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Gionta makes serious case for Hobey

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -- Maine knew Boston College's Brian Gionta could score, but his feat might have been too much for the Black Bears on Saturday night.

Gionta scored five goals -- all in the first period -- during the Hockey East matchup at Conte Forum. The first-place Eagles beat Maine 7-2.

His mark is an NCAA record for goals in one period by one player (formerly three) and set the Hockey East record for goals in a period, but also tied the league record for goals in a game.

Entering the game with 107 goals, Gionta surpassed BC great Joe Cullen's 111 goals and then tied the all-time team record of 112 goals held by former Hobey Baker winner David Emma.

Gionta, who was a third-round draft pick for the New Jersey Devils in 1998, was second in team scoring heading into Saturday's game with 17 goals and 14 assists.

The senior has started all four seasons for second-ranked Boston College and was named Hockey East's rookie of the year in 1998. For two consecutive seasons, he has been a finalist for the Hobey -- college hockey's equivalent to the Heisman. A third bid for the prize is a strong possibility.

Standing at just 5-feet-7 with lightning fast offensive power, many have compared Gionta to New York Rangers forward Theo Fleury.

He was a member of the U.S. Select 16 and Select 17 teams and played for Team USA in the World Junior Championships in 1999 and 2000.

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