Boston College Athletics
Pike's Peak Hosts 66th Awards Banquet
April 26, 2015 | Men's Hockey
WALTHAM, Mass. - Sophomore Thatcher Demko became the first Eagle goaltender since Parker Milner (2012) to be honored as the Norman F. Dailey award, symbolizing Boston College's Most Valuable Player on Sunday afternoon at the 66th annual Pike's Peak Club awards banquet that celebrated the Eagles' 2014-15 season at the Westin hotel in Waltham, Mass.  
Demko is the fifth goaltender to win the award since 2001 to earn MVP honors, joining Scott Clemmensen (2001), Corey Schneider (2006 and 2007), John Muse (2011) and Milner (2012). The San Diego native finished with a 19-13-3 with a .925 save percentage (19th in NCAA) and 2.19 goals against average (31st in NCAA).
Senior assistant captain Quinn Smith and next year's captain, junior Teddy Doherty, both shared the John "Snooks" Kelley Memorial Award as the individuals who best typify Boston College hockey. 
Kelley served as team manager for three years before becoming a "playing manager" in his senior year in 1928. He assumed coaching duties at his alma mater in 1932 and led the program right up until his retirement after the 1971-72 season. Kelley became the first coach in college hockey history to surpass the 500-victory plateau. He finished his career with a 501-243-15 mark.  
Junior captain Michael Matheson was honored with the William J. Flynn Coaches Award, decided upon by head coach Jerry York and his staff. Flynn, class of 1939, was a former BC student-athlete, faculty member, coach and served as Director of Athletics from 1957-90. 
Senior assistant captain Michael Sit collected the Academic Excellence award as the senior with the highest grade point average while classmate Danny Linell won the Academic Achievement award 
Senior forward Cam Spiro earned the team's Most Improved Player award that is named for James E. Tiernan, the 1956 Beanpot MVP. The Hingham, Mass., played in every contest in his final season, more than doubling his career game played total and set career highs in goals, assists and points in 2014-15. 
Defenseman Noah Hanifin won the Bernie Burke Outstanding Freshman Award, named in honor of the former BC goalie and long-time freshman coach. The highly-touted rookie was voted a Hockey East Second Team All-Star, tabbed a unanimous selection to the Hockey East Pro Ambitions All-Rookie Team and represented BC as a Division I New England All-Star. 
Jim Connlley became the third recipient of the Francis Kirby Connelly Memorial Award, given to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the ideals of the Ignatian spirit of service to others.  
Boston College concluded the 2014-15 season with its sixth-straight trip to the NCAA Tournament, tied for longest streak in all of college hockey. The Eagles finished with a 21-14-3 record and a 12-7-3 mark in Hockey East play. 
Fr. Jack Harrington `79 delivered the invocation and benediction. 
Pike's Peak Club President Barry Hynes `85 opened and closed the program and former Eagle Andy Powers '99, who now provides color commentary for BC Hockey broadcasts on WEEI, served as Master of Ceremony.
Brad Bates, Boston College Director of Athletics, presented the portraits to the seniors. 
Jerry York '67 congratulated his team and the seniors in addition to thanking his staff. Coach York harped on the future of Boston College hockey and how bright the talent coming to The Heights promises to be.
Presenting the awards were: Lee Blossom '83, John Hegarty '94, Matt Lombardi '10 and Matt Price '10.
