Anticipation high for upcoming Beanpot

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Some of the NHL's future stars will be on display at the TD Garden over the next two weeks, as the 61st annual Beanpot begins next Monday.

Boston College is no stranger to hockey hardware; the defending NCAA National Champions and three-time defending Beanpot champs know exactly what this tournament and this time of year means.

“It simulates fairly closely what we’re going to see in March and April as far as a big stage and trophies at the end,” said Head Coach Jerry York, Boston College.

Even at the beginning of the season, anticipation is already running high for the Beanpot, whether it's your 40th, like BU's Jack Parker, or your first.

“Every year the student body and the schools, the students, and the players themselves -- they have this marked on their calendar. They know what’s coming and they know who they’re playing. Usually you get the best hockey from all four teams in this tournament,” said Head Coach Jack Parker, Boston University.

Historically, the tournament belongs to BU and BC, especially since it’s been 20 years since Harvard hoisted the Beanpot trophy, and 25 years since Northeastern claimed Boston’s biggest bragging right. But each year presents a new opportunity; this year for the Husky’s, a new confidence as well.

“We’ve actually beaten all the teams in the Beanpot so for, which I think should give us a little bit of confidence going in knowing we can beat them if we play our system,” a Northeastern hockey player said.

Lately it's been system of a down for both Northeastern and Harvard in the Beanpot, but neither school is backing down.

“We’re playing Goliath so to speak in college hockey over there the last few years. It’s a great opportunity for us. I think the guys are excited, it’s one game and we’ll put our best out there,” said Head Coach Jim Madigan, Northeastern

The quest to be Boston’s best begins in five days.