- Two-time national champion and current member of the New York Rangers Chris Kreider '16 was bestowed with the Distinguished Alumni Award of the Woods College of Advancing Studies on Tuesday evening on Boston College's campus.The Distinguished Alumni Award honors a notable Woods College graduate who embodies the Jesuit ideals of men and women for others, who pursues the greater good in all things and exemplifies care for the whole person."Chris is someone who was always very focused on academics and hockey and is the epitome of BC student athlete", head coachsaid. "Chris was extremely well liked by teammates and staff—very respectful of not only deans and professors, but of dining workers and janitors alike. He was a hard worker on the ice and probably the fastest skater I have coached. He could have left Boston College for the NHL after his first year but decided to stay through his junior year so he could eventually earn a BC Diploma."The Boxford, Mass. native helped lead the Eagles to two national championships (2010 and 2012) during his three-year career on The Heights. In 114 games played at BC, Kreider notched 49 goals and 43 assists from 2009-12. When playing at TD Garden in the maroon and gold, Kreider aided Boston College in amassing a 12-0 mark, winning three Beanpot titles and the same number of Hockey East Tournament titles.Former Eagle Miles Wood, who now plays for the New Jersey Devils and is currently enrolled at Woods shared:"Chris has always been a person and hockey player that I have looked up to. His character on and off the ice separates him from other athletes. I admire the fact that he is able to live out his dream but at the same time pursued his goal of graduating from Boston College. When I left BC after my freshman year, I knew that I wanted to be like Chris - living out my dream of playing hockey but at the same time pursuing my goal of getting my degree at BC. Chris's determination for both goals in his life just shows the type of character he holds himself to."Kreider signed an entry-level contract with the New York Rangers on April 10, 2012 and in 2016, signed a four-year contract extension with the Rangers prior to a strong 2016-17 season, in which he set new career highs in both goals (28) and points (53). He is currently an alternate captain on the team.The recent Woods College graduate participates in service and charity activities, including those in support of the Garden of Dreams Foundation. The Garden of Dreams is a non-profit organization that works with The Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Networks, Inc. to positively impact the lives of children facing obstacles. The Foundation works with 30 partner organizations throughout the tri-state area, including hospitals, wish organizations and community-based organizations, to reach children who are facing challenges such as homelessness, extreme poverty, illness and foster care.Kreider is the fifth Distinguished Alumni Award of the Woods College of Advancing Studies. Current Mayor of Boston, Marty Walsh '09, was the initial winner of the award.