FOR ALL THE BEANS: Dorchester’s own Kevin Hayes was named tournament MVP as the Boston College Eagles defeated Northeastern University 4-1 to capture their fifth straight Beanpot title on Monday night. Above, Hayes — who scored a goal in the game— hoisted the Beanpot trophy aloft on the ice at the TD Garden. More, page 8. Photo by John Quackenbos / Boston College

Congratulations to Dorchester’s own Kevin Hayes, the senior forward for the Boston College Eagles who led his No. 1-ranked team to its fifth-straight Beanpot title on Monday night at the Garden. Hayes, who notched a nifty first period goal to put the Eagles on the board first, was named tournament MVP after the 4-1 win over Northeastern.

Hayes family members have already established themselves as one of the region’s most prominent hockey names. And in Dorchester, where youth hockey has long found a firm footing, they are royalty. Kevin’s older brother Jimmy, 24, who also skated for the BC Eagles in an impressive collegiate career, now plays for the NHL’s Florida Panthers after several seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks organization. Kevin, age 21, is a few inches shorter than his brother, but he is also on a pro track: He was drafted by the Blackhawks in the first round of the NHL draft back in 2010.

For now, Hayes is giving the college hockey world quite a show. He and his mates are on a tear: They haven’t lost a game (14-0-1) in over two months, the longest winning streak of legendary Coach Jerry York’s tenure. They’re now back in the top spot in the national rankings and Kevin’s linemate, Johnny Gaudreau, is the leading scorer in the country. The Eagles are favorites for a return to the NCAA’s Frozen Four competition, which they won most recently in 2010 and 2012.
For a kid from Dorchester, though, it’s hard to top winning the Beanpot in front of your hometown fans, including mom Shelagh and dad Kevin. Here’s to you, Kevin, on a job well done.

Fifth Suffolk deserves better, and it will get better

The expulsion of former Rep. Carlos Henriquez from the House of Representatives last week was a sad chapter indeed. Henriquez was absolutely within his rights to continue to proclaim his innocence and, of course, to seek an appeal of his twin convictions for assault. But he should have resigned his seat rather than leave his colleagues with the unseemly task of forcing him out of office.

Now it’s time for the Fifth Suffolk to choose a new leader who can put the focus back on where it belongs: the complex, yet exciting challenges facing the Dorchester and Roxbury neighborhoods that make up this district. There are emerging opportunities for commercial and residential development along the Fairmount Line. There are new partnerships between the non-profit and business communities to forge with the help of a newly minted administration at City Hall. The city’s top economic development officer – John Barros – lives in Uphams Corner and has dedicated much of his career to building community in the heart of the Fifth Suffolk.

The moment is rich with potential. Thankfully, the Fifth Suffolk has better talent on the bench than outsiders might believe. It is good, then, that the Legislature and the governor have fast-tracked an election cycle to make that choice happen as soon as possible. By the end of April, a new elected official will be ready to take his or her seat and restore the Fifth Suffolk to full representation just in time for important budget votes.

–BF