2023-24 BU Hockey Captain’s Q&A: Case McCarthy
Photo credit Matt Woolverton
Q: How disappointing was it not to be able play in the Hockey East title game or the NCAA tournament? And how did that factor into your decision to return for a fifth season?
A: It was extremely disappointing for me having to watch that last stretch. However, I am extremely proud of the way the group performed down the stretch to not only win Hockey East but also make it to the Frozen Four. It definitely played a major role in my decision to come back and compete for BU for one more year. I personally feel like I have unfinished business and I want to have those experiences, but I also know that the group this year feels the same way with the knowledge of what it takes to get there.
Q: What is the status of your recovery? A recent video showed you in a blue practice jersey.
A: As of now I am transitioning to be full contact after getting clearance from both the surgeon and the team doctors. I am feeling great and very fortunate to have the opportunity to be healthy and play the sport that I love for BU again. I’ll be ready to go for the October 7th game against Bentley.
Q: When was the last time Gavin and you were teammates?
A: Being four years older I have never had the opportunity to play with Gavin. I was able to play with our brother Aiden a long time ago when we were just starting to play. I’m excited to have Gavin at school and be able to be around him every day.
Q: What is the backstory of Gavin taking your #2 jersey while you shift to #7 (which has been worn by a long list of high-impact defensemen)?
A: #7 had been my number growing up, or #77 if it was taken. Since Vlasic and I both wanted the number for school I think we had to rock, paper, scissors for it which obviously I lost. I am grateful to be included in the history of wearing #2 at BU, however I felt that with the opportunity to wear #7 again and give my number to my brother to allow him to be a part of that history was special for me.
Q: You were part of last year’s leadership group which Coach Pandolfo credited with quickly getting team buy-in to his on-ice and team culture goals. With nearly half the roster turned over, how much of a challenge will it be to establish that team-wide mindset?
A: I don’t think it will be much of a challenge at all. With the returners having the experience that we got last year and the understanding of the standard that has been set to get us to where we got last year, I have seen that buy-in to the culture come very quickly.
Q: In your first three season, you were frequently paired with strong partners such as Dom Fensore and Alex Vlasic. Last year’s partner, Lane Hutson, was a dynamic game-changer. What did that mean for your approach to your position?
A: All three are great players and leaders here at BU. I don’t think my approach to the position has changed based on who I’m playing with. I want to go out and be the most effective player possible for the team to win games.
Q: Last season BU had the #4 scoring offense in Division 1, while scoring defense was #23? Can this team continue to employ the high-octane, direct offensive style the staff has implemented while also improving on the defensive end?
A: I definitely feel that we can continue to improve all aspects of the game. When we become complacent in our playing style is when things get out of whack, so I think focusing on the little details of what makes us successful will, in turn, help with both sides of the puck.
Case was Hockey East's Defender of the Month for November 2021
Q: BU’s power play numbers were good most of the season, but trailed off in the last quarter. What are the keys within Coach Pandolfo’s system for the man-advantage to click?
A: The guys we have in those positions are highly-skilled individuals that work as a unit. The coaches do a great job putting a game plan together to help the units maximize their effectiveness. However, execution is key to success in all aspects of our game and structure.
Q: In addition to becoming a tough team to play against, BU was particularly good at home last season, fashioning a 14-3 record at Agganis with two of the losses coming in overtime. How much of a point of emphasis is there on defending the house?
A: It was a major point of emphasis for us. The help and support of our fans, the student section and the band gave the building an energy to propel us to that success. It’s also our home building and the team rallied around to protect our turf.
Q: You earned your degree from Questrom last year. What are you pursuing for your graduate degree?
A: A Master's in Management in Hospitality from the School of Hospitality
Q: Last time a McCarthy wore the C for BU—John McCarthy in 2008-09— the team won its fifth national championship. Are you confident that this year’s team will be playing for hardware in March and April—and why?
A: I am confident that we have that opportunity. I am confident in our staff and our guys in the locker room to work their hardest and stick to the structure and culture that is implemented. With the experience of the returning guys and a very talented freshman class, I think we can accomplish big things when we perform within ourselves.
Q: Which returning player do you expect to take a big step up this season?
A: I think everyone will take a major step. I feel the excitement of everyone returning and the want to contribute in a major way for this team and school. Guys look great on the ice from a hard summer of work and are ready to confront anything that is thrown at us. I am looking forward to guys playing within themselves and contributing in whatever aspect to help this team win and continue to push forward.
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