Ryan Leonard snapped a three-game goal drought with a tally in no. 2 Boston College’s 3-2 victory over no. 10 UMass Lowell on Monday night. The three-game streak without a goal was only the second of Leonard’s college career, and the previous occurrence dates back to the first four games of his 2023-24 freshman campaign.
The 19-year-old winger put away his 12th goal of the season to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead with 2:21 remaining in the second period. Leonard now holds sole possession of first in the NCAA in goal scoring this season, potting 12 goals through 16 games.
After helping BC kill off a penalty, Leonard sparked a 3-on-1 rush up the ice. The UMass Lowell defender backed off of Leonard, and the Washington Capitals prospect sniped past the blocker of goaltender Beni Halasz.
The crafty winger also provided a silky smooth secondary assist on another BC goal just 1:06 later. Leonard lofted a perfectly weighted pass to Gabe Perreault, who fed James Hagens for a power-play tap-in.
Leonard, recently named the NCAA’s Player of the Month for November, has 19 points (12g, 7a) in 16 games this year. In addition to leading the NCAA in goals, he is first in shots on goal (94) and game-winning goals (5).
All 12 of Leonard’s goals have come at even strength. He is the only player among the nation’s top 25 goal-scorers that can claim that feat.
The 3-2 victory came in BC’s final game before a long holiday break. The Eagles will have six players at preliminary camps ahead of the upcoming 2025 World Junior Championship, including Leonard, who was recently named to Team USA’s training camp.
Leonard will be seeking a second straight gold medal at the tournament. He had six points (3g, 3a) in seven games for Team USA last year.
