Local kid key for Boston College

by Ryan Fay

A local kid is a key piece for the Boston College men's hockey program.

When Clifton Park native Patch Alber is in Boston College's lineup this year, the Eagles are 13-3-1. But when the senior defenseman doesn't play, Boston College is only 9-8-3.

Alber (Hockey East)

Alber, who emerged from walk-on status to become a scholarship player, missed those 20 games after suffering a knee injury during pre-game warmups on Dec. 29 at the Mariucci Tournament in Minneapolis. He returned on Mar. 15 against Vermont.

"It was very disappointing to lose him," said Boston College head coach Jerry York. "When he came back to our lineup, it was a real boost for us energy wise because he works so hard at it. He's one of the reasons we're in the national tournament just based on him returning and giving us a lot of energy down the stretch."

Alber, who has three assists and a plus-6 rating in 17 games this year, will be front and center on Saturday when the Eagles take on Union in the first round of the East Regional at 9 pm in Providence.

"He'll be one of the five defensemen we'll play on a rotating basis this weekend," York said. "We expect Patch to play very well."