From Boston Boys to Jersey Guys

Over the years, the Devils have kept a watchful eye on Boston College's hockey program. However, the 2017-18 season seems to be a little different.
New Jersey may have as many as five former Boston College Eagles on the roster when the puck drops for the Devils' home opener on Oct. 7 at Prudential Center. Learn a little bit more about the Boston Boys who have transitioned into Jersey Guys.

Cory Schneider (2004-2007)

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Marblehead, Mass., native Cory Schneider had a very successful tenure at BC. Schneider was a three-year starter for the Eagles, earning himself a collegiate career record of 66-26-7 (with 15 shutouts) before forgoing his senior season to play professional hockey. During his time at the NCAA level, Schneider received countless awards such as Boston College's Bernie Burke Outstanding Freshman Award, Northeastern Regional Tournament MVP and a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team, while also leading Boston College to two NCAA Finals, taking home two Lamoriello trophies in three seasons.

Brian Boyle (2003-2006)

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Unlike Schneider, Brian Boyle played four years at Boston College before making his professional debut with the Manchester Monarchs (AHL) in 2007. Boyle and Schneider were teammates for three seasons at Boston College and both enjoyed team success together. Boyle was named captain of the Eagles his senior season and led his squad to a Hockey East Tournament Championship. Since they were teammates at BC, Schneider was a heavy influence in recruiting Boyle to New Jersey as a free agent last offseason.
"They told me I was needed, which is a great thing," Boyle said. "I think they have some great pieces. I'm very close with Cory Schneider, who's obviously a huge difference maker, and I know some other guys that are already there."
We're hoping Boyle and Schneider can mimic their NCAA success as teammates in the NHL.

Miles Wood (2015-16) and Steven Santini (2013-2016)

Video: Him vs. Me: Steve Santini and Miles Wood

2013 NHL Draft picks Miles Wood and Steven Santini will always be linked from Boston College to the Devils. After being selected by the Devils, the duo roomed together during training camps. As a BC freshman, Santini was named to the All Hockey East Rookie Team and led all defenseman with a plus-26 rating before leaving college after his junior season. Wood played only one season for the Eagles, which ended with a loss in the NCAA semifinals. Following that loss, Santini and Wood signed entry-level contracts with New Jersey on the same day, reported for camp and made their Devils debuts in the 2015-16 season finale at Prudential Center.

Jimmy Hayes (2008-2010)

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Like Schneider and Wood, Jimmy Hayes achieved early success at Boston College and elected to leave college early. During his sophomore season with the Eagles, Hayes was a standout. The forward collected 13 goals and 22 assists and three game-winners in 42 games. Hayes capped off his sophomore year with a NCAA Div. I Championship victory in the Frozen Four. After seasons spent in Chicago, Florida and Boston, Hayes signed a PTO with New Jersey for 2017-18 training camp.
Stay tuned to NewJerseyDevils.com for the latest team news as training camp continues.