Ben Finkelstein hadn’t played in a college hockey game in just over a year before taking to the Conte Forum ice Friday night.
The South Burlington, Vt., native chose to leave St. Lawrence, where he played the first season and a half of his college career, following the team’s game against Canisius last Jan. 6. He opted to finish the 2017-18 season with the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL.
Finkelstein was so good in Waterloo he was named the USHL Defenseman of the Year, despite playing less than half of his team’s games. Friday night against Providence College, he showed some glimpses of why the Eagles and several other major college hockey programs were so eager to have him join their program.
Finkelstein didn’t find the score sheet, but he played the point on the Eagles’ second power play unit, made several nice breakout plays, and defended well with his feet, including a key first period block.
“It’s the first game he’s played in a year. To jump in a game against like that against Providence, an outstanding team, he showed a lot of pluses,” said BC coach Jerry York. “He’s certainly going to help our power play. Breakouts he’s going to be a real factor. He’s really good with the puck.”
Finkelstein, a seventh round pick of the Florida Panthers in the 2016 NHL Draft, said the pace of the game didn’t come at him too fast.
"It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I had a year and a half of college under my belt. I just wanted to shake off the rust and get back into the swing of things,” said Finkelstein.
Despite not being able to play in a game for the entire first semester, Finkelstein had been keeping close tabs on his future teammates and preparing for his opportunity.
“It was definitely a long year just watching. We have a good a good group. I’m looking forward to do all I can to help out,” said Finkelstein, who played prep hockey for Tim Whitehead at Kimball Union.
Finkelstein’s vision and puck-moving capabilities are no secret to any fan, coach or scout throughout the New England region. He took the extra time he had while not playing in games to get better at his craft.
“Getting up, grinding and getting in better shape,” said Finkelstein of what he worked on this fall. “Working on the little things: foot speed and passing. I just tried to do everything I could to improve everyday.”
Despite Finkelstein’s gaudy numbers in prep hockey, BC didn’t recruit him out of KUA. But, when he reached out following his transfer from St. Lawrence, there was no hesitation from the Eagles’ coaching staff. The same could be said for Finkelstein when he learned of the possibility of joining the Hockey East powerhouse.
“Pretty hard to say no to BC. Chestnut Hill. It’s gorgeous here. They have top notch facilities. The coaching staff, the players, they have all nine yards. It was an obvious decision,” said Finkelstein.
Finkelstein is joining a BC team that is tied for first place in Hockey East with upstart UMass. The Eagles are 7-1-2 in Hockey East action, but have struggled out of conference. Those around the BC program hope Finkelstein can put the Eagles over the top and help the program return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.
“I just want to be there for my teammates, work hard, and make the team better overall. I want to come in with a good attitude and prove I can play. I want my play to do the talking,” said Finkelstein.
There’s little doubt Finkelstein has the skill set to let his play do the talking.
