Eagles’ center Chris Brown talks family and hockey
Chris Brown, not the rapper
When Eagles marry Eagles, good things happen.
Freshman Chris Brown, the Eagles’ center, is the son of two former BC athletes and the younger brother of a BC hockey player.
The Bloomfield Hills, Michigan native sat down with The Tab to discuss the season, the team, and his family.
What do you love about hockey?
I like the competition and to compete everyday is awesome. My dad and my brother played here so I have a lot of history here, as well.
My brother, Patrick Brown, graduated in 2013 and was captain of the team his senior year. My dad, Doug Brown, graduated in 1986 and was drafted by the New Jersey Devils. Greg Brown, my uncle, is the associate head coach so it’s awesome to be coached by him.
What about BC hockey in particular?
I like coming to the rink everyday and having the expectation of getting better. It’s never okay to lose, so there are high expectations every year, which is great.
How are you adjusting to the team?
I know them very well. I knew a lot of the upperclassmen coming in since they played with my brother two years ago.
What is your favorite part of the team?
The winning tradition and the role of hockey in the BC community. I love being involved in such a huge part of the Boston College culture.
What are you focusing on individually? What about as a team?
Individually, I am focusing on becoming stronger and faster. As a team, we are working on starting games off better and sticking with it for the full 60 minutes.
Chris Brown is one of five children. Both parents went to BC. His mom played golf and his dad played hockey. Four of the five kids have gone to BC, and hopefully the youngest (freshman in high school) will too
What is your favorite part of the games at BC?
I love putting on BC jersey because of the family tradition. The honor shows itself through the jersey.
What are you most excited about for this season?
Playing BU, the Beanpot, and a chance at the National Championship.
Do you have a pregame ritual?
I like to get to rink two and a half hours before the game starts. I tape stick and hop in the hot tub to get loose. I like to stretch and get my muscles activated too before the game.
What is it like to play for Coach Jerry York? What kind of coach is he?
It is a huge honor. He is such great coach and teaches you a lot about hockey and life. He is a role model both on and off the ice.
Describe Jerry York in one word
Respectful.
Patrick Brown, older brother of Chris Brown, playing for BC. He currently plays for the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL
Most memorable moment playing hockey, whether at BC or before?
Watching my brother win the National Championship against Merrimack his sophomore year, in 2011, was awesome.
I was too young to remember this but my Dad won the Stanley Cup when he was on the Red Wings in 1997 and 1998. That definitely motivates me in how I play.
Coolest place you’re traveled to for hockey?
Edmonton in Canada. I played in a tournament called “The Brick” and we stayed in a mall with a rink in it. It’s the biggest mall in Canada and we stayed in the hotel in the mall. It was pretty cool.
Favorite women’s sport team?
BC Club lacrosse.