Sean Pickett's coaching survey; Keller injured; BU's 4th National Championship

 

Prior to Wednesday's announcement that Coach Albie O’Connell would not return next season, BU hockey historian and longtime season-ticket holder Sean Pickett created an online survey for Terrier fans on the future on the head coaching position. He received nearly 100 responses to the survey, compiled the results and posted them on the USCHO Fan Forum with commentary. He also sent the results to both President Robert Brown and Athletic Director Drew Marrochello.

Among the survey results: 89.4% wanted a new head coach; 83.5% said it didn’t matter whether or not the new coach was an alum; and 57.6% wanted a new coach to have head coaching experience. The list of those who respondents named as preferred replacements was headed by current Associate Head Coach Jay Pandolfo, former BU Head Coach David Quinn and former Rivers School Head Coach Shawn McEachern.

For the full survey results along with commentary, click here.

Looking back

Arizona’s top scorer, Clayton Keller, enjoying his best season as a pro, broke his leg Wednesday night and is lost for the season. He was injured when he fell and went into the boards legs first Wednesday night against San Jose. Following surgery, the forward from Chesterfield, Missouri will need 4-6 months of recovery time and is expected to be ready for next season.  With 63 points (28G,35A), Keller was two points away from his career high.

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Want to thank my teammates, the fans, and medical personnel for the love and support last night! Unfortunately the season’s over for me, but I’m resting comfortably at the hospital in good spirits. I will be back better than ever for day 1 next season!!!! 🙏

— Clayton Keller (@ClaytonKeller37) March 31, 2022

● NHL.com Keller out for the season with broken leg

● AZCentral Kellery has surgery for broken leg

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All the way from Charlestown. pic.twitter.com/RBoxjO9zLn

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 31, 2022

Matt Grzelcyk scored his fourth goal and added an assist in the Bruins 8-1 thrashing of the Devils. Charlie McAvoy also had a helper.

Jake Oettinger stopped 21 shots in the Stars’ 3-2 overtime win against Anaheim. One of the pucks that got by him was Kevin Shattenkirk’s eighth goal of the season.

ESPN’s John Buccigross authored a list of the top 20 American-born players to skate in the NHL. This list includes three Terriers: #5 Jack Eichel, #9 Keith Tkachuk and #15 Tony Amonte.  

 

This Date in Terrier Hockey History:  April 1

1995: Terriers won their fourth NCAA championship in an all-Hockey East final, defeating Maine, 6-2, at the Providence Civic Center. The win completed BU’s second-ever tournament title hat trick—Beanpot, conference playoffs and Frozen Four—and completed a 31-6-3 season.

It was the fifth meeting between the teams, but BU’s only victory. In four prior games, there were two ties and a pair of one-goal Black Bear victories, including the championship game of the Great Western Bank Freezeout in Anaheim.

After defeating Providence, 3-2, for the Hockey East title in the final college game at Boston Garden, BU met Lake Superior in the NCAA regional final in Worcester, producing a 6-2 victory to avenge the previous year’s loss to the Lakers in the national title game.

In the Frozen Four semi-final, the Terriers broke open a 3-3 tie with Minnesota, scoring four times in the final period while Derek Herlofsky slammed the door on the Gophers to earn his 50^th win in goal. Final was 7-3.

Against the Black Bears, BU grabbed a first-period lead on Steve Thornton’s tally from a face off. The Terriers extended the lead in the second on goals by Chris O’Sullivan and Captain Jacques Joubert before Maine cut into the lead with a goal late in the second.

Maine closed to 3-2 with a goal early in the third period but BU put things out of reach with scores from Mike Sylvia, Sullivan, and Bob Lachance. Freshman goalie Tom Noble stopped 21 shots while Maine’s Blair Allison had 33 saves.

O'Sullivan, who had moved from defense to forward that season, was the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player and earned second team All-American honors along with defenseman Kaj Linna. Mike Grier, with a 29-26-55 scoring line, was a first-team All-American.

“This team got better as the season progressed,” said Coach Jack Parker. “They really revved it up in the post-season tournaments. The way we were able to defeat Lake State, Minnesota and Maine made this much more enjoyable.”

● Video highlights

● THFB: The 1994-95 Terriers: Drough Busters (season narrative)