David Warsofsky: C/C-
If any other defenseman on this list had the season Warsofsky had, their respective grade would be much higher than a C. Fact is, Warsofsky entered the season with All American expectations, and wound up winning Second Team Hockey East honors to a rousing, “He did it on reputation alone,” from many around the hockey community. BU coach Jack Parker talked after the season about Warsofsky’s seemingly bored nature with the college competition, and supposed that the tougher test he’ll get with the AHL’s Providence Bruins may respark his competitive edge better than Parker could.
Max Nicastro: D-/D
Nicastro also entered the season with high expectations after a strong freshman year, but was probably the worst of BU’s blue-liners from start to finish. His team worst minus-9 rating, 59 penalty minutes, two game misconducts and nine meager points seem to paint the picture well enough. Nicastro has talent, and Parker attributed his struggles to a mental slump early in the season that the Californian failed to shake. The cure according to Parker: some confidence that’ll hopefully be gained in the offseason.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
David Warsofsky discusses his decision to leave and his season
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
I just got done with a quick phone interview with David Warsofsky. I wanted to ask him about his decision to forgo his senior year and sign with the Bruins, and also get his thoughts on this past season. Here's what he had to say.
What went into the decision to leave?
I sat down with Coach Parker and other coaches, I sat down with my family, and I just think we all decided that me coming to Boston and not going back for my senior year was the best decision for me and the rest of my hockey career.
I just got done with a quick phone interview with David Warsofsky. I wanted to ask him about his decision to forgo his senior year and sign with the Bruins, and also get his thoughts on this past season. Here's what he had to say.
What went into the decision to leave?
I sat down with Coach Parker and other coaches, I sat down with my family, and I just think we all decided that me coming to Boston and not going back for my senior year was the best decision for me and the rest of my hockey career.
From the FreeP: Inconsistent attitude and effort plague BU for second straight year
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
With 2:14 remaining in Game 3 of the Hockey East quarterfinals, Northeastern University’s Wade MacLeod took a pass on the left wing and wristed a shot into an empty net to give the Huskies a 5-2 lead. Boston University sophomore forward Alex Chiasson promptly smashed his stick over the crossbar of the vacant cage, knowing that the Terriers’ season was likely over.
Sure, BU managed to score two goals in the final 1:22 to make things at least somewhat interesting. And sure, there were still scenarios that could’ve unfolded the following weekend that would’ve moved the Terriers up in the PairWise Rankings and gotten them into the NCAA tournament. But for all intents and purposes, MacLeod’s empty-netter was the death knell for BU’s season.
The 2010-11 campaign was full of first-time-sinces, and none of them were good. The Terriers finished last in the Beanpot for the first time since 1980. They failed to reach the Hockey East semifinals for the first time since 2001, ending the longest streak of semifinal appearances in conference history.
Most importantly, BU failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament for the second straight season, marking the first time that’s happened since it missed the big dance three years in a row from 1987 to 1989.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
With 2:14 remaining in Game 3 of the Hockey East quarterfinals, Northeastern University’s Wade MacLeod took a pass on the left wing and wristed a shot into an empty net to give the Huskies a 5-2 lead. Boston University sophomore forward Alex Chiasson promptly smashed his stick over the crossbar of the vacant cage, knowing that the Terriers’ season was likely over.
Sure, BU managed to score two goals in the final 1:22 to make things at least somewhat interesting. And sure, there were still scenarios that could’ve unfolded the following weekend that would’ve moved the Terriers up in the PairWise Rankings and gotten them into the NCAA tournament. But for all intents and purposes, MacLeod’s empty-netter was the death knell for BU’s season.
The 2010-11 campaign was full of first-time-sinces, and none of them were good. The Terriers finished last in the Beanpot for the first time since 1980. They failed to reach the Hockey East semifinals for the first time since 2001, ending the longest streak of semifinal appearances in conference history.
Most importantly, BU failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament for the second straight season, marking the first time that’s happened since it missed the big dance three years in a row from 1987 to 1989.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
From the FreeP: Early departures of skilled players hinder BU program
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
For Boston University, the men’s hockey season came to an early and abrupt ending two weeks ago, marking the second straight year the Terriers’ season came to a halt before the start of the NCAA tournament – disappointing for a program that hadn’t whiffed in such fashion since Ronald Reagan was in office.
The issues plaguing this year’s team were plentiful –– inconsistent effort, youth and inexperience, lack of power-play production, just to name a few.
The question, then, for BU coach Jack Parker and his staff, is how to mend the sails and right the ship to ensure some more boat-burning experiences in the future.
“That’s something we have to look at in who we recruit, what kinds of kids they are,” Parker said.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
For Boston University, the men’s hockey season came to an early and abrupt ending two weeks ago, marking the second straight year the Terriers’ season came to a halt before the start of the NCAA tournament – disappointing for a program that hadn’t whiffed in such fashion since Ronald Reagan was in office.
The issues plaguing this year’s team were plentiful –– inconsistent effort, youth and inexperience, lack of power-play production, just to name a few.
The question, then, for BU coach Jack Parker and his staff, is how to mend the sails and right the ship to ensure some more boat-burning experiences in the future.
“That’s something we have to look at in who we recruit, what kinds of kids they are,” Parker said.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Leftover quotes from our postseason sitdown with Jack Parker
We had our annual postseason sitdown with Jack Parker last Thursday. Needless to say, there were a lot of topics discussed. My season review -- which focuses on attitude, leadership, coaching and the power play -- will run in Wednesday's FreeP, as will Jake's feature on recruiting and the challenges of getting players to stick around. Arielle's working on a feature on Charlie Coyle that will run sometime in the next couple weeks. Even with those three articles, though, we still had nearly 1,700 words worth of interesting quotes leftover. Enjoy. And be sure to check back for those articles.
On David Warsofsky:
I think it was good for him to sign. I think he needed a challenge, something different. I don’t think he played up to where he would like to have played this year. I thought he had an OK year, but not a great year. I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that he needs to be pushed a little bit and challenged a little bit. Otherwise he gets too comfortable. Really, his best year here was his freshman year. The best year I saw him have before that was the year he went to Ann Arbor [for the national development program] and had to prove himself there. So I think it’s good for him to get a new challenge.
I think he was probably thinking about that during the year this year, too. We didn’t want him back with one leg here and one leg somewhere else. He didn’t have anywhere near a bad year, but I thought he’d be an All-American defenseman and all that. He got injured, too, and that bothered him. In general, it was a pretty good move. I think it was the correct move for him. I wasn’t telling him, ‘Geez Dave, I think you’re making a big mistake.’ We would’ve loved to have had him back, but at the same time, it’s junior year, he’s moving on and he needs that challenge.
On David Warsofsky:
I think it was good for him to sign. I think he needed a challenge, something different. I don’t think he played up to where he would like to have played this year. I thought he had an OK year, but not a great year. I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that he needs to be pushed a little bit and challenged a little bit. Otherwise he gets too comfortable. Really, his best year here was his freshman year. The best year I saw him have before that was the year he went to Ann Arbor [for the national development program] and had to prove himself there. So I think it’s good for him to get a new challenge.
I think he was probably thinking about that during the year this year, too. We didn’t want him back with one leg here and one leg somewhere else. He didn’t have anywhere near a bad year, but I thought he’d be an All-American defenseman and all that. He got injured, too, and that bothered him. In general, it was a pretty good move. I think it was the correct move for him. I wasn’t telling him, ‘Geez Dave, I think you’re making a big mistake.’ We would’ve loved to have had him back, but at the same time, it’s junior year, he’s moving on and he needs that challenge.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Grading the Terriers: Third and Fourth Lines
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
This is the second installment of our end-of-season grades for the team. Today, we're featuring the third and fourth lines. Our next installment will analyze the defense.
Wade Megan: C-
Megan finished last season with 12 points, and he did not show much growth in his sophomore campaign, tallying 13 points on eight goals and five assists. He did have a presence in the offensive zone at times and was fifth on the team in total shots (100), but he struggled to find a way to turn those shots into points. Megan also finished the season with a minus-3 and needs to become a better two-way player for the Terriers next season if he expects to play an important role on the team.
This is the second installment of our end-of-season grades for the team. Today, we're featuring the third and fourth lines. Our next installment will analyze the defense.
Wade Megan: C-
Megan finished last season with 12 points, and he did not show much growth in his sophomore campaign, tallying 13 points on eight goals and five assists. He did have a presence in the offensive zone at times and was fifth on the team in total shots (100), but he struggled to find a way to turn those shots into points. Megan also finished the season with a minus-3 and needs to become a better two-way player for the Terriers next season if he expects to play an important role on the team.
BC's Cam Atkinson signs with Columbus
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Junior forward Cam Atkinson will forgo his senior season at Boston College to pursue a pro career, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced today. The Blue Jackets signed Atkinson, who they drafted in the sixth round (157th overall) of the 2008 NHL draft, to a two-year entry-level contract.
In three seasons with the Eagles, Atkinson tallied 124 points (68 goals, 56 assists) and won a national championship. Atkinson had his best season with the Eagles this year, as he set a career-high in goals (31) and is one of ten finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award.
Junior forward Cam Atkinson will forgo his senior season at Boston College to pursue a pro career, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced today. The Blue Jackets signed Atkinson, who they drafted in the sixth round (157th overall) of the 2008 NHL draft, to a two-year entry-level contract.
In three seasons with the Eagles, Atkinson tallied 124 points (68 goals, 56 assists) and won a national championship. Atkinson had his best season with the Eagles this year, as he set a career-high in goals (31) and is one of ten finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Joe Pereira signs ATO with Bridgeport Sound Tigers
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Senior co-captain Joe Pereira has signed an amateur tryout contract with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders. Pereira played one game for the Worcester Sharks last week before moving south to Bridgeport. Pereira also previously participated in a prospect camp for the Islanders in the summer of 2008.
The 23-year-old forward played in the Sound Tigers' 5-1 win over Portland on Friday night but did not factor into any of the scoring. He expects to play in games on Saturday and Sunday. Pereira said he is not sure whether he will be in Bridgeport through the end of the season because of school commitments, but did say that the team is happy with the way he is playing. Pereira is hoping to establish something more permanent with the Sound Tigers this summer.
Bridgeport is a 20-minute commute from Pereira's hometown of West Haven, Connecticut.
Senior co-captain Joe Pereira has signed an amateur tryout contract with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders. Pereira played one game for the Worcester Sharks last week before moving south to Bridgeport. Pereira also previously participated in a prospect camp for the Islanders in the summer of 2008.
The 23-year-old forward played in the Sound Tigers' 5-1 win over Portland on Friday night but did not factor into any of the scoring. He expects to play in games on Saturday and Sunday. Pereira said he is not sure whether he will be in Bridgeport through the end of the season because of school commitments, but did say that the team is happy with the way he is playing. Pereira is hoping to establish something more permanent with the Sound Tigers this summer.
Bridgeport is a 20-minute commute from Pereira's hometown of West Haven, Connecticut.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Report: David Warsofsky signs with Bruins UPDATED
By Scott McLaughlin and Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Defenseman David Warsofsky has elected to forgo his senior season and sign with the Bruins, according to the Providence Journal. The article says Warsofsky was at the AHL Providence Bruins' practice Thursday morning.
Warsofsky tallied 22 goals and 46 assists for 68 points in three seasons at BU. He was picked in the fourth round of the 2008 NHL draft by the St. Louis Blues. The Bruins acquired his rights earlier this season in a trade for Vladimir Sobotka.
The Bruins have not officially announced the signing yet.
Edited to add: The Daily Free Press was able to reach Warsofsky, who confirmed he has signed an entry-level contract with the Bruins and will be playing for Providence.
Defenseman David Warsofsky has elected to forgo his senior season and sign with the Bruins, according to the Providence Journal. The article says Warsofsky was at the AHL Providence Bruins' practice Thursday morning.
Warsofsky tallied 22 goals and 46 assists for 68 points in three seasons at BU. He was picked in the fourth round of the 2008 NHL draft by the St. Louis Blues. The Bruins acquired his rights earlier this season in a trade for Vladimir Sobotka.
The Bruins have not officially announced the signing yet.
Edited to add: The Daily Free Press was able to reach Warsofsky, who confirmed he has signed an entry-level contract with the Bruins and will be playing for Providence.
Grading the Terriers: Top Six Forwards
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
Normally, we dole out grades to the BU offense, defense, goaltending and special teams after games. Now that the Terriers’ season has come to a close, we’ve received requests to bring out our red grading pens again to assess how individual players performed during the 2010-11 season. Over the next week and a half, we’ll break up our individual grades into four different sections, so keep checking back to see the grades as they come in. But first, our marks for BU’s top six forwards.
Chris Connolly: B
Connolly had a chance to score 30 points again in 2010-11 after becoming the first Terrier to reach the feat in his first two seasons on campus since 1994, but fell just two points short of that goal. He missed five games from late November through December with a broken pinky finger and was never able to recreate his point per game average (12 points in 12 games before the setback) from the first of the year on. Still, he finished second on the team in points, led in both plus/minus (+8) and shots on net (120) and was praised all season long by BU coach Jack Parker for his leadership as a junior captain.
Normally, we dole out grades to the BU offense, defense, goaltending and special teams after games. Now that the Terriers’ season has come to a close, we’ve received requests to bring out our red grading pens again to assess how individual players performed during the 2010-11 season. Over the next week and a half, we’ll break up our individual grades into four different sections, so keep checking back to see the grades as they come in. But first, our marks for BU’s top six forwards.
Chris Connolly: B
Connolly had a chance to score 30 points again in 2010-11 after becoming the first Terrier to reach the feat in his first two seasons on campus since 1994, but fell just two points short of that goal. He missed five games from late November through December with a broken pinky finger and was never able to recreate his point per game average (12 points in 12 games before the setback) from the first of the year on. Still, he finished second on the team in points, led in both plus/minus (+8) and shots on net (120) and was praised all season long by BU coach Jack Parker for his leadership as a junior captain.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Joe Pereira to play for Worcester Sharks
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Senior co-captain Joe Pereira is moving on with his hockey career now that the Terriers' season has come to an end. The 5-foot-10 forward will dress for the Worcester Sharks in tomorrow's game against the Portland Pirates on an amateur tryout contract. Pereira said he is unsure how long he will be in Worcester.
The Worcester Sharks are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's San Jose Sharks. Former Terriers John McCarthy and Sean Sullivan also play for Worcester.
Pereira led BU with 15 goals this season and finished the year with 21 points. In his four years at BU, Pereira totaled 61 points with 27 goals and 34 assists. Pereira still plans to graduate on time.
Senior co-captain Joe Pereira is moving on with his hockey career now that the Terriers' season has come to an end. The 5-foot-10 forward will dress for the Worcester Sharks in tomorrow's game against the Portland Pirates on an amateur tryout contract. Pereira said he is unsure how long he will be in Worcester.
The Worcester Sharks are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's San Jose Sharks. Former Terriers John McCarthy and Sean Sullivan also play for Worcester.
Pereira led BU with 15 goals this season and finished the year with 21 points. In his four years at BU, Pereira totaled 61 points with 27 goals and 34 assists. Pereira still plans to graduate on time.
From the FreeP: Women's hockey falls in first national championship
By Annie Maroon/DFP Staff
ERIE, Pa. — The Boston University women’s hockey team hasn’t had much experience this year with being completely stifled, shut down defensively at every turn and forced to battle through several opposing players for every shot.
But in a 4-1 loss to No. 1 University of Wisconsin in the NCAA championship game, the Terriers were simply overpowered as the Badgers claimed their fourth national championship in program history. Despite being outshot 36-16, BU (27-7-4) only trailed by one goal for the majority of the game. Freshman goalie Kerrin Sperry made some game-saving stops among her 32 saves, and the forwards and defensemen in front of her combined to block 23 more shots.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
ERIE, Pa. — The Boston University women’s hockey team hasn’t had much experience this year with being completely stifled, shut down defensively at every turn and forced to battle through several opposing players for every shot.
But in a 4-1 loss to No. 1 University of Wisconsin in the NCAA championship game, the Terriers were simply overpowered as the Badgers claimed their fourth national championship in program history. Despite being outshot 36-16, BU (27-7-4) only trailed by one goal for the majority of the game. Freshman goalie Kerrin Sperry made some game-saving stops among her 32 saves, and the forwards and defensemen in front of her combined to block 23 more shots.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
From the FreeP: Women's hockey seniors play vital role in final weekend
By Annie Maroon/DFP Staff
ERIE, Pa. — Forwards Holly Lorms, Jillian Kirchner and Lauren Cherewyk entered the Boston University campus in the fall of 2007 as three freshmen about to play in a young, two-year women’s hockey program. Nearly four years later, they left the ice for the last time in the BU scarlet and white Sunday as national runners-up, following their 4-1 loss to University of Wisconsin in the NCAA championship. All three left their marks on their final BU weekend, as did graduate student Catherine Ward, despite falling short of what would have been the first national championship in program history.
“We do walk out of here with a pretty nice trophy and while there’s a bittersweet moment to this, I can’t thank [the seniors] enough,” BU coach Brian Durocher said.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
ERIE, Pa. — Forwards Holly Lorms, Jillian Kirchner and Lauren Cherewyk entered the Boston University campus in the fall of 2007 as three freshmen about to play in a young, two-year women’s hockey program. Nearly four years later, they left the ice for the last time in the BU scarlet and white Sunday as national runners-up, following their 4-1 loss to University of Wisconsin in the NCAA championship. All three left their marks on their final BU weekend, as did graduate student Catherine Ward, despite falling short of what would have been the first national championship in program history.
“We do walk out of here with a pretty nice trophy and while there’s a bittersweet moment to this, I can’t thank [the seniors] enough,” BU coach Brian Durocher said.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
NCAA Tournament Bracket Prediction
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
I did this last year, so I figured I'd do it again. Now that all the conference tournaments are over, we know the final PairWise Rankings and the 16 teams that will make the NCAA tournament. Last year, I got everything right except the 3-seeds. I stuck to bracket integrity when it came to the 3-seeds because I thought attendance at the four regional sites would be fine. The committee, however, moved all the 3-seeds around in an effort to boost attendance and pretty much abandoned bracket integrity in the process.
This year presents pretty much the same dilemma. Sticking to bracket integrity (with just one minor move) gives us pretty good attendance at every site. However, the committee could once again make a few moves to make attendance (at least in theory) even better, but at the cost of bracket integrity.
Here are both possibilities, starting with sticking to bracket integrity as much as possible:
I did this last year, so I figured I'd do it again. Now that all the conference tournaments are over, we know the final PairWise Rankings and the 16 teams that will make the NCAA tournament. Last year, I got everything right except the 3-seeds. I stuck to bracket integrity when it came to the 3-seeds because I thought attendance at the four regional sites would be fine. The committee, however, moved all the 3-seeds around in an effort to boost attendance and pretty much abandoned bracket integrity in the process.
This year presents pretty much the same dilemma. Sticking to bracket integrity (with just one minor move) gives us pretty good attendance at every site. However, the committee could once again make a few moves to make attendance (at least in theory) even better, but at the cost of bracket integrity.
Here are both possibilities, starting with sticking to bracket integrity as much as possible:
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Eagles soar to 10th HE title
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
No. 2 Boston College coach Jerry York made no secret about it after his squad topped No. 7 Merrimack College, 5-3, in the Hockey East title game Saturday.
The final spread might’ve been two goals, but up until the final minutes, the difference between York’s Eagles (30-7-1) and coach Mark Dennehy’s Warriors (25-9-4) was miniscule.
Really, York said, the difference came down to one oft-overused word:
Experience.
No. 2 Boston College coach Jerry York made no secret about it after his squad topped No. 7 Merrimack College, 5-3, in the Hockey East title game Saturday.
The final spread might’ve been two goals, but up until the final minutes, the difference between York’s Eagles (30-7-1) and coach Mark Dennehy’s Warriors (25-9-4) was miniscule.
Really, York said, the difference came down to one oft-overused word:
Experience.
BU season ends with Western Michigan win
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
The Boston University men's hockey team saw the final door to its NCAA tournament hopes slam shut on Friday when Western Michigan beat Michigan 5-2 in the semifinals of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association tournament on Friday night.
While the Terriers' chances of making the NCAA tournament were slim after losing to Northeastern University on Sunday, a Western Michigan win was the only scenario on Friday night that could have officially eliminated BU from the NCAA tournament.
The Terriers finish the season with a 19-12-8 record, 15-6-6 record in Hockey East.
The Boston University men's hockey team saw the final door to its NCAA tournament hopes slam shut on Friday when Western Michigan beat Michigan 5-2 in the semifinals of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association tournament on Friday night.
While the Terriers' chances of making the NCAA tournament were slim after losing to Northeastern University on Sunday, a Western Michigan win was the only scenario on Friday night that could have officially eliminated BU from the NCAA tournament.
The Terriers finish the season with a 19-12-8 record, 15-6-6 record in Hockey East.
Eagles eke out semifinal victory
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Boston College is back in what is becoming an annual event for them, as the Eagles advanced to their sixth Hockey East Championship game in the last seven years with a 5-4 win over Northeastern University on Friday night.
The defending champions paved their way to the title game with three power play goals and a 33-save performance from senior goaltender John Muse, who is now 20-1 in his career during the postseason.
“We really focus on the Lamoriello Cup,” BC coach Jerry York said. “I think our conference, that’s important for us. Nationals will come. We use the expression you have to enjoy Thanksgiving before Christmas comes. Too many teams look past their conference championships.”
Boston College is back in what is becoming an annual event for them, as the Eagles advanced to their sixth Hockey East Championship game in the last seven years with a 5-4 win over Northeastern University on Friday night.
The defending champions paved their way to the title game with three power play goals and a 33-save performance from senior goaltender John Muse, who is now 20-1 in his career during the postseason.
“We really focus on the Lamoriello Cup,” BC coach Jerry York said. “I think our conference, that’s important for us. Nationals will come. We use the expression you have to enjoy Thanksgiving before Christmas comes. Too many teams look past their conference championships.”
Friday, March 18, 2011
Merrimack advances to first HE finale
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Over the course of it’s 4-1 Hockey East tournament semifinal win over the University of New Hampshire Friday night at the TD Garden, Merrimack College got quite a few fortunate bounces.
Just not the first one.
Twenty-five seconds in, UNH defenseman Blake Kessel flipped a puck into the MC zone. The dump took an odd hop right in front of Merrimack goalie Joe Cannata and skipped up over the goalie and into the cage.
“It’s a good thing I’m not a shortstop,” Cannata said about the play.
Over the course of it’s 4-1 Hockey East tournament semifinal win over the University of New Hampshire Friday night at the TD Garden, Merrimack College got quite a few fortunate bounces.
Just not the first one.
Twenty-five seconds in, UNH defenseman Blake Kessel flipped a puck into the MC zone. The dump took an odd hop right in front of Merrimack goalie Joe Cannata and skipped up over the goalie and into the cage.
“It’s a good thing I’m not a shortstop,” Cannata said about the play.
Hockey East Semifinals Live Blog
Northeastern vs. Boston College - 5 p.m.
Merrimack vs. New Hampshire - 8 p.m.
Merrimack vs. New Hampshire - 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Women's hockey faces Cornell in first-ever Frozen Four
By Meredith Perri/DFP Staff
For the first time in its six-year history, the No. 3 Boston University women’s hockey team will be participating in the NCAA Frozen Four. The Terriers are set to take on No. 2 Cornell University at 8 p.m. on Friday in Erie, Pa.
“I think I speak for myself and definitely for all the young ladies that any time you can get on center stage with really the majority of the hockey world watching, it’s a great honor and a great opportunity,” said BU coach Brian Durocher.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
For the first time in its six-year history, the No. 3 Boston University women’s hockey team will be participating in the NCAA Frozen Four. The Terriers are set to take on No. 2 Cornell University at 8 p.m. on Friday in Erie, Pa.
“I think I speak for myself and definitely for all the young ladies that any time you can get on center stage with really the majority of the hockey world watching, it’s a great honor and a great opportunity,” said BU coach Brian Durocher.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Charlie Coyle, Adam Clendening named to Hockey East All-Rookie Team
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
BU forward Charlie Coyle and defenseman Adam Clendening have been named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team, the league announced Wednesday. Coyle and UMass forward Michael Pereira were both unanimous selections.
Junior forward Chris Connolly was named a runner-up for the Len Ceglarski Sportsmanship Award and junior goalie Kieran Millan was named a runner-up for the Three Stars Award.
Below is a full list of the award winners who were named Wednesday. They will be honored at Thursday's annual awards night at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge. The league's major awards, which were not announced Wednesday, will also be presented at the banquet.
BU forward Charlie Coyle and defenseman Adam Clendening have been named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team, the league announced Wednesday. Coyle and UMass forward Michael Pereira were both unanimous selections.
Junior forward Chris Connolly was named a runner-up for the Len Ceglarski Sportsmanship Award and junior goalie Kieran Millan was named a runner-up for the Three Stars Award.
Below is a full list of the award winners who were named Wednesday. They will be honored at Thursday's annual awards night at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge. The league's major awards, which were not announced Wednesday, will also be presented at the banquet.
Monday, March 14, 2011
BU Bracketology: It's not over yet
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
It's easy to look at tonight's loss and say the season is over for the Terriers. Although there's a chance it is, there are still some not-so-far-fetched scenarios that would land BU in the NCAA tournament.
The Terriers currently sit 17th in the PairWise Rankings (PWR) used to determine the 16-team NCAA field. One of the 16 spots will be reserved for the Atlantic Hockey champion, as that conference currently has no one in the top 16 but gets an automatic bid for its champion.
That leaves 15 spots to be divvied up among the big four conferences (CCHA, ECAC, Hockey East, WCHA). If you're unfamiliar with the PWR, you're probably asking yourself right now, "How the hell can the Terriers move from 17 into the top 15 if they don't have any more games to play?" And my answer would be, "It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me either, but it can happen, and I'm about to show you how."
It's easy to look at tonight's loss and say the season is over for the Terriers. Although there's a chance it is, there are still some not-so-far-fetched scenarios that would land BU in the NCAA tournament.
The Terriers currently sit 17th in the PairWise Rankings (PWR) used to determine the 16-team NCAA field. One of the 16 spots will be reserved for the Atlantic Hockey champion, as that conference currently has no one in the top 16 but gets an automatic bid for its champion.
That leaves 15 spots to be divvied up among the big four conferences (CCHA, ECAC, Hockey East, WCHA). If you're unfamiliar with the PWR, you're probably asking yourself right now, "How the hell can the Terriers move from 17 into the top 15 if they don't have any more games to play?" And my answer would be, "It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me either, but it can happen, and I'm about to show you how."
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Cronin and Parker on what happened after the game
The end of tonight's game featured a lot of yelling back and forth between the teams and, most notably, no postgame handshake. At one point, BU freshman defenseman Adam Clendening was yelling at Northeastern coach Greg Cronin, who then proceeded to grab Clendening. That led to BU coach Jack Parker yelling at Cronin and a number of gestures between the two sides as the Huskies were escorted off the ice. As both coaches explained after the game, though, the whole incident was really one big misunderstanding. In a fitting end to a series where both teams were frustrated with inconsistent officiating throughout, the finger-pointing for the postgame debacle was directed toward the referees.
Here are the two coaches' takes:
Here are the two coaches' takes:
Terriers bounced from Hockey East tourney by Northeastern
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
For the first time in nine seasons, the No. 13 Boston University men’s hockey team has failed to advance to the semifinals of the Hockey East tournament. The Terriers fell to Northeastern University, 5-4, in Sunday night's decisive quarterfinals Game Three.
"I thought the team that competed the hardest all the time won this game," BU coach Jack Parker said. "I thought Northeastern played extremely well from start to finish. I thought they played extremely well from start to finish in all three games. The better team moved on."
The Huskies led for the entire game, and with 3:14 left in the third, they appeared to have clinched the series with an empty net goal from Wade MacLeod. But BU would not go down without a fight. With 1:22 remaining in the game, sophomore forward Justin Courtnall brought the Terriers back within two when he slipped a puck between Northeastern goaltender Chris Rawlings and the left post. Then, sophomore forward Wade Megan brought the Terriers back to a one-goal deficit with a power play goal with 13.4 ticks left on the clock.
Despite the desperate comeback, however, it was too little, too late for the Terriers.
For the first time in nine seasons, the No. 13 Boston University men’s hockey team has failed to advance to the semifinals of the Hockey East tournament. The Terriers fell to Northeastern University, 5-4, in Sunday night's decisive quarterfinals Game Three.
"I thought the team that competed the hardest all the time won this game," BU coach Jack Parker said. "I thought Northeastern played extremely well from start to finish. I thought they played extremely well from start to finish in all three games. The better team moved on."
The Huskies led for the entire game, and with 3:14 left in the third, they appeared to have clinched the series with an empty net goal from Wade MacLeod. But BU would not go down without a fight. With 1:22 remaining in the game, sophomore forward Justin Courtnall brought the Terriers back within two when he slipped a puck between Northeastern goaltender Chris Rawlings and the left post. Then, sophomore forward Wade Megan brought the Terriers back to a one-goal deficit with a power play goal with 13.4 ticks left on the clock.
Despite the desperate comeback, however, it was too little, too late for the Terriers.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Grit guides Terriers to Friday night victory
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Before the start of the No. 13 Boston University hockey team’s quarterfinals series against Northeastern University, BU coach Jack Parker said that it would be determination, not skill, that would win games for his team. It is fitting, then, that it was his gritty third and fourth line players who stole the show for the Terriers on Friday night, as BU beat Northeastern 5-2.
The fourth line gave the Terriers energy all night long, hassling Northeastern on the forecheck and backcheck, battling on the boards and fighting to get the puck to the net. The third line also played well Friday night, finishing with a team-high combined plus-five. Senior co-captain Joe Pereira, a long-time gritty workhorse for the Terriers, turned in a solid performance with two goals and six shots on net.
“Playoff hockey games, you need third, fourth line players to play big,” Pereira said. “You know what you’re going to get out of your first two lines. But third, fourth line. You got to do your job. Right now they’re contributing which is helping the team win.”
Before the start of the No. 13 Boston University hockey team’s quarterfinals series against Northeastern University, BU coach Jack Parker said that it would be determination, not skill, that would win games for his team. It is fitting, then, that it was his gritty third and fourth line players who stole the show for the Terriers on Friday night, as BU beat Northeastern 5-2.
The fourth line gave the Terriers energy all night long, hassling Northeastern on the forecheck and backcheck, battling on the boards and fighting to get the puck to the net. The third line also played well Friday night, finishing with a team-high combined plus-five. Senior co-captain Joe Pereira, a long-time gritty workhorse for the Terriers, turned in a solid performance with two goals and six shots on net.
“Playoff hockey games, you need third, fourth line players to play big,” Pereira said. “You know what you’re going to get out of your first two lines. But third, fourth line. You got to do your job. Right now they’re contributing which is helping the team win.”
Friday, March 11, 2011
Grading the Terriers: 3/11 vs. Northeastern
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
Offense: A-
Fives are wild. BU scored five goals – its season-high total for goals in a game – for the fifth time in the 2010-11 season and the first time since a 5-4 win over Harvard on Jan. 15. You could say a lot about the three goals the Terriers scored in the first period to turn around an early 1-0 Northeastern lead (and we will later in the X-Factor section of these grades). But the biggest goal could very well have been senior captain Joe Pereira’s first goal 11:37 into the third. Another goal by the Huskies before that would not only have knotted the game up at 3-3 but also would have swung the momentum back toward the NU side. Instead, Pereira gave his team a little insurance and later sealed with an empty-netter in the final minute.
Offense: A-
Fives are wild. BU scored five goals – its season-high total for goals in a game – for the fifth time in the 2010-11 season and the first time since a 5-4 win over Harvard on Jan. 15. You could say a lot about the three goals the Terriers scored in the first period to turn around an early 1-0 Northeastern lead (and we will later in the X-Factor section of these grades). But the biggest goal could very well have been senior captain Joe Pereira’s first goal 11:37 into the third. Another goal by the Huskies before that would not only have knotted the game up at 3-3 but also would have swung the momentum back toward the NU side. Instead, Pereira gave his team a little insurance and later sealed with an empty-netter in the final minute.
Press Conferences following BU's 5-2 win vs. Northeastern, HE Quarters Game 2
Parker's presser is below. Find the one for Joe Pereira and Kevin Gilroy as well as Greg Cronin after the jump.
Terriers force Game Three
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Two nights, two slow starts, but two very different outcomes –– that’s the story Friday for the No. 13 Boston University men’s hockey team.
Nobody noticed quicker than Northeastern University coach Greg Cronin that BU Friday would be very different than BU on Thursday, when the Huskies handed the Terriers a 4-2 defeat.
“I thought BU played with a lot of snap tonight,” the coach said following a 5-2 loss to the Terriers (19-11-8) Friday.
The BU win forces this Hockey East quarterfinal series into a deciding Game Three, to be played Sunday at 7 p.m. at Agganis Arena.
Two nights, two slow starts, but two very different outcomes –– that’s the story Friday for the No. 13 Boston University men’s hockey team.
Nobody noticed quicker than Northeastern University coach Greg Cronin that BU Friday would be very different than BU on Thursday, when the Huskies handed the Terriers a 4-2 defeat.
“I thought BU played with a lot of snap tonight,” the coach said following a 5-2 loss to the Terriers (19-11-8) Friday.
The BU win forces this Hockey East quarterfinal series into a deciding Game Three, to be played Sunday at 7 p.m. at Agganis Arena.
Report: UML fires head coach Blaise MacDonald
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
UMass-Lowell has fired head coach Blaise MacDonald, according to the Lowell Sun. Sources told the paper that MacDonald e-mailed his players Thursday to inform them that he would not be returning next season. The article said the school is expected to make an official announcement sometime Friday.
MacDonald went 150-178-42 in 10 seasons as the River Hawks' head coach. UML posted a dismal 5-25-4 record this season and finished last in Hockey East. The five wins were the fewest in the program's 28 years in Division I.
The Billerica native led the River Hawks to three 20-win seasons, but they never made the NCAA tournament during his tenure. The closest they came was in 2009, when they lost 1-0 to Boston University in the Hockey East championship game.
According to U.S. Hockey Report, former Edmonton Oilers head coach Craig MacTavish and current Hamilton College head coach Norm Bazin are two of the names expected to be considered in the search for MacDonald's successor. Both are UML alums.
The River Hawks become the second Hockey East team in as many days to part ways with their head coach, as Tim Army relinquished his coaching duties at Providence College on Thursday.
Update: The university has now made it official. Click here to read the full release.
UMass-Lowell has fired head coach Blaise MacDonald, according to the Lowell Sun. Sources told the paper that MacDonald e-mailed his players Thursday to inform them that he would not be returning next season. The article said the school is expected to make an official announcement sometime Friday.
MacDonald went 150-178-42 in 10 seasons as the River Hawks' head coach. UML posted a dismal 5-25-4 record this season and finished last in Hockey East. The five wins were the fewest in the program's 28 years in Division I.
The Billerica native led the River Hawks to three 20-win seasons, but they never made the NCAA tournament during his tenure. The closest they came was in 2009, when they lost 1-0 to Boston University in the Hockey East championship game.
According to U.S. Hockey Report, former Edmonton Oilers head coach Craig MacTavish and current Hamilton College head coach Norm Bazin are two of the names expected to be considered in the search for MacDonald's successor. Both are UML alums.
The River Hawks become the second Hockey East team in as many days to part ways with their head coach, as Tim Army relinquished his coaching duties at Providence College on Thursday.
Update: The university has now made it official. Click here to read the full release.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
BU season in dire straits after Game 1 loss
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
A handful of the white-and-scarlet-clad Terriers remained on the ice for a few fleeting moments after the customary handshake line, each other hunched over in dismay or with their hands held disappointingly on top of their heads. If the 4-2 numbers above their head weren’t reminder enough about the night’s outcome, the gleeful notes of the few remaining bars of the Northeastern University fight song played by the visiting pep band truly drove it home.
No. 13 Boston University had just dropped the first game of its three-game series with its cross-town rival and will be in do-or-die mode for the rest of its season, however long that may be.
“I think it’ll set in when guys go back to their rooms and kind of think about the game a little bit,” said junior captain Chris Connolly. “Reality sets in. This very well could be [BU’s last game].”
A handful of the white-and-scarlet-clad Terriers remained on the ice for a few fleeting moments after the customary handshake line, each other hunched over in dismay or with their hands held disappointingly on top of their heads. If the 4-2 numbers above their head weren’t reminder enough about the night’s outcome, the gleeful notes of the few remaining bars of the Northeastern University fight song played by the visiting pep band truly drove it home.
No. 13 Boston University had just dropped the first game of its three-game series with its cross-town rival and will be in do-or-die mode for the rest of its season, however long that may be.
“I think it’ll set in when guys go back to their rooms and kind of think about the game a little bit,” said junior captain Chris Connolly. “Reality sets in. This very well could be [BU’s last game].”
Press Conferences following BU's 4-2 loss to Northeastern, HE Quarters Game 1
Here's Parker's presser. You can find the one for Northeastern coach Greg Cronin as well as center Steve Silva and goalie Chris Rawlings after the jump.
Grading the Terriers: 3/10 vs. Northeastern
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Offense: B-
The Terriers had an alright night in the offensive zone. The squad outshot Northeastern by a 39-30 margin, but 19 of those shots came on their nine power-play chances. The team did get a goal from the fourth line, which should’ve been a huge boost considering Justin Courtnall, Ben Rosen and Kevin Gilroy had just five goals combined coming into the contest. But that wasn’t the case. The Terriers had some shots from in close, but shot into NU defenders 24 times and rarely challenged Husky goaltender Chris Rawlings on even-strength opportunities.
Defense: C+
The Terriers gave up four goals, and some of that was plain bad luck. Steve Silva’s second goal was an absolute fluke, as Adam Clendening’s would-be blocked shot turned into an own goal when the puck fluttered over Kieran Millan, who had positioned himself perfectly for the initial shot (think Colby Cohen’s 2009 national title winner over Miami goalie Cody Reichard). Otherwise, the Terriers allowed 14 grade-A chances –– 13 of which came in the first two periods before NU had stretched the lead to 4-1.
Offense: B-
The Terriers had an alright night in the offensive zone. The squad outshot Northeastern by a 39-30 margin, but 19 of those shots came on their nine power-play chances. The team did get a goal from the fourth line, which should’ve been a huge boost considering Justin Courtnall, Ben Rosen and Kevin Gilroy had just five goals combined coming into the contest. But that wasn’t the case. The Terriers had some shots from in close, but shot into NU defenders 24 times and rarely challenged Husky goaltender Chris Rawlings on even-strength opportunities.
Defense: C+
The Terriers gave up four goals, and some of that was plain bad luck. Steve Silva’s second goal was an absolute fluke, as Adam Clendening’s would-be blocked shot turned into an own goal when the puck fluttered over Kieran Millan, who had positioned himself perfectly for the initial shot (think Colby Cohen’s 2009 national title winner over Miami goalie Cody Reichard). Otherwise, the Terriers allowed 14 grade-A chances –– 13 of which came in the first two periods before NU had stretched the lead to 4-1.
UPDATED: Terriers drop quarterfinal opener
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
The No. 13 Boston University Terriers will have to go to three games if they hope to advance to the Hockey East semifinals. BU fell to Northeastern University, 4-2, on Thursday night.
The game was poorly attended, and the team at times appeared just as flat as the atmosphere in the rink. BU finished the night 1-for-9 on the power play and was unable to capitalize on a 5-on-3 and a 6-on-4. Junior goaltender Kieran Millan finished the night with 26 saves, but did not look sharp in the effort.
“I thought we got beat by a team that was a little more determined, a little hungrier than we were,” BU coach Jack Parker said. “I thought that some guys played well and some guys for us didn’t have anywhere the nights we needed them to have. In general, we got outworked.”
The No. 13 Boston University Terriers will have to go to three games if they hope to advance to the Hockey East semifinals. BU fell to Northeastern University, 4-2, on Thursday night.
The game was poorly attended, and the team at times appeared just as flat as the atmosphere in the rink. BU finished the night 1-for-9 on the power play and was unable to capitalize on a 5-on-3 and a 6-on-4. Junior goaltender Kieran Millan finished the night with 26 saves, but did not look sharp in the effort.
“I thought we got beat by a team that was a little more determined, a little hungrier than we were,” BU coach Jack Parker said. “I thought that some guys played well and some guys for us didn’t have anywhere the nights we needed them to have. In general, we got outworked.”
Providence coach Tim Army relinquishes coaching duties
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Providence College men's hockey coach Tim Army has relinquished his coaching duties, the school announced today. Army, a 1985 Providence graduate, posted a 66-116-28 mark in six seasons at the helm. The Friars have missed the Hockey East playoffs each of the last three seasons.
"I want to thank Tim for his dedication and service to the men's ice hockey program over the last six seasons," athletics director Bob Driscoll said in a statement. "Tim has represented the college with dignity and class. We wish him all the best with his future endeavors."
"After discussions with Bob Driscoll we decided a change in leadership may allow the program to move forward," Army said. "I am proud of a number of things we have been able to accomplish during the past six years and a new perspective may result in the final piece of more victories for the program."
The school will begin its search for Army's successor immediately.
Providence College men's hockey coach Tim Army has relinquished his coaching duties, the school announced today. Army, a 1985 Providence graduate, posted a 66-116-28 mark in six seasons at the helm. The Friars have missed the Hockey East playoffs each of the last three seasons.
"I want to thank Tim for his dedication and service to the men's ice hockey program over the last six seasons," athletics director Bob Driscoll said in a statement. "Tim has represented the college with dignity and class. We wish him all the best with his future endeavors."
"After discussions with Bob Driscoll we decided a change in leadership may allow the program to move forward," Army said. "I am proud of a number of things we have been able to accomplish during the past six years and a new perspective may result in the final piece of more victories for the program."
The school will begin its search for Army's successor immediately.
From the FreeP: BU, NU meet yet again
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
It would be hard to blame the No. 13 Boston University and Northeastern University men’s hockey teams if the two are sick of each other by the end of this weekend.
The Terriers and Huskies will face off Thursday night for the second consecutive weekend as the two teams open a best-of-three Hockey East tournament quarterfinal series at Agganis Arena. Both teams are familiar with how the other plays, and both teams are fighting to keep their seasons alive, so the games could easily be decided by heart rather than by skill.
“Desire, determination and the will to win is what’s important here,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “It’s not skill. Skill is the last thing that will win out here.”
For more, click over to dailyfreepress.com.
It would be hard to blame the No. 13 Boston University and Northeastern University men’s hockey teams if the two are sick of each other by the end of this weekend.
The Terriers and Huskies will face off Thursday night for the second consecutive weekend as the two teams open a best-of-three Hockey East tournament quarterfinal series at Agganis Arena. Both teams are familiar with how the other plays, and both teams are fighting to keep their seasons alive, so the games could easily be decided by heart rather than by skill.
“Desire, determination and the will to win is what’s important here,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “It’s not skill. Skill is the last thing that will win out here.”
For more, click over to dailyfreepress.com.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Warsofsky in, Noonan out for Game 1 vs. Northeastern
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Junior defenseman David Warsofsky will be back for this weekend's Hockey East quarterfinal series against Northeastern, according to BU coach Jack Parker.
Warsofsky, who will return to his usual spot alongside sophomore Ryan Ruikka on the top paring, has missed the last four games after suffering a concussion in the final minutes of a 1-0 win at Providence on Feb. 19. Parker said he's been a full participant in practice this week and hasn't shown any lingering symptoms.
The Terriers still won't be at full strength on the blue line for Thursday night's Game 1, though. That's because freshman Garrett Noonan will miss the contest while serving a one-game suspension for accumulating three game misconducts on the season. Per NCAA rules, a third game misconduct results in an automatic one-game suspension.
Junior defenseman David Warsofsky will be back for this weekend's Hockey East quarterfinal series against Northeastern, according to BU coach Jack Parker.
Warsofsky, who will return to his usual spot alongside sophomore Ryan Ruikka on the top paring, has missed the last four games after suffering a concussion in the final minutes of a 1-0 win at Providence on Feb. 19. Parker said he's been a full participant in practice this week and hasn't shown any lingering symptoms.
The Terriers still won't be at full strength on the blue line for Thursday night's Game 1, though. That's because freshman Garrett Noonan will miss the contest while serving a one-game suspension for accumulating three game misconducts on the season. Per NCAA rules, a third game misconduct results in an automatic one-game suspension.
Hockey East Quarterfinals Previews and Predictions
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
(1) Boston College vs. (8) University of Massachusetts
The Eagles are 10-1-1 in their last 12. The Minutemen are 0-9-3. If you really need to know any more than that, BC ranks first in offense (3.85 goals per game), defense (2.24 goals-against average) and special teams (+24 net). UMass ranks seventh (2.58), ninth (3.45) and ninth (-16) in those same categories. All that said, the Minutemen were at least competitive against the Eagles two weekends, as BC squeaked out a pair of one-goal wins. In fact, UMass’ last eight games have all been decided by a goal or less. Still, I fully expect the Eagles to take care of business and sweep the Minutemen out of the playoffs for the second year in a row.
Prediction: BC in two
(1) Boston College vs. (8) University of Massachusetts
The Eagles are 10-1-1 in their last 12. The Minutemen are 0-9-3. If you really need to know any more than that, BC ranks first in offense (3.85 goals per game), defense (2.24 goals-against average) and special teams (+24 net). UMass ranks seventh (2.58), ninth (3.45) and ninth (-16) in those same categories. All that said, the Minutemen were at least competitive against the Eagles two weekends, as BC squeaked out a pair of one-goal wins. In fact, UMass’ last eight games have all been decided by a goal or less. Still, I fully expect the Eagles to take care of business and sweep the Minutemen out of the playoffs for the second year in a row.
Prediction: BC in two
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Our picks for the Hockey East awards
Now that the regular season is over and the playoffs are about to begin, it’s time to hand out some hardware. We here at The Boston Hockey Blog decided it would be fun to pick our own winners for each of the Hockey East awards, so we decided to tally up all our votes and see what we came up with.
Some decisions were easily agreed upon, some featured minor disagreements that we were able to talk through and still others nearly resulted in the four of us coming to blows. OK, that last one might be a slight exaggeration, but as you’ll see, there were definitely a few spots where we couldn’t come to any sort of consensus and had to leave the results as a split.
Without further ado, here are our picks.
Some decisions were easily agreed upon, some featured minor disagreements that we were able to talk through and still others nearly resulted in the four of us coming to blows. OK, that last one might be a slight exaggeration, but as you’ll see, there were definitely a few spots where we couldn’t come to any sort of consensus and had to leave the results as a split.
Without further ado, here are our picks.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Forward Wade Megan fundraising for Children's Hospital benefit
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Sophomore forward Wade Megan launched a website today to field donations for the Kid's Cancer Buzz-Off, a fundraiser that will be held at Gillette Stadium in June to benefit Children's Hospital. The event is run through One Mission, a childhood cancer foundation. It encourages participants to shave their heads to honor kids fighting cancer as well as to help raise money for pediatric cancer research.
Megan's goal on the website is $250. As of the time this article was published, he had already raised $153.
According to a source close to the team, Megan appears to be doing this on his own and it is not part of any team-sponsored philanthropy at the moment.
The Daily Free Press plans to speak with Megan on Wednesday in order to find out more about this initiative.
To see Megan's fundraising page, click here.
Sophomore forward Wade Megan launched a website today to field donations for the Kid's Cancer Buzz-Off, a fundraiser that will be held at Gillette Stadium in June to benefit Children's Hospital. The event is run through One Mission, a childhood cancer foundation. It encourages participants to shave their heads to honor kids fighting cancer as well as to help raise money for pediatric cancer research.
Megan's goal on the website is $250. As of the time this article was published, he had already raised $153.
According to a source close to the team, Megan appears to be doing this on his own and it is not part of any team-sponsored philanthropy at the moment.
The Daily Free Press plans to speak with Megan on Wednesday in order to find out more about this initiative.
To see Megan's fundraising page, click here.
Northeastern coach Greg Cronin reinstated
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Northeastern head coach Greg Cronin and assistant coach Albie O'Connell have been reinstated, the university announced Monday.
Cronin and O'Connell had been serving indefinite suspensions for NCAA violations related to excessive phone and text message contact with recruits.
“Just as we did what we thought best when we imposed the suspensions, we are continuing to do what we think is best and appropriate by ending the suspensions,” director of athletics Peter Roby said in a statement. “We have a set of standards and accountability under which we are working. We took immediate and appropriate action when the violations were discovered. That response reflects our values and expectations.”
The school also announced that assistant coach Sebastien Laplante, who had been serving as acting head coach in place of Cronin, will receive a suspension of equal length next fall.
The Huskies face Boston University in a best-of-three quarterfinal series beginning Thursday night at Agganis Arena.
Northeastern head coach Greg Cronin and assistant coach Albie O'Connell have been reinstated, the university announced Monday.
Cronin and O'Connell had been serving indefinite suspensions for NCAA violations related to excessive phone and text message contact with recruits.
“Just as we did what we thought best when we imposed the suspensions, we are continuing to do what we think is best and appropriate by ending the suspensions,” director of athletics Peter Roby said in a statement. “We have a set of standards and accountability under which we are working. We took immediate and appropriate action when the violations were discovered. That response reflects our values and expectations.”
The school also announced that assistant coach Sebastien Laplante, who had been serving as acting head coach in place of Cronin, will receive a suspension of equal length next fall.
The Huskies face Boston University in a best-of-three quarterfinal series beginning Thursday night at Agganis Arena.
From the FreeP: Cheap hits, bad penalties spoil weekend series
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Good, clean, physical hockey is great. Players, coaches and fans alike all enjoy it. Although this weekend’s series between Boston University and Northeastern University was physical, it certainly wasn’t good or clean.
Whistles were frequently followed by unnecessary shoving matches and wars of words. Both teams appeared to get away from their respective game plans and focus more on revenge a number of times. Players on both sides took blatant penalties, some of which crossed over into being downright dirty, that made spectators just shake their heads in bewilderment. And on top of all that, the officials missed a number of obvious penalties while sending players to the box for some very weak calls.
“I thought both teams took stupid penalties,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “A lot of it has to do with the chirping that goes on and the after-the-whistle stuff and the diving that’s going on that tees everybody off.”
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Good, clean, physical hockey is great. Players, coaches and fans alike all enjoy it. Although this weekend’s series between Boston University and Northeastern University was physical, it certainly wasn’t good or clean.
Whistles were frequently followed by unnecessary shoving matches and wars of words. Both teams appeared to get away from their respective game plans and focus more on revenge a number of times. Players on both sides took blatant penalties, some of which crossed over into being downright dirty, that made spectators just shake their heads in bewilderment. And on top of all that, the officials missed a number of obvious penalties while sending players to the box for some very weak calls.
“I thought both teams took stupid penalties,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “A lot of it has to do with the chirping that goes on and the after-the-whistle stuff and the diving that’s going on that tees everybody off.”
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
From the FreeP: Terriers fall short on Senior Night
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
Entering the third period of Saturday’s regular season finale knotted at two goals apiece with crosstown rival Northeastern University, the No. 13 Boston University men’s hockey team had a chance over the remaining 20 minutes to improve its NCAA tournament resume with a win. If that wasn’t enough, a win by the Terriers in their own building would have given them at least a chance to earn the second seed in the Hockey East tournament, which, as it turns out, they would have gotten thanks to No. 2 Boston College’s 4-3 win at No. 7/8 University of New Hampshire.
The Terriers’ playoff destiny was essentially in their own hands.
But even with all of that on the line, BU let the golden opportunity fall by the wayside after it allowed two goals within 1:01, six-and-a-half minutes into the final frame, and never fully recovered. A goal by junior forward Kevin Gilroy with 2:50 left on the clock and a late offensive flurry with six skaters on the ice couldn’t provide the needed push the game into at least overtime.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Entering the third period of Saturday’s regular season finale knotted at two goals apiece with crosstown rival Northeastern University, the No. 13 Boston University men’s hockey team had a chance over the remaining 20 minutes to improve its NCAA tournament resume with a win. If that wasn’t enough, a win by the Terriers in their own building would have given them at least a chance to earn the second seed in the Hockey East tournament, which, as it turns out, they would have gotten thanks to No. 2 Boston College’s 4-3 win at No. 7/8 University of New Hampshire.
The Terriers’ playoff destiny was essentially in their own hands.
But even with all of that on the line, BU let the golden opportunity fall by the wayside after it allowed two goals within 1:01, six-and-a-half minutes into the final frame, and never fully recovered. A goal by junior forward Kevin Gilroy with 2:50 left on the clock and a late offensive flurry with six skaters on the ice couldn’t provide the needed push the game into at least overtime.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
From the FreeP: Florence Schelling carries Northeastern to finals
By Annie Maroon/DFP Staff
The Boston University women’s hockey team’s frustration was evident by the third period of the Hockey East semifinal game against Northeastern University on Saturday. Sticks were slammed on the ice, arms were raised skyward in disbelief and line after line left the ice stymied, unable to beat Northeastern junior goalie Florence Schelling when it mattered most.
Schelling set a Hockey East playoff record for saves in a game, with 44 (which was broken in the following game by Providence College’s Genevieve Lacasse, with 46 in regulation and 58 after nine minutes of overtime) in the Huskies’ 4-2 win over BU. Junior forward Jenn Wakefield was the only player to beat her, although four other Terriers put at least five shots on her.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
The Boston University women’s hockey team’s frustration was evident by the third period of the Hockey East semifinal game against Northeastern University on Saturday. Sticks were slammed on the ice, arms were raised skyward in disbelief and line after line left the ice stymied, unable to beat Northeastern junior goalie Florence Schelling when it mattered most.
Schelling set a Hockey East playoff record for saves in a game, with 44 (which was broken in the following game by Providence College’s Genevieve Lacasse, with 46 in regulation and 58 after nine minutes of overtime) in the Huskies’ 4-2 win over BU. Junior forward Jenn Wakefield was the only player to beat her, although four other Terriers put at least five shots on her.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
From the FreeP: Women's hockey upset by Northeastern in semis
By Meredith Perri/DFP Staff
Despite recording a season-high 46 shots, the No. 4/5 Boston University women’s hockey team fell, 4-2, to Northeastern University in the Hockey East semifinals at Walter Brown Arena on Saturday.
The Terriers (25-6-4) started off the scoring 15:56 into the first period when junior forward Jenn Wakefield picked up the rebound off freshman forward Louise Warren’s shot and slid it across the crease for her 29th goal of the season.
Even though they outshot Northeastern 25-9 in the period, BU was unable to get any other goals in the first period.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Despite recording a season-high 46 shots, the No. 4/5 Boston University women’s hockey team fell, 4-2, to Northeastern University in the Hockey East semifinals at Walter Brown Arena on Saturday.
The Terriers (25-6-4) started off the scoring 15:56 into the first period when junior forward Jenn Wakefield picked up the rebound off freshman forward Louise Warren’s shot and slid it across the crease for her 29th goal of the season.
Even though they outshot Northeastern 25-9 in the period, BU was unable to get any other goals in the first period.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
BU announces schedule for quarterfinal series against Northeastern
Boston University has announced the schedule for the Terriers' Hockey East quarterfinal series against Northeastern. Here it is:
Game 1: Thursday, March 10 - 7 pm
Game 2: Friday, March 11 - 7 pm
Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, March 13 - 7 pm
Game 1: Thursday, March 10 - 7 pm
Game 2: Friday, March 11 - 7 pm
Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, March 13 - 7 pm
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Grading the Terriers: 3/5 vs. Northeastern
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Offense: C+
Typically, if a team gets 44 shots on net, you would call it a good night. BU definitely put a lot of shots on net, but it only scored three times. As Parker noted in his press conference, BU’s shots on net were misleading when judging how the team played. If Chris Rawlings had been playing tonight, that would have been one story, but Northeastern had Clay Witt in net, a freshman who has seen time in only five games this season. BU made Witt look like an unbelievable goaltender, and while the freshman certainly held his own in net, there was no reason for BU not to be able to capitalize on its scoring chances better. BU attempted less shots each period, and after the first period, BU put only 9 Grade-A shots on him. The Terriers shoot wide, pass through teammates, and fire into traffic way too much. Of their 75 attempted shots, 30 were either blocked by the defense or shot wide. That type of offensive play could easily doom them in the playoffs.
Offense: C+
Typically, if a team gets 44 shots on net, you would call it a good night. BU definitely put a lot of shots on net, but it only scored three times. As Parker noted in his press conference, BU’s shots on net were misleading when judging how the team played. If Chris Rawlings had been playing tonight, that would have been one story, but Northeastern had Clay Witt in net, a freshman who has seen time in only five games this season. BU made Witt look like an unbelievable goaltender, and while the freshman certainly held his own in net, there was no reason for BU not to be able to capitalize on its scoring chances better. BU attempted less shots each period, and after the first period, BU put only 9 Grade-A shots on him. The Terriers shoot wide, pass through teammates, and fire into traffic way too much. Of their 75 attempted shots, 30 were either blocked by the defense or shot wide. That type of offensive play could easily doom them in the playoffs.
Press Conferences following BU's 4-3 loss to Northeastern
Parker's comments, including his negative thoughts on the weekend's officiating, are below. Find our talk with Pereira along with the press conference for NU's Sebastien Laplante.
Terriers fall to Huskies 4-3 to set up rematch in HE quarters
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
It’ll be déjà vu all over again next weekend.
In its last game of the regular season, the No. 13 Boston University men’s hockey fell to Northeastern University 4-3 in the last regular season game of the year, setting up another matchup between the two sides in a week as the No. 3 and 6 seeds in the Hockey East quarterfinals.
It’ll be déjà vu all over again next weekend.
In its last game of the regular season, the No. 13 Boston University men’s hockey fell to Northeastern University 4-3 in the last regular season game of the year, setting up another matchup between the two sides in a week as the No. 3 and 6 seeds in the Hockey East quarterfinals.
Updated Hockey East playoff scenarios
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
With Friday's 3-2 win over Northeastern, BU has already clinched home ice for the Hockey East quarterfinals. Now, all that's left to decide is its ultimate seeding for the tournament and its opponent in that opening round. The Terriers can finish second, third or fourth based on the following Saturday night scenarios:
Second
Win and a UNH loss to BC
Third
Win and a UNH win or tie
Tie and a Merrimack loss or tie
Loss and a Merrimack loss
Fourth
Tie and a Merrimack win
Loss and a Merrimack win or tie
With Friday's 3-2 win over Northeastern, BU has already clinched home ice for the Hockey East quarterfinals. Now, all that's left to decide is its ultimate seeding for the tournament and its opponent in that opening round. The Terriers can finish second, third or fourth based on the following Saturday night scenarios:
Second
Win and a UNH loss to BC
Third
Win and a UNH win or tie
Tie and a Merrimack loss or tie
Loss and a Merrimack loss
Fourth
Tie and a Merrimack win
Loss and a Merrimack win or tie
Terriers' Nieto emerging as a serious threat
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Late in the third period, the No. 13 Boston University men’s hockey team was killing off a penalty on sophomore defenseman Ryan Ruikka. Freshman forwards Sahir Gill and Matt Nieto were lingering near the offensive zone when sophomore defenseman Sean Escobedo threaded a pass to Nieto. The freshman charged into the zone with Gill on his left and a defenseman struggling to catch-up, controlling the puck before passing to Gill, who wristed a shot past Northeastern netminder Chris Rawlings to put BU up 3-2 with 3:15 remaining.
Nieto’s confidence and comfort on that play proved just how much he has improved from the jumpy freshman who would force a pass the second the puck hit his stick that played for BU in the first half of the season.
“Matt Nieto is a different player now than he was in November or December,” BU coach Jack Parker said after a practice in February.
Late in the third period, the No. 13 Boston University men’s hockey team was killing off a penalty on sophomore defenseman Ryan Ruikka. Freshman forwards Sahir Gill and Matt Nieto were lingering near the offensive zone when sophomore defenseman Sean Escobedo threaded a pass to Nieto. The freshman charged into the zone with Gill on his left and a defenseman struggling to catch-up, controlling the puck before passing to Gill, who wristed a shot past Northeastern netminder Chris Rawlings to put BU up 3-2 with 3:15 remaining.
Nieto’s confidence and comfort on that play proved just how much he has improved from the jumpy freshman who would force a pass the second the puck hit his stick that played for BU in the first half of the season.
“Matt Nieto is a different player now than he was in November or December,” BU coach Jack Parker said after a practice in February.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Press Conferences following BU's 3-2 win at Northeastern
Parker's press conference is below. (Apologies if the audio is low.) Find Pereira's presser, including a moment where he calls out the BU student section, along with our talk with Nieto after the jump.
Grading the Terriers: 3/4 at Northeastern
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
Offense: C+
Three goals are only slightly above what the Terriers have averaged in the 2010-11 season (2.91 goals per game entering Friday night), and their 27 shots on net are actually lower than their previous average of 30.4. What’s more, the quality of those shots weren’t all that great either; BU attempted only five Grade-A’s in both the first and third periods with their nine quality chances in the second being a severe outlier. All of that just screams a solid C, but the team earned the bump to up the plus side of the C range with two clutch goals (Max Nicastro’s bomb and Sahir Gill’s nifty tip) in the third period on just six shots on net. They’ve got to earn something for scoring when it was needed most.
Offense: C+
Three goals are only slightly above what the Terriers have averaged in the 2010-11 season (2.91 goals per game entering Friday night), and their 27 shots on net are actually lower than their previous average of 30.4. What’s more, the quality of those shots weren’t all that great either; BU attempted only five Grade-A’s in both the first and third periods with their nine quality chances in the second being a severe outlier. All of that just screams a solid C, but the team earned the bump to up the plus side of the C range with two clutch goals (Max Nicastro’s bomb and Sahir Gill’s nifty tip) in the third period on just six shots on net. They’ve got to earn something for scoring when it was needed most.
Terriers clinch home ice with win over NU
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Get your tickets now. The Hockey East playoffs are coming to Agganis Arena.
The Boston University men’s hockey team locked up home ice for next weekend’s first-round action with a 3-2 win over Northeastern University Friday night at Matthews Arena.
Get your tickets now. The Hockey East playoffs are coming to Agganis Arena.
The Boston University men’s hockey team locked up home ice for next weekend’s first-round action with a 3-2 win over Northeastern University Friday night at Matthews Arena.
From the FreeP: Terriers wrap up regular season against Northeastern
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
The No. 13 Boston University men’s hockey team has run into Northeastern University once already this year –– a 5-4 Terrier win back in December.
When the Terriers and Huskies close out their regular seasons with a home-and-home series this weekend, BU coach Jack Parker is just hoping to see better hockey than in Game One.
“When I saw them earlier in the year, they were as bad as we were,” Parker said. “I told the coach, Greg Cronin, at the time, ‘They should take us both out back and shoot us for impersonating two good hockey coaches,’ because his team didn’t play very well and my team didn’t play very well.”
Both the Terriers (17-9-8, 14-5-6 Hockey East) and Huskies (11-13-8, 9-9-7) have made big strides since.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
The No. 13 Boston University men’s hockey team has run into Northeastern University once already this year –– a 5-4 Terrier win back in December.
When the Terriers and Huskies close out their regular seasons with a home-and-home series this weekend, BU coach Jack Parker is just hoping to see better hockey than in Game One.
“When I saw them earlier in the year, they were as bad as we were,” Parker said. “I told the coach, Greg Cronin, at the time, ‘They should take us both out back and shoot us for impersonating two good hockey coaches,’ because his team didn’t play very well and my team didn’t play very well.”
Both the Terriers (17-9-8, 14-5-6 Hockey East) and Huskies (11-13-8, 9-9-7) have made big strides since.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The weekend ahead for the NCAA bubble teams
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
As they close out their regular season this weekend, it’s easy to understand that the immediate attention of the Terriers and their fans is paid to how this weekend’s set against Northeastern will affect the final shakeup of the Hockey East standings before the conference tournament starts next weekend. But there is still the possibility of the even bigger prize at stake – an NCAA tournament at-large bid – that could be closer at hand given at how the weekend plays itself out across the nation.
BU, which is tied for 15th in the all-important PairWise Rankings, would be the last team into the 16-team tournament if the season were to end today and all of the current conference leaders were to win their respective conference tourneys thanks to the RPI tie-breaker.
However, there’s still plenty of hockey to be played as some teams, like BU, close out their regular schedules while others begin their conference tournaments or get a rest via a tourney bye. Mind you, Here’s a look at the resumes and weekend slates for some of the teams close to the NCAA bubble. (Note: TUCs are teams with an RPI higher than .5000, and all rankings used here are from the PairWise unless otherwise specified.)
As they close out their regular season this weekend, it’s easy to understand that the immediate attention of the Terriers and their fans is paid to how this weekend’s set against Northeastern will affect the final shakeup of the Hockey East standings before the conference tournament starts next weekend. But there is still the possibility of the even bigger prize at stake – an NCAA tournament at-large bid – that could be closer at hand given at how the weekend plays itself out across the nation.
BU, which is tied for 15th in the all-important PairWise Rankings, would be the last team into the 16-team tournament if the season were to end today and all of the current conference leaders were to win their respective conference tourneys thanks to the RPI tie-breaker.
However, there’s still plenty of hockey to be played as some teams, like BU, close out their regular schedules while others begin their conference tournaments or get a rest via a tourney bye. Mind you, Here’s a look at the resumes and weekend slates for some of the teams close to the NCAA bubble. (Note: TUCs are teams with an RPI higher than .5000, and all rankings used here are from the PairWise unless otherwise specified.)
Parker: Warsofsky doubtful for weekend
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Boston University men's hockey junior David Warsofsky (concussion) will not play in the Terriers' Friday game at Northeastern University, and is considered doubtful for Saturday's home game against the Huskies, according to BU coach Jack Parker.
Parker said the junior assistant captain is making progress and the medical staff is encouraged about his chances of returning for the Hockey East playoffs.
"He's had some exercising," Parker said. "He's had some ice skating, some shooting, and it hasn't bothered him, but he's not quite ready yet."
Warsofsky suffered the concussion on Feb. 19 against Providence College, and missed both games of BU's series with the University of Vermont last weekend.
The junior is the team's second leading scorer among defensemen with 20 points, trailing only freshman Adam Clendening.
Freshman Patrick MacGregor will continue to fill in for Warsofsky.
Boston University men's hockey junior David Warsofsky (concussion) will not play in the Terriers' Friday game at Northeastern University, and is considered doubtful for Saturday's home game against the Huskies, according to BU coach Jack Parker.
Parker said the junior assistant captain is making progress and the medical staff is encouraged about his chances of returning for the Hockey East playoffs.
"He's had some exercising," Parker said. "He's had some ice skating, some shooting, and it hasn't bothered him, but he's not quite ready yet."
Warsofsky suffered the concussion on Feb. 19 against Providence College, and missed both games of BU's series with the University of Vermont last weekend.
The junior is the team's second leading scorer among defensemen with 20 points, trailing only freshman Adam Clendening.
Freshman Patrick MacGregor will continue to fill in for Warsofsky.
From the FreeP: Women's hockey prepares to face Northeastern in HE semis
By Annie Maroon/DFP Staff
The Boston University women’s hockey team has had almost two weeks to recover from a demanding February, in which it played eight games in 16 days between Feb. 3-19. The Terriers will get back on the ice for the Hockey East semifinals against Northeastern University on Saturday at 12 p.m.
After tearing through the middle third of the season without a loss between Nov. 20 and Feb. 3, BU (25-5-4, 15-3-3 HE) stumbled in the Beanpot tournament, losing 2-1 to Boston College in the first round and tying Northeastern (15-12-8, 6-10-5 HE), 3-3, in the consolation match. They wrapped up the regular-season Hockey East title with a win over University of Maine on Feb. 18, and then lost their last game of the season to Maine the next day. The win allowed Maine to clinch the sixth and final playoff seed, although they fell to Providence College in the quarterfinal on Feb. 26, 5-2.
“I think that was natural in the Beanpot and to some extent [in Maine], you could say, because they clinched the regular season championship,” BU coach Brian Durocher said of the occasional lack of urgency in the team’s play. “I wasn’t too disappointed with their intensity up there, and Maine was fighting for their collective lives.”
Read more dailyfreepress.com.
The Boston University women’s hockey team has had almost two weeks to recover from a demanding February, in which it played eight games in 16 days between Feb. 3-19. The Terriers will get back on the ice for the Hockey East semifinals against Northeastern University on Saturday at 12 p.m.
After tearing through the middle third of the season without a loss between Nov. 20 and Feb. 3, BU (25-5-4, 15-3-3 HE) stumbled in the Beanpot tournament, losing 2-1 to Boston College in the first round and tying Northeastern (15-12-8, 6-10-5 HE), 3-3, in the consolation match. They wrapped up the regular-season Hockey East title with a win over University of Maine on Feb. 18, and then lost their last game of the season to Maine the next day. The win allowed Maine to clinch the sixth and final playoff seed, although they fell to Providence College in the quarterfinal on Feb. 26, 5-2.
“I think that was natural in the Beanpot and to some extent [in Maine], you could say, because they clinched the regular season championship,” BU coach Brian Durocher said of the occasional lack of urgency in the team’s play. “I wasn’t too disappointed with their intensity up there, and Maine was fighting for their collective lives.”
Read more dailyfreepress.com.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
A bit more on 5-on-3s
Geek alert. You may not have known, but one member of this writing staff is an Economics minor/sports stat geek. I know a lot more about the Sabermetric stuff that goes on around baseball (death to the RBI!), but some discussion regarding the 5-on-3 power play and it's apparently pathetic 18.8 percent conversion rate.
Essentially, what I'm here to say is that 18.8 percent rate isn't bad at all –– at least I don't think. Just stick with me.
First, here's the awesome research Scott did yesterday that led him to that 18.8 percent number:
Essentially, what I'm here to say is that 18.8 percent rate isn't bad at all –– at least I don't think. Just stick with me.
First, here's the awesome research Scott did yesterday that led him to that 18.8 percent number:
5-on-3
10/22 vs. UMass: 0-1 (0:10)
11/6 vs. Maine: 0-1 (1:10)
11/13 @ Merrimack: 0-1 (0:16)
11/19 @ UNH: 1-1 (1:17)
11/27 vs. Brown: 1-2 (1:06, 0:39*)
12/3 vs. BC: 1-3 (0:33, 0:57, 1:44*)
12/11 @ RPI: 0-1 (0:24)
1/28 @ Maine: 0-1 (0:37)
1/29 @ Maine: 0-2 (1:58, 1:09)
2/11 @ UMass: 0-1 (0:39)
2/19 @ Providence: 0-1 (1:33)
2/25 vs. UVM: 0-1 (1:03)
Total: 3-16 (18.8%)
From the FreeP: Former Terrier Durocher has shaped women's hockey program
By Meredith Perri/DFP Staff
With a program-high 25 wins on the season, the Boston University women’s hockey team will be participating in the Hockey East championship this weekend at Walter Brown Arena. The man who has led the team since its inception six years ago is none other than BU alumnus Brian Durocher.
Durocher’s history as a Terrier stretches back to 1974 when he was a freshman in the School of Education. It was at this time that he became a goaltender for coach Jack Parker and the men’s hockey team.
“Truth be told, I was somebody who played in western Massachusetts and came here never really expecting to play all that much,” Durocher said. “The landscape was different back then. We had eight goaltenders…I figured I’d probably play a lot of JV hockey in my life. I was able to find my way into the role of getting some playing time and being part of the program for four years.”
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
With a program-high 25 wins on the season, the Boston University women’s hockey team will be participating in the Hockey East championship this weekend at Walter Brown Arena. The man who has led the team since its inception six years ago is none other than BU alumnus Brian Durocher.
Durocher’s history as a Terrier stretches back to 1974 when he was a freshman in the School of Education. It was at this time that he became a goaltender for coach Jack Parker and the men’s hockey team.
“Truth be told, I was somebody who played in western Massachusetts and came here never really expecting to play all that much,” Durocher said. “The landscape was different back then. We had eight goaltenders…I figured I’d probably play a lot of JV hockey in my life. I was able to find my way into the role of getting some playing time and being part of the program for four years.”
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
BU on 5-on-3's and 5-minute majors this season
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
We've had a few people comment on our live blogs about how bad BU has been this season on 5-on-3's and 5-minute power plays, and we even had someone in the athletic department say they'd love to see the numbers.
Jake took on this task last season (well, the 5-on-3's at least), so I figured I'd do it this year. If you take away any 5-on-3's that were less than 10 seconds, which Jake did last year and I've done again, this is what you get.
Last year, BU went 2-for-19 on 5-on-3's for a 10.5-percent conversion rate. This year hasn't been quite as atrocious, but it's still been pretty bad, especially when you consider the Terriers haven't scored in their last seven 5-on-3's. It's worth noting that most in the hockey community expect to convert on somewhere between 30 and 40 percent of 5-on-3's.
The length of the 5-on-3 is in parentheses. For games with more than one, an asterisk denotes which one the goal was scored on.
We've had a few people comment on our live blogs about how bad BU has been this season on 5-on-3's and 5-minute power plays, and we even had someone in the athletic department say they'd love to see the numbers.
Jake took on this task last season (well, the 5-on-3's at least), so I figured I'd do it this year. If you take away any 5-on-3's that were less than 10 seconds, which Jake did last year and I've done again, this is what you get.
Last year, BU went 2-for-19 on 5-on-3's for a 10.5-percent conversion rate. This year hasn't been quite as atrocious, but it's still been pretty bad, especially when you consider the Terriers haven't scored in their last seven 5-on-3's. It's worth noting that most in the hockey community expect to convert on somewhere between 30 and 40 percent of 5-on-3's.
The length of the 5-on-3 is in parentheses. For games with more than one, an asterisk denotes which one the goal was scored on.
Breaking down the BU playoff picture: 3/1
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
We’re heading into the final weekend of the regular season, which means it’s time once again to break down BU’s playoff possibilities. Last year at this time, there were way too many scenarios for where BU could finish for me to go through all of them -- I had to wait until the last day of the season to do that.
This year, it’s a lot more cut-and-dried. The Terriers can finish as high as second or as low as fifth (last year, it was as high as third or as low as ninth). Here is what it will take for BU to finish in each of those four spots:
We’re heading into the final weekend of the regular season, which means it’s time once again to break down BU’s playoff possibilities. Last year at this time, there were way too many scenarios for where BU could finish for me to go through all of them -- I had to wait until the last day of the season to do that.
This year, it’s a lot more cut-and-dried. The Terriers can finish as high as second or as low as fifth (last year, it was as high as third or as low as ninth). Here is what it will take for BU to finish in each of those four spots:
From the FreeP: Not just one of the boys
By Annie Maroon/DFP Staff
Freshman defenseman-turned-forward Kaleigh Fratkin of the Boston University women’s hockey team makes decisions on the ice in a split second, rarely hesitating or waiting too long to make a move.
After all, she’s used to moving the puck with future NHL prospects bearing down on her, thinking about not only where her pass is going but also how to absorb a potential check into the boards after she releases the puck.
Last season, Fratkin became the first female player ever in the British Columbia Midget Major League, where she suited up for the Vancouver North West Giants.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
Freshman defenseman-turned-forward Kaleigh Fratkin of the Boston University women’s hockey team makes decisions on the ice in a split second, rarely hesitating or waiting too long to make a move.
After all, she’s used to moving the puck with future NHL prospects bearing down on her, thinking about not only where her pass is going but also how to absorb a potential check into the boards after she releases the puck.
Last season, Fratkin became the first female player ever in the British Columbia Midget Major League, where she suited up for the Vancouver North West Giants.
Read more at dailyfreepress.com.
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