CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. — Mike Hardman was the only Boston College freshman to get on the score sheet Saturday night as the Eagles defeated archival Boston University, 4-3, at a sold-out Conte Forum.
Hardman finding the back of the net in his first BC-BU game was fitting on a number of levels. Of the five BC rookies who have played in games this winter, he’s one of two who hails from Massachusetts and the only one who isn’t drafted by a NHL organization.
Furthermore, Saturday’s clash between the Commonwealth Avenue foes marked the first time Hardman was hoping the Eagles came out on top in one of college hockey’s most storied rivalries. That’s because his grandfather, Bob Sylvia, wore the scarlet and white while playing for the Terriers from 1962-65.
“His grandfather was the captain of Boston University. Bob Sylvia actually played against me. That was a hard choice for him. He kind of surprised everyone by coming to this side of Comm. Ave. We’re very fortunate he did that,” said BC coach Jerry York.
“For me, especially, it was a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to play in this game, either if I was on BU or BC. My whole family was here so it was exciting,” said Hardman, who admitted to his change of allegiance.
Choosing the Eagles
“I was a BU fan growing up. My grandfather has been to all my games and he’s a BC fan now. It was awesome. The crowd was amazing. It was probably one of the biggest games I’ve ever played in,” Hardman explained.
Hardman was originally committed to Union, but reopened his recruiting process to look at Hockey East schools. Just about a year ago is when Hardman made the announcement that he’d play college hockey for the Eagles.
“It was difficult. When I was touring schools last year, I came to BC and I absolutely loved it as soon as I stepped on campus,” said Hardman. “The coaching staff here is unbelievable. They talked about how we’d have a special team this year. They weren’t lying. We’re so close on and off the ice. I think it’s going to be a really special year for us.”
BC and BU have played many significant games over the years whether it be in the Beanpot, Hockey East Tournament, NCAA Tournament, Frozen Fenway or just intense regular season contests. While the Eagles and Terriers appear to be headed down different paths this season, Saturday’s game was high-paced and the atmosphere was electric.
“It was definitely exciting. Before the game, everyone was fired up. After the game, I’ve never seen a locker room that excited. It was awesome. We have a special group in there. We’re really close,” said Hardman.
Hardman's game trending up
Hardman, who hails from nearby Hanover, Mass., might be the least heralded of BC’s vaunted freshman class, but his stock has risen significantly over the past couple of years. And, the future looks bright.
“He’s a really good player. He’s big and strong. He’s going to be a really important player for us down the stretch here. We have five freshman who are all still 18 years old. He’s an older freshman. He kind of offsets them. He gives us a little more maturity and man strength in that freshman class,” explained York.
Hardman played high school hockey at Xaverian and prep hockey at Winchendon before moving onto junior hockey. He was regarded as a solid high school and prep player, but not until his final season of junior hockey with the BCHL’s West Kelowna Warriors did he open eyes in Hockey East.
Hardman’s skating has improved drastically and he’s a player who knows his identity. He doesn’t try to go out there and dangle opposing defenders. Hardman plays a hard, physical north-south game as a power forward.
“I’m playing with two really skilled guys right now with (Alex) Newhook and (Aapeli) Rasanen. I’m a physical player with a shoot first mentality. I try to be really good below the dots and use my size to my advantage,” Hardman commented.
In addition to the goal he scored, his sixth of the season, Hardman’s presence was felt throughout the game. Being heavy on pucks and throwing his weight around helps set the tone of games. Never was that more evident than in the second period Saturday night.
“I try to be as physical as I can be. I think it was in the second period on the penalty kill where I got him pretty good,” Hardman said with a slight smile.
While Hardman doesn’t yet have a NHL logo next to his name on the line chart, it is all but certain he’ll sign a NHL free agent contract when his time at BC is up.
There's something different about these Eagles
Over the next couple of months, Hardman and his BC teammates will be pursuing championships. Keeping his grandfather’s message to him in the back of his head at all times, BC fans can be assured Hardman will be giving maximum effort each night.
“Give 110 percent on the ice. You’re not going to have your ‘A’ game every game, but if you’re working hard and trying to make plays, the coaches can’t really get mad at you. Every game I just try to go out there and give it my all. That’s what (my grandfather) would say to me.”
Hardman's compete level and team-first mentality is a microcosm of the entire 2019-20 BC team. It's markedly different than the past couple of seasons, especially last when there appeared to be a lot of individual play. It's not just the upperclassmen that exude the necessary traits to make the team come first.
"Coming in, I'm kind of an older guy. A lot of them are true freshmen. They just care so much about hockey. They're really mature and they want to get better every day," Hardman said.
Whether it was Saturday night or other games this season, the excitement and camaraderie on the bench is evident even from high up in the press box. The sky is the limit for these Eagles.
