Zakary Karpa, the Rangers' 6th-round pick in 2022, has captained the Harvard Crimson for the last two seasons. He centered the fourth-line on Monday as they chased a Benoit title.
He contributed a shot, going three-for-five on faceoffs. Karpa has strong defensive instincts and some offensive potential, but he'll need more seasoning at the minor hockey levels. Standing at 6'0", 185 pounds, he's probably not ready for the NHL yet, but he has bottom-six potential. It's still up in the air whether the Rangers will offer him an entry-level deal this summer, though it's likely he'll need some time in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack after graduating if the Blueshirts want to bring him into the fold.
That said, Karpa's efforts went for naught. Harvard was routed 7-1 by No. 8 Boston University Terriers in the semifinals of the prestigious tournament at TD Garden. BU bounced back after an early Harvard tally and scored five unanswered goals in the second period to take control of the game.
USA World Juniors hero Cole Hutson (WSH), who Rangers fans will soon see in a Washington Capitals uniform, posted a four-point night with two goals and two assists in his Beanpot debut. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Flyers prospect Devin Kaplan also scored twice. Shane Lachance (EDM), Jack Harvey (TBL), and Quinn Hutson joined the goal-scoring party, and Nick Roukounakis, Jack Hughes (LAK), and Gavin McCarthy (BUF) all chipped in with two assists apiece.
On the defensive side, New Jersey Devils' 2024 second-round selection and freshman sensation Mikhail Yegorov stopped 26 of 27 shots in his third start, earning the win for BU.
Harvard's Casey Severo opened the scoring early, but it was all BU after that, including a beautiful between-the-legs goal by Lachance.
Hey #SCTop10...Shane LaChance
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) February 3, 2025
Of BU. Between the legs. Oiler 6th rounder. He will play in the league. 9th goal in 25th game. 2-1 BU at Beanpot pic.twitter.com/Yf70HiNMZK
The Terriers, who have the most Beanpot titles with 31, advanced to the championship game. For the last 72 years, BU, BC, Harvard, and Northeastern have battled in a nationally televised tournament at TD Garden during the first two Mondays of February. The winner takes home the Beanpot trophy and bragging rights.