Ryan Leonard saved his best goal-scoring output of the 2024-25 season for no.8 Boston University, no. 1 Boston College’s biggest rivals, on Friday night. Leonard, who celebrated his 20th birthday three days ago, recorded his first hat trick of the year in BC’s 6-2 road win.
Leonard kicked his scoring ways off 13:03 into the second period with the rivalry matchup tied 2-2. After picking the puck up in the neutral zone, Leonard cut through the Terriers’ defense and finished high blocker on goaltender Mathieu Caron.
The goal ended up being the game-winner for the Eagles, giving Leonard seven game-winning goals this season, which is tied for first in the nation. Leonard would add two more markers into an empty net as the Terriers attempted a late comeback.
His first empty-netter came from BC’s zone with 3:04 left in regulation.
Leonard wrapped up his hat trick 2:38 later, firing into a yawning cage from center ice.
BC’s win came in the first half of a home-and-home set against BU, which will be wrapped up on the Eagles’ home ice Saturday night. Leonard’s three goals give him 25 points (18g, 7a) in 22 games this season.
Leonard is tied for second in overall NCAA goal-scoring, having played three fewer games than Michigan State’s Isaac Howard, who is first with 20 goals. His 116 total shots rank third, just two shots behind Western Michigan’s Alex Bump, who is first.
Friday night’s game was the first Leonard has played against fellow Capitals prospect and Team USA teammate Cole Hutson. Hutson recorded the primary assist on Cole Eiserman’s first-period power-play goal.
