Town residents cheered when Andover’s Shane Lachance, a Boston University star hockey player, scored the second goal in this year’s Frozen Four final. Soon, they hope to see him light the lamp in the NHL.
Lachance signed an entry-level contract on April 16 to play in the New Jersey Devils organization, where his father is head of U.S. scouting. He is expected to begin his professional playing career at the start of next season. A sought-after prospect, Lachance first was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in round six of the 2021 draft, and in March had his draft rights traded to the Devils.
“Shane is someone who is a role model in the community,’’ said Timothy Bennett, president of Andover Hockey Association, where Lachance played growing up. “It is nice to see a kid who did play for his town as a kid, and even played for his public high school for a season or two, develop and continue on at this level.”
The town has been rooting for Lachance since he was a young skater, and college rink fans have witnessed his quick rise at BU. He was the youngest captain in Terriers history.
“It’s all positive — they’re very positive about any local kid who does well. They just love to hear good things about the local kids. [The kids] look up to these players like Lachance, and that’s what keeps them interested,” said Francis McCarthy, who has been watching Lachance’s every move with patients who come to his dental office in Andover.
This story was published as part of a collaboration between Andover News and the Department of Journalism in Boston University’s College of Communication. The student journalist is a member of Professor Meghan E. Irons’s Reporting in Depth class.
McCarthy’s own family has a similar story to Lachance’s. His son, John McCarthy, was also an Andover youth hockey player, who succeeded at BU and then went on to play 88 games in the NHL.
“Andover is a very supportive town,’’ said McCarthy. “They do everything they can to make sure their children can be successful at whatever they’re doing. The Andover community is a great place for kids to grow up. Whether it be sports or whatever else the kids are interested in, they are supportive.”
Lachance hails from a storied Terrier legacy that began from his grandfather, Jack Parker, who was a legendary coach for BU from 1973-2013. Parker led the Terriers to three national championships, 21 Beanpots, seven Hockey East titles, and amassed 897 wins with a .634 win percentage.
Then came Shane’s father, Scott Lachance, who played for the Terriers during the 1990-91 season and went on to become the fourth overall pick by the New York Islanders in the NHL draft. Scott then played over 800 games in the NHL over 13 seasons. Scott’s brother, Bob Lachance, also played for the Terriers from 1992-1996 and won one national championship.
Gerry Nideen, who coached Shane Lachance at Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts, said he recognized Lachance’s talents and leadership abilities early on and said he is not surprised to see the player where he is today.
“When your best player is your hardest worker, that’s just a recipe for success, and that’s what he was,” said Nideen.
Nideen named Lachance as the team captain at Tabor for the 2020-21 season, marking the first of many for the young player.
“He was a captain here, was a captain in the USHL [United States Hockey League] and now a sophomore captain at BU,’’ said Nideen. “It’s no coincidence that this kid is where he is right now, and I’m not surprised at all. I don’t think anybody who knows him is surprised at where he is right now, and what he’s doing.”
Lachance’s leadership has seamlessly translated to the collegiate level, as he led BU to back-to-back Frozen Four appearances. In his two years with the Terriers, Lachance notched 25 goals and 32 assists.
“He’s a great leader, and I think he’s going to have a lot of success moving forward as well,’’ said Kim Brandvold, a BU assistant hockey coach.
When he scored his goal in the second period of the championship game on April 13, many in Andover thought the Terriers would have a chance to rally. But it was not to be as the BU Terriers eventually fell 6-2 to Western Michigan Broncos.
Although fans would have preferred a win, Andover Hockey’s Bennett said residents of all ages loved seeing Shane Lachance succeed at the highest levels of college hockey – and they believe there are more highlights to come.
“Andover has a sense of pride in his accomplishments, and is looking forward to his development, and when he makes it to the NHL,” said Bennett.