Former Boston University men’s hockey player Vinny Saponari said Thursday that he will be taking his talents to Boston College for the 2011-12 season.
“I love the city of Boston, and Boston College always has a good team,” Saponari said of the decision.” I played against them for two years. I know how the program is –– the professionalism that comes with being there and playing there.”
Saponari was dismissed from BU by coach Jack Parker last spring –- the end of his sophomore season — after reportedly failing to attend a team bike ride designed as punishment for breaking the team’s drinking policy.
The forward said he was “shocked” in the aftermath of the dismissal, but said his move to Boston College isn’t driven out of spite for Parker and the BU program.
“No, definitely not,” Saponari said. “I love the city of Boston. I got to spend two years there, and I think that had a big part, me loving the city and being in Boston. It had nothing to do with spite.”
“That whole situation was something that you never want to go through, but it made me grow up a lot and do a lot of thinking over the summer. I wasn’t very mature when I was at BU, but I hope in the long run, [the experience] helps me. It was an unfortunate situation, but I’ve grown up and learned from it.”
Saponari said he has remained close with many Terrier hockey players, and has received support from teammates throughout the process, including in his decision to head to BC
“For me, it’ll be fun,” Saponari said when asked what his first game back at Agganis Arena will be like. “I still have a good relationship with the guys on the team. I’m sure I won’t get the best reception from fans, but that’s college hockey.”
The Powder Springs, Ga. native netted 20 goals and 27 assists (47 points) in 82 games at BU. The 20-year old is currently playing for the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League, where he was recently named a team captain.
i don’t care how many times he says this move isn’t out of spite. come on obviously it is
Interesting that a guy who was dismissed for breaking team rules is lauding the professionalism of, well, anything.
I’m sure the BC Jesuits will love his “party like a puckstar” mentality. He also loves Boston so much he decided to go to Chestnut Hill.
Wow, Parker really made a mistake letting him go!
Why didn’t Parker kick out Warsofsky and Trivino too? They were also drinking at the bar got falling down drunk.
Why are posters bashing Vincent? He has the opportunity to play for the defending champions in the same city, for the biggest rival of the program that dismissed him.
If I were in his shoes I’d jump at the chance. If Trevino’s suspension is reduced it will be more proof of the inequity of the decison to dismiss Victor and Vincent.
Good for Vincent. His first visit will sell tickets at Agannis.
His first visit will sell tickets at Agganis because it’ll be against BC. I can’t wait to hear the student section at those games, though.
VIN – NY …
So does BC also have to take Victor Saponari? Only fair, since BU had to take him to get Vinny.
Jerry York beat prostate cancer a few years ago. So why would invite trouble like that into his hockey program?
I thought scumbags like Saponari were only allowed to transfer to UMaine?
Parker made his bed now let’s see if he can sleep in it
Yeah, they made a huge mistake having a beer on St Patrick’s Day with a dozen or more team mates 2 days before their game. This behavior in college students should definably be drummed out of all sports programs!
Late to the party but, Saponari was kicked off the team for not showing up to the punishment because of the drinking.