Sit down to watch a Boston University men’s hockey game, and you’ll see a lot of Ryan Greene.
Whether that be on the power play, penalty kill or while he’s driving production on the second line, the sophomore center’s versatility has been invaluable for the Terriers and earned him ‘unsung hero’ praise.
As BU embarks on its second consecutive trip to the Frozen Four this week for a date with the University of Denver in Thursday’s national semifinal, Greene will be at the center of the Terriers’ intended success.
“I feel like I’ve been able to play in a lot of situations this year. I feel like they’ve put a little more trust in me,” Greene said Friday after practice. “Obviously it’s something that I embrace, and I just try to give my all every game and help the team win.”
Greene was a third-line staple in his freshman season but has now taken on a greater role in the absence of players like Wilmer Skoog and Jay O’Brien who occupied the top-six pivot positions for a majority of last year.
The Chicago Blackhawks prospect has been a permanent fixture of the 2023-24 top six with linemates junior Jack Hughes and sophomore Quinn Hutson. Greene’s consistency and leadership within that trio has allowed head coach Jay Pandolfo to rely on him in all moments of a game.
Greene’s offensive flair has been there, but his defensive, 200-foot details really let him shine.
“He’s very important for our team. He does everything for us – kills penalties, first power play, gets tough matchups,” Pandolfo said Friday. “He’s been excellent this year. He’s grown a lot as a player.”
— Boston Hockey Blog (@BOShockeyblog) March 28, 2024
In 39 games thus far, Greene has set a new career highs with 12 goals – five of which have come on the power play – and 36 points. What’s more, the 20-year-old has six points in his last five games, including a snipe off the rush against RIT in the NCAA regional semifinal on March 28, and is just above 50 percent from the faceoff dot.
Greene, and his entire sophomore class, entered the BU program at a time when the standard for excellence had been raised, and it resulted in the team’s return to the national stage. That experience – the high-stakes games, pressure and necessary sacrifice to win – has fueled each players’compete level this season, especially in the final stretch.
“I think I’ve rounded out my game really well. Try to focus on being better offensively and defensively,” Greene said. “I think there’s never too much you can work on. Just trying to add little things to my game every day in practice and throughout the season.”
Beyond Greene’s individual development this season, he’s made those around him better, too.
Hughes, who was moved to play with Greene on the second line in early February, has wholly come into his own in the second half of the season.
It was a quiet first semester for the Northeastern transfer with just three points, however, Hughes has logged 14 points since BU opened the second semester against Yale on Dec. 29. Greene complements Hughes well – a new swagger and smoothness has been added to his game.
“He’s been awesome. So good to play with,” Greene said. “He’s unbelievable down low, and the skill shows for itself. I think we’ve developed good chemistry on our line.”
Hutson has also hit career highs while on the right wing with 36 points (18 goals, 18 assists) in 39 games.
As the Terriers continue their question for a national title, their depth and roster maturity – specifically among the lowerclassmen – could be the difference maker. Greene is a big part of that.
“We wouldn’t be here without Ryan,” Pandolfo said.
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