: BU
Food: Sushi
Vacation spot: Cape Cod
Musician: Drake
Song: “Get It Right”
Actor: Christian Bale
TV show: “Game of Thrones”
Video game: NHL 19
Sport other than hockey: Football
Sports team: New England Patriots
NHL player: Kris Letang
Non-hockey athlete: Baker Mayfield
Equipment
Stick: Bauer
Helmet: Bauer
Gloves: Bauer
Skates: Bauer
