Focus On...Brian Boyle
October 28, 2004 | Men's Hockey
Oct. 28, 2004
Brian Boyle may be in the limelight now, but it has not been an easy road. Being one of 13 children, Brian received no preferential treatment in his household. The 6'7" sophomore forward sees his family size as normal, since that's all he knows.
When Brian was a child, his family took many trips together. The family vacations were often inspired by Brian's participation in hockey tournaments as far away as Canada.
Looking back upon these trips, he will avoid mentioning his statistics or results. Whether he earned tournament accolades is not what he treasures most dearly. He speaks most highly of these outings in that it was a time for his family to be together and bond.
"I think I am really fortunate," Brian commented. "Many people who play all over, as I did, often get separated from their families. I was lucky enough to have my family come with me."
Brian was often times coached by his father. During games, he would receive most of the attention as the rest of the family watched in the stands. But after the game was over, it was just like before. He was part of the family and, although his name was in lights, his brothers and sisters received just as much attention as he did.
Reflecting upon his greatest experiences, Brian talks of being drafted by the Los Angeles Kings (first round, 26th overall) right out of St. Sebastian's High School. In high school, he earned Independent School League Keller Division Most Valuable Player honors in 2002-03 along with a slue of other ISL accolades in his final two years. He posted a great senior year, notching 63 points in 31 games, at St. Seb's, so he looked forward to being drafted by the NHL in Nashville, Tenn.
Around 30 family members made the voyage south and, as they have been his entire career, they were all incredibly supportive of Brian. From announcing his status to being drafted, the experience flew by for Brian. His family helped him savor the precious moments through their support.
"I received more than enough attention then in terms of hockey. I just really appreciated my whole family's support through the entire experience."
In times when hockey seemed to take over his life, he always had his family there. When it seemed that he was in the spotlight and felt the pressure that came with being a top tier high school player then entering the draft, his family was there to make him remember that he was still Brian.
Brian was on the power-play team for much of the season last year. As the season progressed, his bruising style earned him a spot on the lines. As a fourth line player, he had some riding time in the offensive zone, usually taking the puck down low.
Head Coach Jerry York commented on Brian's improvements, "The biggest jump for a player is usually between the freshman and sophomore years. For each player, this can make or break a career. Brian has been working incredibly hard in the off-season and his strength had improved. With this strength comes a greater confidence level and we are looking for Brian to have a breakout season this year."
Last season, his focus was on playing a role in the Eagle offense. The team atmosphere that he learned at home translated to the ice. Brian claims that the best part of last season was not the game-winning goal he scored against Providence. Although this was a standout performance for him, he does not highlight this as his favorite.
On the same note, his assist on John Adams' game-winning tally at UMass-Amherst last season was big. At the Mullins Center, he scored a power-play goal along with the assist. Again, Brian downplays these individual accomplishments and highlights a different triumph.
Brian puts all else aside and easily can name the best experience of his college hockey career thus far. It was a moment when his name did not appear on the jumbo-tron and was not in the paper the next day. Brian's favorite memory was being with his team when they won the Beanpot. It was an unforgettable moment that he shared with the Boston College Eagles- his new family.
Another example of his selflessness revolves around him receiving a special honor. Each year, the Boston Bruins select one outstanding student athlete from Eastern Massachusetts to receive the John Carlton Memorial Trophy. The ceremony is impressive, as the athletes accept the award on the ice at the FleetCenter during a Bruins game.
When asked about this seemingly life-enhancing experience, Brian replied, "[Freshman goalie] Cory Schneider won that too." Again, he refused to put himself on a pedestal, even when he deserved it.
Expect big things out of Brian this year. Expect his name to be in lights. However, do not expect him to gloat about it.
