By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Saturday night was the kind of effort Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker had been waiting for from his team. No slow start. No letting up after getting the lead. No lulls in focus that led to costly mistakes. No stupid penalties. The Terriers came out strong and sustained that level of play all game long en route to beating University of Vermont 3-1. They finally put together a 60-minute effort.
“I thought it was really a thorough game,” Parker said. “We talk about progress, not production, and that was close to being as sharp as you can be for 60 minutes. I thought we played extremely well in all three zones.
“I thought we played smart with the puck and even smarter without the puck. A bunch of guys had great nights. Everybody played well. There wasn’t a guy who had an off night.”
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Monday, February 28, 2011
From the FreeP: New first-line combination settles in
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
Nine different forwards on the No. 15 Boston University men’s hockey team have come together to form nine separate first-line combinations in the 34 games of the 2010-11 season. The latest trio of junior left wing Chris Connolly, freshman center Sahir Gill and freshman right wing/center Charlie Coyle have combined for 52 of the possible 102 starts at the top of the lines sheet, but before last weekend’s series against Providence College, those three had never played together on a line.
Put that relative inexperience with one another alongside their collective goal-scoring struggles heading into the end of the season – Coyle was the latest member of the newly formed line to light the lamp, with his last goal coming way back on Jan. 21– and it’s easy to understand how those struggles continued against the Friars, resulting in a pointless weekend for all three.
“It’s hard for guys to hit it off right away,” said Connolly, after BU’s 3-1 win over University of Vermont on Saturday. “Guys are used to kind of doing their own thing. Everybody’s their own guy and brings something to the line. Charlie’s a big strong kid with a lot of talent. Sahir’s a great playmaker. I just try to provide some energy for the line, get after the D a little bit. It takes a little bit [to gel].”
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Nine different forwards on the No. 15 Boston University men’s hockey team have come together to form nine separate first-line combinations in the 34 games of the 2010-11 season. The latest trio of junior left wing Chris Connolly, freshman center Sahir Gill and freshman right wing/center Charlie Coyle have combined for 52 of the possible 102 starts at the top of the lines sheet, but before last weekend’s series against Providence College, those three had never played together on a line.
Put that relative inexperience with one another alongside their collective goal-scoring struggles heading into the end of the season – Coyle was the latest member of the newly formed line to light the lamp, with his last goal coming way back on Jan. 21– and it’s easy to understand how those struggles continued against the Friars, resulting in a pointless weekend for all three.
“It’s hard for guys to hit it off right away,” said Connolly, after BU’s 3-1 win over University of Vermont on Saturday. “Guys are used to kind of doing their own thing. Everybody’s their own guy and brings something to the line. Charlie’s a big strong kid with a lot of talent. Sahir’s a great playmaker. I just try to provide some energy for the line, get after the D a little bit. It takes a little bit [to gel].”
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
UPDATED: Terriers take season series from Vermont with 3-1 win
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Chris Connolly, Alex Chiasson and Matt Nieto each netted a goal and Adam Clendening contributed two assists as the Boston University men's hockey team beat the University of Vermont, 3-1, Saturday night. Kieran Millan saved 27 shots and lost a shutout bid with just 4.5 seconds left in the game.
The Terriers outshot the Catamounts 15-6 in the first period and completely dominated time of possession, but failed to find the back of the net. Vermont hung goalie Rob Madore out to dry several times, but the junior netminder repeatedly bailed his team out with some huge saves. The one time he did get beat, Connolly missed an open net.
Madore’s magic only lasted so long, though, as the Terriers got on the board twice in the second. Their first goal came on a five-minute power play that resulted from a hit from behind on Wade Megan that earned Connor Brickley a game misconduct.
Chris Connolly, Alex Chiasson and Matt Nieto each netted a goal and Adam Clendening contributed two assists as the Boston University men's hockey team beat the University of Vermont, 3-1, Saturday night. Kieran Millan saved 27 shots and lost a shutout bid with just 4.5 seconds left in the game.
The Terriers outshot the Catamounts 15-6 in the first period and completely dominated time of possession, but failed to find the back of the net. Vermont hung goalie Rob Madore out to dry several times, but the junior netminder repeatedly bailed his team out with some huge saves. The one time he did get beat, Connolly missed an open net.
Madore’s magic only lasted so long, though, as the Terriers got on the board twice in the second. Their first goal came on a five-minute power play that resulted from a hit from behind on Wade Megan that earned Connor Brickley a game misconduct.
Press Conferences following BU's 3-1 win over Vermont
Due to a recording malfunction, the Parker presser is unavailable. Find the one for Connolly and Clendening below and Kevin Sneddon after the jump.
Grading the Terriers: 2/26 against UVM
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Offense: A-minus
The three goals aren’t entirely impressive, but that subpar total is mostly a credit to UVM goaltender Rob Madore. The Terriers were absolutely buzzing around the Catamount net, especially in the first period. Madore had to make a number of dazzling saves to keep BU off the board in the first as the Terriers tested him with nine grade-A chances and 16 shots on goal. In particular, BU’s top lines were outstanding. The top line of Charlie Coyle, Chris Connolly and Sahir Gill combined for 10 shots and five grade-A chances, while Alex Chiasson, Corey Trivino and Matt Nieto totaled 10 shots and 10 grade-A chances.
Offense: A-minus
The three goals aren’t entirely impressive, but that subpar total is mostly a credit to UVM goaltender Rob Madore. The Terriers were absolutely buzzing around the Catamount net, especially in the first period. Madore had to make a number of dazzling saves to keep BU off the board in the first as the Terriers tested him with nine grade-A chances and 16 shots on goal. In particular, BU’s top lines were outstanding. The top line of Charlie Coyle, Chris Connolly and Sahir Gill combined for 10 shots and five grade-A chances, while Alex Chiasson, Corey Trivino and Matt Nieto totaled 10 shots and 10 grade-A chances.
Grading the Terriers: 2/25 vs. Vermont
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
Offense: A-
Everyone’s immediate reaction to Friday night’s game is to blame the tie on every aspect of the game. But when all things are considered, the BU offense actually played as well as it has all season. The team’s 46 shots were the second-highest amount it had put on net in game this season, behind the 49 it put up against Harvard University in the Beanpot consolation. That’s 30 more shots than BU had in its first game against the Catamounts up in Burlington on Jan. 9 And those shots weren’t exactly the weakest of attempts. The Terriers had 27 Grade-A chances, including 10 in the first period alone, with all three goals coming below the dots. Sure, anyone would like to see a goal total slightly higher than three, especially after a tie, but if BU wants a blueprint to succeed offensively, you can’t get much better than the one they used Friday.
Offense: A-
Everyone’s immediate reaction to Friday night’s game is to blame the tie on every aspect of the game. But when all things are considered, the BU offense actually played as well as it has all season. The team’s 46 shots were the second-highest amount it had put on net in game this season, behind the 49 it put up against Harvard University in the Beanpot consolation. That’s 30 more shots than BU had in its first game against the Catamounts up in Burlington on Jan. 9 And those shots weren’t exactly the weakest of attempts. The Terriers had 27 Grade-A chances, including 10 in the first period alone, with all three goals coming below the dots. Sure, anyone would like to see a goal total slightly higher than three, especially after a tie, but if BU wants a blueprint to succeed offensively, you can’t get much better than the one they used Friday.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Parker says mistakes, not lack of effort, caused latest collapse
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
The Boston University men’s hockey team has made a habit of letting off the gas when it gets a lead. This month alone, they blew a shutout bid with 1:34 left in a win over UMass-Lowell, completely self-destructed after taking a late lead in a 5-4 loss to Harvard, and then saw another shutout bid fall by the wayside on a late goal in last Friday’s 2-1 win over Providence.
On paper, blowing a three-goal third-period lead in Friday night’s 3-3 tie against Vermont looks worse than all of those. But BU coach Jack Parker, always one to keep the media on their toes with his postgame press conferences, didn’t see it that way.
“No, not at all,” Parker said when asked if this was similar to his team putting it in cruise control in those other games. “I told them in the dressing room that I thought we played pretty hard. It wasn’t like we just wanted to get out of there and all of a sudden we lost the game.”
The Boston University men’s hockey team has made a habit of letting off the gas when it gets a lead. This month alone, they blew a shutout bid with 1:34 left in a win over UMass-Lowell, completely self-destructed after taking a late lead in a 5-4 loss to Harvard, and then saw another shutout bid fall by the wayside on a late goal in last Friday’s 2-1 win over Providence.
On paper, blowing a three-goal third-period lead in Friday night’s 3-3 tie against Vermont looks worse than all of those. But BU coach Jack Parker, always one to keep the media on their toes with his postgame press conferences, didn’t see it that way.
“No, not at all,” Parker said when asked if this was similar to his team putting it in cruise control in those other games. “I told them in the dressing room that I thought we played pretty hard. It wasn’t like we just wanted to get out of there and all of a sudden we lost the game.”
Press Conferences following BU's 3-3 tie with Vermont
Here's Parker's press conference. Find the pressers for both Joe Pereira and Kevin Sneddon after the jump.
UPDATED: Terriers blow 3-0 lead, tie Catamounts
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
The No. 15 Boston University Terriers blew a 3-0 lead in the third period and had to settle for a 3-3 tie to the Vermont Catamounts on Friday night.
The Catamounts nearly won the game in overtime, but H.T. Lenz hit a post on a two-on-one to keep the game tied.
“We tied a game that we should have won,” senior co-captain Joe Pereira said. “That hurts. We can’t sit here and keep making excuses that we’re young or that we’re this. We just have to get over it.”
The No. 15 Boston University Terriers blew a 3-0 lead in the third period and had to settle for a 3-3 tie to the Vermont Catamounts on Friday night.
The Catamounts nearly won the game in overtime, but H.T. Lenz hit a post on a two-on-one to keep the game tied.
“We tied a game that we should have won,” senior co-captain Joe Pereira said. “That hurts. We can’t sit here and keep making excuses that we’re young or that we’re this. We just have to get over it.”
Report: Danny O'Regan will follow father's path and play for BU
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
The Terriers have landed St. Sebastian's junior forward Danny O'Regan for the fall of 2013, according to U.S. Hockey Report. O'Regan's father, Tom, played at BU from 1979-1983 and served as a co-captain his senior season before joining the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.
Danny O'Regan, a 5-foot-9 Needham native, has 23 goals and 23 assists in 25 games this season as the top center at St. Sebastian's. He made his final choice between BU and Harvard, where his older brother Tommy will be a freshman this fall, USHR reports. Yale, Dartmouth and Northeastern were also in the running earlier in the process.
USHR describes O'Regan as a "small, skilled playmaker" and "an excellent puck distributor."
The Terriers have landed St. Sebastian's junior forward Danny O'Regan for the fall of 2013, according to U.S. Hockey Report. O'Regan's father, Tom, played at BU from 1979-1983 and served as a co-captain his senior season before joining the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.
Danny O'Regan, a 5-foot-9 Needham native, has 23 goals and 23 assists in 25 games this season as the top center at St. Sebastian's. He made his final choice between BU and Harvard, where his older brother Tommy will be a freshman this fall, USHR reports. Yale, Dartmouth and Northeastern were also in the running earlier in the process.
USHR describes O'Regan as a "small, skilled playmaker" and "an excellent puck distributor."
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Terriers look to win consecutive games against Vermont for first time since 2007
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
This weekend, looks could very well be deceiving.
On one side, you’ve got the 15th-ranked team in the nation that is sporting a 16-9-7 record, including a 13-5-5 mark in conference play, and will be continuing its fight for an at-large bid in the NCAA tournament in a pair of games in its own barn.
At the other end, there will be a lowly 7-17-6 (5-13-5 HE) team just hoping to cling to the seventh or eight seed in the eight-team conference tournament.
But Boston University, the first team described in the above scenario, knows all too well that it won’t be able to disregard the University of Vermont, the second team, as it takes on the Catamounts Friday and Saturday for 7:30 and 6:30 starts, respectively, at Agganis Arena.
This weekend, looks could very well be deceiving.
On one side, you’ve got the 15th-ranked team in the nation that is sporting a 16-9-7 record, including a 13-5-5 mark in conference play, and will be continuing its fight for an at-large bid in the NCAA tournament in a pair of games in its own barn.
At the other end, there will be a lowly 7-17-6 (5-13-5 HE) team just hoping to cling to the seventh or eight seed in the eight-team conference tournament.
But Boston University, the first team described in the above scenario, knows all too well that it won’t be able to disregard the University of Vermont, the second team, as it takes on the Catamounts Friday and Saturday for 7:30 and 6:30 starts, respectively, at Agganis Arena.
BREAKING NEWS: David Warsofsky out for Vermont series, Wade Megan questionable
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Junior defenseman David Warsofsky will miss this weekend's series against Vermont with a concussion, according to BU coach Jack Parker.
Parker said Warsofsky suffered the concussion with about two minutes to go in Saturday's 1-0 win at Providence. Warsofsky didn't show any symptoms for a couple days, but then they started showing up. Parker said his baseline testing "isn't even close" to where it has to be before he can return. Warsofsky will be re-evaluated every three days and his status for next weekend's series against Northeastern is unknown.
Sophomore Max Nicastro will move up to the top unit with sophomore Ryan Ruikka. Freshman Patrick MacGregor will play on the third defense pairing in Warsofsky's absence.
Parker also said sophomore forward Wade Megan is questionable with an ankle injury. If he can't play, junior Kevin Gilroy and sophomore Ryan Santana, who have been splitting starts for the last couple weeks, will both be in the lineup. If Megan is good to go, Parker said Gilroy and Santana will probably split games this weekend.
Junior defenseman David Warsofsky will miss this weekend's series against Vermont with a concussion, according to BU coach Jack Parker.
Parker said Warsofsky suffered the concussion with about two minutes to go in Saturday's 1-0 win at Providence. Warsofsky didn't show any symptoms for a couple days, but then they started showing up. Parker said his baseline testing "isn't even close" to where it has to be before he can return. Warsofsky will be re-evaluated every three days and his status for next weekend's series against Northeastern is unknown.
Sophomore Max Nicastro will move up to the top unit with sophomore Ryan Ruikka. Freshman Patrick MacGregor will play on the third defense pairing in Warsofsky's absence.
Parker also said sophomore forward Wade Megan is questionable with an ankle injury. If he can't play, junior Kevin Gilroy and sophomore Ryan Santana, who have been splitting starts for the last couple weeks, will both be in the lineup. If Megan is good to go, Parker said Gilroy and Santana will probably split games this weekend.
Jack Parker: Greg Cronin's punishment 'kind of doesn't match'
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Northeastern coach Greg Cronin was suspended indefinitely by the school last Friday for possible recruiting violations. We got a chance today to ask BU coach Jack Parker what his thoughts on the situation are. Here's what he had to say in full:
"We certainly don't like to see a coach get in trouble. I know Greg Cronin as a coach and as a friend. It's obvious that he's made some mistakes, but I've never considered him a cheater or a guy that was looking to get a competitive advantage by bending the rules to suit himself. I'm sure they had rationale as to what he did wrong. He's not denying that something went wrong.
"But the severity of what happened to him as opposed to the hearsay of what you hear... all I know is he's not on the bench any more and he's suspended. And what I hear the reasons are, it kind of doesn't match. Maybe I haven't gotten all of it. I don't know what's going on there.
"Just from a personal point of view, I know Greg real well. I would be surprised if he was going out of his way to get a competitive advantage by bending the rules."
Northeastern coach Greg Cronin was suspended indefinitely by the school last Friday for possible recruiting violations. We got a chance today to ask BU coach Jack Parker what his thoughts on the situation are. Here's what he had to say in full:
"We certainly don't like to see a coach get in trouble. I know Greg Cronin as a coach and as a friend. It's obvious that he's made some mistakes, but I've never considered him a cheater or a guy that was looking to get a competitive advantage by bending the rules to suit himself. I'm sure they had rationale as to what he did wrong. He's not denying that something went wrong.
"But the severity of what happened to him as opposed to the hearsay of what you hear... all I know is he's not on the bench any more and he's suspended. And what I hear the reasons are, it kind of doesn't match. Maybe I haven't gotten all of it. I don't know what's going on there.
"Just from a personal point of view, I know Greg real well. I would be surprised if he was going out of his way to get a competitive advantage by bending the rules."
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Breaking down the Hockey East playoff picture: 2/22
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Four of the five series in Hockey East this past weekend went pretty much as expected. Boston University swept Providence, Merrimack swept Massachusetts, Maine swept Massachusetts-Lowell and New Hampshire took three of four points from Vermont.
The one that didn’t go as planned was Boston College vs. Northeastern. The fact that they tied Friday night wasn’t a big surprise considering the Huskies pushed the Eagles to the limit in last Monday’s Beanpot championship.
But Northeastern winning Saturday night to take three of four points from BC was definitely a bit of a shock, especially when you take into account that the Huskies were without head coach Greg Cronin and assistant Albie O’Connell, both of whom have been suspended indefinitely for possible recruiting violations.
Four of the five series in Hockey East this past weekend went pretty much as expected. Boston University swept Providence, Merrimack swept Massachusetts, Maine swept Massachusetts-Lowell and New Hampshire took three of four points from Vermont.
The one that didn’t go as planned was Boston College vs. Northeastern. The fact that they tied Friday night wasn’t a big surprise considering the Huskies pushed the Eagles to the limit in last Monday’s Beanpot championship.
But Northeastern winning Saturday night to take three of four points from BC was definitely a bit of a shock, especially when you take into account that the Huskies were without head coach Greg Cronin and assistant Albie O’Connell, both of whom have been suspended indefinitely for possible recruiting violations.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Terriers dig down deep to get Millan his first shutout
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- As the third period of Saturday night’s 1-0 win over Providence College wore on, Boston University was obviously playing to maintain its lead and hold on for the win. But the Terriers were also playing for something else -- Kieran Millan’s first shutout of the season.
“Definitely,” senior co-captain Joe Pereira said when asked if the shutout bid added any extra motivation. “The way he’s playing, he needs to be rewarded. Giving up one goal against UMass-Lowell [two weeks ago] and then Providence last night, that’s not his fault. That’s our fault for taking stupid penalties and letting him down. It’s something we needed to do to help him out.”
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- As the third period of Saturday night’s 1-0 win over Providence College wore on, Boston University was obviously playing to maintain its lead and hold on for the win. But the Terriers were also playing for something else -- Kieran Millan’s first shutout of the season.
“Definitely,” senior co-captain Joe Pereira said when asked if the shutout bid added any extra motivation. “The way he’s playing, he needs to be rewarded. Giving up one goal against UMass-Lowell [two weeks ago] and then Providence last night, that’s not his fault. That’s our fault for taking stupid penalties and letting him down. It’s something we needed to do to help him out.”
Press Conferences following BU's 1-0 win at Providence
Find pressers from Millan and Pereira after the jump.
Terriers squeak by Friars for third time in 2010-11 thanks to Millan shutout
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
PROVIDENCE, R.I -- It’s just something about those pesky Providence College Friars.
Providence again gave the No. 15 Boston University men’s hockey team a tough time for the third time this season Saturday night. But for the third time, the Terriers were the ones to emerge victorious, this time by a 1-0 margin at PC’s Schneider Arena.
With the win, junior goalie Kieran Millan (32 saves) earned his first shutout of the season. He had previously taken a shutout into the third period in his two previous games against the Friars but had the achievement taken away from him in the closing moments of both games.
PROVIDENCE, R.I -- It’s just something about those pesky Providence College Friars.
Providence again gave the No. 15 Boston University men’s hockey team a tough time for the third time this season Saturday night. But for the third time, the Terriers were the ones to emerge victorious, this time by a 1-0 margin at PC’s Schneider Arena.
With the win, junior goalie Kieran Millan (32 saves) earned his first shutout of the season. He had previously taken a shutout into the third period in his two previous games against the Friars but had the achievement taken away from him in the closing moments of both games.
Shattenkirk traded to Blues in midst of NHL rookie season
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
Former Boston University standout defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk has been traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the St. Louis Blues as part of a deal that sent former No. 1 overall pick Erik Johnson over to Denver. The deal was confirmed by both teams at 1 a.m. Saturday morning.
Shattenkirk, who left school a year early to play for the Avs, played in 46 games for the team before being sent to the Gateway to the West. He had amassed a line of 7-19--26 over that time, good enough to be second in the league among rookie blue-liners. From Nov. 17 to Dec. 4, he went on a nine-game points streak. He has cooled down immensely since that time and had not registered a single point with a plus-minus rating of minus-5 in the previous eight games leading up to the Blues-Avs swap.
The trade officially sent Johnson, center Jay McClement and a conditional first-round draft choice in 2011 or 2012 to Colorado for Shattenkirk, right-winger Chris Stewart and a conditional second-round pick in 2011 or 2012.
Former Boston University standout defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk has been traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the St. Louis Blues as part of a deal that sent former No. 1 overall pick Erik Johnson over to Denver. The deal was confirmed by both teams at 1 a.m. Saturday morning.
Shattenkirk, who left school a year early to play for the Avs, played in 46 games for the team before being sent to the Gateway to the West. He had amassed a line of 7-19--26 over that time, good enough to be second in the league among rookie blue-liners. From Nov. 17 to Dec. 4, he went on a nine-game points streak. He has cooled down immensely since that time and had not registered a single point with a plus-minus rating of minus-5 in the previous eight games leading up to the Blues-Avs swap.
The trade officially sent Johnson, center Jay McClement and a conditional first-round draft choice in 2011 or 2012 to Colorado for Shattenkirk, right-winger Chris Stewart and a conditional second-round pick in 2011 or 2012.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Grading the Terriers: 2/18 vs. Providence
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Offense: A for the first period, D for the second and third
Even though they only got one goal in the first, the Terriers were firing on all cylinders out of the gate. They recorded 29 shot attempts, 18 shots on goal and 10 grade-A chances. If not for a hit post and some great goaltending from Alex Beaudry, it could've easily been 4-0 BU after one. The rest of the game was a different story, though. Over the final two periods combined, the Terriers tallied 30 shot attempts, 16 shots on goal and just three grade-A chances. In his postgame press conference, Jack Parker attributed the offensive downturn to guys making selfish and/or stupid decisions with the puck and trying to get a goal for themselves instead of the team.
Offense: A for the first period, D for the second and third
Even though they only got one goal in the first, the Terriers were firing on all cylinders out of the gate. They recorded 29 shot attempts, 18 shots on goal and 10 grade-A chances. If not for a hit post and some great goaltending from Alex Beaudry, it could've easily been 4-0 BU after one. The rest of the game was a different story, though. Over the final two periods combined, the Terriers tallied 30 shot attempts, 16 shots on goal and just three grade-A chances. In his postgame press conference, Jack Parker attributed the offensive downturn to guys making selfish and/or stupid decisions with the puck and trying to get a goal for themselves instead of the team.
Despite pregame changes, stability reaps greatest rewards in BU win
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
The big news coming into Friday night’s matchup between No. 15 Boston University and Providence College was BU coach Jack Parker’s shakeup of the first and third lines. The biggest move was freshman center Charlie Coyle moving to the right wing on the top line with senior right-winger Joe Pereira moving down two pegs on the lines sheet.
Perhaps everyone should have been more focused on what stayed the same rather than what changed.
Four of the six points tallied by BU skaters in the team’s 2-1 win over the Friars came from the team’s second line of forwards – consisting of freshman left wing Matt Nieto, junior center Corey Trivino and sophomore right wing Alex Chiasson – that had remained untouched despite Parker’s scrambling. The trio has now combined for 16 points in the Terriers’ last three games, and that type of statistical performance led to some praise from a coach who didn’t have much praise to give despite the win.
The big news coming into Friday night’s matchup between No. 15 Boston University and Providence College was BU coach Jack Parker’s shakeup of the first and third lines. The biggest move was freshman center Charlie Coyle moving to the right wing on the top line with senior right-winger Joe Pereira moving down two pegs on the lines sheet.
Perhaps everyone should have been more focused on what stayed the same rather than what changed.
Four of the six points tallied by BU skaters in the team’s 2-1 win over the Friars came from the team’s second line of forwards – consisting of freshman left wing Matt Nieto, junior center Corey Trivino and sophomore right wing Alex Chiasson – that had remained untouched despite Parker’s scrambling. The trio has now combined for 16 points in the Terriers’ last three games, and that type of statistical performance led to some praise from a coach who didn’t have much praise to give despite the win.
Press Conference following BU's 2-1 win over Providence
Find Clendening and Nieto's presser after the jump as well as the one from PC coach Tim Army.
Parker disappointed despite 2-1 win
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
A fifth win in six conference games –– sounds like a pretty good streak, no?
Don’t try telling that to Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker.
The No. 13 Terriers advanced to 5-0-1 in their last six Hockey East games with a 2-1 win over Providence College Friday.
But in his postgame presser, the BU (15-9-7, 12-5-5 HE) coach was none too thrilled, despite the win.
A fifth win in six conference games –– sounds like a pretty good streak, no?
Don’t try telling that to Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker.
The No. 13 Terriers advanced to 5-0-1 in their last six Hockey East games with a 2-1 win over Providence College Friday.
But in his postgame presser, the BU (15-9-7, 12-5-5 HE) coach was none too thrilled, despite the win.
BREAKING NEWS: Northeastern coach Greg Cronin suspended for possible recruiting violations
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Northeastern head coach Greg Cronin and assistant coach Albie O'Connell have been suspended indefinitely by the school for possible recruiting violations, according to Jeff Howe of NESN.com.
The possible violations have to do with phone and text messages with recruits, Howe tweeted. O'Connell played at BU from 1995-1999, amassing 42 goals and 66 assists in four seasons.
Update: Northeastern has officially announced the suspensions on the athletic department's website. The statement says the possible violations were discovered during routine internal compliance monitoring.
“We are taking this action now to reinforce a culture of integrity within our department,” said director of athletics Peter Roby in the statement. “We are committed to operating an athletics program that is reflective of the values of the university we represent. It is imperative that we conduct our activities in full accordance with NCAA and conference rules. We are dedicated to that effort, and we are taking all appropriate steps to ensure that is the case.”
Northeastern head coach Greg Cronin and assistant coach Albie O'Connell have been suspended indefinitely by the school for possible recruiting violations, according to Jeff Howe of NESN.com.
The possible violations have to do with phone and text messages with recruits, Howe tweeted. O'Connell played at BU from 1995-1999, amassing 42 goals and 66 assists in four seasons.
Update: Northeastern has officially announced the suspensions on the athletic department's website. The statement says the possible violations were discovered during routine internal compliance monitoring.
“We are taking this action now to reinforce a culture of integrity within our department,” said director of athletics Peter Roby in the statement. “We are committed to operating an athletics program that is reflective of the values of the university we represent. It is imperative that we conduct our activities in full accordance with NCAA and conference rules. We are dedicated to that effort, and we are taking all appropriate steps to ensure that is the case.”
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Terriers move past Beanpot disappointment with weekend series against Providence
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
With a dissatisfying Beanpot in the rearview mirror, the No. 15 Boston University men’s hockey team is looking forward to more pressing issues – namely securing a home-ice playoff spot by moving as high up in the Hockey East standings as possible.
The road to those Hockey East hopes begins this weekend as the Terriers (14-9-7, 11-5-5 Hockey East) play a home-and-home series against the Providence Friars. BU will play just its third home game in the last 71 days on Friday before traveling down to Providence on Saturday for a 7 p.m. game.
“It’s huge,” senior co-captain Joe Pereira said of the upcoming six game stretch. “It’s going to make it or break it for our year. We set some goals and we didn’t win the Beanpot, but another goal was getting home ice for the playoffs. We can still control our own destiny that way, so [losing the Beanpot] still hurts but we had to get over it, move on and get ready for a big weekend against Providence.”
The Terriers last faced the Friars (7-14-7, 3-12-6 HE) on October 23 at Agganis Arena. Junior goaltender Kieran Millan was eight seconds away from a shutout in BU’s 2-1 victory and sophomore defenseman Ryan Ruikka scored his first collegiate goal that night.
With a dissatisfying Beanpot in the rearview mirror, the No. 15 Boston University men’s hockey team is looking forward to more pressing issues – namely securing a home-ice playoff spot by moving as high up in the Hockey East standings as possible.
The road to those Hockey East hopes begins this weekend as the Terriers (14-9-7, 11-5-5 Hockey East) play a home-and-home series against the Providence Friars. BU will play just its third home game in the last 71 days on Friday before traveling down to Providence on Saturday for a 7 p.m. game.
“It’s huge,” senior co-captain Joe Pereira said of the upcoming six game stretch. “It’s going to make it or break it for our year. We set some goals and we didn’t win the Beanpot, but another goal was getting home ice for the playoffs. We can still control our own destiny that way, so [losing the Beanpot] still hurts but we had to get over it, move on and get ready for a big weekend against Providence.”
The Terriers last faced the Friars (7-14-7, 3-12-6 HE) on October 23 at Agganis Arena. Junior goaltender Kieran Millan was eight seconds away from a shutout in BU’s 2-1 victory and sophomore defenseman Ryan Ruikka scored his first collegiate goal that night.
Breaking down the Hockey East playoff picture: 2/17
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Now that there are three weekends left in the regular season and everyone has six conference games remaining, it’s time to start looking at the playoff picture. Luckily for my mathematically challenged brain, this year’s playoff picture is much clearer than last year’s, when BU could’ve finished anywhere from third to ninth entering the last weekend of the season and anywhere from third to eighth entering the final game.
BU’s options are already more limited than that this year. The Terriers currently sit in fourth with 27 points. They can still finish first and win the regular season title. But given the fact that BC (32 points) and Merrimack (29 points) are a combined 23-2-0 this semester and both own the tiebreaker against BU, that seems highly unlikely. It wouldn’t be totally surprising to see the Terriers catch UNH (32 points) and finish third since BU has a much easier schedule and owns the tiebreaker.
Now that there are three weekends left in the regular season and everyone has six conference games remaining, it’s time to start looking at the playoff picture. Luckily for my mathematically challenged brain, this year’s playoff picture is much clearer than last year’s, when BU could’ve finished anywhere from third to ninth entering the last weekend of the season and anywhere from third to eighth entering the final game.
BU’s options are already more limited than that this year. The Terriers currently sit in fourth with 27 points. They can still finish first and win the regular season title. But given the fact that BC (32 points) and Merrimack (29 points) are a combined 23-2-0 this semester and both own the tiebreaker against BU, that seems highly unlikely. It wouldn’t be totally surprising to see the Terriers catch UNH (32 points) and finish third since BU has a much easier schedule and owns the tiebreaker.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Lack of effort leads to Terrier loss
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Consolation games are not fun to play in, but they are not insignificant either. The No. 15 Boston University may not have had a Beanpot trophy to play for in their game against Harvard Monday, but beating the Crimson would have helped the Terriers as far as the NCAA tournament selection is concerned.
Despite this, BU came out flat with minimal effort and thus fell to Harvard 5-4 on Monday night. BU has not finished last in the Beanpot since 1980, and this year’s team will hold the embarrassing place in program history as one of only four BU squads in the 59 years of the tournament to not win a Beanpot game.
“We didn’t compete anywhere near as much as we should have,” BU coach Jack Parker said. “It was a shock to be in this game for one thing and we should have responded better because of that.”
Consolation games are not fun to play in, but they are not insignificant either. The No. 15 Boston University may not have had a Beanpot trophy to play for in their game against Harvard Monday, but beating the Crimson would have helped the Terriers as far as the NCAA tournament selection is concerned.
Despite this, BU came out flat with minimal effort and thus fell to Harvard 5-4 on Monday night. BU has not finished last in the Beanpot since 1980, and this year’s team will hold the embarrassing place in program history as one of only four BU squads in the 59 years of the tournament to not win a Beanpot game.
“We didn’t compete anywhere near as much as we should have,” BU coach Jack Parker said. “It was a shock to be in this game for one thing and we should have responded better because of that.”
From the FreeP: Terriers finish last in Beanpot for first time in 31 years
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Harvard University scored two goals in the final 4:03 of Monday’s Beanpot consolation game to hand the No. 15 Boston University men’s hockey team its first last-place finish in the Beanpot since 1980. The loss marks just the second time a Jack Parker-coached team has finished fourth in the annual tournament.
BU sophomore forward Alex Chiasson scored his second goal of the game with 5:55 remaining when he tipped home a shot by junior defenseman David Warsofsky to give his team a late 4-3 lead, but the Terriers (14-9-7) could not make it stand up.
Less than two minutes later, sophomore defenseman Danny Biega wristed a shot through heavy traffic and past junior goalie Kieran Millan (24 saves) to tie the game. Senior forward Michael Del Mauro scored what proved to be the game-winner for the Crimson (5-18-1) with 2:08 to go when he collected a rebound at the left doorstep and flipped it into an empty net.
“I thought that was an embarrassing display by my team tonight,” Parker said. “We didn’t come to play. We thought the game was over at any time. … We play fairly hard for a while and get what should be the winning goal and then go to sleep again.”
Harvard University scored two goals in the final 4:03 of Monday’s Beanpot consolation game to hand the No. 15 Boston University men’s hockey team its first last-place finish in the Beanpot since 1980. The loss marks just the second time a Jack Parker-coached team has finished fourth in the annual tournament.
BU sophomore forward Alex Chiasson scored his second goal of the game with 5:55 remaining when he tipped home a shot by junior defenseman David Warsofsky to give his team a late 4-3 lead, but the Terriers (14-9-7) could not make it stand up.
Less than two minutes later, sophomore defenseman Danny Biega wristed a shot through heavy traffic and past junior goalie Kieran Millan (24 saves) to tie the game. Senior forward Michael Del Mauro scored what proved to be the game-winner for the Crimson (5-18-1) with 2:08 to go when he collected a rebound at the left doorstep and flipped it into an empty net.
“I thought that was an embarrassing display by my team tonight,” Parker said. “We didn’t come to play. We thought the game was over at any time. … We play fairly hard for a while and get what should be the winning goal and then go to sleep again.”
Monday, February 14, 2011
Bracketology following BU's loss to Harvard
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
The immediate gut reaction to BU’s 5-4 loss to Harvard in Monday night’s Beanpot consolation game is “Just how long has it been since the Terriers finished fourth in what some have called the BU Invitational?” (It’s been 31 years since that’s happened, but there’s plenty about that in the game recap and grades on this site.)
Once that wears off – if it hasn’t already for some BU fans – the second reaction should concern what the loss to a team that’s ranked lower than 50 on the RPI rankings means for the Terriers NCAA tournament hopes.
BU coach Jack Parker said it himself, “I think it is a big loss for us. I think it is a loss to an unranked team. It is a loss that we have to get many more games over 500, and that just made it difficult to do that. As far as the NCAA Tournament selection process is concerned this is a huge loss for us.”
The immediate gut reaction to BU’s 5-4 loss to Harvard in Monday night’s Beanpot consolation game is “Just how long has it been since the Terriers finished fourth in what some have called the BU Invitational?” (It’s been 31 years since that’s happened, but there’s plenty about that in the game recap and grades on this site.)
Once that wears off – if it hasn’t already for some BU fans – the second reaction should concern what the loss to a team that’s ranked lower than 50 on the RPI rankings means for the Terriers NCAA tournament hopes.
BU coach Jack Parker said it himself, “I think it is a big loss for us. I think it is a loss to an unranked team. It is a loss that we have to get many more games over 500, and that just made it difficult to do that. As far as the NCAA Tournament selection process is concerned this is a huge loss for us.”
Beanpot Championship and Consolation Game Press Conferences
All four pressers now included. Find Harvard, BC and Northeastern's videos after the jump.
Grading the Terriers: 2/14 vs. Harvard
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Offense: B+
It's Valentine's Day, so we feel obligated to show the Terriers a little love for their offensive play. The squad pelted Harvard goaltender Ryan Carroll with 49 shots and netted four goals –– three on the power play, but we'll get to that in a bit. Twenty-four of those shots came from the grade-A area –– including 19 over the second and third periods. Senior Joe Pereira and sophomore Alex Chiasson each accounted for four of those grade-A shots.
Defense: C-
The Terriers allowed five goals in the loss, and the defensive corps was often at fault. Junior David Warsofsky responded to his benching last Friday night with an uninspired performance and a minus-3 rating to show for it. If not for the play of freshmen Adam Clendening (four blocked shots, even rating) and Garrett Noonan (six blocked shots, even rating), Millan could've been tested –– and beaten –– more often, but in general, Harvard had far to easy a time getting pucks toward the net –– especially considering the Crimson entered as the worst offense in the nation.
Offense: B+
It's Valentine's Day, so we feel obligated to show the Terriers a little love for their offensive play. The squad pelted Harvard goaltender Ryan Carroll with 49 shots and netted four goals –– three on the power play, but we'll get to that in a bit. Twenty-four of those shots came from the grade-A area –– including 19 over the second and third periods. Senior Joe Pereira and sophomore Alex Chiasson each accounted for four of those grade-A shots.
Defense: C-
The Terriers allowed five goals in the loss, and the defensive corps was often at fault. Junior David Warsofsky responded to his benching last Friday night with an uninspired performance and a minus-3 rating to show for it. If not for the play of freshmen Adam Clendening (four blocked shots, even rating) and Garrett Noonan (six blocked shots, even rating), Millan could've been tested –– and beaten –– more often, but in general, Harvard had far to easy a time getting pucks toward the net –– especially considering the Crimson entered as the worst offense in the nation.
Terriers finish last in Beanpot for first time in 31 years
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Two late goals from Harvard gave No. 15 Boston University a 5-4 loss and its first fourth-place finish in the Beanpot since 1980. It was just the second time a Jack Parker-coached team has finished last in the annual tournament.
The Terriers opened the scoring 5:42 into the first with a power-play goal. Corey Trivino fed Alex Chiasson in the slot for a one-timer that was stopped by Ryan Carroll, but Chiasson eventually found his own rebound in the ensuing scrum and slid it home for his 11th of the season.
The Crimson had chances to tie the game with three late power plays in the period, but they struggled to even get set up against the BU penalty kill.
Two late goals from Harvard gave No. 15 Boston University a 5-4 loss and its first fourth-place finish in the Beanpot since 1980. It was just the second time a Jack Parker-coached team has finished last in the annual tournament.
The Terriers opened the scoring 5:42 into the first with a power-play goal. Corey Trivino fed Alex Chiasson in the slot for a one-timer that was stopped by Ryan Carroll, but Chiasson eventually found his own rebound in the ensuing scrum and slid it home for his 11th of the season.
The Crimson had chances to tie the game with three late power plays in the period, but they struggled to even get set up against the BU penalty kill.
Beanpot Live Blog - Consolation and Championship
Consolation - BU vs. Harvard, 4:30 p.m.
Championship - BC vs. Northeastern, 7:30 p.m.
Championship - BC vs. Northeastern, 7:30 p.m.
From the FreeP: Terriers play Harvard for third place
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
No. 14 Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker will complete his 38th Beanpot tournament Monday night when his Terriers finish taking the ice against cross-river foe Harvard University. But for just the sixth time in Parker’s illustrious career, his squad will be competing in the annual tournament’s consolation game.
When asked what’s different between playing for a forgettable third place at 4:30 p.m. and the historic trophy at 7:30, Parker’s answer was quick and succinct.
“Everything.
“Because of the atmosphere, it’s hard to tell yourself that it means something, but it means a lot. It’s worse than the first game of the Beanpot on the first night. If you were at the Northeastern-Harvard game last Monday, there was hardly anybody there for the first half of the game. It’s like they started an exhibition game, and all of a sudden the crowd shows up. It’ll be even worse than that.”
But the Terriers (14-8-7, 11-5-5 Hockey East) feel they have enough both physically and mentally not to fall to the lowly Crimson (4-18-1, 3-13-1 ECAC) and finish fourth for just the second time under Parker’s reign.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
No. 14 Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker will complete his 38th Beanpot tournament Monday night when his Terriers finish taking the ice against cross-river foe Harvard University. But for just the sixth time in Parker’s illustrious career, his squad will be competing in the annual tournament’s consolation game.
When asked what’s different between playing for a forgettable third place at 4:30 p.m. and the historic trophy at 7:30, Parker’s answer was quick and succinct.
“Everything.
“Because of the atmosphere, it’s hard to tell yourself that it means something, but it means a lot. It’s worse than the first game of the Beanpot on the first night. If you were at the Northeastern-Harvard game last Monday, there was hardly anybody there for the first half of the game. It’s like they started an exhibition game, and all of a sudden the crowd shows up. It’ll be even worse than that.”
But the Terriers (14-8-7, 11-5-5 Hockey East) feel they have enough both physically and mentally not to fall to the lowly Crimson (4-18-1, 3-13-1 ECAC) and finish fourth for just the second time under Parker’s reign.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Incompetent power plays hurt both Terriers, Minutemen
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
AMHERST – Even before the puck dropped on Friday night’s Hockey East matchup between No. 14 Boston University and University of Massachusetts at the Mullins Center, it was obvious that special teams would play a crucial role in the outcome. That’s the case for most games involving ice, a puck, a couple of sticks and two nets, but Friday night seemed like it should have been different.
The game was set to include the 51st (UMass, 12.7 percent success rate) and 52nd (BU, 12.1 percent) best power-play units in the country out of the 58 NCAA Division-I men’s hockey teams. Something didn't necessarily have to give, but it certainly felt like it. One of the teams would have to take advantage of the other’s inefficiency on special teams and produce with the man advantage.
The only problem was neither did precisely that. The two teams combined to go 0-for-12 before the Terriers scored the game-winner in overtime to capture a frustrating game for both sides by a 4-3 margin. That horrid performance dropped the teams 53rd and 54th in the country respectively, leaving only four worse D-I men’s teams on the power play than those two.
AMHERST – Even before the puck dropped on Friday night’s Hockey East matchup between No. 14 Boston University and University of Massachusetts at the Mullins Center, it was obvious that special teams would play a crucial role in the outcome. That’s the case for most games involving ice, a puck, a couple of sticks and two nets, but Friday night seemed like it should have been different.
The game was set to include the 51st (UMass, 12.7 percent success rate) and 52nd (BU, 12.1 percent) best power-play units in the country out of the 58 NCAA Division-I men’s hockey teams. Something didn't necessarily have to give, but it certainly felt like it. One of the teams would have to take advantage of the other’s inefficiency on special teams and produce with the man advantage.
The only problem was neither did precisely that. The two teams combined to go 0-for-12 before the Terriers scored the game-winner in overtime to capture a frustrating game for both sides by a 4-3 margin. That horrid performance dropped the teams 53rd and 54th in the country respectively, leaving only four worse D-I men’s teams on the power play than those two.
Terriers top Minutemen 4-3 in OT
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
AMHERST -- The No. 14 Boston University men’s ice hockey team rebounded from a first round Beanpot loss with a 4-3 overtime victory over the University of Massachusetts-Amherst on Friday night. This is the first time BU has won an overtime game this season.
Freshman defenseman Garrett Noonan potted the winning tally for the Terriers (14-8-7, 11-5-5 HE) at 3:16 in the overtime period. Noonan caught a pass in the slot from sophomore forward Alex Chiasson that he slipped through Dainton’s five-hole.
“It was just a great play by Chiasson, and luckily he found me,” Noonan said. “I was pretty wide open. He got it there, and fortunately it went in for me.”
The goal was Noonan’s third of the season and his second in his last three games.
“He is a very, very, very, very underrated player,” BU coach Jack Parker said. “He’s arguably one of our best defensemen all year long.”
AMHERST -- The No. 14 Boston University men’s ice hockey team rebounded from a first round Beanpot loss with a 4-3 overtime victory over the University of Massachusetts-Amherst on Friday night. This is the first time BU has won an overtime game this season.
Freshman defenseman Garrett Noonan potted the winning tally for the Terriers (14-8-7, 11-5-5 HE) at 3:16 in the overtime period. Noonan caught a pass in the slot from sophomore forward Alex Chiasson that he slipped through Dainton’s five-hole.
“It was just a great play by Chiasson, and luckily he found me,” Noonan said. “I was pretty wide open. He got it there, and fortunately it went in for me.”
The goal was Noonan’s third of the season and his second in his last three games.
“He is a very, very, very, very underrated player,” BU coach Jack Parker said. “He’s arguably one of our best defensemen all year long.”
From the FreeP: Terriers look to rebound from tough Beanpot loss
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
It wasn’t easy for the No. 14 Boston University men’s hockey team to get over its 3-2 overtime loss to No. 1 Boston College on Monday night. But according to coach Jack Parker, the Terriers look like they’ve moved on.
“I think practices have been really good,” Parker said Thursday afternoon. “We were absolutely devastated Monday night -- down, pissed off, whatever terms you want to use. Some guys more pissed off, some guys more down. They had the day off to lick their wounds on Tuesday and they were back ready to go to work on Wednesday. I thought they did a real good job Wednesday and today.”
Junior co-captain Chris Connolly said the key to getting over the loss was to let it sink in first before turning the page.
“We expected that,” Connolly said of the anger and disappointment in the locker room Monday night. “We said, ‘Let it hurt tonight.’ Obviously that’s a big game we look forward to every year and that’s something we really want to win every single year, so it’s going to hurt for the rest of the night for sure.
“But you can’t change it and there’s nothing you can do about it now. … That’s over and done with, so we’re just focusing on Friday now.”
It wasn’t easy for the No. 14 Boston University men’s hockey team to get over its 3-2 overtime loss to No. 1 Boston College on Monday night. But according to coach Jack Parker, the Terriers look like they’ve moved on.
“I think practices have been really good,” Parker said Thursday afternoon. “We were absolutely devastated Monday night -- down, pissed off, whatever terms you want to use. Some guys more pissed off, some guys more down. They had the day off to lick their wounds on Tuesday and they were back ready to go to work on Wednesday. I thought they did a real good job Wednesday and today.”
Junior co-captain Chris Connolly said the key to getting over the loss was to let it sink in first before turning the page.
“We expected that,” Connolly said of the anger and disappointment in the locker room Monday night. “We said, ‘Let it hurt tonight.’ Obviously that’s a big game we look forward to every year and that’s something we really want to win every single year, so it’s going to hurt for the rest of the night for sure.
“But you can’t change it and there’s nothing you can do about it now. … That’s over and done with, so we’re just focusing on Friday now.”
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
From the FreeP: BU goes down in OT, loses fourth straight to BC
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
First, it was a game played on the city’s biggest stage. Second, it was a game played between college hockey’s two fiercest rivals. Third and most importantly, it was a Beanpot game.
And it didn’t disappoint.
In a game that had to go to extra frames after three periods’ action that was so back and forth it was reminiscent of the Green Line that connects the two college campuses, No. 1 Boston College nipped No. 14 Boston University in overtime on a power-play goal by defenseman Tommy Cross.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
First, it was a game played on the city’s biggest stage. Second, it was a game played between college hockey’s two fiercest rivals. Third and most importantly, it was a Beanpot game.
And it didn’t disappoint.
In a game that had to go to extra frames after three periods’ action that was so back and forth it was reminiscent of the Green Line that connects the two college campuses, No. 1 Boston College nipped No. 14 Boston University in overtime on a power-play goal by defenseman Tommy Cross.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
From the FreeP: OT loss proves BU can play with BC
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Leading up to Monday night’s showdown with Boston College, Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker said the biggest reason he wanted to beat the Eagles was to give his team some confidence against BC, a team the Terriers were already 0-3 against this season. He wanted his team to know that it could play with the best team in the country.
The Terriers didn’t beat the Eagles on Monday, but they certainly showed that they can play with their archrivals. Sure, the one-goal deficit was the same as the teams’ last meeting, but Monday’s matchup had a very different feel.
Unlike their previous meetings with BC, the Terriers never fell behind by multiple goals. In each of the first three games against the Eagles, BU deflated for long stretches of the game once BC got on the board. In fact, each time the Eagles opened their scoring, they scored at least two more goals before the Terriers could answer.
Read more dailyfreepress.com.
Leading up to Monday night’s showdown with Boston College, Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker said the biggest reason he wanted to beat the Eagles was to give his team some confidence against BC, a team the Terriers were already 0-3 against this season. He wanted his team to know that it could play with the best team in the country.
The Terriers didn’t beat the Eagles on Monday, but they certainly showed that they can play with their archrivals. Sure, the one-goal deficit was the same as the teams’ last meeting, but Monday’s matchup had a very different feel.
Unlike their previous meetings with BC, the Terriers never fell behind by multiple goals. In each of the first three games against the Eagles, BU deflated for long stretches of the game once BC got on the board. In fact, each time the Eagles opened their scoring, they scored at least two more goals before the Terriers could answer.
Read more dailyfreepress.com.
From the FreeP: Trivino's progress stands out
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
It’s been a strange journey for Boston University junior forward Corey Trivino.
A second-round selection by the New York Islanders in the 2008 NHL draft, the Etobicoke, Ontario native was one of a handful of key recruits to join BU men’s hockey coach Jack Parker’s squad in 2008.
Centering fellow freshmen Vinny Saponari and Chris Connolly, the rookie played an important –– though clearly secondary –– role on one of the greatest college hockey teams in recent memory.
Then last season, Parker pegged Trivino as one of multiple players who would need to up his game if the Terriers were to make a run at a repeat. Things didn’t quite work out. Charged primarily with second-line centerman duties, the then-sophomore emerged as one of Hockey East’s finest defensive forwards. That was all well and dandy, but Trivino wasn’t drafted in the second round to kill penalties.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
It’s been a strange journey for Boston University junior forward Corey Trivino.
A second-round selection by the New York Islanders in the 2008 NHL draft, the Etobicoke, Ontario native was one of a handful of key recruits to join BU men’s hockey coach Jack Parker’s squad in 2008.
Centering fellow freshmen Vinny Saponari and Chris Connolly, the rookie played an important –– though clearly secondary –– role on one of the greatest college hockey teams in recent memory.
Then last season, Parker pegged Trivino as one of multiple players who would need to up his game if the Terriers were to make a run at a repeat. Things didn’t quite work out. Charged primarily with second-line centerman duties, the then-sophomore emerged as one of Hockey East’s finest defensive forwards. That was all well and dandy, but Trivino wasn’t drafted in the second round to kill penalties.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Monday, February 7, 2011
BC gets golden goal in OT, beats BU 3-2 in Beanpot opener
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
It was a game played on Boston collegiate hockey's biggest stage. It was a game played between college hockey's two fiercest rivals.
And it didn't disappoint.
In a game that had to go to extra frames after three periods of back-and-forth action, No. 1 Boston College nipped No. 14 Boston University in overtime on a power-play goal by Tommy Cross.
It was a game played on Boston collegiate hockey's biggest stage. It was a game played between college hockey's two fiercest rivals.
And it didn't disappoint.
In a game that had to go to extra frames after three periods of back-and-forth action, No. 1 Boston College nipped No. 14 Boston University in overtime on a power-play goal by Tommy Cross.
Beanpot Live Blog - First Round
Northeastern vs. Harvard, 5 p.m.
Boston University vs. Boston College, 8 p.m.
Boston University vs. Boston College, 8 p.m.
From the FreeP: Alex Chiasson emerges as leader for young team
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
One year ago, Alex Chiasson joined veteran teammates Kevin Shattenkirk and Colby Cohen in the press conference room at TD Garden following Boston University’s 2-1 win over Northeastern University in the first round of the Beanpot.
Chiasson had just played one of the best games of his freshman season and he had a game-winning goal to show for it. As he followed the two upperclassmen onto the stage, he copied their every move and repeatedly looked over at them to see how they were conducting themselves.
Now, as the Terriers return to the Garden tonight for the first round of this year’s Beanpot, it’s Chiasson, who has a team-high 24 points, doing the leading. Now, it’s this year’s freshmen looking to him for guidance.
“They realize that this is an example to follow, that there’s success going on there,” BU coach Jack Parker said of Chiasson. “He’s getting goals, he’s getting a lot of ice time, he’s a real important player to this team and he’s one of the best players in the league. You wonder how he does that.
“Well, he does it by working real hard all the time, by coming to practice ready to go, by getting mentally ready to play, by being upset if he doesn’t play well. If he has a bad shift or a bad period, he tries to get himself straightened out and not just say, ‘Oh, it’s not my night.’ I think he’s a great example for the rest of the kids to follow.”
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com.
One year ago, Alex Chiasson joined veteran teammates Kevin Shattenkirk and Colby Cohen in the press conference room at TD Garden following Boston University’s 2-1 win over Northeastern University in the first round of the Beanpot.
Chiasson had just played one of the best games of his freshman season and he had a game-winning goal to show for it. As he followed the two upperclassmen onto the stage, he copied their every move and repeatedly looked over at them to see how they were conducting themselves.
Now, as the Terriers return to the Garden tonight for the first round of this year’s Beanpot, it’s Chiasson, who has a team-high 24 points, doing the leading. Now, it’s this year’s freshmen looking to him for guidance.
“They realize that this is an example to follow, that there’s success going on there,” BU coach Jack Parker said of Chiasson. “He’s getting goals, he’s getting a lot of ice time, he’s a real important player to this team and he’s one of the best players in the league. You wonder how he does that.
“Well, he does it by working real hard all the time, by coming to practice ready to go, by getting mentally ready to play, by being upset if he doesn’t play well. If he has a bad shift or a bad period, he tries to get himself straightened out and not just say, ‘Oh, it’s not my night.’ I think he’s a great example for the rest of the kids to follow.”
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com.
From the FreeP: Terriers and Eagles square off in first-round showdown
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
As if the No. 14 Boston University men’s hockey team needed extra motivation to win the opening round of the Beanpot.
Sure, there is the usual daunting challenge of playing in front of potentially 17,565 fans with city bragging rights for an entire year on the line.
This year, however, as happens once every three years, BU has the reigning Beanpot champion, reigning national champion, top-ranked team in the nation and obvious tournament favorite all rolled into one as its opening-round opponent. That foe also happens to be its hated rival: No. 1 Boston College.
The Terriers and Eagles will square off for the fourth time this season on Monday for a tentative 8 p.m. start at the TD Garden.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com.
As if the No. 14 Boston University men’s hockey team needed extra motivation to win the opening round of the Beanpot.
Sure, there is the usual daunting challenge of playing in front of potentially 17,565 fans with city bragging rights for an entire year on the line.
This year, however, as happens once every three years, BU has the reigning Beanpot champion, reigning national champion, top-ranked team in the nation and obvious tournament favorite all rolled into one as its opening-round opponent. That foe also happens to be its hated rival: No. 1 Boston College.
The Terriers and Eagles will square off for the fourth time this season on Monday for a tentative 8 p.m. start at the TD Garden.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Defensemen spark Terrier offensive attack
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Early in the first period of Friday night’s game against the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, freshman forward Matt Nieto skated along the boards in the offensive zone and toyed with the puck for a moment before a teammate came rushing into the zone. Nieto fed none other than freshman defenseman Adam Clendening a centering pass, which Clendening took through the slot before firing it on UML goaltender Marc Boulanger.
The slot is not a typical hangout place for a BU defenseman - aside from perhaps junior assistant captain David Warsofsky - but Clendening was just one of multiple BU defenders to jump up on the play for the Terriers Friday night.
Both sophomore defenseman Max Nicastro and freshman blue-liner Garrett Noonan scored goals by leaving their typical posts and joining the rush. Their aggressive playing style was the difference as the Terriers won, 3-1.
Early in the first period of Friday night’s game against the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, freshman forward Matt Nieto skated along the boards in the offensive zone and toyed with the puck for a moment before a teammate came rushing into the zone. Nieto fed none other than freshman defenseman Adam Clendening a centering pass, which Clendening took through the slot before firing it on UML goaltender Marc Boulanger.
The slot is not a typical hangout place for a BU defenseman - aside from perhaps junior assistant captain David Warsofsky - but Clendening was just one of multiple BU defenders to jump up on the play for the Terriers Friday night.
Both sophomore defenseman Max Nicastro and freshman blue-liner Garrett Noonan scored goals by leaving their typical posts and joining the rush. Their aggressive playing style was the difference as the Terriers won, 3-1.
Friday, February 4, 2011
UPDATED: Terriers down River Hawks, 3-1
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
For the first period of Friday night’s game against the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, the No. 14 Boston University men’s hockey team looked just as sluggish as it did during Thursday’s practice, which coach Jack Parker called the worst of the season.
But the Terriers (13-7-7, 10-5-5 Hockey East) turned it on in the second with goals from sophomore defenseman Max Nicastro and freshman defenseman Garrett Noonan. Senior forward Joe Pereira added another in the third and junior goalie Kieran Millan saved 30 of the 31 shots he faced as BU came away with a 3-1 victory to sweep the season series against the River Hawks (4-21-2, 3-17-0 HE).
"Huge points in the league, obviously," Parker said. "I was hoping we would get them and we did. Not only am I happy that we got them, I'm happy with the way we played."
For the first period of Friday night’s game against the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, the No. 14 Boston University men’s hockey team looked just as sluggish as it did during Thursday’s practice, which coach Jack Parker called the worst of the season.
But the Terriers (13-7-7, 10-5-5 Hockey East) turned it on in the second with goals from sophomore defenseman Max Nicastro and freshman defenseman Garrett Noonan. Senior forward Joe Pereira added another in the third and junior goalie Kieran Millan saved 30 of the 31 shots he faced as BU came away with a 3-1 victory to sweep the season series against the River Hawks (4-21-2, 3-17-0 HE).
"Huge points in the league, obviously," Parker said. "I was hoping we would get them and we did. Not only am I happy that we got them, I'm happy with the way we played."
Grading the Terriers: 2/4 vs. UMass-Lowell
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
Offense: B+
The Terrier offense scored three times on 38 shots, which is exactly 10 more shots than BU averaged per game coming into Friday night. The first period got off to a rather lackadaisical start as BU seemed to be a little too timid in the UMass-Lowell zone, but as the game wore on, the Terriers seemed to wear down the River Hawks more and more, firing 29 shots over the game’s final 40 minutes including 17 Grade-A chances. What’s more impressive is that the bulk of the offensive production actually came from the blue line. Defensemen Max Nicastro and Garrett Noonan each scored their third and second goals of the season respectively by driving to the net. Adam Clendening, who ended the night with two assists, could have the third goal of the night had senior forward Joe Pereira not redirected his slapshot in the third period. Three goals certainly worked against UMass-Lowell, but if the Terriers are to take Monday’s Beanpot first-round game against No. 1 Boston College, they’ll need more of that production to come from the guys up front.
Offense: B+
The Terrier offense scored three times on 38 shots, which is exactly 10 more shots than BU averaged per game coming into Friday night. The first period got off to a rather lackadaisical start as BU seemed to be a little too timid in the UMass-Lowell zone, but as the game wore on, the Terriers seemed to wear down the River Hawks more and more, firing 29 shots over the game’s final 40 minutes including 17 Grade-A chances. What’s more impressive is that the bulk of the offensive production actually came from the blue line. Defensemen Max Nicastro and Garrett Noonan each scored their third and second goals of the season respectively by driving to the net. Adam Clendening, who ended the night with two assists, could have the third goal of the night had senior forward Joe Pereira not redirected his slapshot in the third period. Three goals certainly worked against UMass-Lowell, but if the Terriers are to take Monday’s Beanpot first-round game against No. 1 Boston College, they’ll need more of that production to come from the guys up front.
Parker concerned about potential trap game vs. UML
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
More often than not, No. 14 Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker doesn’t fret over the dreaded, often talked about trap games his team plays the weekend before and the weekend between Beanpot Mondays.
Now, with a Friday contest looming against the basement-dwelling University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Parker is more concerned than normal about his team’s readiness in a battle for key Hockey East points.
“We just had the worst practice of the year [Thursday],” Parker said after dismissing his team after just half an hour of skating. “I’m real concerned about where our heads are at and whether or not we’re ready to play this game [Friday] night.”
More often than not, No. 14 Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker doesn’t fret over the dreaded, often talked about trap games his team plays the weekend before and the weekend between Beanpot Mondays.
Now, with a Friday contest looming against the basement-dwelling University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Parker is more concerned than normal about his team’s readiness in a battle for key Hockey East points.
“We just had the worst practice of the year [Thursday],” Parker said after dismissing his team after just half an hour of skating. “I’m real concerned about where our heads are at and whether or not we’re ready to play this game [Friday] night.”
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