By Meredith Perri/DFP Staff
Thanks to offensive surges in the first and third periods, the No. 9 Boston University women’s hockey team dominated the University of New Hampshire Sunday afternoon during the Hockey East quarterfinals at Walter Brown Arena with a 9-1 win.
During the course of the game, BU (21-13-1, 14-7 Hockey East) set a program record for most postseason goals and most short-handed goals in the Hockey East Tournament.
Senior captain Jenn Wakefield also scored a hat trick in the process of scoring her 200th point. She is the second Hockey East player to accrue that many points and is only the second person to score a hat trick during tournament play.
“Obviously, the stars lined up a little bit for us,” said BU coach Brian Durocher.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Terriers defeat Vermont in Overtime
By Annie Maroon/DFP Staff
BURLINGTON, Vt. -- The No. 5/6 Boston University men’s hockey team was less than two minutes away from a loss to the University of Vermont that could have hurt its chance at home ice in the Hockey East playoffs, its seeding for the NCAA tournament and its overall morale heading into the last weekend of the regular season.
Instead, junior forward Wade Megan scored a 6-on-5 goal to send the game to overtime and freshman defenseman Alexx Privitera scored the game-winner in his first weekend back from injury in BU’s 3-2 win.
The win clinched home ice for BU (20-11-1, 16-8-1 Hockey East) in the Hockey East tournament and sent the team home from Vermont (6-25-1, 3-21-1 Hockey East) with a sweep after a 5-0 win on Friday.
After winning handily on Friday, the Terriers were caught back on their heels a few times in the first period by a more aggressive Vermont team than they’d seen the night before. Catamount winger Connor Brickley struck first, picking off an attempted BU breakout pass from the corner and firing a quick shot on senior goalie Kieran Millan that found the five-hole.
“Maybe it’s human nature – maybe you think it’s going to be easy because the night before you won, but it’s almost always the same,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “The team that gets whacked comes back and plays harder the next night, and the team that wins thinks, ‘We don’t have to play quite as hard.’”
BU had a few up-ice rushes broken up by Vermont defenders in the next several minutes before red shirt freshman forward Yasin Cissé was called for a hit from behind.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com
Privitera returns to pristine form
By Kevin Dillon/DFP Staff
BURLINGTON, Vt. -- A week ago, Boston University men’s hockey freshman defenseman Alexx Privitera was not sure if he would be playing in the weekend series against the University of Vermont thanks to a wrist injury. But after a chaotic week on BU’s campus in which former defenseman Max Nicastro was booted off the team, the Terriers had little choice but to place Privitera back in the lineup.
Playing through his wrist injury, Privitera proved he was more than someone to fill Nicastro’s spot upon his return to the lineup, as he scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give BU the 3-2 win in Vermont Saturday night.
“He’s playing great. We need him to play great. He needs to be that kind of player for us,” said junior forward Wade Megan. “He played physical, played great defensively. Made some good plays and he got rewarded there with the overtime goal.”
The goal was Privitera’s second point of the weekend, following an assist on junior defenseman Sean Escobedo’s power-play goal during Friday night’s 5-0 win. Both the assist as well as the game-winning goal came off a hard, low shot from the point in which Privitera used screens to make it difficult for the goalie to track the puck.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com
BURLINGTON, Vt. -- A week ago, Boston University men’s hockey freshman defenseman Alexx Privitera was not sure if he would be playing in the weekend series against the University of Vermont thanks to a wrist injury. But after a chaotic week on BU’s campus in which former defenseman Max Nicastro was booted off the team, the Terriers had little choice but to place Privitera back in the lineup.
Playing through his wrist injury, Privitera proved he was more than someone to fill Nicastro’s spot upon his return to the lineup, as he scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give BU the 3-2 win in Vermont Saturday night.
“He’s playing great. We need him to play great. He needs to be that kind of player for us,” said junior forward Wade Megan. “He played physical, played great defensively. Made some good plays and he got rewarded there with the overtime goal.”
The goal was Privitera’s second point of the weekend, following an assist on junior defenseman Sean Escobedo’s power-play goal during Friday night’s 5-0 win. Both the assist as well as the game-winning goal came off a hard, low shot from the point in which Privitera used screens to make it difficult for the goalie to track the puck.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com
Saturday, February 25, 2012
BU tops Vermont in overtime, 3-2
By Annie Maroon/DFP Staff
Facing a 2-1 deficit with less than two minutes to play, the Boston University men’s hockey team rallied to tie the game and beat the University of Vermont in overtime, 3-2, on a goal by freshman defenseman Alexx Privitera. The win clinched home ice in the Hockey East playoffs for the Terriers.
Vermont winger Connor Brickley struck first in the game, picking off a pass from the corner and firing a quick shot on goalie Kieran Millan that found a hole. BU had a few up-ice rushes broken up by Vermont defenders in the next several minutes before redshirt freshman forward Yasin Cissé was called for a hit from behind.
As Cissé’s penalty was about to expire, UVM forward Sebastian Stalberg took a backdoor pass from his linemate Nick Bruneteau and wristed it past Millan for the Catamounts’ second goal on eight shots.
After picking up two assists on Friday, sophomore forward Sahir Gill found his way back into the goals column with a dramatic play halfway through the second. Junior defenseman Sean Escobedo, jumping into the rush with the forwards, centered a pass to Gill that he knocked past UVM goalie Rob Madore while diving on his stomach.
BU thought they had tied it up a few minutes later, when sophomore forward Matt Nieto rang a shot off the left post and one of the Terriers pushed the rebound across the line. Upon review, though, the puck was ruled to have been kicked in and the goal was disallowed.
The decision on the goal seemed to energize the Terriers, as they picked up their pace in the last few minutes of the second but couldn’t add to Gill’s tally. In the third, they forced Madore to make a number of quality stops, but the goaltender was up to the task on his Senior Night, gloving a number of shots through difficult screens and stopping a one-timer that looked like a sure goal from Clendening at close range.
With 1:41 left in the third, Parker pulled Millan, and it didn’t take long for that move to pay off. Sophomore defenseman Garrett Noonan and junior forward Alex Chiasson each got a shot off on Madore as BU’s forward collapsed on Madore, and when a third or fourth chance bounced to junior forward Wade Megan in the slot, there was nothing Madore could do to stop his wrist shot. Megan’s 17th goal of the year tied the game 2-2 and sent it to a five-minute overtime.
Privitera sent a slap shot from the point past Madore with 1:58 remaining in overtime to win it for BU.
Unlikely scorers lead Terriers over Catamounts
BURLINGTON, Vt. – This week was a difficult one off the ice for the No. 5/6 Boston University men’s hockey team, but the Terriers put together a strong effort against the University of Vermont on the ice on Friday. Here’s a look at what went well and what didn’t go so well for BU.
What went well
Secondary scoring
Aside from junior forward Wade Megan, none of the players who scored on Friday entered the game with more than three goals this season. Junior defenseman Sean Escobedo scored his first and second, freshman forward Cason Hohmann had his second and senior forward Justin Courtnall picked up his fourth.
“The first two lines have been carrying us offensively for a long time here, and of late, Santana’s line has chipped in with goals, Gaudet and Cissé have played well, and then to have Hohmann and Justin Courtnall each get a goal for us was big too,” BU coach Jack Parker said. “We’d like to have some more diversified scoring, that’s for sure.”
Hohmann beat Vermont goalie Rob Madore with a low wrist shot through a screen in the second period, and Courtnall momentarily broke out of his role as a physical, defensive forward with a quick set of dekes to fool Madore early in the third.
Terriers put turbulent week behind them in Friday night win
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
BURLINGTON, Vt. -- When former Boston University men’s hockey forward Corey Trivino was arrested on sexual assault charges in December, the rest of the BU hockey team had plenty of time to digest the situation before having to play another hockey game. The team was entering winter break at the time and had three weeks off from both school and hockey to compose themselves before having to focus on a game.
But when former BU defenseman Max Nicastro was arrested Sunday morning for sexual assault, the team had just five days, all spent on a campus filled with news trucks and the glare of public ire, to get ready for an important two-game weekend series against the University of Vermont which could help determine BU’s playoff seeding.
When the Terriers played their first game after Trivino’s arrest, they came out flat and unsure of themselves. On Thursday, coach Jack Parker admitted he did not know how his team would fare in its first game back since the most recent arrest.
“I think the only times I’ve seen my guys smile is in practice and when they’re out on the ice being hockey players,” Parker said. “They were dying to play a game. I said to my assistants before the game, it seems like it’s been a month since we played a hockey game, and obviously it has only been a week.”
BURLINGTON, Vt. -- When former Boston University men’s hockey forward Corey Trivino was arrested on sexual assault charges in December, the rest of the BU hockey team had plenty of time to digest the situation before having to play another hockey game. The team was entering winter break at the time and had three weeks off from both school and hockey to compose themselves before having to focus on a game.
But when former BU defenseman Max Nicastro was arrested Sunday morning for sexual assault, the team had just five days, all spent on a campus filled with news trucks and the glare of public ire, to get ready for an important two-game weekend series against the University of Vermont which could help determine BU’s playoff seeding.
When the Terriers played their first game after Trivino’s arrest, they came out flat and unsure of themselves. On Thursday, coach Jack Parker admitted he did not know how his team would fare in its first game back since the most recent arrest.
“I think the only times I’ve seen my guys smile is in practice and when they’re out on the ice being hockey players,” Parker said. “They were dying to play a game. I said to my assistants before the game, it seems like it’s been a month since we played a hockey game, and obviously it has only been a week.”
Friday, February 24, 2012
Rollheiser earns shutout, BU defeats UVM 5-0
By Kevin Dillon/DFP Staff
BURLINGTON, Vt. -- After a tumultuous week for the program, the No. 5/6 Boston University men’s hockey team got a much-needed win at the University of Vermont Friday night, when the Terriers (19-11-1, 15-8-1 Hockey East) topped the Catamounts (6-24-1, 3-20-1 Hockey East), 5-0.
Senior goaltender Grant Rollheiser made only his third start of the season Friday, but he recorded 18 saves on the night to shut out the last-place Catamounts .
“The guys really played hard in front of a great teammate in Rollheiser who’s a really good goalie but he’s always played, always had problems with Kieran playing so well in front of him,” BU coach Jack Parker said. “I was so happy for Rollheiser tonight and I was really happy for the team who played as hard as they did in front of him to make sure we got a shutout.”
BURLINGTON, Vt. -- After a tumultuous week for the program, the No. 5/6 Boston University men’s hockey team got a much-needed win at the University of Vermont Friday night, when the Terriers (19-11-1, 15-8-1 Hockey East) topped the Catamounts (6-24-1, 3-20-1 Hockey East), 5-0.
Senior goaltender Grant Rollheiser made only his third start of the season Friday, but he recorded 18 saves on the night to shut out the last-place Catamounts .
“The guys really played hard in front of a great teammate in Rollheiser who’s a really good goalie but he’s always played, always had problems with Kieran playing so well in front of him,” BU coach Jack Parker said. “I was so happy for Rollheiser tonight and I was really happy for the team who played as hard as they did in front of him to make sure we got a shutout.”
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Parker reacts to Nicastro arrest
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
For the second time in less than three months, Boston University’s reputation was tarnished by the actions of a player on the men’s hockey team. Early Sunday morning, defenseman Max Nicastro was arrested and charged with two counts of rape stemming from an alleged on-campus incident.
The accusations against Nicastro come after forward Corey Trivino was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a BU resident assistant on Dec. 11.
Both Trivino and Nicastro have been kicked off the hockey team and are not enrolled at BU while their cases continue through the court process.
The similar charges against two members of the same team has created many questions about the environment surrounding the hockey team and whether the team could have done more to prevent either incident from occurring. On Thursday, BU President Robert Brown announced he was forming a task force to study the culture and climate of the hockey team in response to Trivino and Nicastro’s alleged actions.
BU coach Jack Parker, who was unavailable to speak to The Daily Free Press until Thursday, addressed some of the questions surrounding his team in an interview early Thursday afternoon.
Parker said he thinks there are many differences between the accusations against Trivino and Nicastro, but acknowledged both shared similar roots.
“It points to a problem of control or drinking, and one of the things we talk about all the time at the beginning of the year is we lay down ground rules that we talk about in actions and consequences,” Parker said. “Specific consequences regarding specific actions having to do with drugs, alcohol, and the way you treat people around here and sexual behavior. We will talk some more about that, obviously.
“When we don’t get what we want as far as we don’t have people staying up to the standard we like, we deal with it.”
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
For the second time in less than three months, Boston University’s reputation was tarnished by the actions of a player on the men’s hockey team. Early Sunday morning, defenseman Max Nicastro was arrested and charged with two counts of rape stemming from an alleged on-campus incident.
The accusations against Nicastro come after forward Corey Trivino was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a BU resident assistant on Dec. 11.
Both Trivino and Nicastro have been kicked off the hockey team and are not enrolled at BU while their cases continue through the court process.
The similar charges against two members of the same team has created many questions about the environment surrounding the hockey team and whether the team could have done more to prevent either incident from occurring. On Thursday, BU President Robert Brown announced he was forming a task force to study the culture and climate of the hockey team in response to Trivino and Nicastro’s alleged actions.
BU coach Jack Parker, who was unavailable to speak to The Daily Free Press until Thursday, addressed some of the questions surrounding his team in an interview early Thursday afternoon.
Parker said he thinks there are many differences between the accusations against Trivino and Nicastro, but acknowledged both shared similar roots.
“It points to a problem of control or drinking, and one of the things we talk about all the time at the beginning of the year is we lay down ground rules that we talk about in actions and consequences,” Parker said. “Specific consequences regarding specific actions having to do with drugs, alcohol, and the way you treat people around here and sexual behavior. We will talk some more about that, obviously.
“When we don’t get what we want as far as we don’t have people staying up to the standard we like, we deal with it.”
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Terriers looking to refocus with weekend series at Vermont
By Kevin Dillon/DFP Staff
With the Boston University campus still buzzing about the situation surrounding former defenseman Max Nicastro, the No. 5/6 men’s hockey team still has games to play to finish up the regular season. The Terriers will leave their still-shocked campus behind as they travel to the University of Vermont for back-to-back games against the last-place Catamounts this weekend.
This is BU’s first game since the news about Nicastro broke on Sunday, and BU coach Jack Parker sees this as an opportunity for the team to get away from the hoopla.
“I think with all this going on it’s good for this team to get focused. I would say with all that’s going on – they need a hockey game probably so it can get them thinking about something else,” Parker said. “This team has proven they can stay focused in difficult situations and they are being challenged here.”
BU (18-11-1, 14-8-1 Hockey East) will face off against a UVM (6-23-1, 3-19-1 Hockey East) team that has only won one of its last nine games. But while the Catamounts have not won many games this season, they have beaten some of the top teams in college hockey.
Of the six teams the Catamounts have beaten, three of them are currently among the top-10 squads in the nation. Vermont beat No.6/8 University of Minnesota, 5-4, early in the season before beating No. 1/4 Ferris State University and No. 2/7 University of Massachusetts-Lowell within a two-week span.
“I think [the Catamounts] will be geared up and ready to play and they have a lot of good players,” Parker said. “I would imagine that we will have our hands full with a team that’s disappointed with their season and wants to finish it off with [some wins].”
With the Boston University campus still buzzing about the situation surrounding former defenseman Max Nicastro, the No. 5/6 men’s hockey team still has games to play to finish up the regular season. The Terriers will leave their still-shocked campus behind as they travel to the University of Vermont for back-to-back games against the last-place Catamounts this weekend.
This is BU’s first game since the news about Nicastro broke on Sunday, and BU coach Jack Parker sees this as an opportunity for the team to get away from the hoopla.
“I think with all this going on it’s good for this team to get focused. I would say with all that’s going on – they need a hockey game probably so it can get them thinking about something else,” Parker said. “This team has proven they can stay focused in difficult situations and they are being challenged here.”
BU (18-11-1, 14-8-1 Hockey East) will face off against a UVM (6-23-1, 3-19-1 Hockey East) team that has only won one of its last nine games. But while the Catamounts have not won many games this season, they have beaten some of the top teams in college hockey.
Of the six teams the Catamounts have beaten, three of them are currently among the top-10 squads in the nation. Vermont beat No.6/8 University of Minnesota, 5-4, early in the season before beating No. 1/4 Ferris State University and No. 2/7 University of Massachusetts-Lowell within a two-week span.
“I think [the Catamounts] will be geared up and ready to play and they have a lot of good players,” Parker said. “I would imagine that we will have our hands full with a team that’s disappointed with their season and wants to finish it off with [some wins].”
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Nicastro charged, pleads not guilty to two counts of rape
By Annie Maroon and Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
UPDATED Feb. 22, 1:21 a.m.
Boston University men’s hockey defenseman Max Nicastro pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape at a Brighton District Court arraignment Tuesday morning.
After being arrested Sunday at 6:30 a.m. by Boston University police Nicastro, 21, was held in jail until his arraignment.
If convicted, Nicastro, a junior, could face up to 20 years in state prison.
He was released Tuesday on $10,000 bail under a no-contact order forbidding him from having any direct or third-party contact with the alleged victim.
He is due back in court on March 26 for a probable cause hearing.
While the case is ongoing, he is permitted to return to his home state of California. Nicastro has also been suspended indefinitely from the Boston University hockey team.
UPDATED Feb. 22, 1:21 a.m.
Boston University men’s hockey defenseman Max Nicastro pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape at a Brighton District Court arraignment Tuesday morning.
After being arrested Sunday at 6:30 a.m. by Boston University police Nicastro, 21, was held in jail until his arraignment.
If convicted, Nicastro, a junior, could face up to 20 years in state prison.
He was released Tuesday on $10,000 bail under a no-contact order forbidding him from having any direct or third-party contact with the alleged victim.
He is due back in court on March 26 for a probable cause hearing.
While the case is ongoing, he is permitted to return to his home state of California. Nicastro has also been suspended indefinitely from the Boston University hockey team.
Monday, February 20, 2012
BU students on Nicastro's arrest: 'Wouldn't you learn your lesson?'
By Annie Maroon/DFP Staff
Early Sunday morning, Boston University men’s hockey defenseman Max Nicastro was arrested for an alleged on-campus incident of sexual assault. This is the second time this season that a BU men’s hockey player has been arrested on such charges. Former Terrier Corey Trivino is still going through the legal process following seven separate charges stemming from an alleged on-campus incident that occurred on Dec. 11.
Nicastro has been suspended indefinitely from the hockey team while the matter is investigated. He will be arraigned in Brighton District Court on Tuesday.
As the news of Nicastro’s arrest spread quickly across campus on Sunday, students expressed varied opinions on the alleged incident.
College of Communication sophomore Kyle Rohde said he was surprised to hear the news, especially in light of the fact that senior forward Trivino was removed from the team in December after also being charged with assault to rape, among other things, after his own incident.
“Just the fact that it’s already happened this year, it was mind-blowing when I read it,” Rohde said. “Just the fact that it’s already happened this year, for it to happen again, I just can’t believe it. It’s like, wouldn’t you learn your lesson? Your whole career in front of you, and now he’s probably under the influence just making terrible decisions.”
Early Sunday morning, Boston University men’s hockey defenseman Max Nicastro was arrested for an alleged on-campus incident of sexual assault. This is the second time this season that a BU men’s hockey player has been arrested on such charges. Former Terrier Corey Trivino is still going through the legal process following seven separate charges stemming from an alleged on-campus incident that occurred on Dec. 11.
Nicastro has been suspended indefinitely from the hockey team while the matter is investigated. He will be arraigned in Brighton District Court on Tuesday.
As the news of Nicastro’s arrest spread quickly across campus on Sunday, students expressed varied opinions on the alleged incident.
College of Communication sophomore Kyle Rohde said he was surprised to hear the news, especially in light of the fact that senior forward Trivino was removed from the team in December after also being charged with assault to rape, among other things, after his own incident.
“Just the fact that it’s already happened this year, it was mind-blowing when I read it,” Rohde said. “Just the fact that it’s already happened this year, for it to happen again, I just can’t believe it. It’s like, wouldn’t you learn your lesson? Your whole career in front of you, and now he’s probably under the influence just making terrible decisions.”
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Max Nicastro arrested, suspended
By Tim Healey/DFP Staff
Junior defenseman Max Nicastro was arrested early Sunday morning for an alleged sexual assault of a female student, and he has been suspended indefinitely from the No. 2 Boston University men's hockey team. The news was first reported by BU Today.
Neither BU coach Jack Parker nor any of the players are currently available for comment.
BU spokesman Colin Riley said the incident occurred “on campus” in a dormitory, but could not offer more information.
“The facts as they are are upsetting,” he said.
No further action will be taken – be it concerning Nicastro’s status as a member of the team or a student at BU – until the investigation is complete, Riley said.
Jake Wark, Suffolk County District Attorney spokesman, said Nicastro will be arraigned in Brighton District Court Tuesday morning.
For the full story, visit dailyfreepress.com.
Junior defenseman Max Nicastro was arrested early Sunday morning for an alleged sexual assault of a female student, and he has been suspended indefinitely from the No. 2 Boston University men's hockey team. The news was first reported by BU Today.
Neither BU coach Jack Parker nor any of the players are currently available for comment.
BU spokesman Colin Riley said the incident occurred “on campus” in a dormitory, but could not offer more information.
“The facts as they are are upsetting,” he said.
No further action will be taken – be it concerning Nicastro’s status as a member of the team or a student at BU – until the investigation is complete, Riley said.
Jake Wark, Suffolk County District Attorney spokesman, said Nicastro will be arraigned in Brighton District Court Tuesday morning.
For the full story, visit dailyfreepress.com.
Missed scoring opportunities doom Terriers
By Kevin Dillon/DFP Staff
In the third period of No. 2 Boston University's 4-2 loss to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Saturday night, junior forward Justin Courtnall fed a picture-perfect pass through the slot to the blade of freshman forward Evan Rodrigues’ stick. Rodrigues was standing at the edge of the crease with the entire net waiting in front of him when Courtnall fed him the pass, but the puck didn’t make solid contact with the stick.
Instead, Rodrigues whiffed at the puck as it slid away into the corner rather than into the net. A goal there would have narrowed BU's deficit at the time to 3-2. Instead, the Terriers continued to face a two-goal deficit from which they would never recover.
“Rodrigues had that one at the pipe and I think at that point it was 3-1, and that would have made it 3-2 which would have been a completely different look on the game,” said BU coach Jack Parker.
Rodrigues's opportunity was just one of many missed chances on the night for the Terriers. BU's inability to finish plays Saturday night stood as almost a polar opposite of Friday night’s 7-4 win over Lowell, in which the Terriers scored seven goals and converted on almost all of their chances.
In the third period of No. 2 Boston University's 4-2 loss to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Saturday night, junior forward Justin Courtnall fed a picture-perfect pass through the slot to the blade of freshman forward Evan Rodrigues’ stick. Rodrigues was standing at the edge of the crease with the entire net waiting in front of him when Courtnall fed him the pass, but the puck didn’t make solid contact with the stick.
Instead, Rodrigues whiffed at the puck as it slid away into the corner rather than into the net. A goal there would have narrowed BU's deficit at the time to 3-2. Instead, the Terriers continued to face a two-goal deficit from which they would never recover.
“Rodrigues had that one at the pipe and I think at that point it was 3-1, and that would have made it 3-2 which would have been a completely different look on the game,” said BU coach Jack Parker.
Rodrigues's opportunity was just one of many missed chances on the night for the Terriers. BU's inability to finish plays Saturday night stood as almost a polar opposite of Friday night’s 7-4 win over Lowell, in which the Terriers scored seven goals and converted on almost all of their chances.
The good and the bad: BU loses to UML, 4-2
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
The No. 2 Boston University men's hockey team lost to No. 6 University of Massachusetts-Lowell Saturday night at Agganis Arena. Here's a look at both the negatives and positives from BU's loss.
The bad:
Finish
BU had every chance to win the game Saturday night. The Terriers had a 4-on-1, 3-on-1 and 3-on-2 in the second period, but all of those rushes resulted in no shots on net. Junior assistant captain Alex Chiasson shot wide on the 4-on-1, Chiasson shot wide again on the 3-on-1, and sophomore forward Matt Nieto shot wide on the 3-on-2.
Multiple Terriers shot wide from the slot or whiffed on one-timers all night long, but the worst missed opportunity for BU came early in the third period when freshman forward Evan Rodrigues inexplicably shot wide from the edge of the crease with an empty net waiting in front of him.
BU attempted 88 shots on net Saturday night, 44 of which came in the third period. While UMass-Lowell goaltender Doug Carr certainly had a good game, there is no reason to score only two goals on 88 shot attempts. A championship-caliber team capitalizes on opportunities, and BU was unable to do that Saturday night.
The No. 2 Boston University men's hockey team lost to No. 6 University of Massachusetts-Lowell Saturday night at Agganis Arena. Here's a look at both the negatives and positives from BU's loss.
The bad:
Finish
BU had every chance to win the game Saturday night. The Terriers had a 4-on-1, 3-on-1 and 3-on-2 in the second period, but all of those rushes resulted in no shots on net. Junior assistant captain Alex Chiasson shot wide on the 4-on-1, Chiasson shot wide again on the 3-on-1, and sophomore forward Matt Nieto shot wide on the 3-on-2.
Multiple Terriers shot wide from the slot or whiffed on one-timers all night long, but the worst missed opportunity for BU came early in the third period when freshman forward Evan Rodrigues inexplicably shot wide from the edge of the crease with an empty net waiting in front of him.
BU attempted 88 shots on net Saturday night, 44 of which came in the third period. While UMass-Lowell goaltender Doug Carr certainly had a good game, there is no reason to score only two goals on 88 shot attempts. A championship-caliber team capitalizes on opportunities, and BU was unable to do that Saturday night.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Terriers fall to UML, 4-2
By Annie Maroon/DFP Staff
After a Friday night game when every bounce seemed to go the Terriers’ way in a 7-4 win, luck swung back the other way on Saturday as the Boston University men’s hockey team missed quality chance after chance and lost 4-2 to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
After spending 24 hours at the top of Hockey East, the Terriers (18-11-1, 14-8-1 Hockey East) dropped back into third place with the loss, one point behind the River Hawks (20-9-0, 15-8-0 Hockey East) and two behind Boston College.
Senior goaltender Kieran Millan was pulled for the first time since Dec. 3 against BC after the River Hawks’ fourth goal. On the other end of the ice, UML goalie Doug Carr stopped 39 shots, including 22 in a furious third period for the Terriers, bouncing back from allowing six goals the night before.
After a Friday night game when every bounce seemed to go the Terriers’ way in a 7-4 win, luck swung back the other way on Saturday as the Boston University men’s hockey team missed quality chance after chance and lost 4-2 to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
After spending 24 hours at the top of Hockey East, the Terriers (18-11-1, 14-8-1 Hockey East) dropped back into third place with the loss, one point behind the River Hawks (20-9-0, 15-8-0 Hockey East) and two behind Boston College.
Senior goaltender Kieran Millan was pulled for the first time since Dec. 3 against BC after the River Hawks’ fourth goal. On the other end of the ice, UML goalie Doug Carr stopped 39 shots, including 22 in a furious third period for the Terriers, bouncing back from allowing six goals the night before.
Cissé works to earn lineup spot
By Annie Maroon/DFP Staff
Although Boston University men’s hockey head coach Jack Parker wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about his team’s 7-4 win over the University of Massachusetts-Lowell on Friday, he had clear praise for redshirt freshman winger Yasin Cissé. After bouncing in and out of the lineup for the last month, Cissé had a goal and four shots – tied for a team high – on Friday.
“I thought he played real well tonight,” Parker said. “I was going to grab him afterwards and tell him, jeez, you’ve arrived.”
Cissé sat out three games from Jan. 28 – when he dressed but did not play – through Feb. 6, then played in BU’s loss to the University of Massachusetts on Feb. 10. He sat out the Beanpot finals on Monday because Parker wanted senior forward Kevin Gilroy to be able to play in his last Beanpot finals.
In Lowell on Friday, Cissé made his case to stay in the lineup, showing speed through the neutral zone, consistently directing pucks toward UML goalie Doug Carr and, as the first period wound down, one-timing a pass from linemate Ryan Santana at the top of the crease for his second goal of the season.
Although Boston University men’s hockey head coach Jack Parker wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about his team’s 7-4 win over the University of Massachusetts-Lowell on Friday, he had clear praise for redshirt freshman winger Yasin Cissé. After bouncing in and out of the lineup for the last month, Cissé had a goal and four shots – tied for a team high – on Friday.
“I thought he played real well tonight,” Parker said. “I was going to grab him afterwards and tell him, jeez, you’ve arrived.”
Cissé sat out three games from Jan. 28 – when he dressed but did not play – through Feb. 6, then played in BU’s loss to the University of Massachusetts on Feb. 10. He sat out the Beanpot finals on Monday because Parker wanted senior forward Kevin Gilroy to be able to play in his last Beanpot finals.
In Lowell on Friday, Cissé made his case to stay in the lineup, showing speed through the neutral zone, consistently directing pucks toward UML goalie Doug Carr and, as the first period wound down, one-timing a pass from linemate Ryan Santana at the top of the crease for his second goal of the season.
Jack Parker weighs in on Jerry York's 900th win
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Boston University and Boston College may be rivals on the ice, but the teams' head coaches are friends off of it. Jack Parker and Jerry York grew up playing hockey against each other both in high school and college, and now they coach against each other for two of the most successful programs in college hockey. Two summers ago, when Parker needed heart surgery, York was one of his biggest cheerleaders throughout his recovery. A few years before that, when York was diagnosed with prostate cancer, it was Parker who was by his side.
Friday night saw both coaches in happier times. While BU beat up on the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, 7-4, York's Eagles topped Merrimack College, 4-2. The win marked York's 900th as a collegiate coach, making him just the second coach in college hockey history to reach 900 wins (the retired Ron Mason has 924 career victories). York leads all active coaches in career wins.
Boston University and Boston College may be rivals on the ice, but the teams' head coaches are friends off of it. Jack Parker and Jerry York grew up playing hockey against each other both in high school and college, and now they coach against each other for two of the most successful programs in college hockey. Two summers ago, when Parker needed heart surgery, York was one of his biggest cheerleaders throughout his recovery. A few years before that, when York was diagnosed with prostate cancer, it was Parker who was by his side.
Friday night saw both coaches in happier times. While BU beat up on the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, 7-4, York's Eagles topped Merrimack College, 4-2. The win marked York's 900th as a collegiate coach, making him just the second coach in college hockey history to reach 900 wins (the retired Ron Mason has 924 career victories). York leads all active coaches in career wins.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Terriers put up touchdown in revenge win over River Hawks
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
LOWELL -- The No. 2 Boston University men’s hockey team entered Tsongas Arena Friday night as a team hungry for revenge against the No. 6 University of Massachusetts-Lowell team who embarrassed BU back in November with a 7-1 whipping. On Friday night, it was the Terriers (18-10-1, 14-7-1 Hockey East) doing the whipping as they exacted revenge over the River Hawks (19-9-0, 14-8-0 Hockey East) with a 7-4 win. By virtue of the victory, BU moves back into first place in Hockey East, where it is tied with No. 4 Boston College.
But while the victory gave BU a boost in the standings, BU coach Jack Parker said he was not satisfied with his team’s play Friday night.
“I’d rather see us win that game 5-2 than 7-4,” Parker said. “We would have been much more happier I think if we were more thorough. [Senior goaltender] Kieran [Millan] has given us a terrific year, and we shouldn’t allow that to happen to him where they get so many great opportunities and they get four goals. It’s not right that we gave up four goals to that team.
“All those shots and Kieran playing so well, I wouldn’t mind if we gave up four if it was a 4-3 game and they just, you know, but we kind of wigged out too many times I thought.”
LOWELL -- The No. 2 Boston University men’s hockey team entered Tsongas Arena Friday night as a team hungry for revenge against the No. 6 University of Massachusetts-Lowell team who embarrassed BU back in November with a 7-1 whipping. On Friday night, it was the Terriers (18-10-1, 14-7-1 Hockey East) doing the whipping as they exacted revenge over the River Hawks (19-9-0, 14-8-0 Hockey East) with a 7-4 win. By virtue of the victory, BU moves back into first place in Hockey East, where it is tied with No. 4 Boston College.
But while the victory gave BU a boost in the standings, BU coach Jack Parker said he was not satisfied with his team’s play Friday night.
“I’d rather see us win that game 5-2 than 7-4,” Parker said. “We would have been much more happier I think if we were more thorough. [Senior goaltender] Kieran [Millan] has given us a terrific year, and we shouldn’t allow that to happen to him where they get so many great opportunities and they get four goals. It’s not right that we gave up four goals to that team.
“All those shots and Kieran playing so well, I wouldn’t mind if we gave up four if it was a 4-3 game and they just, you know, but we kind of wigged out too many times I thought.”
From the Freep: Terriers face off against first-place River Hawks
By Annie Maroon/DFP Staff
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell men’s hockey team has become one of the most discussed programs in the nation this year. After going 5-25-4 in 2010-11, the River Hawks have made a complete turn around this season, holding the top rank in Hockey East in mid-February – the latest they have ever been in first place.
Boston University head coach Jack Parker still thinks it isn’t enough.
“I don’t think anybody’s given them enough credit,” Parker said. “Everybody’s thinking, 'Well, I wonder when that bubble’s going to burst.' That bubble’s not bursting. That’s a real good college hockey team.”
UML (19-8-0, 14-7-0 Hockey East) leads BU (17-10-1, 13-7-1) and Boston College by one point in the Hockey East standings with 28. BU was on the losing end of the River Hawks’ most lopsided win of the year, a 7-1 game in Lowell on Nov. 5, and Parker said that blowout may have marked a turning point for both teams.
“Lowell showed us how we have to play, and we started playing as hard as they were playing, and now we’re going to see who can out-think and out-work and out-discipline each other tomorrow night,” Parker said on Thursday.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell men’s hockey team has become one of the most discussed programs in the nation this year. After going 5-25-4 in 2010-11, the River Hawks have made a complete turn around this season, holding the top rank in Hockey East in mid-February – the latest they have ever been in first place.
Boston University head coach Jack Parker still thinks it isn’t enough.
“I don’t think anybody’s given them enough credit,” Parker said. “Everybody’s thinking, 'Well, I wonder when that bubble’s going to burst.' That bubble’s not bursting. That’s a real good college hockey team.”
UML (19-8-0, 14-7-0 Hockey East) leads BU (17-10-1, 13-7-1) and Boston College by one point in the Hockey East standings with 28. BU was on the losing end of the River Hawks’ most lopsided win of the year, a 7-1 game in Lowell on Nov. 5, and Parker said that blowout may have marked a turning point for both teams.
“Lowell showed us how we have to play, and we started playing as hard as they were playing, and now we’re going to see who can out-think and out-work and out-discipline each other tomorrow night,” Parker said on Thursday.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
From the FreeP: BC tops BU in overtime thriller, takes third straight Beanpot
By Tim Healey/DFP Staff
Garrett Noonan, a Norfolk native who grew up watching the Beanpot Tournament, may have played the game of his life Monday night. With a pair of goals, the sophomore defenseman provided 100 percent of his team’s offense in 60th edition of the annual tournament.
“It feels alright,” Noonan said, his head hanging low and his eyes a bit watery. “It’s pretty good, but obviously I wish the result was different.”
“Obviously” may be an understatement. The sullen air Noonan carried about him would have been different if the No. 2 Boston University men’s hockey team came out on the other end. But instead, No. 3/4 Boston College came out on top in the 3-2 overtime win thanks to a goal from forward Bill Arnold with 6.4 seconds left in overtime.
“This has been the best college hockey game I’ve played in,” said sophomore defenseman Adam Clendening. “The meaning it is and the history it has, what was on the table for us tonight. We could have won 30 out of 60 [Beanpot tournaments]. That’s 50 percent, so that’s pretty impressive to do in a tournament. That was just the way it went. It was the best game I’ve played still, even if we came out on the wrong end.”
For more, visit dailyfreepress.com.
From the FreeP: Heartbroken Hero: Noonan nets two in OT loss
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
After sophomore defenseman Garrett Noonan’s game-tying goal in the third period of Monday night’s 3-2 overtime loss to No. 3/4 Boston College, the blue-liner’s face flashed on the video board for all of the TD Garden to see. Instead of a gleeful grin or an emotional yell, a celebrating Noonan gritted his teeth and raised his arms, showing a stalwart expression that looked as if he was ready to carry the world on his shoulders if it would help his team win.
Noonan scored both of the No. 2 Boston University men’s hockey team’s goals Monday night. It was a memorable game for a player who grew up in a suburb of Boston, a game that was spoiled only by an overtime goal that rested in the wrong net.
After the game, Noonan was anything but pleased. He was too heartbroken to say much, but what he did say was telling.
“The goals are nice and stuff like that, but I’m just crushed,” a downcast Noonan said moments after the BU loss. “I feel like we could have won that game.”
For more, visit dailyfreepress.com.
After sophomore defenseman Garrett Noonan’s game-tying goal in the third period of Monday night’s 3-2 overtime loss to No. 3/4 Boston College, the blue-liner’s face flashed on the video board for all of the TD Garden to see. Instead of a gleeful grin or an emotional yell, a celebrating Noonan gritted his teeth and raised his arms, showing a stalwart expression that looked as if he was ready to carry the world on his shoulders if it would help his team win.
Noonan scored both of the No. 2 Boston University men’s hockey team’s goals Monday night. It was a memorable game for a player who grew up in a suburb of Boston, a game that was spoiled only by an overtime goal that rested in the wrong net.
After the game, Noonan was anything but pleased. He was too heartbroken to say much, but what he did say was telling.
“The goals are nice and stuff like that, but I’m just crushed,” a downcast Noonan said moments after the BU loss. “I feel like we could have won that game.”
For more, visit dailyfreepress.com.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
From the Freep: Terriers hunt for redemption in Beanpot final
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| Photo by Junhee Chung/DFP Staff |
So on Monday night, BU will look to finish the job when it takes the ice against No. 4/5 Boston College at TD Garden in a game that will not only determine this season’s Beanpot champion, but also partly determine the legacy of this season’s BU team.
“You judge a team at the end of the year by what they’ve accomplished and by what they’ve won,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “BU teams aren’t real good teams unless they win some championships. You could be No. 1 in the nation or the No. 1 seed in your league. You can get to the Beanpot final. You can do all those things that make you look like you’re about to win a championship, but if you don’t win something, it’s just an okay year no matter what the record is.
“This team will be judged on what happens from now until March and April. We’ll see who is going to get a chance to win championships in March and April. This is the first one that is available.”
Read more of the preview at dailyfreepress.com.
Projected lines (changes are bolded):
Matt Nieto - Chris Connolly - Alex Chiasson
Wade Megan - Ben Rosen - Sahir Gill
Justin Courtnall - Cason Hohmann - Evan Rodrigues
Ross Gaudet - Ryan Santana - Kevin Gilroy
Garrett Noonan - Patrick MacGregor
Sean Escobedo - Adam Clendening
Max Nicastro - Ryan Ruikka
Kieran Millan
Grant Rollheiser
More on the lineup beyond the jump.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Millan’s effort not enough in loss to UMass
By Kevin Dillon/DFP Staff
In the No. 1/2 Boston University men’s hockey team’s surprising loss to the University of Massachusetts Friday night at Agganis Arena, BU coach Jack Parker thought that only one of his players played well, and he played the most important position on the ice.
Senior goaltender Kieran Millan made 34 saves in the Terriers’ 3-2 loss to UMass, but his effort was overshadowed by the result of the game and the poor play of his teammates in front of him.
“We had too many guys not show up tonight,” Parker said. “Our goaltender showed up, I thought he played great.”
While the Edmonton, Alberta native earned the loss on the night, he only allowed two of the goals scored in the game, and both of them were on the power play. The other goal for UMass came with an empty net with less than one minute remaining, as BU was trying to come back from a 2-1 deficit.
The Terriers and UMass each had six power plays on the night, but Millan had as many chances against him while his team had the man-advantage that it seemed as if UMass had more power plays.
“We each had six power plays, and it looks like we got a lot of good shots off but [they had a] much better time of possession and better chances I thought,” Parker said.
In the No. 1/2 Boston University men’s hockey team’s surprising loss to the University of Massachusetts Friday night at Agganis Arena, BU coach Jack Parker thought that only one of his players played well, and he played the most important position on the ice.
Senior goaltender Kieran Millan made 34 saves in the Terriers’ 3-2 loss to UMass, but his effort was overshadowed by the result of the game and the poor play of his teammates in front of him.
“We had too many guys not show up tonight,” Parker said. “Our goaltender showed up, I thought he played great.”
While the Edmonton, Alberta native earned the loss on the night, he only allowed two of the goals scored in the game, and both of them were on the power play. The other goal for UMass came with an empty net with less than one minute remaining, as BU was trying to come back from a 2-1 deficit.
The Terriers and UMass each had six power plays on the night, but Millan had as many chances against him while his team had the man-advantage that it seemed as if UMass had more power plays.
“We each had six power plays, and it looks like we got a lot of good shots off but [they had a] much better time of possession and better chances I thought,” Parker said.
Friday, February 10, 2012
UPDATED: UMass downs BU, 3-2
By Tim Healey/DFP Staff
Friday night at Agganis Arena, the University of Massachusetts did something it failed to do twice in late October: hold off the Boston University men’s hockey team in the third period.
Leading 2-1 after two frames, the Minutemen (10-12-5, 6-10-4 Hockey East) added an empty-netter in the last minute of play and topped the No. 1/2 Terriers (17-9-1, 13-7-1 Hockey East) by a final score of 3-2.
“I told my team before the game and yesterday that UMass was the best eighth place or ninth place team in any college hockey league ever,” Parker said. “And they came in and showed it. They played really hard tonight in a game they were completely ready to play and thorough as hell.”
BU, however, was not. After a lackluster effort in a 3-1 Beanpot semifinals win over Harvard, the Terriers played a similar version of their game Friday night.
“We weren’t ready to play, we weren’t as focused as we have to be, and they were much more determined then we were,” Parker said. “Much more determined.”
Friday night at Agganis Arena, the University of Massachusetts did something it failed to do twice in late October: hold off the Boston University men’s hockey team in the third period.
Leading 2-1 after two frames, the Minutemen (10-12-5, 6-10-4 Hockey East) added an empty-netter in the last minute of play and topped the No. 1/2 Terriers (17-9-1, 13-7-1 Hockey East) by a final score of 3-2.
“I told my team before the game and yesterday that UMass was the best eighth place or ninth place team in any college hockey league ever,” Parker said. “And they came in and showed it. They played really hard tonight in a game they were completely ready to play and thorough as hell.”
BU, however, was not. After a lackluster effort in a 3-1 Beanpot semifinals win over Harvard, the Terriers played a similar version of their game Friday night.
“We weren’t ready to play, we weren’t as focused as we have to be, and they were much more determined then we were,” Parker said. “Much more determined.”
From the FreeP: Terriers take minute from Beanpot thoughts to play UMass
By Tim Healey/DFP Staff
This week has been a busy one for the Boston University men’s hockey team. After the Terriers took the top spot in one national poll and the second spot in another, BU earned a trip to the Beanpot finals with a 3-1 win over Harvard University.
But at 7 p.m. Friday night at Agganis Arena, the Terriers (17-8-1, 13-6-1 Hockey East) will have to set aside all Beanpot thoughts for a minute – or 60 – when they host the University of Massachusetts for the teams’ final regular season meeting of the season.
“If you look at how hard they skate, how fast they are, how many talented players they have, they have some very good offensive forwards high in the league in scoring,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “They are if not the fastest then in the top three fastest teams in the league skating-ability wise.”
For more, including notes on red shirt freshman forward Yasin Cissé and senior goaltender Kieran Millan, visit dailyfreepress.com.
Lines
Matt Nieto – Chris Connolly – Alex Chiasson
Wade Megan – Sahir Gill – Evan Rodrigues
Justin Courtnall – Ben Rosen – Yasin Cissé
Ross Gaudet – Ryan Santana – Kevin Gilroy
Sean Escobedo – Adam Clendening
Garrett Noonan – Patrick MacGregor
Max Nicastro – Ryan Ruikka
Kieran Millan
Grant Rollheiser
Anthony Moccia
This week has been a busy one for the Boston University men’s hockey team. After the Terriers took the top spot in one national poll and the second spot in another, BU earned a trip to the Beanpot finals with a 3-1 win over Harvard University.
But at 7 p.m. Friday night at Agganis Arena, the Terriers (17-8-1, 13-6-1 Hockey East) will have to set aside all Beanpot thoughts for a minute – or 60 – when they host the University of Massachusetts for the teams’ final regular season meeting of the season.
“If you look at how hard they skate, how fast they are, how many talented players they have, they have some very good offensive forwards high in the league in scoring,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “They are if not the fastest then in the top three fastest teams in the league skating-ability wise.”
For more, including notes on red shirt freshman forward Yasin Cissé and senior goaltender Kieran Millan, visit dailyfreepress.com.
Lines
Matt Nieto – Chris Connolly – Alex Chiasson
Wade Megan – Sahir Gill – Evan Rodrigues
Justin Courtnall – Ben Rosen – Yasin Cissé
Ross Gaudet – Ryan Santana – Kevin Gilroy
Sean Escobedo – Adam Clendening
Garrett Noonan – Patrick MacGregor
Max Nicastro – Ryan Ruikka
Kieran Millan
Grant Rollheiser
Anthony Moccia
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
From the FreeP: Megan nets two, leads BU to Beanpot final
By Annie Maroon/DFP Staff
Junior forward Wade Megan scored a combined 13 goals in his first two years on the Boston University men’s hockey team. In 25 games this season, he’s eclipsed what he achieved in his first 74 games as a Terrier, taking over the team lead in goals with his 13th and 14th tallies in Monday’s 3-1 Beanpot semifinals win over Harvard University.
Megan ranks fourth on the team with 20 points – quite a jump up from finishing 11th last year – but he’s found the back of the net more than anyone else, including junior assistant captain Alex Chiasson, senior captain Chris Connolly and sophomore forward Matt Nieto, all of whom scored more goals than Megan last year and had more experience playing on top lines before this year.
“I don’t really try to think about that stuff,” Megan said. “I don’t think a lot of guys on the team think about that stuff, and maybe that’s why we’ve been so successful.”
For more, visit dailyfreepress.com.
Junior forward Wade Megan scored a combined 13 goals in his first two years on the Boston University men’s hockey team. In 25 games this season, he’s eclipsed what he achieved in his first 74 games as a Terrier, taking over the team lead in goals with his 13th and 14th tallies in Monday’s 3-1 Beanpot semifinals win over Harvard University.
Megan ranks fourth on the team with 20 points – quite a jump up from finishing 11th last year – but he’s found the back of the net more than anyone else, including junior assistant captain Alex Chiasson, senior captain Chris Connolly and sophomore forward Matt Nieto, all of whom scored more goals than Megan last year and had more experience playing on top lines before this year.
“I don’t really try to think about that stuff,” Megan said. “I don’t think a lot of guys on the team think about that stuff, and maybe that’s why we’ve been so successful.”
For more, visit dailyfreepress.com.
From the FreeP: Men’s hockey heads to Beanpot championship
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
In a rematch of last year’s Beanpot consolation game, the No. 1/2 Boston University men’s hockey team exacted revenge on Harvard University, earning a trip to the title game via a 3-1 victory. The Terriers will fight for their 30th Beanpot championship against the Boston College next Monday.
Junior forward Wade Megan scored twice and senior goaltender Kieran Millan made 29 saves in the win.
Despite the victory, BU coach Jack Parker was not especially pleased with the level of play from either side.
For more, visit dailyfreepress.com.
In a rematch of last year’s Beanpot consolation game, the No. 1/2 Boston University men’s hockey team exacted revenge on Harvard University, earning a trip to the title game via a 3-1 victory. The Terriers will fight for their 30th Beanpot championship against the Boston College next Monday.
Junior forward Wade Megan scored twice and senior goaltender Kieran Millan made 29 saves in the win.
Despite the victory, BU coach Jack Parker was not especially pleased with the level of play from either side.
For more, visit dailyfreepress.com.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Slideshow: BU vs. Harvard, Beanpot semifinals
Photos by Michael Cummo/DFP Staff
Photos by Junhee Chung/DFP Staff
Photos by Junhee Chung/DFP Staff
Terriers get revenge on Crimson, earn berth in Beanpot title game
In a rematch of last year’s Beanpot consolation game, the No. 1/2 Boston University Terriers exacted revenge on the Harvard Crimson, earning a trip to the title game via a 3-1 victory. The Terriers will fight for their 30th Beanpot championship against the winner of the Northeastern/Boston College semifinal.
Junior forward Wade Megan scored twice and senior goaltender Kieran Millan made 29 saves in the win.
Sophomore forward Matt Nieto gave BU an early lead when, at 8:14 in the first period, he tucked a wrap-around bid in between Crimson goaltender Steve Michalek and the right post.
The goal stood as the lone tally in the first period despite nearly four consecutive minutes of power-play time for the Terriers due to back-to-back penalties on Harvard junior Marshall Everson.
BU struggled to find urgency on those power plays as they failed to connect on passes and were constantly regrouping after Harvard clears. Crimson freshman Colin Blackwell earned a short-handed breakaway bid on the second Everson penalty, but Millan was there to make the pad save.
In the second period, BU doubled its lead when sophomore forward Sahir Gill made a heads-up play on the power play. Gill picked off a Harvard clearing pass and dished it over to junior defenseman Sean Escobedo, who found Megan camped out on Michalek’s left. Megan slipped the puck through to give BU a 2-0 lead.
Megan recorded his second goal of the night and the period with 5:58 left in the frame. The Harvard defense allowed Megan to walk in front of Michalek and Megan lifted it on the backhand over the handcuffed goaltender for the score.
Harvard responded a little over a minute later. The Crimson were on the power play thanks to a cross-checking penalty against junior forward Ryan Santana. BU’s defense left the entire slot open in front of Millan, and Harvard senior Alex Killorn jumped into the open space and beat Millan to make it a 3-1 game.
After the Harvard goal, the Crimson pulled Michalek in favor of sophomore Raphael Girard.
Senior forward Kevin Gilroy almost put one past Girard in the third period, but a review reversed the goal call on the ice. Gilroy’s shot hit the post but never crossed the line.
Junior forward Wade Megan scored twice and senior goaltender Kieran Millan made 29 saves in the win.
Sophomore forward Matt Nieto gave BU an early lead when, at 8:14 in the first period, he tucked a wrap-around bid in between Crimson goaltender Steve Michalek and the right post.
The goal stood as the lone tally in the first period despite nearly four consecutive minutes of power-play time for the Terriers due to back-to-back penalties on Harvard junior Marshall Everson.
BU struggled to find urgency on those power plays as they failed to connect on passes and were constantly regrouping after Harvard clears. Crimson freshman Colin Blackwell earned a short-handed breakaway bid on the second Everson penalty, but Millan was there to make the pad save.
In the second period, BU doubled its lead when sophomore forward Sahir Gill made a heads-up play on the power play. Gill picked off a Harvard clearing pass and dished it over to junior defenseman Sean Escobedo, who found Megan camped out on Michalek’s left. Megan slipped the puck through to give BU a 2-0 lead.
Megan recorded his second goal of the night and the period with 5:58 left in the frame. The Harvard defense allowed Megan to walk in front of Michalek and Megan lifted it on the backhand over the handcuffed goaltender for the score.
Harvard responded a little over a minute later. The Crimson were on the power play thanks to a cross-checking penalty against junior forward Ryan Santana. BU’s defense left the entire slot open in front of Millan, and Harvard senior Alex Killorn jumped into the open space and beat Millan to make it a 3-1 game.
After the Harvard goal, the Crimson pulled Michalek in favor of sophomore Raphael Girard.
Senior forward Kevin Gilroy almost put one past Girard in the third period, but a review reversed the goal call on the ice. Gilroy’s shot hit the post but never crossed the line.
From the Freep: Short-handed Terriers set for Beanpot
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
One year ago, the Boston University men’s hockey team left a blemish on its Beanpot legacy by finishing in last place for the first time since 1980. The loss was an embarrassing one for a BU team that has been so successful historically in the Beanpot that, at times, it has been dubbed the “BU Invitational.” BU has won almost half (29) of the previous 59 Beanpot tournaments.
In recent years, however, the Beanpot has belonged more to rival Boston College than to the Terriers. BC has won the coveted trophy in three of the past four seasons. Even worse, the Terriers enter the tournament this year at the risk of going three straight seasons without a Beanpot championship for the first time since 1983-85.
And so on Monday, the No. 3 Terriers (16-8-1, 13-6-1 Hockey East) will begin their quest to restore Terrier glory in the 60th edition of the tournament. They will begin that journey by facing the opponent who embarrassed them last season: Harvard University.
“Obviously finishing last last year really puts a lot of pressure on us to perform this year, and I think we’re up for the challenge,” said senior goaltender Kieran Millan. “I think that everybody on the team is pretty excited. It’s an unbelievable tournament. It’s a great opportunity to win a championship. I know it [stinks] being my last one, but hopefully it will be a good one.”
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
One year ago, the Boston University men’s hockey team left a blemish on its Beanpot legacy by finishing in last place for the first time since 1980. The loss was an embarrassing one for a BU team that has been so successful historically in the Beanpot that, at times, it has been dubbed the “BU Invitational.” BU has won almost half (29) of the previous 59 Beanpot tournaments.
In recent years, however, the Beanpot has belonged more to rival Boston College than to the Terriers. BC has won the coveted trophy in three of the past four seasons. Even worse, the Terriers enter the tournament this year at the risk of going three straight seasons without a Beanpot championship for the first time since 1983-85.
And so on Monday, the No. 3 Terriers (16-8-1, 13-6-1 Hockey East) will begin their quest to restore Terrier glory in the 60th edition of the tournament. They will begin that journey by facing the opponent who embarrassed them last season: Harvard University.
“Obviously finishing last last year really puts a lot of pressure on us to perform this year, and I think we’re up for the challenge,” said senior goaltender Kieran Millan. “I think that everybody on the team is pretty excited. It’s an unbelievable tournament. It’s a great opportunity to win a championship. I know it [stinks] being my last one, but hopefully it will be a good one.”
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Captains Connolly and Chiasson take lead in win for wounded Terriers
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
North Andover -- Whenever a team loses some of its most vital players, it is often the captains who are looked to in order to make up for the losses on the ice. In December, the No. 3 Boston University Terriers lost forwards Corey Trivino and Charlie Coyle permanently. More recently, BU was hit by the injury bug, as it lost defensemen Alexx Privitera and Max Nicastro for the near future. In those four players' absences, the team has been able to rely on a group of players rather than just the captains to carry the load.
But on Friday night, following a sweep one weekend prior at the hands of the then-No. 20 University of Maine, the Terriers found themselves undermanned and riding a losing streak entering a game against No. 4 Merrimack College. It was in that game, an eventual 4-1 win over the Warriors, that BU's captains proved sometimes the contributions from a captain can be just what a team needs when faced with an important game.
“I’d go as far to say this win was necessary,” said senior captain Chris Connolly. “We needed it for our own confidence to get back to playing our best hockey. Like I said before the game, we need to get our swagger back a little bit.”
Connolly helped BU get that swagger back by netting two goals and an assist in the win while junior assistant captain Alex Chiasson recorded a goal and an assist on the night.
North Andover -- Whenever a team loses some of its most vital players, it is often the captains who are looked to in order to make up for the losses on the ice. In December, the No. 3 Boston University Terriers lost forwards Corey Trivino and Charlie Coyle permanently. More recently, BU was hit by the injury bug, as it lost defensemen Alexx Privitera and Max Nicastro for the near future. In those four players' absences, the team has been able to rely on a group of players rather than just the captains to carry the load.
But on Friday night, following a sweep one weekend prior at the hands of the then-No. 20 University of Maine, the Terriers found themselves undermanned and riding a losing streak entering a game against No. 4 Merrimack College. It was in that game, an eventual 4-1 win over the Warriors, that BU's captains proved sometimes the contributions from a captain can be just what a team needs when faced with an important game.
“I’d go as far to say this win was necessary,” said senior captain Chris Connolly. “We needed it for our own confidence to get back to playing our best hockey. Like I said before the game, we need to get our swagger back a little bit.”
Connolly helped BU get that swagger back by netting two goals and an assist in the win while junior assistant captain Alex Chiasson recorded a goal and an assist on the night.
Friday, February 3, 2012
BU downs Merrimack, 4-1
By Annie Maroon/DFP Staff
NORTH ANDOVER -- Despite playing most of the game with five defensemen, the No. 3 Boston University men’s hockey team beat No. 4 Merrimack College, 4-1, on Friday night to hang onto first place in a tight Hockey East playoff picture.
Senior captain Chris Connolly had his second two-goal night of the year with his third and fourth goals of the season, and junior assistant captain Alex Chiasson recorded a goal and an assist to prevent the Terriers (16-8-1, 13-6-1 Hockey East) from dropping three straight after being swept by the University of Maine last weekend.
“It would have been really bad for us psychologically to lose three in a row after we went, I think, 10-1 in the league and it put us way above everyone for a while in the standings,” BU coach Jack Parker said. “If you drop three or four in the league, that brings you right back to the middle of the crowd again.”
BU struggled to score against Maine last weekend, losing 4-2 and 3-1, so the captains’ offensive contributions on Friday were a much-needed return to form. Senior goalie Kieran Millan did his part with 28 saves, sustaining a shutout until the last two minutes of the game. In the opposing crease, Merrimack goalie Joe Cannata, who ranks second in Hockey East with a .926 save percentage (Millan is third with a .923), had a rare off night, allowing four goals on just 20 shots.
NORTH ANDOVER -- Despite playing most of the game with five defensemen, the No. 3 Boston University men’s hockey team beat No. 4 Merrimack College, 4-1, on Friday night to hang onto first place in a tight Hockey East playoff picture.
Senior captain Chris Connolly had his second two-goal night of the year with his third and fourth goals of the season, and junior assistant captain Alex Chiasson recorded a goal and an assist to prevent the Terriers (16-8-1, 13-6-1 Hockey East) from dropping three straight after being swept by the University of Maine last weekend.
“It would have been really bad for us psychologically to lose three in a row after we went, I think, 10-1 in the league and it put us way above everyone for a while in the standings,” BU coach Jack Parker said. “If you drop three or four in the league, that brings you right back to the middle of the crowd again.”
BU struggled to score against Maine last weekend, losing 4-2 and 3-1, so the captains’ offensive contributions on Friday were a much-needed return to form. Senior goalie Kieran Millan did his part with 28 saves, sustaining a shutout until the last two minutes of the game. In the opposing crease, Merrimack goalie Joe Cannata, who ranks second in Hockey East with a .926 save percentage (Millan is third with a .923), had a rare off night, allowing four goals on just 20 shots.
From the FreeP: Coming out to play: Warriors host Terriers for rubber game
By Tim Healey/DFP Staff
On Friday, the No. 3 Boston University men’s hockey team will look to rid itself of a problem it hasn’t had to deal with since early November: a losing streak.
Following a weekend sweep and season series loss to the then-No. 20 University of Maine, the Terriers (15-8-1, 12-6-1 Hockey East) will try to get back on the winning track when they play No. 4 Merrimack College at Lawler Arena in North Andover Friday night. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
The matchup comes at a time when Merrimack (14-5-5, 10-4-3) has run up a 3-1-1 record its last five games, re-finding the early season momentum that made them the number one team in the country at the end of November.
“They’ve adjusted to taking a dip and now they’re back playing real well,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “I’d be pretty sure we’re going to get their best game tomorrow night. Just because it’s a huge game for them too.”
For more, including the latest on Yasin Cissé, Max Nicastro and Matt Ronan, visit dailyfreepress.com.
Projected lines:
Wade Megan – Chris Connolly – Alex Chiasson
Matt Nieto – Sahir Gill – Evan Rodrigues
Justin Courtnall – Cason Hohmann – Kevin Gilroy
Ross Gaudet – Ben Rosen – Ryan Santana
Sean Escobedo – Adam Clendening
Garrett Noonan – Patrick MacGregor
Ryan Ruikka – (Matt Ronan)
Kieran Millan
Grant Rollheiser
On Friday, the No. 3 Boston University men’s hockey team will look to rid itself of a problem it hasn’t had to deal with since early November: a losing streak.
Following a weekend sweep and season series loss to the then-No. 20 University of Maine, the Terriers (15-8-1, 12-6-1 Hockey East) will try to get back on the winning track when they play No. 4 Merrimack College at Lawler Arena in North Andover Friday night. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
The matchup comes at a time when Merrimack (14-5-5, 10-4-3) has run up a 3-1-1 record its last five games, re-finding the early season momentum that made them the number one team in the country at the end of November.
“They’ve adjusted to taking a dip and now they’re back playing real well,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “I’d be pretty sure we’re going to get their best game tomorrow night. Just because it’s a huge game for them too.”
For more, including the latest on Yasin Cissé, Max Nicastro and Matt Ronan, visit dailyfreepress.com.
Projected lines:
Wade Megan – Chris Connolly – Alex Chiasson
Matt Nieto – Sahir Gill – Evan Rodrigues
Justin Courtnall – Cason Hohmann – Kevin Gilroy
Ross Gaudet – Ben Rosen – Ryan Santana
Sean Escobedo – Adam Clendening
Garrett Noonan – Patrick MacGregor
Ryan Ruikka – (Matt Ronan)
Kieran Millan
Grant Rollheiser
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