Women’s Beanpot Reaches New Heights At TD Garden With Historic Crowd
BOSTON — The Dunkin’ Women’s Beanpot schools all got t-shirts prior to the third-place game and championship bout at TD Garden on Tuesday night.
They read: “Everyone watches women’s sports.”
That statement certainly rang true with what Northeastern and Boston University experienced with fans by the thousands coming out to watch the Huskies complete a Beanpot three-peat.
more beanpot
When all was said and done, 13,279 fans attended the Women’s Beanpot final. That number not only surpassed last year’s monumental mark of 10,633, but was the largest crowd for a women’s hockey game in Massachusetts history and the fifth-biggest crowd for an NCAA women’s hockey game.
“What a great time for women’s sports and a great time for hockey in this city and women’s hockey. It’s so special every time,” Boston University head coach Tara Watchorn said after the Terriers fell in the final. “I think I can speak for all of us in the hockey world and probably everyone in this room that I don’t think anyone’s surprised anymore. There’s a massive fan base out there and it goes beyond just young girls that want to play in these girls’ shoes.
“These teams, these young women, they inspire people every day with how they carry themselves, how they interact with their community, how they represent their programs and each other. They’re remarkable people and I think you’re seeing that. And that’s why people love watching women’s sports and women’s hockey is no different.”
The massive support from fans created an electric atmosphere and an environment unlike any the players had experienced before. They had to control their emotions while also taking in their incredible surroundings.
“I feel like with any crowd this big, there’s going to be nerves. But you have to channel them in way that you use them. It’s like an adrenaline rush and you do smart things out there. You kind of use the crowd and it gives you momentum,” Northeastern senior defenseman Tory Mariano said. “And just to play in front of all these people, 13,000, that’s insane, especially for a women’s college game. Couldn’t be prouder for everyone that came out. Unbelievable.”
Getting a crowd for the women’s Beanpot like the one Tuesday night is still eye-catching, but it’s becoming the norm. It shows just how much growth took place in women’s hockey.
And there’s no doubt from anyone involved in the tournament that people will keep coming out year after year to see the Women’s Beanpot at TD Garden.
“To have this kind of crowd, it shows it’s not a flash in the pan,” Harvard head coach Laura Bellamy said. “Everyone watches women’s sports. People are here, they want to be here. They’re seeing great hockey.”
NESN Dunkin’ Beanpot coverage is presented by Dunkin‘.