Boston College forward James Hagens. Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Watch: Top NHL prospect scores game-winner for Boston College

By Alex Wiederspiel | Last updated Mar 28, 2025 6:08 PM ET

Boston College freshman center James Hagens made a big statement in his quest to be the top overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, scoring the game-winning goal in the opening round of No. 1 Boston College's win versus Bentley University.

Hagens, who was the early favorite when the season began to be the top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, is facing steep competition for the top spot from a trio of prospects from the Canadian-based Ontario Hockey League: defenseman Matthew Schaefer, center Michael Misa and winger Porter Martone.

Hagens has 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 36 games following a two-point effort for No. 1 Boston College in its first-round win against upstart Bentley University.

Bentley — in its first NCAA Tournament appearance — played Boston College to a 1-1 draw for nearly 59 minutes when Hagens scored the clutch winner with just 1:19 left in regulation.

HAGENS TAKES THE LEAD FOR THE EAGLES WITH ONE MINUTE TO GO!!!!!#NCAAHockey x ESPNU / @BC_MHockey pic.twitter.com/n5nMy2lieq
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) March 28, 2025

No. 1 Boston College faces the winner of Providence-Denver on Sunday, March 30 in the 2025 DI Men's Ice Hockey Championship quarterfinals.

The winner will advance to the Frozen Four in St. Louis set for April 10.

Alex Wiederspiel

Alex Wiederspiel is a digital reporter, play-by-play broadcaster, radio show host and podcast host in West Virginia covering high school athletics, Division II college athletics, and some West Virginia University athletics. He's an avid follower of all things hockey and football with a soft spot for prospects -- the future stars of the league. When not consuming sports, Alex is usually doing something related to Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or watching movies for his movie podcast, The Movie Spiel

More must-reads: