After posting a 22-11-5 record, a 2.20 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage in his first full season as the Friars' starter, Hawkey is primed for the opportunity to shine on the big stage only three miles from his home rink, Schneider Arena.
"I think [this tournament] is so exciting because it's one and done. You have to win each gave to survive and move on," said Hawkey, who is eagerly anticipating having the full support of Friars nation on site, which should help to drown out the Crimson faithful that make the short 60-minute drive from Boston. "The biggest thing that makes college hockey so awesome is the students and the fan base. They always bring so much energy. Nothing beats it. It's going to an electric atmosphere."
It undoubtedly will be, but the Canadiens' sixth-round pick - selected 177th overall in 2014 - is adamant that the Friars won't just be hitting the ice at "The Dunk" to soak it all in.
"The guys who had that matchup and won [the national championship in 2015] said it was the best atmosphere they've ever played in. I'm looking forward to that, but obviously the game is what matters most. Harvard's hot right now, but they're a team we can definitely handle," insisted the Colorado native and former USHL Goaltender of the Year. "For us, it's not just getting in, it's doing something. This is really about making a statement."
The finance major has come a long way since undergoing surgery in December 2014 to repair ACL and MCL tears in his left knee, a procedure that kept him sidelined until the following October just as his collegiate career was kicking off. The extensive rehab and recovery - coupled with his spending the bulk of last season playing behind then-starter Nick Ellis - has made this moment all the more special for him and his family.
"This was always a goal of mine. Now, being able to take advantage of the opportunity is awesome," said Hawkey, whose parents Michael and Ann, and uncle Jim Scott, will be in attendance in Providence to cheer him on. "It was a big growth season for us as a team, myself included, having not played much those two years. This season, though, I learned I could handle the workload. Now it's about catching fire and making a push."
Two hours north of Providence in Manchester, NH, Evans and the Fighting Irish will hit the ice on Saturday afternoon to get the West Regionals going at SNHU Arena against the fourth-ranked University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. The winner of that contest will advance to the regional final against either Cornell University or the University of Massachusetts Lowell to earn a trip to the Windy City.
The 20-year-old centerman was Notre Dame's third-leading point-getter during the 2016-17 campaign with 38 points - including 13 goals - in 38 games, and he's hoping to make an important impact in his second-straight appearance at the annual event.
"Every game is huge in college, but when you get down to it, you're just four games away from a national championship. That's every guy's dream when they come to college," said Evans, a Toronto native who was selected in the seventh round - 207th overall - by the Canadiens in 2014. "I feel a little bit more confident this year and I'm ready to make a big difference. Our team has worked so hard all year, so we're excited to see what's ahead."
