Men’s Hockey: Jordan Greenway Is Quickly Becoming an Elite Player

By: Dan Shulman

After a 3-2-0 start to the season, there are many storylines surrounding the Boston University Men’s Ice Hockey team.

The rise of freshman goaltender Jake Oettinger; the stout defensive efforts against two of the nation’s top teams; and the resurgence of the team’s leading goal-scorer Jordan Greenway.

Through the first five games of the 2016-17 seasons, Greenway has already tallied three goals, two shy of his total from last season, and has added three assists.

It took Greenway 14 games last season to notch his first collegiate goal and only his third collegiate point. In his sophomore season, the 6’5” forward tallied three points over his first four games and recorded a three-point effort against fourth-ranked Quinnipiac.

“Just coming off last year, definitely the experience has helped,” said Greenway. “Playing with two great linemates right now has definitely helped me a lot.

Greenway has shown his prowess in front of goal this season, but behind is probably where the sophomore is at his best. His ability win puck battles makes it possible for Greenway to generate plays in the offensive zone.

“Honestly just because I have bigger body – bigger than most defenders – so it’s easier for me to fend people off,” said Greenway. “Bringing the puck to the net, staying in front of the net, creating space for linemates and for myself are probably my biggest assets right now.

Even more valuable than his size, Greenway’s offensive ability has been openly praised by his peers, especially BU Head Coach David Quinn.

“He’s got great vision,” said Quinn. “People get infatuated with his size and his puck protection but boy he can make plays. He’s very smart and you better be ready when you’re available because [Greenway] will find you. He’s added more of an offensive dimension to his game than he did last year.”

Despite being only a sophomore, Greenway has been thrust into a leadership role on the second youngest team in the nation. On his forward line, Greenway joins a pair of freshmen – Clayton Keller and Patrick Harper – as the top point-producing trio for the Terriers. However, Greenway has taken the added pressure of a leadership role in stride.

“I think just because I’m playing more of a bigger role this season a little bit more is expected out of me,” said Greenway. “I deal with it pretty well so I just kind of go day-to-day trying to get better.”

Not only has Greenway’s offensive and off-ice games improved, but so has his discipline. A loose cannon at times last season, Greenway collected 58 penalty minutes last year – a team high. So far this season, the sophomore has been called for four penalties.

A common trend was seeing Greenway sent to the box for a debatable call. There were even a couple of occasions where Greenway was called for a penalty while in possession of the puck and despite being draped by a defender. However, the sophomore doesn’t feel like his size makes him a target.

“It’s part of the game,” said Greenway. “[The refs’] job is hard too. Making the right calls isn’t always going to happen, you just kind of have to go with it.”

With a goal of continued improvement as an individual and a teammate, Jordan Greenway has shown that he can be one of the top players in college hockey.