If Boston College is to repeat as National Champions, it will have to do so without arguably the nation’s best player. The school announced on Tuesday that senior-to-be Nathan Gerbe will forego his senior season at Boston College and sign an NHL contract with the Buffalo Sabres.
Though Gerbe’s signing will significantly impact the Eagles offense come October, head coach Jerry York had nothing but praise for the player who was named Most Outstanding Player of this year’s Frozen Four.
“We’re very excited for Nathan and his decision to pursue his hockey career with the Buffalo Sabres,” York said. “He has had a tremendous influence on our university and, in particular, our team. We wish him the very best of luck.”
Gerbe earned All-America first-team honors and was a runner-up for the Hobey Baker Award this past season.
The Oxford, Mich., resident led all Division I scorers with 68 points (35 goals and 33 assists) in 43 games in 2007-08. Gerbe’s 35 goals ranks tied for fourth with David Emma (1990-91) and Kevin Stevens (1986-87) on the school’s single-season record list while his point total ranks tied for 10th (with three others) on BC’s single-season list.
During this year’s Frozen Four, Gerbe registered eight points (five goals and three assists) in victories over North Dakota and Notre Dame en route to Boston College’s third national title in school history.
Gerbe played in 123 career games during his three years at BC and totaled 71 goals and 133 points. He concludes his collegiate career tied with Kevin Stevens (1983-87) and John Cunniff (1963-66) for 18th place on the school’s goals scored list. He ranks 33rd on BC’s all-time points list.
Additionally, Gerbe has extensive international experience, having represented the United States at the World Junior Hockey Championships (2006, 2007), and at the World Under-18 Championships (2004, 2005). Prior to attending Boston College, Gerbe spent two seasons (2003-05) with the U.S. National Under-18 Team in Ann Arbor, Mich.
He was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round (145th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
