Noah Hanifin’s dreams are coming true sooner than he ever expected.

Originally, the 17-year-old defenseman was slated to be a part of Boston College’s 2015-16 recruiting class. But over this past summer, the storied program decided to accelerate his admission into the university and include him on this year’s hockey roster.

As a result, Hanifin, who is eligible for the 2015 NHL Draft, will become the youngest player ever to don an Eagles uniform when he takes the ice for his first game in October. Despite that accomplishment, Hanifin is quick to credit others with his rapid ascension to collegiate hockey.

“A lot of it has to do with the people that have surrounded me my whole life. My parents and my coaches growing up were second to none,” Hanifin said. “They really gave me a chance to develop as a player and a person. I was able to come to BC a year early because I’ve been surrounded by great mentors my whole life.”