The Northeastern Huskies brought home a Beanpot Championship for the second year in a row on Feb. 11 with help from Walpole native Lincoln Griffin. The Huskies earned the title after a 4-2 win over Boston College with a key goal from Griffin.
“With all the joy and celebration, I was just in complete shock that we had won the Beanpot back to back years,” Griffin said. “I took a look into the stands, seeing all the Northeastern fans, my family and friends. It almost gave me tears of joy. I will never forget that feeling.”
Tied at 2-2 in the third period, Northeastern needed at least one more goal to clinch the win, and Griffin pulled through with a backhanded rebound, pulling the Huskies to a 3-2 lead.
“The puck found its way to me in the slot area where there was an empty net, and I am just glad I didn’t miss it,” Griffin said. “To this day, that was the biggest goal of my entire life. Scoring the game-winning goal in a Beanpot Championship game is just a dream come true.”
Before their 2018 win, Northeastern had not won a Beanpot Championship since 1988, so to shatter that streak and win it two years in a row is an even greater feat.
“[Winning the Beanpot two years in a row] is incredible. It took 30 years for Northeastern to win another Beanpot, but to win back to back, not many people can say they’ve done that,” Griffin said.
Before attending Northeastern, Griffin went to Thayer Academy on a hockey scholarship. To be able to play hockey for both of those schools, Griffin put in many hours of hard work and preparation—a commitment that was heavily supported by his family members.
“I can’t even explain how many hours my dad has spent with me, which gave me an opportunity to compete at the Division I level. My mom has also been the backbone to my success, helping me with everything: driving me places at an early age, like my manager in a sense,” Griffin said. “My whole family has been my biggest fans from day one and my goal in life is to make them proud. Without them, I would not be where I am today and I will be forever grateful.”
After graduating from Northeastern, Griffin wants to play professionally in an American league or potentially play overseas. Once his time in hockey has come to a close, he has a business degree from Northeastern to fall back on but still aspires to attain a job that encompasses his passion for hockey.
Griffins accomplishments serve as an example for aspiring athletes to look up to, especially any kids from Walpole, including his younger sister Natalie, a WHS freshman.
“I look up to him as a role model, probably my biggest role model in sports,” Natalie said. “He has always tried to make me tougher as we grew up and has always given me tips about my sports. He works so hard, which I look up to as well. I’m very proud of his accomplishments.”