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Boston University's Pandolfo a leader both on and off the ice

Hockey captains are easily recognized by the "C" they wear on their sweaters. Perhaps Boston University captain Jay Pandolfo should have donned a red "S" and a red cape instead.

That's because Pandolfo has been the Terriers' Superman this season, leading the team to another successful campaign in a year of triumph and tragedy on Babcock Street. Last weekend, Hockey East rewarded the mild-mannered senior with its Player of the Year award and a spot on its All-Star Team.

"It's a real nice honor, especially after the season I had last year," Pandolfo said. "There were plenty of other guys who could've gotten it. It's a nice honor, getting voted on by other coaches."

After being sidelined much of his junior year with numerous aches and pains, ranging from a strained abdominal muscle to a lacerated left hand, Pandolfo has been an iron man for the Terriers this season. His numbers speak for themselves. The Burlington, Mass. native leads the Terriers with 38 goals, four hat tricks, 13 power-play tallies and six shorthanded goals, making him one of the leading candidates for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to college hockey's top player.

Though that award usually goes to great goal scorers, Pandolfo's greatest asset is not his scoring ability. In a year that has seen the Terriers capture Hockey East's regular season championship and the Beanpot Tournament crown, it has also witnessed a devastating injury to Terrier freshman forward Travis Roy. Roy was paralyzed after crashing into the boards in the season opener. Pandolfo's leadership in the locker room helped hold the team together in a time when many players could have come emotionally unglued.

"I thought (being captain) would be a lot harder early in the year after Travis got hurt, but a lot of guys, like Bobby Lachance and Doug Wood and even some of the juniors stepped up in the locker room," Pandolfo said.

"There are a lot of leaders on this team, so it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be."

Modesty is another one of Pandolfo's qualities. His teammates are quick to credit him with easing the tense situation in the locker room after Roy's accident. Pandolfo's communication with his teammates was crucial in maintaining the team's focus while continuing to remember their fallen teammate.

Before every practice, the captain hangs Roy's orange practice jersey on the glass, and after every game, he carries the freshman's sweater with him in the handshake line.

"I think the reason why he's such a good leader is all the guys respect him and listen to his opinion," Terrier goaltender Tom Noble said. "Jay's just an easy kid to talk to. He treats the freshmen the same way he treats the seniors.

"I remember last year as a freshman that it's tough coming in, but (last season's captain) Jacques (Joubert) and all the veterans made me feel like I was a part of the team. Jay has done the same thing. He hangs out with everybody and he makes everyone feel comfortable."

The toughest stretch of the season for Pandolfo and the Terriers will come when they take the ice against Michigan Thursday night in the NCAA semifinals. There are no easy games in the playoffs, and if Pandolfo wants to join the elite group of Terrier captains with a national championship, he must continue to set a good example for the rest of the team.

"I'm just making sure I'm always working hard, and that keeps everyone else disciplined," Pandolfo said. "I make sure I'm working hard in the weight room. I try to always be on time and not screw anything up."

"He leads by example, and he's a great leader and a great player," Noble said.

After his collegiate career ends, a professional hockey future lies ahead for Pandolfo. His senior success bodes well for the NHL's New Jersey Devils, who selected Pandolfo in the second round of the NHL entry draft. But before he thinks of a professional future, Pandolfo has unfinished business in the playoffs.

"I know we'll be ready for the rest of our games from here on in," Pandolfo said.

"We know we don't have a second chance if we lose, so I want to make sure everybody's ready to play every single night. If we do that, we'll go a long way."

So, while he may not be able to leap Walter Brown Arena in a single bound, this Superman may just spur his team to its second consecutive national title -- just as any good captain would.