Boston College beats Harvard 5-1 in 2026 Beanpot semifinal, advances to February 9 final

Boston College seizes early lead, controls play after Harvard’s quick response

Boston College advanced to the 2026 men’s Beanpot championship game with a 5-1 victory over Harvard on Monday, February 2, at TD Garden. The win sends the Eagles to the title game on Monday, February 9, against the winner of the Boston University–Northeastern semifinal later that night.

The Eagles built a 3-0 first-period lead and then delivered a decisive second-period push that blunted Harvard’s only momentum swing. Harvard’s lone goal came 30 seconds into the second period, but Boston College restored control with sustained zone time and extended pressure that produced the game’s fourth goal late in the frame.

First-period burst: Fortescue opens scoring, Hagens adds two

Boston College’s opening goal came shortly after an early penalty kill. Defenseman Drew Fortescue scored about three minutes into the game, converting after a sequence that began with Harvard on the power play. The Eagles then stretched the margin with two goals from forward James Hagens, turning a competitive start into a three-goal advantage before the first intermission.

Oscar Hemming contributed to the early separation by setting up Boston College’s second goal and assisting on Hagens’ later first-period tally. The first 20 minutes ended with the Eagles in control on the scoreboard, even as Harvard generated early looks and attempted to establish pace.

Second period turns into one-way traffic

Harvard struck immediately in the second period, scoring within the opening half-minute to cut the deficit to 3-1. That moment proved brief. Boston College responded with extended possession and defensive structure that limited Harvard’s ability to generate sustained offense.

The imbalance was most apparent in the shot total during the middle period, when Boston College outshot Harvard 20-1. Dean Letourneau’s goal late in the second period made it 4-1 and reflected the Eagles’ ability to keep play in the offensive zone while reducing Harvard’s transition chances.

Closing out: Gustafsson scores late as Harvard pushes with an extra attacker

Harvard attempted to create late pressure by pulling its goaltender for an extra skater, but Boston College managed the final minutes and added an insurance goal. Lukas Gustafsson scored late to complete the 5-1 result and close the scoring.

• Date and venue: Monday, February 2, 2026, TD Garden
• Score: Boston College 5, Harvard 1
• BC goal scorers: Drew Fortescue; James Hagens (2); Dean Letourneau; Lukas Gustafsson
• Next: Beanpot championship game on Monday, February 9

The 2026 tournament is the 73rd edition of the men’s Beanpot, first held in 1952, and remains a centerpiece of the local college hockey calendar.