BC Hockey Preview of Champions: Steven Whitney, #21

Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE

The last of the returning Boston College hockey players for the 2012-13 season is a local product, a senior, and an alternate captain. The Whitneys have built a bit of a recent tradition at BC; for those who were at the school during my time, we all remember Joe Whitney and some of his signature moments, one of which was an overtime game-winner in the NCAA Tournament over Miami, sending BC to the Frozen Four. Now, his younger brother, Steven, continues to represent their family well.

Steven Whitney hails from Reading, MA, playing high school hockey for Lawrence Academy in Groton. In four years there, he had 163 career points. Whitney captained his senior team at Lawrence, also winning a league championship. Following high school, he moved on to the USHL, playing just 12 games for the Omaha Lancers during the 2008-09 season. Also, before arriving at Boston College, Whitney made both the US Under-17 and US Under-18 Select Teams, with which he took part in several international competitions.

In his first three years with the Eagles, a few of which coincided with his brother’s, Whitney has played in 122 games, the vast majority being wins. Whitney has tallied 83 points, having his best season (39 pts.) during the title run of 2011-12. It was certainly his best year for scoring goals as well, netting 16 of them.

Whitney is the sort of guy who will get quality minutes in every game and typically do well. His numbers have never been the flashiest on the team, but he came on strong at the end of last season, emerging as one of the leaders. Whitney’s teammates rewarded him in kind with an alternate captaincy. If his game continues to improve, he could have a big 2012-13 for the Eagles.