TERRIERS WIN FINAL EXHIBITION 3-2

The Terriers played their final exhibition game before 5403 fans and edged the USA Under 18 team 3-2 in a spirited though sometimes sluggish contest.

It was a special evening as the 2009 NCAA Title team was commemorated with parents of our departed players playing a role in the unveiling of the Beanpot, Hockey East Regular Season, Hockey East Championship, Frozen Four, and NCAA Championship banners. BU Athletics has posted a video of the final unveiling, that of the 2009 NCAA Championship banner, which you can view below.



In addition, LTC Scott Williams, Army ROTC professor administered the oath of office to several incoming cadets. The student section roared their approval with chants of "USA, USA" raining down as they left the ice. The ROTC color guard presented the colors for the national anthem in their usual superb fashion.

Then it was time for hockey. 51 seconds into the contest a Zach Cohen bid was stopped by USA net minder Jack Campbell who would face 42 shots this evening. The Terriers dug an early hole as Alex Chiasson was called for a slash at 53 seconds and Vin Saponari was whistled for roughing after checking goalie Campbell) at 1:49. USA team capitalized at 2:01 as Justin Flak found the range with a bullet from the left point. Future BU Terrier Matt Nieto had one of the assists. BU tied it at 12:07 as Nick Bonino took the puck from the left wing low circle around the net and beat Campbell with the wraparound inside the post. Zach Cohen and Vinny Saponari had the assists.With BU a man up Chiasson was denied from the left corner of the net but Chris Connolly found the range on a wrister from the RW dot high to the glove side of Campbell with Max Nicastro and David Warsofsky assisting. Terriers had the edge in shots 15-4.

Period two appeared to be somewhat lethargic and team USA took some of the air out of the building with a powerplay goal at 10:54 shortly after Chiasson was hit with an elbowing penalty. Brandon Saad found the range from the right side just off the net in deep assisted by Austin Czarnik and Derek Forbort. At 16:09 Kieran Millan came up big as Saad stripped a defender of the puck at the BU blueline and walked in alone. Millan stayed with him and foiled his effort. Terriers got the eventual game winner at 19:51. Joe Pereira using Andrew Glass as a decoy on a 2 on 1 beat Campbell stick side from inside the LW circle. Glass and Luke Popko assisted. Shots on goal were BU 10 and USA 7.

Adam Kraus took over for Millan in period three and held USA scoreless while making 5 saves. Shots were BU 17 and USA 5. Total shots on goal were BU 42 and Team USA 16.

Team continues to work on its chemistry and coaches are looking for the right combinations. Freshmen remain works in progress but should only improve as time goes on. Future Terriers did not look out of place in the team USA lineup.

Former Terriers in attendance included: Andy Warren, Brad Zancanaro, Tom O'Regan, Brian Collins, Pat Aufiero, Travis Roy, Mark Hetnik, Brian McConnell, Steve Smolinsky, Matt Marden, Peter Fish, Chris Mays, Peter Donatelli, and Frank D'Orio. One other Terrier spotted shall remain nameless for security reasons. Apologies to any I missed especially UMass coach Don Cahoon who I am told was scouting from on high. Terriers open the regular season next Friday as they visit the Minutemen in Amherst.