Game Day: Friars feature something old, something new

The #7/8 Terriers go on the road tonight for a Hockey East matchup against Providence College. The Friars, who will be playing their first game, have a new coach, Nate Leaman, who led Union College into the NCAA playoffs last season. But there is a familiar face in goal for the home team, senior Alex Beaudry, who has proved to be a tough nut to crack for BU since he joined Providence midway through the 2008-09 season.

The past five meetings between the teams have been low-scoring, one-goal games with BU winning four of them. Last season against Providence, sophomore Matt Nieto (photo) scored a goal and two assists while Adam Clendening scored the game-winner in one Terrier win and assisted on Joe Pereira’s game-winner in another. NESN will air the game beginning at 7 p.m.
● GoTerriers.com preview, game notes, WWZN Radio Webcast
● Daily Free Press weekend preview
● Boston Hockey Blog's live in-game blog
● USCHO’s Hockey East picks
● Providence Athletics preview & game notes

Looking back
Jack Kelley, who led BU to back-to-back national championships in 1971 and 1972 before moving on to coaching and management in the pro ranks, is keeping his competitive fires fueled through his longtime passion for harness racing. An All-East defenseman and Terrier MVP in 19952, he later coached BU for a decade racking up a 206-80-8 record and .720 winning percentage.

Steve Stirling, an All-American and captain of the 1971 NCAA champs, has returned to his duties as assistant coach of the AHL Binghamton Senators following quadruple bypass surgery last Spring. Stirling was the New York Islanders’ head coach from 2003-2006.

Former BU defenseman Brian Strait’s first goal of the season was the game-winner AHL Wilkes Barre/Scranton in a 5-1 thumping of Rochester.

Former All-East blueliner Bryan Miller, second-team All-ECHL last season, was named alternate captain of the Alaska Aces who begin league play tonight.

Women’s team
The #4-ranked Terriers' five-game homestand concludes tomorrow with a 4 p.m. matchup against Union College at Walter Brown Arena. BU owns a 7-0 all-time record against the Dutchwomen.
● Daily Free Press game preview