The Terrier Hockey Fan Blog

Game Day: Terriers vs. Black Bears--UPDATED

2012-01-27T12:06:00.008-05:00

Two of Hockey East’s hottest teams, #2 BU and #20 Maine, go head-to-head for a pair of games this weekend at Agganis Arena. Tonight’s action begins a 7 p.m.

Since moving into their state-of-the-art arena, the Terriers are 7-0-2 against the Black Bears in regular season games and 9-1-2 overall; however five of those wins were by a single goal. When the teams met in Maine last month, BU won, 5-1, but Coach Jack Parker points out that the game was far closer than the score indicated.

Maine is led by seniors Brian Flynn and Spencer Abbott and junior Joey Diamond, the top three scorers in conference games. BU’s Matt Nieto (photo), Chris Connolly and Sahir Gill are the next three on the top scorers’ list.

Penalties are likely to have much to do with the games’ outcomes. BU and Maine are conference leaders in both penalties and power play efficiency.

Terrier Lineup
Wade Megan – Chris Connolly – Alex Chiasson
Matt Nieto – Sahir Gill – Evan Rodrigues
Justin Courtnall – Cason Hohmann – Yasin Cissé
Ross Gaudet – Ben Rosen – Ryan Santana
Garrett Noonan – Patrick MacGregor
Sean Escobedo – Adam Clendening
Max Nicastro – Alexx Privitera
Kieran Millan

● GoTerriers.com preview, game notes, game tracker
● Listen to WWZN radio Webcast
● Watch on BU All-Access (subscription)
● Hockey East live scoreboard
● College Hockey News’ Tale of the Tape/Top scorers and goalies
● Boston Hockey Blog live in-game blog, game preview
● USCHO Hockey East picks
● WTBU Sports Three things we learned last weekend
● Bangor Daily News preview
● Inside College Hockey Friday Four-cast
● Boston Globe feature on BU defense corps
● Boston Hockey Blog feature: Beanpot teams take stand to end violence against women

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Matt O’Connor stopped 29 of 32 shots in Youngstown’s 4-3 win against Waterloo. The 6-5 netminder’s 17 wins are second best in the USHL.

BU’s other 2012 goalie recruit, Sean Maguire has won six of his past seven starts and at 2.32, his GAA ranks third in the BCHL.

Hockey Humanitarian Award
Nominees for the 2012 Hockey Humanitarian Award have been announced by the foundation, which for 17 years has recognized those college hockey players—both men and women--whose efforts to better their communities continue to stand out. The inscription on the HHA trophy, first awarded in 1996, reads “"Presented annually to the hockey collegian who best exemplifies the qualities of character, sportsmanship, and devotion to the game, the team, and the community."

While this year’s nominees do not include any Terriers, the concept of the award, now presented by BNY Mellon Wealth Management, was born in October 1995 at BU’s Walter Brown Arena. John Greenhalgh and Jeff Millman, two fathers watching their sons’ squirt team practice at WBA were talking about one of the volunteer assistants, BU All-American goalie J.P. McKersie, who, in addition to his studies and his varsity practice commitments, had recently recovered from a life-threatening accident that had left him speechless and in a coma, and supposedly with little hope of ever walking or talking again. Noting McKersie’s selflessness and dedication, the two dads decided it was necessary to recognize college hockey players who best demonstrate those qualities now listed on the trophy.

Former BU Sports Information Director Ed Carpenter was one of the foundation’s first three board members and early on met with the co-founders at T Anthony's—BU Hockey’s unofficial (barely) off-campus eatery— to talk about the Award and to frame the organization’s goals. On Feb. 25, 1996, during a BU home game, the foundation announced McKersie as the first Hockey Humanitarian Award recipient in recognition of his volunteer work with the squirt team—frequently staying after practice to work with the goalies and providing a positive role model for the youngsters—as well as his year-long struggle to recover from his near-fatal bicycle accident and return to action for the Terriers. Daily Free Press article.

Terrier Tidbits

2012-01-26T20:52:00.005-05:00

With the #2-ranked Terriers preparing for a crucial pair of home games against Maine— winner of six of its past eight games—we have much for fans to read, watch and listen to.

Inside BU Hockey’s 14th Episode is now available for listening here. As noted yesterday, guest interviews are Jack Parker, Adam Clendening and former Terrier Bill O’Neill whose son is a standout bluliner for Maine. We hope to soon post a list of links to all episodes.

● Defenseman Garrett Noonan, who is third in the nation in goals by defenseman with eight, is the first guest on today’s edition of BU All-Access.
● Bay State Road Sports interviewed former Belmont Hill skaters Matt Ronan and Jake Moscatel, now walkons to the Terrier hockey team.
● The two-game home series with Maine is part of BU’s annual Winterfest Weekend featuring 10 sporting events over three days.
● Dave Hendrickson’s USCHO Weekly Hockey East column
● College Hockey News Hockey East weekend preview
● HockeyEastOnline weekend preview
● Maine Campus previews this weekend’s series between the Terriers and Black Bears

Looking back
Dave Warsofsky scored a goal and added an assist for Providence as the P-Bruins edged Wilkes Barre 4-3. Brian Strait recorded an assist for the Baby Pens.

Luke Popko scored twice for Bloomngton, but the Blazers fell, 7-4, to Missouri in CHL action.

Women’s Team

Terriers blanked rival Boston College 6-0 on Wednesday night behind a 30-save performance by Kerrin Sperry who recorded her first shutout of the season. Six different skaters found the net for BU: Jenn Wakefield, Marie-Philip Poulin, Taylor Holze, Louise Warren, Tara Watchorn and Caroline Campbell. Junior Isabel Menard had two assists and reached the milestone of 100 points as an NCAA player.
● GoTerriers.com recap, comprehensive boxscore, video highlights
● Post-game highlights: Coach Brian Durocher, Menard
● Daily Free Press recap and Menard feature

Wednesday Linkorama

2012-01-25T17:10:00.003-05:00

►Daily Free Press hockey notebook: fan support, moving up in national stats.

► College Hockey Weekly named BU its Team of the Week, edging out this weekend’s opponent, Maine, while INCH's Power Rankings are consistent with the national polls. Terriers ranked #2

►We’ve got a sneak preview of tomorrow’s Episode 14 of Inside BU Hockey. Terrier play-by-play announcer will be talking with Coach Jack Parker and sophomore blueliner Adam Clendening (photo), who has scored a goal and 11 assists in his past six games. In the “old dogs” segment, the guest will be Bill O’Neill, a member of the 1978 BU national championship team, current head coach at Salem State and the father of Maine Black Bears standout defenseman Will O’Neill. Bill is closing in on his 500th win as a college head coach. Check back tomorrow for a link to Inside BU Hockey.

Looking ahead
2013 recruit Robbie Baillargeon scored the first two goals—one unassisted—for Team East in the USHL’s Top Prospects Game played in Muskegon and won by the East, 5-3. Baillargeon earned Team East MVP honors. 2012 recruit Robert Polesello assisted on the East’s third goal.
● Baillargeon, ranked 43rd among N. American skaters for the 2012 draft, talked with NHL.com about his experience in the Prospects games.

In BCHL action, 2012 recruit Marc Hetnik, Jr.’ s second goal of the season gave Vernon an early 1-0 lead, but the Vipers fell, 3-1, to Westside.

Women’s program
Terriers take on BC at Walter Brown Arena tonight in a 7 p.m. start..
● GoTerriers.com preview, gametracker , All-Access Webcast (subscription)
● WTBU Webcast
● Daily Free Press preview
● Message from the Terriers (video)

Senior Jenn Wakefield was the Hockey East Player of the Week following her hattrick and six points in BU’s 6-2 win against Vermont. Goalie Kerrin Sperry and forward Kayla Tutino earned spots on the top performers list for the week.

Terriers top pairwise rankings; Millan honored --UPDATED

2012-01-23T15:24:00.006-05:00

Following its sweep of Providence College by a combined 14-1 margin, BU finds itself atop the PairWise Ranking. In the two college hockey polls, BU remained in second place in the USCHO poll . BU also is ranked second in the USA Today poll, which had BU ranked 3rd last week. Four of the top 11 in the USCHO poll are Hockey East teams. Besides the #2 Terriers, Merrimack is #5, BC #7 and UMass-Lowell #11.

The double-drubbing of the Friars was BU’s first weekend sweep of a Hockey East opponent this season. Saturday night’s 8-0 shutout provided the biggest margin of victory BU has had in a shutout since beating Northeastern 8-0 on Feb. 14, 1994.

Terriers are currently tops in scoring in conference games with 3.88 goals per game and second in goals against with a 2.47 GAA. In their past 15 games (12-3-0) Terriers have outscored opponents by a 58-33 margin.

In Hockey East’s Weekly Release, Kieran Millan’s .984 save percentage --along with his eighth career shutout--during the Providence series earned him conference Defensive Player of the Week honors. Making the Top Performers list were Sahir Gill, Wade Megan, Matt Nieto, Garrett Noonan and Alexx Privitera. Millan (photo) leads the conference’s Army ROTC Three Stars Award competition while Megan is tied for second. Adam Clendening’s 12 points during his current six-game point streak and Coach Jack Parker’s 400th Hockey East win were among the milestones recognized.

As of January 1, the Terriers ranked 35th in the country in power-play percentage, but they’ve leaped up to fifth thanks to a 13-of-33 (.394) effort thus far in the month of January and 8 for 15 (.533) in the two games with Providence.

●Daily Free Press feature on BU’s revitalized power play
●WTBU Sports recap of PC series
●USCHO’s Dave Hendrickson looks at Hockey East teams going in different directions
●NBC Sports “Back to Class”

Looking back
Brian Strait’s shorthanded goal was the game-winner in Wilkes Barre/Scranton’s 4-3 win against Syracuse.

Looking ahead
Defending Mass. Super 8 champs Malden Catholic remains in first place in the Boston Globe schoolboy hockey poll following an 8-3 win against Xaverian in which 2013 recruit and Lancers captain Brendan Collier registered four assists.

Fellow 2013 recruit Sam Kurker scored a goal and added two assists as St. John’s Prep beat BC High, 3-1. Kurker, recently ranked #41 among North Americans for the 2012 NHL draft, has 12 goals in his first 11 games this season, after scoring 15 goals as a junior. He joined ESPN’s Scott Barboza for a Q&A interview.

Yet another 2013 recruit, Kevin Duane of The Brunswick School is off to a strong start and along with Luke Esposito, a nephew of Mark Messier, leads the Bruins in scoring. Early in the season, the 6-4, 214 forward scored a hattrick in a 5-1 win against Millbrook. In the recent rematch with Millbrook, Duane scored top shelf to knot the score at 2-2, but the Bruins fell in overtime. Duane will hone his skills in the USHL with Des Moines next season.

Terriers roast Friars, 8-0

2012-01-22T07:55:00.002-05:00

BU completed a convincing weekend sweep of Providence with an 8-0 rout of the Friars behind four-point efforts by Wade Megan (2 goals, 2 assists) and Matt Nieto (1+3) and a career-best three points from Max Nicastro (1+2). At Schneider Arena, BU scored three times in each for the first two periods and then twice in the third, with six goals coming on nine power play tries. Sahir Gill added a pair of goals while Garrett Noonan scored for the third consecutive game, bringing his conference leading total for defensemen to eight goals. BU’s 8 goals came on just 24 shots, for a .333 shooting percentage for the night.

Ten different Terriers made the scoring sheet with captain Chris Connolly assisting on two goals for a total of 19 helpers, tied for the team lead with Adam Clendening. Megan leads BU in goals with 12, followed by Nieto (10), Gill (9) Alex Chiasson (8) and Noonan (8).

Kieran Millan’s eighth career shutout put an exclamation point on a weekend in which he stopped 62 of 63 shots over the two games.

The victory, combined with another BC loss, gave the Terriers a four-point lead over the Eagles in Hockey East with a game in hand. Next up for BU is a two-game series with another hot team, third-place Maine. Both games are at Agganis with Friday’s matchup being a nationally televised one by CBS Sports Network.

●GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score
●Boston Hockey Blog recap
●USCHO recap
● Providence athletics recap

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Sean Maguire stopped 23 shots in Powell River's 5-1 win against Cowichan Valley. The victory gave him four consecutive wins during which he stopped a total of 101 shots while yielding just four goals.

Looking back
Colin Wilson scored his ninth goal in a 5-2 Nashville win against Chicago. Brandon Yip, acquired this past week from Colorado, made his first start for the Predators wearing the same #18 as he wore at BU.

Former Terrier captain Joe Pereira scored a first-period goal against former Michigan netminder Billy Sauer for the South Carolina Stingrays in their 3-1 victory against Florida in ECHL action.

Game Day: BU vs Providence at Schneider Arena

2012-01-21T17:16:00.003-05:00

Terriers and Friar wrap up their home and home series tonight in a 7 p.m. start at Schneider Arena. At stake is the season series as each team has won twice. BU lost its season opener at Providence, but overall is 30-28-6 (.516) in the 64 meetings at Schneider Arena.

A victory would give BU its first weekend sweep of a single opponents this season. Terriers have swept three previous weekend series, but each of them involved games with two different teams.

Sophomore Garrett Noonan (photo), who leads BU's blueline corps in goals with seven, scored in both the season opener and last night's win.

Terrier line-up:

Wade Megan – Chris Connolly – Alex Chiasson
Matt Nieto – Sahir Gill – Evan Rodrigues
Justin Courtnall – Cason Hohmann – Yasin Cissé
Ross Gaudet – Ben Rosen – Ryan Santana
Garrett Noonan – Patrick MacGregor
Sean Escobedo – Adam Clendening
Max Nicastro – Alexx Privitera
Kieran Millan

► Melissa Wade’s photogallery of last night’s BU win.

► WTBU Sports’ recap of last night’s win.

► Junior defenseman Sean Escobedo gave NESN viewers a tour of his game day routine in this video.

●Game notes
●Listen on WWZN radio Webcast
●Gametracker
●Hockey East weekend preview, live scoreboard
●College Hockey News’ Tale of the Tape/Top scorers and goalies , Tweetcast
●Boston Hockey Blog live in-game blog

Women’s team
Terriers took on the Vermont Catamounts and came away with a 6-2 win led by captain Jenn Wakefield’s hattrick. Isabel Menard, Kayla Tutino and Jill Cardella also found the net for BU.

Terrier race away from Friars, 6-1

2012-01-21T08:22:00.004-05:00

Sophomore Adam Clendening’s three assists and a goal and an assist each from junior Alex Chiasson and second-year players Matt Nieto and Garrett Noonan powered #2/3 BU to a 6-1 thumping of Providence College at Agganis Arena. Terriers rode a four-goal first period to a commanding league and then added a pair of power play goals in the final period. Other goal scorers were Sahir Gill, Alexx Privitera, and Ryan Santana (first of the season) as BU drove Alex Beaudry, a Terrier nemesis in the past, from the cage. Kieran Millan stopped 36 shots in the victory.

With BU's 11th victory in the past 13 games, Coach Jack Parker now has 400 career wins in Hockey East play.

Clendening 12 points (1 goal, 11 assists) in his past five games. Chiasson’s goal gave him 20 points on the season.

Terriers won the faceoff battle, 32-26, with Gill and Ben Rosen having strong nights.

●GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score , video highlights
● NESN highlights
●Boston Hockey Blog recap, analysis, feature on Clendening/Noonan
●Hockey East Online recap and NESN highlights
●USCHO recap
●College Hockey News’ The Take Away and box score
●Boston Globe recap
●Boston Herald recap

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Robert Polesello scored his 6th and 7th goals—the second a shorthander—while 2013 recruit Robbie Baillargeon added a pair of assists in Indiana’s 3-2 win against Chicago. Baillargeon now has 28 points in 29 games for the Ice.

2012 recruit Matt O’Connor stopped 32 of 34 in Youngstown’s 2-1 OT loss to Des Moines.
● Phantoms' recap and O'Connor photo

2012 recruit Sean Maguire turned aside 22 shots in Powell River’s 2-1 win against Cowichan Valley in BCHL action.

Looking back

Chris Bourque's 21st goal of the season was the game-winner in Hershey's 4-3 win over Binghamton. Bourque is second in AHL scoring behind Bears' teammate Keith Aucoin. Eric Gryba tallied an assist for the Senators.

Former BU All-American Colby Cohen assisted on the game-winner in the Providence Bruins' 3-2 win against Worcester.

Former BU center Luke Popko scored his seventh goal of the season in Bloomington’s 3-2 win over Missouri in CHL action Friday night.

NESN explored the question “Who is the best former Hockey East position player now in the NHL?” The reports' answers include several ex-Terriers.

Game Day: Terriers vs. Friars at Agganis

2012-01-20T14:26:00.004-05:00

The #2/3 Terriers will be seeking to remain in first place in Hockey East and also avenge a 5-3 loss in their season-opener when they begin a home-and-home series with Providence College tonight at Agganis Arena. The game, which starts at 7:30 p.m., will be broadcast live by NESN.

Following last weekend’s two come-from-behind wins, BU is keeping its lineup virtually unchanged. Freshman Evan Rodrigues (photo), who scored his first collegiate goal in the 4-3 win against Northeastern, will again skate on right wing with Matt Nieto and Sahir Gill.

Terrier line-up:
Wade Megan – Chris Connolly – Alex Chiasson
Matt Nieto – Sahir Gill – Evan Rodrigues
Justin Courtnall – Cason Hohmann – Yasin Cissé
Ross Gaudet – Ben Rosen – Ryan Santana
Sean Escobedo – Adam Clendening
Garrett Noonan – Patrick MacGregor
Max Nicastro – Alexx Privitera
Kieran Millan

The Friars, following a fast start under new coach Nate Leaman, have a 9-9-2 record overall and are 3-6-1 in the past ten games. Alex Beaudry, always a challenge for BU, is expected to start in goal for Providence.

BU and Providence are the national co-leaders in shorthanded goals with 8.

Terrier head coach Jack Parker enters the weekend with 399 Hockey East victories on his resume.

●GoTerriers.com preview, game notes, game tracker
●Listen on WWZN radio Webcast
●Hockey East weekend preview, live scoreboard
●Daily Free Press preview
●College Hockey News’ Tale of the Tape/Top scorers and goalies , Hockey East weekend preview
●Boston Hockey Blog live in-game blog
●WTBU Sports preview
● Inside College Hockey feature on Terriers’ support of Autism Speaks
In an Oct. 2009 THFB post, former BU Sports Information Director Ed Carpenter related how the Terrier hockey team began its commitment to Autism Speaks
● Excalibur Sports feature on surging Terriers
● USCHO: Dave Starman commentary, Hockey East picks

Looking back
ESPN Special Presentation: Content of Character--Mike Grier

Looking ahead
Q&A interview with 2013 recruit Rob Baillargeon who will play in next Monday’s USHL Top Prospects game.

BU captain featured on INSIDE BU HOCKEY--Episode 13

2012-01-19T13:13:00.008-05:00

Episode 13 of Inside BU Hockey is now available for listening online. Featured segments include Bernie Corbett’s conversations with Terrier head coach Jack Parker and Captain Chris Connolly, who scored twice to kickstart BU in Saturday’s 4-3 win against Harvard. Joining Bernie for the “Old Dogs” segment is Dan Ronan, a blueliner for two BU Frozen Four teams (1996 and 1997), brother of current Terrier Matt Ronan and cousin of former Terrier (and Stanley Cup winner) Ed Ronan.

Junior forward Ben Rosen is featured in a segment of the BU All-Access Radio show.

Head coach Jack Parker posted this thank you note on BU athletics Twitter applauding Terrier fans for their vocal support during away games at Northeastern and Harvard last game.

●College Hockey News’ Scott McLaughlin has posted the latest Hockey East Power Rankings.
●USCHO’s Jim Connelly’s This Week in Hockey East column explains why those who wrote off the Terriers following the loss of two key centers were sorely mistaken. There’s also information about the fifth annual Charity Beanpot Challenge, hosted by former Terrier Travis Roy.
●USCHO’s TMQ also addresses the Terriers’ recent success.
●Providence Athletics preview of the weekend home-and-home between BU and the Friars.

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Jarrid Privitera, younger brother of freshman Alexx Privitera, led the The Gunnery School to a 7-1 win Tuesday against Trinity Pawling. The 5-6 forward, who was a 25-goal scorer during his junior season, is averaging 1.64 points per game (12-12-24 in 15 games) and leads the team in goals scored. The Highlanders have a 13-2-1 record this season. His coaches call him an "excellent two-way player---blocks shots, backchecks hard, good positioning."

The USHL has announced a free live Webcast of its 2012 NHL Top Prospects Game on Tuesday January 24 at 7:15 ET. Played in Muskegon, Michigan, the game will be Webcast by FASTHockey. 2012 recruit Robert Polesello and 2013 recruit Robbie Baillargeon, both skating for the Indiana Ice, will participate in the Prospects Game.

2012 recruit Mike Moran’s path from prep captain at Taft in 2010-11 to BU next fall has taken yet another turn. Moran participated in the Indiana Ice tryout camp this past summer—along with Polesello and Baillargeon—but eventually signed on with Penticton in the British Columbia Hockey League. His stay with the Vees was a short one as he was traded to the Victoria Grizzlies where he quickly established himself as a potent scorer recording 41 points in 33 games, including seven power play goals and four game-winners. A team decision to rebuild for the future sent several of the Grizzlies' top players to new clubs and Moran’s rights were acquired by the AJHL Spruce Grove Saints, the top team in the Albert Junior Hockey League and currently ranked #2 in Canadian Junior A. If the Saints name sounds familiar, it’s the program that developed BU netminder Kieran Millan and sent him to Commonwealth Avenue. Moran’s linemate on the Grizzlies’ 3M Line, 2012 recruit Wesley Myron, escaped the team’s trade deadline fire sale, but only because he’d suffered a season ending shoulder injury that required surgery. Myron and Moran will be back together next fall at BU.

Looking back
Former Terrier standout Brandon Yip has been acquired on waivers by the Predators from Colorado. Joining Nashville, he’ll be reunited with his Terrier linemate on the 2009 national championship team, Colin Wilson. The Predators had long coveted the right wing who had a strong rookie season with the Avalanche before injuries slowed his second and third pro seasons. Yip scored the championship-winning goals in both the 2006 and 2009 Hockey East Tournaments.

Nick Bonino registered two assists and earned second star honors in Anaheim’s 6-2 win against Phoenix. The former 50-point scorer for BU is skating on the Ducks’ third line, an all-college trio, with former Michigan forward Andrew Cogliano and former North Dakota star Jason Blake.

Women’s program
The Terriers seek to rebound from last weekend’s losses to Maine as they visit New Hampshire tonight. BU is 2-0-2 in its past four games against the Wildcats at the Whittemore Center. The 11-11-1 Terriers’s offense is led by captain Jenn Wakefield (27 points), freshman Kayla Tutino (19) and junior Isabel Menard (18). Sophomore Marie-Philip Poulin, who returned to the lineup last week, after missing first semester with a spleen injury, is on the shelf again, this time with shoulder problems.
●GoTerriers.com preview, game notes, Live Stats, WTBU Webcast, pay-per-view Webcast
● Daily Free Press preview, feature on Poulin.

Looking ahead: adding skill and muscle for the blueline

2012-01-17T08:29:00.006-05:00

BU has a commitment for 2015 from Kimball Union freshman John MacLeod, a 6-2, 165 right shot defenseman. In 16 games for KUA, MacLeod, a Dracut, Mass. native who previously played at the Cardigan Mountain school, has an 0-9-9 line for the Wildcats who are the third-ranked prep hockey team in the Northeast. A standout at last summer’s USA Hockey Select 15 camp, he skated earlier this season for the Cleveland Barons Midget Minor team, recording three goals and two assists in 10 games.

U.S.Hockey Report quotes Mike Levine, his coach at KUA, as saying MacLeod “is a special talent because at 6’2” he can really skate, shoot the puck, and think the game at a high level, plus he’s tough and the loves the physical aspect of the game at such a young age – and that’s unique. He’s actually the toughest kid I have ever coached – and that includes the college level.”

MacLeod, who also visited Michigan, is expected to receive an invitation to the NTDP 40-man camp next March. If selected for the U17s roster, he could accelerate and join BU’s 2014 class.

Another KUA blueliner, 6’5”, 220 lb. junior Doyle Somerby will visit BU this week. He already has offers from Maine, UNH, UMass, and St. Lawrence. A ’94 birthdate, he was ranked #127 in NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm rankings—four spots ahead of 2013 recruit Brendan Collier.

Speaking of Malden Catholic’s captain, Collier talked with the Boston Herald about playing with pressure.

In this past weekend’s 5-3 Malden Catholic win against St. John’s Prep, Collier went head-to-head with Prep’s co-captain and 2013 recruit Sam Kurker who scored his 11th goal of the season. Collier tallied the game’s final goal.

Last night, Kurker, who was ranked #41 among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings for the 2012 draft, was on the BU campus—at Walter Brown Arena—showing why he’s so highly regarded—and scored a hattrick to lead the Eagles to a 5-1 win against Catholic Memorial, the alma mater of his future Terrier coaches, Jack Parker, Buddy Powers and Mike Bavis and future teammates Garrett Noonan and Marc Hetnik, Jr.

► Please note that we've added a link to U.S.Hockey Report to our sidebar list of links. USHR is recognized as one of the most authoritative sources of information about college hockey recruiting and U.S. junior and prep hockey players. It has been a key source for many of our posts about Terrier recruits. USHR is a subscription site.

Working with the BU and Northeastern coaching staffs, USHR recently held its first International Hockey Showcase at Walter Brown Arena and Matthews Arena. Featured teams included the Boston Junior Bruins, Boston Advantage and Ontario midget AAA teams Vaughan Kings and Toronto Marlboros. Among the top players at the event were several reportedly high up on BU’s recruiting radar: High-scoring Junior Bruins forward Jack Eichel, regarded as the top ’96 U.S. forward, and Vaughan power forward Michael Dal Colle, who previously had visited BU and whose sister plays for Niagara.

In an article about top Canadian junior prospects this past fall, USHR wrote that the 6-2, 180 Dal Colle is a “big, strong goal scorer who has drawn comparisons to Rick Nash. Brings some intangibles to the table as he is the captain of the Vaughn Kings. Considers himself a hybrid power forward/sniper, but admits that his footwork needs improvement.”

Expected to be a high OHL draft choice, Dal Colle also has played a number of games this season with the OJHL St. Michael's Buzzers. Last summer he was one of 24 top Canadian bantam players chosen by the NHLPA to a take part in the Allstate All-Canadians Mentorship program. He also has played for the East Coast Selects tournament team, whose alumni include former Terriers Colby Cohen, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Corey Trivino, current Terriers Alex Chiasson and Matt Nieto and future Terriers Robert Polesello (2012) and Kevin Duane (2013). He was the ’96 East Coast Selects Player of the Year in 2009.

Polls, Pairwise and Honors
BU’s pair of comeback wins this past weekend—4-3 against Northeastern and 4-3 OT against Harvard—vaulted the Terriers to the #2 spot in the USCHO weekly poll and #3 in the USA Today poll. BU also moved into third place in the Pairwise Rankings.

HockeyEastOnline named the Terriers its Team of the Week and recognized four Terriers— Chiasson, Adam Clendening, Chris Connolly and Wade Megan—in its list of weekly top performers.

Sophomore blueliner Noonan who scored the overtime game-winner against Harvard and had a plus-4 rating on the weekend, raised his team-best rating to plus-13, which is tied for third in Hockey East.

●USCHO Hockey East blog
●Boston Herald feature on college hockey a s breeding ground for referees including former Terriers John Melanson, a member of BU's 1978 national championship team, and Dick DeCaprio, Hockey East's Supervisor of Officials.

Terriers Overcome Another Deficit, Defeat Crimson in Overtime 4-3 -- UPDATED

2012-01-14T21:24:00.007-05:00

For the second night in a row, the Terriers trailed by two after one period. However, three point nights for sophomore defenseman Adam Clendening (3 assists), junior forward Alex Chiasson (3 assists) and senior co-captain Chris Connolly (2 goals, 1 assist) were enough to force overtime where sophomore Garrett Noonan (photo) scored the game-winner. Connolly's first period goal was also his first of the season.

Harvard got on the board early in the first period courtesy of Alex Fallstrom, and BU's tying power-play goal by Chris Connolly late in the period was overcome quickly by two Harvard goals. BU finally pulled within one in the third period when Connolly got his second of the night, and Ben Rosen managed to tie the game late after a video review. Noonan ended the game 2:08 into sudden-death overtime with his game-winning goal.

GoTerriers.com recap, box score
Hockey East Online recap, box score
Boston Hockey Blog recap, Connolly feature
Boston Globe recap
Boston Herald recap
The Harvard Crimson recap
Coach Parker post-game comments

Looking ahead

2012 goalie recruit Sean Maguire (2012) stopped all 36 shots he faced in the Powell River Kings 7-0 shutout victory over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in BCHL action last night.

Looking back

Eric Gryba netted his third goal of the season in a 6-4 loss for Binghamton against Hershey.

Game Day: BU Visits Harvard

2012-01-14T17:46:00.008-05:00

The Terriers make the short trip to Harvard's Bright Hockey Center for a game against the Crimson, seeking their third straight victory. BU fell to the Crimson in the Beanpot Consolation Game last season despite two goals from Alex Chiasson (photo); the Terriers will also will face Harvard in the first round this season.

WTBU preview
Listen to WWZN radio broadcast
Boston Hockey Blog live blog, Megan feature, Saponari interview

Women's team

The women's hockey team took on Maine once again, this time with two 3 pm games at Walter Brown Arena. Maine took the first game this afternoon, 3-2, but the two Terrier goals both game from sophomore forward Marie-Philip Poulin, who made her return today from injury that had kept her out since Oct. 1.

Terriers Defeat Huskies, 4-3 -- UPDATED

2012-01-13T23:44:00.010-05:00

BU overcame a 2-0 first period deficit, scoring four straight goals and finishing with a 4-3 victory tonight at Matthews Arena against Northeastern. Junior forward Wade Megan paced the Terriers with two goals, and Kieran Millan stopped 31 of 34 shots.

The Huskies opened the scoring in the first period, with first two even-strength strikes from Alex Tuckerman and Ludwig Karlsson. BU answered in the second period with 3 goals less than 4 minutes apart. Adam Clendening's second goal of the season and Megan's first of the night collectively even the score at two apiece. To cap the second period scoring came the first collegiate tally for Terrier freshman Evan Rodrigues (photo), on the power play. In the third period, Wade Megan's second goal of the night and 10th of the season gave BU a two-goal lead. The Huskies managed to pull within a goal late in the game with a power play and extra attacker, garnering an assist for former Terrier Vinny Saponari, but BU came away with the win.

The next game for the Terriers will be tomorrow night against Harvard at Bright Hockey Center, 7 pm. Harvard will be fresh off a 2-0 loss to Union during the Frozen Fenway event tonight.

GoTerriers.com recap, boxscore
Boston Hockey blog recap
Hockey East Online recap, boxscore
USCHO recap
Boston Globe recap
Boston Herald recap
Video highlights below, courtesy of Hockey East/NESN

Looking ahead

The USA U-18 team was defeated 4-3 by the Indiana Ice of the USHL, but future Terriers on both sides had a hand in the final score, as Matthew Lane scored a goal for Team USA and Robert Polesello and Robbie Baillargeon each had a helper for Indiana.

Meanwhile, 2012 goaltending recruit Matthew O'Connor and Youngstown fell 2-1 to the USA U-17 team, despite him saving 33 of 35 shots on the night.

Looking back

Adrian Aucoin's 2nd goal of the season didn't stop the Coyotes from falling 4-3 to Columbus, but it did confuse the play-by-play guy.

Game Day: Terriers Visit Matthews Arena

2012-01-13T12:27:00.004-05:00

#6 BU will face off with Hockey East opponent Northeastern for the first time this season at Matthews Arena tonight. This will offer an opportunity to see former player Vinny Saponari (pictured), now with the Huskies after being dismissed from the team in May 2010. The Terriers went 2-1 against the Huskies in the 2010-2011 regular season, but it was Northeastern who defeated BU two games to one in the Hockey East quarterfinals, ending their season.

Tonight's contest will be broadcast on NESN, with BU looking to stay atop the Hockey East standings.

GoTerriers.com preview, game notes
Listen on WWZN radio broadcast
Follow on NU Live Stats
Hockey East live scoreboard
Boston Hockey Blog preview
NESN article on bouncing back from departures

Looking ahead

Central Scouting Service has released their midterm rankings, with several Terrier recruits appearing on the list.

41 - Sam Kurker (2013)
43 - Rob Baillargeon (2013)
112 - Danny O'Regan (2013)
123 - Kevin Duane (2013)
131 - Brendan Collier (2013)
133 - Matthew Lane (2012)

Looking back

A two assist night for Bryan Miller in a 3-0 Alaska victory has him third in scoring for defensemen in the ECHL.

Chris Bourque picked up yet another point in Hershey's 4-3 win over Charlotte, but he remains 2nd in AHL scoring behind current teammate Keith Aucoin.

Thursday Linkorama: Millan Honored Again

2012-01-11T12:04:00.010-05:00

For the third time this season, Kieran Millan has been named the Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week (league release). Millan stopped 42 of 44 shots faced last Friday against Merrimack College. Sahir Gill and Alexx Privitera were also honored.

Boston University moved up to number 6 in both polls as a result of the victory against the Warriors (USCHO poll, USA Today poll).
CHN Hockey East power rankings - BU moves up to #2
USCHO Hockey East column

Women's team

Following the women's hockey team's 2-1 victory over Maine at Alfond Arena on Sunday, the team was named Team of the Week and freshman forward Kayla Tutino was honored as Rookie of the Week for the second time this season (GoTerriers release, Hockey East release).

Terriers Tie U-18, 3-3

2012-01-09T08:37:00.009-05:00

Former U-18 player and current sophomore forward Matt Nieto (photo) led the way for BU with a goal and an assist as the Terriers and USA Under 18 team played to a 3-3 tie. Freshman Evan Rodrigues also recorded two assists in the effort for BU.

The U-18 opened the scoring with a goal from BU 2012 recruit Matthew Lane before three consecutive Boston University goals in a span of just over 5 minutes from freshman Alexx Privitera, Nieto, and junior Sean Escobedo. Team USA answered midway through the second period with a goal by North Dakota recruit Stefan Matteau, assisted by BU recruit Matt Grzelcyk. Finally, a third period goal by Nikolas Olsson of U-18 finished the scoring.

Grant Rollheiser started in net for BU and made 30 save on 33 shots faced. BU also put 48 shots on goal, including 17 in the 1st and 3rd periods, but a 45-save effort from USA netminder and University of Michigan commit Jared Rutledge kept the game to a tie.

GoTerriers.com recap, box score, and video highlights
Boston Hockey Blog recap and Ben Rosen feature
WTBU Sports recap
USCHO recap

As the AHCA considers rule changes in college hockey once again, the Boston Herald asked Jack Parker for his opinions on 4 on 4 overtime as well as stricter penalty interpretations.

Looking back

College Hockey, Inc. has listed all former collegians in NHL front office positions. The list includes 13 names for Boston University: Ron Anderson, Joe Sacco, Bob Crocker, Mark Mullen, Jack Ferreira, Chris Kelleher, Paul Fenton, Jeff Kealty, Scott Lachance, Chris O'Sullivan, Mike Sullivan, Rick Meagher, and John Lilley.

Kevin Shattenkirk led the way offensively with a goal and assist for the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night en route to a 4-0 victory over his former team, the Colorado Avalanche.

Game Day: Exhibition vs. USA U-18

2012-01-08T15:16:00.008-05:00

Tonight the #10/11 Terriers will play host to the USA Under 18 team in an exhibition matchup at Agganis Arena. BU last faced the U-18 team in October of 2009, in a game that saw the raising of banners in celebration of the 2008-09 NCAA championship. The Terriers have won the previous two games by 3-2 scores.

Of particular interest will be the play of two Boston University recruits, defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (pictured) and forward Matthew Lane, expected in 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The game is slated to start at 7 pm, and can be seen on BU All-Access (subscription).

TONIGHT'S LINEUP
Megan-Connolly-Chiasson
Nieto-Gill-Rodrigues
Courtnall-Hohmann-Cisse
Gaudet-Santana-Gilory
Nicastro-MacGregor
Noonan-Privitera
Escobedo-Ruikka
Rollheiser

● GoTerriers.com preview, WTBU, game-tracker
● Hockey East live scoreboard

Looking ahead
In last month’s Kasabuski Christmas Classic, 2013 recruit Brendan Collier scored four goals in Malden Catholic’s 8-1 thumping of Bishop Fenwick in the semifinals. The next night in the championship game, the BU- bound Malden Catholic captain added a goal and an assist in a 4-3 overtime win against St. Mary’s of Lynn.

2013 recruit Sam Kurker scored twice and added an assist in St. John’s Prep’s 5-3 loss to BC High.

Looking back
Once again Chris Bourque found the scoresheet against Adirondack, this time netting a goal and assist in a 5-2 win for Hershey Saturday night.

One former BU captain in Sean Sullivan scored a goal for Worcester assisted by another, John McCarthy, but they fell 5-2 to Colby Cohen and the Providence Bruins.

Eric Gryba assisted on a 3rd period tying goal for Binghamton, but they ultimately fell, 3-2 to Rochester.

Defenseman Bryan Miller scored his sixth goal of the season in Alaska’s 2-1 shootout win over Utah. Miller, who has averaged 40 points for each of the past three seasons, has 27 points in 36 games for the Aces.

Pete MacArthur’s five-point night—2 goals, 3 assists—led the Las Vegas Outlaws to a 7-4 win over Colorado in ECHL action. MacArthur’s second goal—and 10th of the season—was the game-winner. He has 28 points in 21 games.

Terriers double-up Warriors, 4-2--UPDATED

2012-01-07T01:02:00.005-05:00

Three first-period goals and sharp goaltending by senior netminder Kieran Millan put the Terriers in the win column for their first outing of 2012 with a 4-2 win against Merrimack. After the Warriors drew first blood early in the opening period, BU struck twice inside of a minute. Justin Courtnall converted his own rebound in close after a Cason Hohmann entry pass. Then, on a power play, captain Chris Connolly found Alex Chiasson for a redirect. BU scored on another man-advantage late in the period when Matt Nieto’s pass connected with Alexx Privitera streaking in from the point to score his second goal of the season and stretch the lead to 3-1.

Merrimack narrowed the margin to one with a power play marker, but Sahir Gill’s one-timer off a Max Nicastro pass restored the two-goal edge. Merrimack turned up the pressure in the final period, but Millan turned aside all 20 shots (and 42 for the game).

For the Terriers it was their 8th win in the 10 games since a tough 3-2 overtime loss to the Warriors in early November.

The win also slides BU into first place in Hockey East, a point ahead of BC, although the Eagles, who play at Merrimack Sunday, have a game in hand.

►A visitor to Agganis Arena—and Bernie Corbett’s on-air guest between the second and third periods—was former Terrier Dave Tomlinson. “Sniper,” who later played 15 years of professional hockey in the NHL and in Europe, is in his second season as color analyst on Vancouver Canuck radio broadcasts. Last winter, Tomlinson did a Q&A interview with The Terrier Hockey Fan Blog.

● Go Terriers.com recap and comprehensive box score
● Video highlights
● Post game comments (video): Parker, Chiasson/Gill
● Boston Hockey Blog recap
● USCHO recap
● CHN’s Takeaway
● WTBU Sports recap
● Boston Herald recap
● Boston Globe recap

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Sean Maguire stopped 30 shots and earned first-star honors in Powell River’s 3-1 win against Surrey.

2012 recruit Mike Moran scored the game-winner (his 4th GWG and 18th goal overall) in a 4-3 Victoria win against Vernon. 2012 recruit Wesley Myron assisted on Moran’s goal and also scored his 17th goal of the season.

2012 recruit Matthew O’Connor stopped 21 of 22 shots in Youngstown’s 7-3 win against Muskegon, earning his 15th win of the season.

2012 recruit Robert Polesello assisted on the game-winner in Indiana’s 3-2 win against Waterloo.

Looking back
David Van der Gulik scored his first goal of the season—and second career NHL goal—in Colorado’s 4-0 shutout of Chicago.

Chris Bourque had a hand in all three Hershey goals, scoring once (his 19th) and assisting on two, but the Bears fell, 4-3, to Adirondack.

Dave Warsofsky assisted on the game-winning goal in Providence's 4-1 win over Portland.

John McCarthy scored his ninth goal of the season in Worcester's 4-3 loss to Springfield.

Game Day: BU vs. Merrimack

2012-01-06T14:24:00.008-05:00

#10/11 Terriers resume conference play tonight hosting #7/6 Merrimack at Agganis Arena in a 7 p.m. start. This is the teams’ second meeting of the season. On Nov. 11, BU lost a hard-fought game to the Warriors, 3-2 in overtime (video), when a highly questionable penalty call in the final minutes of regulation gave the ‘Mack a power play during which it tied the game.

BU welcomes Adam Clendening back into the lineup after spend two weeks with the U.S. Junior National Team at the World Junior Championships. Junior Ryan Ruika will sit out tonight for BU. On the forward lines, Chris Connolly will move to center on BU’s top line, with Wade Megan and Alex Chiasson, while Sahir Gill becomes the second line pivot with wingers Matt Nieto and Evan Rodrigues. Yasin Cissé is right wing on the third line with Cason Hohmman and Justin Courtnall. Ryan Santana, recovered from a shoulder injury, makes his first start of the season.

Tonight's lineup

Megan-Connolly-Chiasson
Nieto-Gill-Rodrigues
Courtnall-Hohmann-Cissé
Gaudet-Rosen-Santana
Noonan-Privitera
Nicastro-MacGregor
Escobedo- CLendening
Milan

Tonight’s game is Web accessible on BU All-Access (subscription).

BU has a second game this weekend, an exhibition Sunday night against the U.S. NTDP U18s, giving Terrier fans a look at a pair of future Terriers: 2012 recruit Matthew Lane, a forward, and 2013 recruit, Matt Grzelcyk, a defenseman.

►USCHO’s Jim Connelly found a bright spot for BU in the Terriers’ loss to Notre Dame last Saturday. In his This Week in Hockey East column, he wrote:

Though the Terriers lost 5-2 to Notre Dame on New Year’s Eve, it seemed that Sahir Gill (photo) was auditioning to become the team’s most potent scorer. Gill played like a man possessed, certainly one of the best offensive players on the ice for the Terriers.

● GoTerriers.com preview, gametracker, All-Access Webcast, WWZN Radio Webcast.
● Boston Hockey Blog preview and Parker comments about injured Minnesota prep player.
● Boston Hockey Blog live in-game blog

● Warrior Rink Rat preview/tale of the tape

● Hockey East Online live scoreboard
● College Hockey News Tale of the Tape, Tweetcast

►Inside BU Hockey-Episode 11- features Bernie Corbett’s interview with Coach Jack Parker, assistant captain Justin Courtnall and Jacques Joubert, captain of BU’s 1994-95 national championship team, who scored the game-winner in the title game against Maine, 6-2 (video).

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Robert Polesello and 2013 recruit Robbie Baillargeon, both currently with the Indiana Ice, have been selected to play in the USHL Prospects Game . The game, set for Jan. 24 in Muskegon, showcases the top USHL players eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

2012 recruit Matthew O’Connor stopped 19 shots in regulation and three more in the shootout as Youngstown edged Muskegon, 4-3, in USHL action. O’Connor now has 14 wins, second best in the USHL, to go with a 2.57 GAA.

It’ll be a Three Future-Dog Night in Vernon, B.C. at the Vipers hosts the Victoria Grizzlies. Vernon D-man Marc Hetnik, Jr., will likely find himself defending against his future teammates, Wesley Myron and Mike Moran, two of the Grizzlies top-scoring forwards. All three are 2012 recruits.
● Victoria Chamber of Commerce feature on Myron and teammate Wade Murphy, a Merrimack recruit.

Looking back
Former Terrier Mark Bavis, killed aboard United Flight 175 in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, had his jersey number retired by the Hyde Park Youth league yesterday at Bajko Rink in Hyde Park.. The ceremony preceded the annual Mark Bavis Memorial Cup game in which Catholic Memorial, Bavis’ alma mater, defeated Xaverian, 4-0.

Sports Illustrated’s Pierre Maguire, evaluating the trade last season that sent Kevin Shattenkirk from Colorado to St. Louis, notes that “most scouts and coaches view the 22-year-old Shattenkirk as perhaps the best player in the deal and a key force for the Blues going forward.”

Former BU co-captain Joe Pereira scored for the South Carolina Stingrays in a 6-3 loss to the Florida Everblades.

Wednesday Linkorama

2012-01-04T13:31:00.003-05:00

● National polls: Following the loss to Notre Dame, Terriers fell in both polls--to 10th in USCHO and 11th in USA Today.
●USCHO Weekly Hockey East blog
●CHN Hockey East Power Rankings

World Junior Championships
Team USA won its relegation round semi-final game against Latvia, 12-2 at the World Junior Championships. Adam Clendening scored his first goal of the tournament and added an assist. The U.S. plays Switzerland today for seventh place in the event.
● United States of Hockey recap, preview of Switzerland game

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Marc Hetnik, Jr., is the current featured profile on Vernon Vipers TV. Like current Terrier Garrett Noonan, Hetnik followed up his career at Catholic Memorial with a year in the BCHL on the Vipers' blueline.

Looking back
The annual Mark Bavis Memorial Cup game will be played tomorrow. This year's game matches Bavis' alma mater, Catholic Memorial and Xaverian.

Terrier Trivia
Ten days ago we posted six trivia questions about the 1978 BU national championship team. The answers:
1. John Melanson refereed in the ECAC for 21 years.
2. Four transfers were Dick Lamby (Salem State), Scott Nieland (North Dakota) John Corriveau (UNH) and Jim Craig (Massasoit Community College).
3. Six who played in the NHL: Lamby, Craig, Jack O'Callahan, Dave Silk, John Bethel, Paul Miller.
4. Post-9/11 rescue and recovery: Darryl McLeod.
5. Four U.S. Olympians: Lamby, Craig, O'Callahan, Silk
6. Two NCAA coaches: Brian Durocher (BU Women), Bill O'Neill (Salem State)

No luck against the Irish

2012-01-01T11:00:00.004-05:00

Terriers fell to Notre Dame, 5-2 in an uneven effort marked by defensive lapses and turnovers. Assistant captain Justin Courtnall (photo) gave BU it’s only lead of the night late in the opening period converting a rebound after Cason Hohmann had put a shot on goal right from the draw in the faceoff circle.

The game turned early in the second period when Notre Dame scored three times in the first seven minutes, tying the score on a power play, then extending the lead to 3-1, despite a two-period shot advantage of 23-15 for BU. In the final period, Notre Dame outshot the Terriers19 to nine, adding two more goals before junior Wade Megan’s shorthanded goal closed out the scoring.

● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score
● The Boston Blog recap; analysis
Post game comments: Jack Parker; Megan/Chris Connolly
● Video highlights

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Robert Polesello scored a power play goal and 2013 recruit Robbie Baillargeon added two assists in Indiana's 3-0 win against Youngstown, whose goalie, 2012 recruit Matt O'Connor, stopped 29 shots. Polesello's goal was his sixth of the season to go with eight assists.

Delivering a second strong effort in three nights, 2012 goalie recruit Sean Maguire stopped 26 shots in Powell River's 5-1 win against Alberni Valley.

Looking back
Former BU blueliner Colby Cohen's slapshot produced the Providence Bruins' only goal in a 2-1 loss to the Manchester Monarchs.

Former Terrier Chris O’Sullivan—a second team All-American and high-scoring forward on BU’s 1995 national champions—is a member of the Boston Police Department hockey team that beat the Philadelphia P.D. 9-2 in a Winter Classic game at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday. O’Sullivan, who played 62 NHL games and now is an Islanders scout, helped the BPD will a silver medal at the World Police & Fire Games in San Jose this past September.

World Junior Championships
Team USA dropped a 3-2 decision to Canada on Saturday as preliminary round play came to an end. After Canada established a 3-0 lead, Charlie Coyle scored his fourth goal of the tournament to initiate a U.S. comeback that fell a goal short.

Game Day: BU vs. Notre Dame--UPDATED

2011-12-31T11:04:00.004-05:00

#9 Terriers get the second semester under way tonight with nationally televised game (Versus) again #5/6Notre Dame at the Fighting Irish’s new Compton Family Ice Arena. Game time is 7 p.m. ET.

With the departures of Charlie Coyle and Corey Trivino, BU’s lineup will have a new look. Sophomore Sahir Gill (photo) will center the top line between captain Chris Connolly and red-shirt freshman Yasin Cissé. Junior Wade Megan, enjoying his best season as a Terrier, moves up as pivot on the second line between Matt Nieto and Alex Chiasson.

The third line is the only unit remaining intact from BU’s last game (5-1 win against Maine) with Cason Hohmann centering assistant captain Justin Courtnall and Evan Rodriguez. Senior Kevin Gilroy returns to the fourth unit with Ben Rosen and Ross Gaudet.

Since Adam Clendening is playing in the World Junior Championships, the blueline pairings have changed as well. Sophomore Garrett Noonan will skate with freshman Alex Privitera, while Max Nicastro-Ryan Ruikka and Sean Escobedo-Patrick MacGregor are the other pairings.

Senior Kieran Millan gets the start in goal for BU, which has won seven of its past eight games.

12/28/2717/18/919/23/2622/8/167/213/621/4Millan in goal
Notre Dame also will be shorthanded as top scorer T.J. Tynan and heavy-hitting defenseman Stephen Johns are with Clendening on Team USA at the WJCs. Sophomore’s Anders Lee and Riley Sheehan have 20 and 18 points respectively for Notre Dame.

The game mark’s BU’s first visit to South Bend, but not the Terrier program’s first connection with that Indiana city. Jacques Joubert, captain of the 1995 national championship team, is from South Bend.

The teams first met 41 years ago in the championship game of the 1970 Boston Arena Christmas Tournament, a 7-3 Terrier victory with BU's Ric Jordan being named tournament MVP. The most recent meeting was last season’s 3-3 tie in the consolation game of the Shillelagh Tournament.

● GoTerriers.com preview, game notes, WWZN Radio Webcast, game tracker
● CHN’s Tale of the Tape, Tweetcast
● Boston Hockey Blog preview, Parker interview on Coyle departure, live blog
● NHL.com preview
● Hockey East live scoreboard
● Notre Dame Athletics game notes
● South Bend Tribune preview
● WTBU Sports first-semester awards: MVP, unsung hero, top rookie
● New England Hockey Journal regional power rankings

Inside BU Hockey-Episode 10- features Bernie Corbett's interviews with head coach Jack Parker, junior blueliner Sean Escobedo and former All-American Mike Grier, who recently retired after a 14-year NHL career. Grier talks about the 1995 NCAA championship team and explains how Terrier strength and conditioning coach Mike Boyle made a xxxxx impact on career at BU and in the NHL.

During the break, Boyle was hired as conditioning coach for the Boston Red Sox, but Parker told The Boston Hockey Blog that “Boyle’s new duties over on Yawkey Way will not steal him away from the BU hockey program.”

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Sean Maguire stopped 29 shots in Powell River’s 2-1 loss to Coquitlam in BCHL action. Maguire earned the game’s third star.

Defenseman Marc Hetnik,Jr., also a 2012 recruit, picked up an assist, his eighth of the year, in Vernon’s 7-4 loss to Silver Arm.

2012 recruit Robert Polesello's recorded his eighth assist of the season in Indiana's 5-2 win against Youngstown.

World Junior Championships
Team USA dropped its second consecutive game, 5-2, to the Czech Republic, despite taking 52 shots and hitting iron three times. The Czechs scored three goals in the final period.
● USA Hockey recap
● United States of Hockey recap
● USCHO recap

Break's over

2011-12-29T20:33:00.004-05:00

The #9 Terriers resume play this weekend, ringing in the New Year Saturday evening in South Bend, Indiana, where they’ll meet #5 Notre Dame. The game will air nationally at 7 p.m. ET on Versus (which changes its moniker to NBC Sports Network on Jan. 1). Look for our usual Game Day post on Saturday.

● USCHO: Hockey East game picks and What teams need to do in 2nd half
● Hockey East Online's weekly release
● New England Hockey Journal's first half Hockey East grades

World Junior Championships
Team USA was jolted by Finland, 4-1, in its second preliminary game. Charlie Coyle assisted on the U.S.’s only goal. Next up is the Czech Republic on Friday at 1:30 p.m. Mountain Time. NHL Network will air the game.
● USA Hockey recap
● United States of Hockey recap

Looking ahead
2013 recruit Robbie Baillargeon scored his 11th goal-- a snap-shot from the left circle that banged in off the crossbar-- in Indiana’s 3-2 win against Muskegon. He has goals in three straight games and eight points in the past five games.

2012 recruit Matt O’Connor stopped 41 shots in Youngstown’s 2-1 shootout loss to Cedar Rapids.

Looking back
Colin Wilson’s shootout goal (photo credit AP/Mike Strasinger) proved to be the difference in Nashville’s 2-1 win against Minnesota.
● Knoxville News-Sentinel recap

Former Terrier Luke Popko's power play goal was the game-winner for the Bloomington Blazers in a 4-3 win against Fort Wayne on Tuesday. In 15 CHL games, Popko has a 5-3-8 scoring line.

Wednesday Linkorama

2011-12-28T16:40:00.002-05:00

World Junior Championships
Team USA vs. Finland is underway, airing on NHL Network
● United States of Hockey preview and Denmark game review
● USA Today preview
● Edmonton Journal feature on Charlie Coyle
● USA feature
● NHL.com feature on Team USA’s preparation

Looking ahead
The Grizz Roar Blog issues its midseason awards for the Victoria Grizzlies with 2012 recruit Wesley Myron named MVP and 2012 recruit Mike Moran named top newcomer.

Coyle hattrick leads rout of Denmark

2011-12-27T08:43:00.002-05:00

Charlie Coyle scored the first and last goals with one more in between to power Team USA’s 11-3 thumping of Denmark in a World Junior Championships preliminary round game. He continues to wield a hot stick, having also scored three goals in the final two exhibition games. Sophomore defenseman Adam Clendening produced another strong effort for Team USA with a pair of assists. Next up for the U.S. is a Wednesday meeting with Finland. (photo credit, Andy Devlin, IIHF)

● USA Hockey recap
● United States of Hockey recap
● USCHO recap
● IIHF recap

►College Hockey News began a two-part review of the Hockey East’s first half.

►For the fall semester, BU ranks 11th among all Division 1 schools and second in Hockey East in home ice attendance, averaging 5,296.

Looking back
Former Terrier Keith Tkachuk was inducted to the Phoenix Coyotes Ring of Honor this past Friday during the Coyotes game with St. Louis. Tkachuk was drafted No. 19 overall in 1990 by the Winnipeg Jets, who moved to Phoenix in 1996. He scored 179 goals in 332 games in five seasons with the Coyotes before his trade to the Blues in 2001. “Captain Coyote” led the NHL in goal-scoring 1996-97 and had two 50-goal seasons.
●NHL.com video of induction and career highlights
●AZ Central feature on Tkachuk

David Van der Gulik assisted on a pair of Avs goals in Colorado’s 4-2 win over the Wild.

World Junior Championships begin today

2011-12-26T12:51:00.008-05:00

Team U.S.A. begins its quest for an IIHF World Junior Championship gold medal with its first preliminary round game tonight against Denmark in Camrose, Alberta. Gametime is 6 p.m. Mountain Time, 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The contest will air live on The NHL Network. Both Adam Clendening and Charlie Coyle are expected to play key roles for Team USA

Last year, the U.S. lost to Canada in the semifinals but took home a bronze medal. Two years ago, Team USA won its second-ever gold medal with a squad that included former Terrier defenseman David Warsofsky.

● USA Hockey: Game Day information, Team USA schedule, WJC Blog and online media guide
● IIHF WJC homepage
● Chris Peters’ USA-Denmark game preview
● USCHO feature
● Buffalo News feature on Clendening
● The Hockey Writers: Five Players to Watch (Coyle)
● HockeysFuture.com USA preview
● WJC beginners guide
● NHL Network extends contract with USA Hockey

Looking back
Matt Gilroy wasn’t the first Terrier to go from walk-on to team captain and then reach the NHL. Born in Connecticut, but raised in Maine, Doug Friedman developed into a 40-point scorer for the 1992-93 team, and then led the '93-'94 squad to a 34-7 record and the NCAA Frozen Four. He went on to play for Edmonton and Nashville in the NHL as well as several AHL clubs. He’s now an assistant coach for the Junior Maine Mariners for whom his 12-year-old son, Jaxon, is a goalie. Both are headed to Sweden for the Nicklas Lidstrom Cup tournament this week. Friedman recalls his own trip to play hockey in Sweden in 1983.

Clendening and Coyle pace U.S. exhibition win against Slovakia

2011-12-24T16:32:00.004-05:00

Charlie Coyle scored twice and Adam Clendening assisted on two goals in Team USA’s 5-0 shutout of Slovakia in its final exhibition game prior to the World Junior Championships. The pair combined to put the US on the board in the game’s first minute when Coyle tipped home Clendening’s slapper. The late in the first period, Brandon Saad redirected a Clendening pass. Coyle closed out the scoring with an even-strength goal midway through the second period.
●USA Hockey recap

Looking back
College Hockey Weekly continues to unveil its ranking of the top 25 greatest NCAA hockey teams of all times. Two of BU’s national championship teams had previously been named to the list: the 1994-1995 title team was #25 and BU’s first championship squad, 1970-1971, was #24. Now, the first of the three title teams coached by Jack Parker, 1977-1978, has been pegged #11.
● College Hockey Weekly feature on the ’77-’78 team
● THFB Terrier Tale: That Championship Season

Terrier Trivia
The 1977-78 team (roster), which won its first 21 games en route to a 30-2-0 record, scored 199 goals with Mark Fidler and John Bethel leading the way with 30 and 25 respectively. Here is a six-pack of trivia questions about this squad, the only one in Terrier history to play and beat arch-rival Boston College for a national championship:

► Which team member refereed in the ECAC for 21 years?
► Who were the four team members who transferred to from other colleges? Name the colleges.
► Which six played in the NHL?
► Which team member was involved in the post 9-11 rescue and recovery effort at The World Trade Center?
► Which four played for Team USA in the Olympics?
► Which two are head coaches of NCAA college hockey teams?
Post your answers as comments. We'll post the answers latter in the week.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY CHANUKAH, TERRIER FANS

Walk-on adds depth at forward

2011-12-22T22:04:00.004-05:00

The Boston Hockey Blog reports that BU will add walk-on, Jake Moscatel, to bolster depth at forward follow two roster departures last week. Moscatel, a 6-1, 210, forward, enrolled at BU a year ago after spend a year and half at Division III University of New England, where he scored seven goals and six assists in his first season with the Nor'Easters.

Previously he skated for The Belmont Hill School, where he was a two-time ISL all-league selection, and the EJHL Boston Junior Bruins. Since his transfer to BU, Moscatel has played for the Terrier club team and becomes the second former club player to join the varsity. The other is sophomore goalie Anthony Moccia.

With the addition of Moscatel and junior Ryan Santana's recovery from an injury that sidelined him all of first semester, BU will have 14 forwards as it resumes its schedule on December 31 with a game at Notre Dame.

In search of WJC gold

2011-12-22T16:23:00.004-05:00

Sophomore defenseman Adam Clendening and former BU forward Charlie Coyle have been named to the final roster of the U.S. Junior National Team that will compete in the World Junior Championships in Camrose, Alberta, beginning Monday. Coyle (photo) was among the top scorers for the U.S. team last year, while Clendening was among the final players cut last year.

The United State of Hockey has thumbnails on the goalies and defenseman and also for forwards. More coverage from Camrose:

● Slam Sports: US’s Clendening one tough nut
● USA Hockey recap of 7-3 exhibition win over Switzland in which Coyle scored on a deflection.
● USCHO’s WJC page including schedule
● GoTerriers.com coverage

Looking ahead
2013 recruit Danny O’Regan, captain of St. Sebastian’s, earned kudos from ESPN Boston for his play in the Arrows’ 2-1 loss to Catholic Memorial.

So is Danny O’Regan [the real deal]: While the youngsters grab more of the attention, let’s not forget about the senior captain, who’s scheduled to join a deep local class headed to Comm Ave. and join BU hockey in 2013. There was no better example of the hockey IQ he possesses than during a crucial point of the third period. With time winding down, O’Regan skated to a loose puck along the half wing boards. Then using his body, he shielded the puck from two on- coming CM defenders, creating a mismatch, before shoveling a nice saucer pass along the blue line for a shot from the point. It’s all those little things that help make good hockey teams and hockey players.

Looking back
Brian Strait, who saw his first game action at Wilkes Barre Scranton since recovering from an injury, has been recalled by Pittsburgh and is expected to be in the lineup tomorrow night in Winnipeg.

Former BU co-captain John McCarthy scored his sixth goal of the season, assisted by former BU captain Sean Sullivan, in Worcester’s 6-3 loss to Springfield.

Bryan Miller scored a power play goal (his fourth of the season) late in the third period to bring Alaska even with Idaho at 3-3, but the Aces lost in the shootout to the Steelheads, 4-3.
Miller has a 4-13-17 line for Alaska

Ryan Weston scored a power play goal (sixth of the season) for Las Vegas in a 4-3 loss to Utah. Weston has a 6-12-18 line for the season.

Clendening clears the air

2011-12-20T13:14:00.004-05:00

In the wake of Corey Trivino’s dismissal and Charlie Coyle’s departure to play major junior in Quebec, rumors began flying that a third player, Adam Clendening, might also leave the BU program following the World Junior Championships in Camrose. College Hockey News’ writer Scott McLaughlin contacted Clendening who emphatically insisted he’s returning to Agganis Arena for second semester. Full article including Q&A.

The decision by the Carolina Hurricanes not to release Justin Faulk to the U.S. team for the WJCs further enhances Clendening’s chances of making the final roster, according United States of Hockey editor Chris Peters, who says:

This recent development could also be good news for Adam Clendening, who is undoubtedly the best puck mover among Team USA’s candidates. With Faulk out of the picture, Clendening could play more of a key role on Team USA’s power play in Alberta. His puck-moving skills just got a heck of a lot more indispensable.

● The Pipeline Show tweeted that Coyle has been skating on a line with Denver’s Jason Zucker and WHL forward Emerson Etem: “Some awesome potential in that trio.”

● More news on final tryouts at the U.S. Junior National Team camp from the Western Hockey Blog

● Team USA plays an exhibition against Russia tonight.

The NHL Network will broadcast all of Team USA’s game in the WJCS, all medal round games and five additional preliminary round games. . USA Hockey extended its contract with The NHL Network through 2018.

● Team USA Schedule

Looking ahead
2013 recruit Sam Kurker scored both goals for St. John’s Prep in a 2-1 win against Hingham. The right-shot power forward, who played for the U.S. Select U18 team, this past summer has five goals in his first two games this season.

Looking back
Defenseman and former BU assistant captain Brian Strait, who suffered a hyper-extended elbow on October 18 in his first NHL game of the season, has returned to the ice, skating in Wilkes Barre/Scranton’s 2-1 loss to Albany. He spoke with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the injury, his recovery, and hopes to have another opportunity in Pittsburgh in the near future.

Former Terrier standout Nick Bonino, recalled to Anaheim from the AHL, scored his second career NHL goal on a deflection in the Ducks’ 5-3 loss to Dallas.

Sunday Linkorama

2011-12-18T10:54:00.004-05:00

The Boston Globe offers a midseason report card on Hockey East teams.

● Further comment on Charlie Coyle’s departure from The Boston Herald.

College Hockey Inc’s special insert in The Hockey News includes a feature on college games played at “big stage” venues, including BU’s Red Hot Hockey games at Madison Square Garden and its Frozen Fenway matchup with BC two years ago.

Looking ahead
2012 recruits Wesley Myron and Mike Moran scored for Victoria, but the Grizzlies fell to Cowichan Valley, 4-2. Moran, who tied the game early in the third, now has 44 points, while Myron has 40.

2012 recruit Matthew O’Connor made 33 saves in Youngstown’s 7-4 win over Des Moines. The 6-4 goalie enters the break with a USHL-leading 13 wins.

2013 recruit Robbie Baillargeon scored a goal and two assists to lead Indiana to a 6-2 win over Chicago. In 22 games with the ice, he has 9 goals and 14 assists.

2013 recruit Brendan Collier scored the game’s first goal for defending Mass. High school champion Malden Catholic, but the Lancers fell to NJ’s Delbarton School, 2-1, in an interstate matchup played at Harvard’s Bright Hockey Center. Collier, who had a 24-39—63 line last year, is the Lancers’ captain this season.

Looking back
Former BU captain and Hobey Baker Matt Gilroy talks about his BU experience, winning a national championship and the upcoming NCAA Frozen Four in Tampa where he now plays for the Lightening. (video)

David vander Gulik has been recalled for AHL Lake Erie by Colorado. In his first game, he assisted on the game-winner in the Avs’ 5-4 road win against San Jose.

Former Terrier center Luke Popko has 4 goals and 2 assists in ten games with the CHL Bloomington Blaze. A member of BU’s 2009 national champions, Popko and scored a goal in his first game back in the lineup on Nov. 24, after missing time with a broken hand.

Ryan Weston scored his fifth goal of the season for Las Vegas and added an assist as the Outlaws dumped Bakersfield, 4-1, in ECHL action.

Breaking News: Coyle departs--UPDATED

2011-12-16T07:56:00.006-05:00

USHR reported this morning that sophomore center Charlie Coyle has left Boston University and, following the World Junior Championships, will likely join the St. John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

UPDATE: We've learned that the St. John's Sea Dogs will have an announcement regarding Coyle later today.
Boston Hockey Blog report
USCHO report
College Hockey News report
Boston Globe report
Patriot Ledger report
Minneapolis Star Tribune blog report
Check back for further details.

►United States of Hockey looks at the competition for final roster spots at U.S. Junior National Team camp and considers both Coyle and Adam Clendening to be locks.

Looking ahead
2013 recruit Mike Moran continues to thrive in the BCHL. Acquired from Penticton in an early season trade, he now skates on the Grizzlies 3M line with fellow 2013 recruit Wesley Myron and Merrimack recruit Wade Murphy. An emerging team leader, he’s also wearing an A. The Times Colonist traces his route from captain at The Taft School in Connecticut to a possible BCHL captaincy. Wednesday night, Moran scored a shorthanded goal in Victoria’s 5-0 win against Cowichan Valley and now has a 14-26-40 line for 33 BCHL games

Looking back
Nick Bonino, who had some experience with last second clutch goals at BU, scored with .4 of a second left in overtime to propel Syracuse to a 3-2 win against Albany. It was Bonino’s 6th goal of the year

Tkachuk inducted into U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame--UPDATED

2011-12-14T09:07:00.008-05:00

On Monday night, former Terrier Keith Tkachuk was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in a ceremony in Chicago. The Melrose, Mass., native who played for BU’s 1990-91 NCAA finalist team, went on to become the premier NHL power forward of the past two decades. By his third NHL season, Tkachuk was a 50-goal scorer and in 1996-97 became the first U.S.-born player to lead the NHL in goals with 52.

At BU, Tkachuk earned Hockey East All-Rookie honors, scoring 40 points (17-23) and teaming with Tony Amonte and Shawn McEachern on the Terriers top line as the team won the Hockey East tournament and reached the national title game.

Tkacuk, the ninth Terrier named to the USHHOF, played on four U.S. Olympic squads, winning silver in 2002, and starred for the U.S. team that won gold in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. In 1201 NHL games, he scored 538 goals and 527 assists for a total of 1065 points.

● GoTerriers.com report and BU's added in the Hall of Fame banquet program
● USA Hockey coverage and Kevin Allen blog
● NHL.com coverage
● ESPN.com coverage
● St. Louis Today coverage
● NHL.com also looked at the connections of all five of this year’s inductees to the U.S. gold medal in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.

"A lot of good things came out of that '96 win, just like the '80 Olympics and what that did for me. I'm sure all of these young players in the League now, who are American, know about that '96 team from watching it or they've heard about it. Maybe that turned a couple kids to play hockey and pursue it a lot more."
--Keith Tkachuk

►Sophomore forward Sahir Gill, whose role is likely to change following Corey Trivino’s dismissal, gave a candid interview to Bay State Sports.

►The news of the arrest and dismissal has received widespread media coverage, easily found on the Internet. CHN’s Scott McLaughlin has written a particularly comprehensive report. And, further information is in The Boston Globe.

Looking back
Colin Wilson rapped home a rebound early in the third period to power the Predators to 2-1 win against Calgary. For the former BU All-American, the power play goal was his second game-winner in three games and his eighth goal of the season (8-11-19). Video

Trivino dismissed following arrest--UPDATED

2011-12-13T09:35:00.003-05:00

Senior Corey Trivino has been dismissed from the BU hockey team following his arrest for alleged indecent assault and battery on a female student late Sunday night. In a report posted early today by BU Today, witnesses claimed that “an apparently intoxicated Trivino pushed his way into the room of a female student at 10 Buick St. and started kissing her and fondling her against her will.”

Trivino, who was enjoying the best year of his Terrier hockey career, was arraigned yesterday in Brighton District Court.

BU Coach Jack Parker, who announced Trivino’s permanent removal from the team, added, “This will be a big hole to fill. And there’s an emotional hole also.”

● Boston Hockey Blog report
● USCHO report
● Jack Parker interview with The Boston Hockey Blog

Check back for further news.

Monday Linkorama

2011-12-12T17:40:00.003-05:00

The weekly polls are out and both USCHO and USA Today rank the Terriers at #9.

Goalie Kieran Millan’s two wins with a 1.0 GAA and 58 of 60 shots stopped earned him Hockey East Player of the Week honors. He also moved into first place in the conference’s Three Star Award competition. The Hockey East Weekly release also named BU Team of the Week for its two road victories.

Seniors Corey Trivino and Chris Connolly, along with sophomore Sahir Gill and freshman Alexx Privitera made the league’s list of top performers.

Quote of the Week:
“[Adam]Clendening sees everybody all the time, so if you play with him, you better be alert because he’s like Bob Cousy out there,” [Jack]Parker said. “You better be awake because if you aren’t, you’ll get hit by the ball. He can really find people. He’s having a terrific year.”

● Daily Free Press recaps of the Maine game and features Millan becoming BU’s all-time saves leader. Barring an injury he’ll soon assume the top spot in most games and most minutes player by a Terrier goalie.

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Matthew Lane scored his sixth goal of the season as the NTDP U18s edged Sioux City, 3-2.

2012 recruit Mike Moran assisted on two Victoria goals in the Grizzlies’ 4-3 win against Powell River. Moran now has 39 points, tied with teammate Wesley Myron for 14th in BCHL scoring.

ESPN Boston’s pre-season Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association first team includes 2013 recruits Brendan Collier of Malden Catholic and Sam Kurker of St. John’s Prep.

Looking back
Chris Bourque had a five-point night—2g, 3a—in Hershey’s 6-3 win against Norfolk. Bourque, with a 14-25-39 scoring line, is second in the AHL in points.

John McCarthy scored a goal and an assist, and Sean Sullivan added an assist in Worcester’s 5-3 win against St. John’s.

Bryan Miller recorded three assists in the Alaska Aces 6-4 win against Utah. Miller, with 14 points is the top scoring blueliners for the Aces, who own the ECHL’s best record: 18-4-1-1.

Terriers thump Black Bears, 5-1--UPDATED

2011-12-11T08:43:00.005-05:00

BU rode two-goal efforts from senior Corey Trivino and sophomore Sahir Gill (photo) and freshman Alexx Privitera's first career goal to a 5-1 win against Maine at Alfond Arena. With the victory, their seventh in eight games, the Terriers go into semester break with a 10-5-1 record overall, 8-4-1 in Hockey East, and trails BC by a single point in the conference standings.

For nearly two periods, it looked like one of those games where BU created numerous grade A chances but either couldn't beat Maine goalie Dan Sullivan or had back puck luck. Wade Megan had the best first-period chance on a breakaway.

Maine broke the ice with a power play goal midway through the second period, but BU was dominating both scoring opportunities and faceoffs. Both Chris Connolly and Charlie Coyle hit the post--for the Terrier captain, it was his second post in three games--and Adam Clendening missed on a breakaway. BU finally got on the board late in the period during a 4-on-3 power play. Alex Chiasson's hard work in the crease eventually sent the puck to the far post where Trivino poked it home.

After Evan Rodrigues became the third Terrier to hit iron, BU took the lead six minutes into the final period, again with a man advantage. Quick passes along the blue line freed Clendening at the right point. His slap-pass was deflected in by Gill who had gained position in front of the net. Five minutes later, Trivino scored his second goal of the game--his 13th of the season and 10th in the past 10 games--on a rebound at the left post.

At the 14 minute market, a pair of freshmen combined for BU's fifth goale. Cason Hohmann carried the puck deep into the Maine zone and and found Privitera driving in from the point; he deked a defender and whipped a backhander past Sullivan. Gill closed out the scored with his second of the game, a shorthanded goal.

Senior Kieran Millan, sharp all night, stopped 30shots for his eighth win of the year and achieved yet another milestone, becoming BU's all-time leader in saves with 3,057, breaking Sean Fields' previous record of 3,055

►Terriers converted one of 24 shots during the first two periods, then four of eight shots in the final period.

►Gill's shorthander was BU's seventh of the year, tops in the nation.

● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score
● Video highlights [check back]
● HockeyEastOnline recap and box score
● Boston Hockey Blog recap
● USCHO recap
● WTBU Sports recap
● Bangor Daily News recap

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Matt O'Conner stopped 24 shots en route to his 11th win of the year as Youngstown beat Chicago, 3-1.

2013 recruit Robbie Baillargeon assisted on two of Indiana's three goals in a 3-2 win against Dubuque.

Looking back
Kevin Shattenkirk’s fourth goal of the season was the only tally in St. Louis’ 1-0 win against San Jose. The former BU captain, who now has 16 points in 28 games, fired a wrist shot from the top of the left faceoff circle past Sharks’ goalie Antti Niemi. Video

Game Day: BU vs. Maine

2011-12-10T13:45:00.003-05:00

Terriers conclude their two-game road trip and first semester schedule with a visit to Alfond Arena to play Maine. The Black Bears have a 6-6-2 record and sit in fifth place in Hockey East, but have rebounded from a four-game skid to go 3-0-1 in their past four games. Seniors Spencer Abbott and Brian Flynn lead Maine with 23 and 21 points respectively.

BU is tied for second in Hockey East with Merrimack, although the Warriors have two games in hand. The Terriers have a 6-1-2 record in their past nine visits to Orono. Senior Chris Connolly, the newest member of BU’s 100-point club, has 11 points (6g, 5a) in 13 career games against the Black Bears.

Terriers will again be without leading scorer Matt Nieto (16 pts.), who injured a shoulder earlier this week in practice. Senior Corey Trivino, one point behind at 15, brings a x-game goal-scoring streak into the game. He’s also tied for the conference goal-scoring lead with 10,

CBS Sports Network, which aired last Friday’s BU win against BC, is also broadcasting tonight’s game nationally, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Sophomores Adam Clendening (photo) and Charlie Coyle will begin US Junior National camp next Saturday in Camrose, Alberta, site of the 2012 World Junior Championships, which begin on Dec. 22.

● GoTerriers.com preview, game notes, WWZN Radio Webcast , live stats
● CHN’s Tale of the Tape, Tweetcast
● Boston Hockey Blog live blog
● Bangor Daily News preview,

● WTBU Sports preview

Looking ahead
2013 recruit Robbie Bailargeon scored his eight goal and added an assist as Indiana routed Dubuque, 6-1.

2012 recruit Wesley Myron tallied a goal and an assist in Victoria’s 5-4 loss to Penticton. Myron, who has a 15-24-39 line in 20 games is tied for the BCHL lead in points per game with 2.0.

Looking back
Former BU captain Pete MacArthur scored his fourth goal of the season for Las Vegas in a 4-1 win against Ontario. He was assisted by Ryan Weston.

Former BU captain Dan Spang picked up his 10th point of the season, an assist, in the Texas Stars’ 3-0 win against Charlotte.

100 club for Connolly; Hall of Fame for Tkachuk

2011-12-09T20:28:00.003-05:00

The Boston Hockey Blog spoke with Chris Connolly about reaching the 100 point mark for his career.

CHN’s TakeAway examines BU’s 2-1 win over New Hampshire on Thursday.

Excalibur Sports asks whether the outdoor hockey gendre has “jumped the shark.” Unlike its three Beanpot rivals and other New England schools, BU passed on the opportunity to play another game at Frozen Fenway , a subject Jack Parker had discussed with The Boston Hockey Blog last month

Looking Back
This coming Monday night, former Terrier Keith Tkachuk (photo) will be one of five inductees into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

The power forward from Melrose, Mass., played for BU’s 1991 Hockey East champions and NCAA finalist team, before embarking on an 18-year NHL career in which he scored 1,065 points (538-527). He becomes the ninth Terrier inducted, joining Jack Garrity, Jack Kelley, Dick Rodenheiser, Jim Craig, Mike Eruzione, Jack O’Callahan, Dave Silk and his BU teammate, Tony Amonte.

Among the other honorees is Mike “Doc” Emrick, the “Dean of American hockey announcers” who becomes the first media member inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. On Dec. 3, 2004, Emrick called play-by-play (video) for CSTV in what would be Jack Parker’s 700th career win, a 3-2 victory against BC in the teams’ final meeting at Walter Brown Arena.

Looking back—Across the Pond
Four former Terriers are continuing their careers in Germany’s top professional league, the DEL. John Laliberte (7-11-18) is skating for Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg. Ken Magowan (7-12-19) is with Adler Mannheim. Scott King (8-11-19) is with the Hannover Scorpions and John Curry (2.59, .923), who represented Team USA in the recent Deutschland Cup, is tending goal for the Hamburg Freezers.

Terriers edge Wildcats and sweep series

2011-12-09T00:03:00.003-05:00

Second-period goals by Corey Trivino and Wade Megan overcame an early New Hampshire lead, enabling BU to edge the Wildcats, 2-1, at The Whittemore Center in Durham. Terriers sweep the season series with UNH for the first time since the 1996-97 season.

The Wildcats took a lead after one on a rebound goal by Greg Burke. Five minutes into the second period, with BU on a power play, Megan cashed in the rebound of an Alex Chiasson shot. Three minutes later, Trivino finished off passes from Sahir Gill and Chris Connolly for his 11th of the year and what proved to be the game-winner.

The third period was scoreless as BU clamped down on their hosts.

Connolly’s assist put the Terrier captain into the BU 100-point club. In 129 career games, he’s netted 30 goals and 70 assists. He’s the 78th Terrier to hit the century mark.

Kieran Millan, who stopped 28 of 29 Wildcat shots, also hit a milestone with his 3,000th career save.

Trivino’s second game-winner of the year also marked the third consecutive game in which he’s scored a goal. The hot-shooting senior now has tallied in eight of his last nine games.

Megan’s seventh goal is third best on the team behind Trivino and Matt Nieto, who missed the game with an injury.

The win put BU in a tie with Merrimack for second place in Hockey East, although the Warriors have two games in hand.

● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score
● HockeyEastOnline recap and highlights
● The Boston Blog recap
● USCHO recap
● UNH Sports recap
● Union Leader recap

► Episode Nine of the Inside BU Hockey Webcast features Coach Jack Parker, sophomore defenseman Garrett Noonan, and former BU forward Mike Prendergast, a member of the 1995 national championship team who is featured in our list of milestone goals with a game-winner at Maine dealing the Black Bears their only loss of the season. Video. Prendergast describes the game and the goal in great detail.

►USCHO’s Hockey East picks (posted on USCHO before the UNH game).

Looking Back
A wrist shot by Colin Wilson at 1:45 of overtime vaulted Nashville past Columbus, 4-3. Video

College Hockey Inc. features former Terrier Mike Grier, recently retired from the NHL, talking about his college career, in its Backcheck series

Game Day: BU visits New Hampshire--updated

2011-12-08T15:11:00.005-05:00

Terriers are on the road this weekend with a game at New Hampshire tonight—the final regular season meeting between the two teams—and the first meeting of the year with Maine, which takes place in Orono on Saturday night.

BU has a 5-2 record in its past seven games and sits in third place in Hockey East. After a seven-game unbeaten streak, the Wildcats have been slumping of late, losing four of the past five games including being swept last weekend by UMass-Lowell.

BU won the first two meetings with UNH this season, a 5-0 shutout in the season opener and a 4-1 win last month—both games at Agganis Arena.

Junior Wade Megan (photo) moves up to the second line left wing slot as Matt Nieto will miss the game due to a shoulder injury. On defense, freshman Alexx Privitera will be back in the rotation, while sophomore Patrick MacGregor is a healthy scratch for the first time this season. BU's lineup:

Connolly-Trivino-Gill
Megan-Coyle-Chiasson
Courtnall-Hohmann-Rodrigues
Gaudet-Rosen-Cissé
Escobedo-Clendening
Noonan-Privitera
Nicastro-Ruikka
Millan

The Wildcats’ top guns, both with 19 points, are senior Stevie Moses (11g, 8a) and sophomore Nick Sorkin (5g, 14a). Freshman Casey DeSmith is expected to get the start in goal for UNH.

WBIN-TV will televise Thursday's 7 p.m. contest in a UNH-produced broadcast. In the Boston area, WBIN is Channel 18 (811 in HD) on Comcast, Channel 6 (506 in HD) on Verizon Fios and 50 on DirecTV.
● GoTerriers.com preview, game notes, WWZN Radio Webcast , Live Stats
● Daily Free Press preview
● CHN’s Tweetcast
● Boston Hockey Blog live blog
● USCHO’s Hockey East column -- excessive time for faceoffs, embellishmen/diving on penalties.
● WTBU Sports: preview and hockey notebook
UNH Web site preview and game notes
● Concord Monitor examines UNH’s defensive deficiencies

► TheHockeyWriters.com has named Charlie Coyle one of five players to watch at the upcoming World Junior Championships.

Women’s team
Terriers dropped a 4-1 decision to Northeastern at Matthews Arena. Kayla Tutino had BU’s only goal, her 11th of the season. Kerrin Sperry stopped 26 shots.
● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score
● Daily Free Press recap

Wednesday Linkorama

2011-12-07T17:53:00.005-05:00

NCAA.com looked at the geographically diverse make-up of this year’s Terrier squad—players from seven U.S. states and four Canadian provinces--and talked with Ontario native Corey Trivino.

Terriers rank fourth in CHN’s Hockey East power rankings for this week.

The Hockey News’s Hot List of WJC prospects includes sophomore Adam Clendening, one of two Terriers invited to the final evaluation camp. Charlie Coyle is a holdover from last year’s U.S. Junior National team.

The United States of Hockey site is a top source of information about the U.S. squad for the WJCs. In two articles, Chris Peters looks at the roster’s goalies and defensemen and also the forwards.

►College Hockey News reports that new efforts are underway to save Alabama-Huntsville’s hockey program and keep it at the D1 level. Meanwhile, the University of Illinois is exploring a move from ACHA to NCAA D1 status.

Looking ahead
2013 recruit Danny O’Regan scored a pair of goals and added two assists in St. Sebastian’s first win over Milton Academy in two years—a 10-3 rout. O’Regan led the Arrows in goal-scoring last season with a 25-24-49 line in 27 games.

2013 recruit Brendan Collier will lead defending Massachusetts high school Super 8 champion Malden Catholic as it begins the 2011-12 season. The 5-10 left wing, who rang up 30 goals last year, saved the most important for last, scoring the overtime game-winner to lift the Lancers past St. John's Prep--and BU recruit Sam Kurker --in the title game. The team will be without its coach, Chris Serino, who is on medical leave.

Looking back
No this isn’t a rerun, but Anaheim has recalled Nick Bonino from Syracuse/AHL. He has a 5-15-20 line with the Crunch

Ex-Terrier Chris Bourque leads all Hershey Bears scorers and is second overall in the AHL.

Women's team

Terriers take on Northeastern at Matthews Arena tonight in BU's final game of the semester. It's the second meeting between the team. The Huskies shut out BU last week, 2-0.

● GoTerriers.com preview, game notes, WTBU Webcast

Pair of Terriers named to final U.S. Junior National Team camp

2011-12-05T17:39:00.004-05:00

Sophomores Charlie Coyle and Adam Clendening were named to USA Hockey’s 29-man roster for the Junior National Team training camp beginning Dec. 17. The final roster for this year’s World Junior Championships in Calgary and Edmonton will have 22 names. Coyle (photo) was a standout last winter for the U.S. team that earned the WJC bronze medal.

The 8-5-1 Terriers continue to move up in the national polls, advancing to #11 in the USCHO rankings and 12th in the USA Today poll.

Coyle and Corey Trivino earned spots on the Hockey East weekly list of top performers. Trivino, a senior center, has scored in seven of his past eight games and his ten goals already are a career best. Yasin Cisse and Cason Hohmann with their first career goals and Alexx Privitera with his first career point--all coming in the 5-3 win over BC on Fridya--made the milestones list.

BU's now-ended five-game winning streak was the team's longest since it won its final seven games during its 2009 NCAA championship run

● CHN’s Hockey East blog looks at Yasin Cisse’s growing impact on the Terriers' fortunes and his significant upside potential.
● Daily Free Press weekend recap and Millan feature
● Hockey East has begun ticket sales for the conference tournament semifinals and finals on March 16 & 17 at TD Bank Garden in Boston.

Looking back
We recently reported Carl Corazzini’s appointment as head coach at Weston High School. The Boston Globe talked with the former Terrier captain about his college and pro playing career and the decision to move behind the bench.

Women’s team
The Terriers snapped a four-game losing streak with a 2-1 win against Providence College on Sunday at Walter Brown Arena. Trailing the Friars, 1-0, in the third period, BU tied the score on freshman Kayla Tutino’s 10th of the season. Then, with less than two minutes left in regulations, junior Jill Cardella tip home a Kasey Boucher slapper for the game-winner. Kerrin Sperry stopped 25 shots.
● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score
● Video highlights
● Coach Brian Durocher’s post-game comments

Terrier streak ends in 6-1 loss

2011-12-04T10:03:00.003-05:00

BU's five-game winning streak became history when BC freshman goalie Brian Billett turned away 40 Terrier shots in a 6-1 Eagle win. Only senior Corey Trivino (photo) found the net, scoring his 10th of the season in the first period, on a shot that banked in off a defender's skate.

Following the evenly played first period, the game turned on two sequences in the middle stanza. Snake-bit senior Chris Connolly clanged a shot off the post and on the ensuing rush, Tommy Cross finished by roofing a shot over Kieran Millan.

Twelve minutes later, with the Terriers pressing to tie the score, Alex Chiasson was turned away twice by Billet. BC's Chris Kreider then sped up the left wing and fired a bullet of the far post into the net for a 3-1 lead. BC would stretch the advantage to 5-1 before the period ended.

Grant Rollheiser relieved Millan in the third period, stopping eight of nine shots, yielding one goal on an odd-man rush.

With Friday night's victory, BU wins the regular season series, 2-1, in which all three games were won by the visiting team. BU coach Jack Parker called it "as bizarre a three games I’ve seen us play in 20 days." He added:

We had 27 shots on our stat sheet in the second period and ended up losing big. Their goalie played really well and as sharp as Kieran was last night, he didn’t have it tonight. All in all, I thought it was a pretty good game for us with a couple of mental mistakes.

● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score
●Video highlights
● Boston Hockey Blog recap
●USCHO recap
● College Hockey News analysis
● Boston Globe recap
● Boston Herald recap
● WTBU Sports recap

Among the former Terriers in attendance: Former Hall of Fame player and Coach Jack Kelley, Jerry August, Dennis O'Connell, Mike O'Connell, Dan Ronan, Pat Aufiero, Mark Fidler, Dale Dunbar, Marc Hetnik, Kevin Schaeffer, Brian Collins, Mike Sylvia, Colby Cohen, Bob McCabe, Blaine Maus, Scott Manty, Bob Hanson, and Jim Wood.

Looking ahead
2013 recruit Matt Grzelcyk recorded a power play assist in the NTDP U8s 4-1 win against Chicago Steel.

Looking back
David Warsofsky had a pair of assists for the Providence Bruins, including on the tying goal late in the third period, but the P-Bruins fell to Manchester, 5-4, in a shootout.

Nick Bonino also had a pair of assists, his coming in Syracuse’s 5-2 win against Wilkes Barre/Scranton.

Former BU captain Kevin Shattenkirk talked (video) about his first visit back to Denver after last season's trade to St. Louis. Video of his first-period goal in Friday night's 3-2 Avs win against the Blues.

Economical Terriers upend BC--UPDATED

2011-12-03T02:38:00.009-05:00

Outshot by Boston College a three to one margin, Boston University made the most of its opportunities, getting goals from five players en route to a 5-3 win at Conte Forum. Terriers leaped out to a 2-0 first-period lead on Charlie Coyle’s power play goal and Yasin Cissé’s first career goal, a breakaway ignited by Alexx Privitera’s slick headman pass.

BU had to kill three penalties in the first period and the trend continued in the middle period when BC had 6 power plays during which they put 16 shots on goal. BU scored the first goal of the period on Garrett Noonan’s knuckler from just inside the blue line.

The Eagles finally got on the board—ending a string of nearly 257 shutout minutes at the hands and feet of Kieran Millan (photo credit, Christopher Evans)—on Bill Arnold’s power play deflection.

Terriers stretch the lead to 4-1 midway through the third period on Cason Hohmann’s first collegiate goal. BC narrowed the margin to 4-2 on an even-strength goal before Corey Trivino scored on an empty netter and BC added one more man-advantage goal for the final 5-3 score.

First star Millan made 42 saves, including 22 of 23 in the second period

The win clinches the Hockey East season series between the Comm. Ave rivals and increased BU’s lead in the overall series to 127-112-17.

BU has now won back-to-back games at BC’s rink for the first time since the 1993-94 season.

Noonan’s goal—his fifth of the season—came on BU’s only shot on goal of the second period.

● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score
● Steve McLaughlin's photo gallery
● Boston Hockey Blog recap and notebook
● College Hockey News: The Takeaway
●USCHO recap and Millan feature
● HockeyEastOnline recap and box score
● Boston Herald recap
● Boston Globe recap
● WTBU Sports recap
● Video highlights

► Continuing its growing support for Autism Speaks—the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization— the Terriers have added the organization’s blue logo to the left shoulder of their road “candycane” uniforms.

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Wesley Myron scored twice and assisted on two other goals as Victoria ripped Salmon Arm, 7-2. Myron, who earned thegame’s first star, is averaging more than two points per game with 37 points in 18 games. His Grizzlies’ teammate, 2012 recruit Mike Moran, with a pair of assists, was the game’s third star and is one point behind Myron at 36.

Looking back
Kevin Shattenkirk’s first trip back Denver after his trade last season from Colorado to St. Louis was marked by his third goal of the season. But it wasn’t enough as Coach Joe Sacco’s Avs earned a 3-2 shoutout win.

Eric Gryba’s second goal of the season sealed Binghamton’s 4-1 win against Manchester.

John McCarthy’s third goal of the season helped Worcester ease past Springfield, 4-3

Game Day: Terriers vs. Eagles

2011-12-02T13:27:00.004-05:00

Red Hot Hockey is in the rearview mirror and a double helping of The Battle of Commonwealth Avenue lies ahead. The first game of the BU-BC home-and-home is at Conte Forum tonight, a 7:30 p.m. start that will air nationally on CBS Sports Network as part of a “rivalry week” doubleheader; Denver vs. Colorado College is the second game.

In the Hockey East standings, BU is in third place, three points behind BC.

BU will go into the game without Captain Chris Connolly who suffered a shoulder injury in the Cornell game. Freshman Evan Rodrigues will return to the lineup and freshman Alexx Privitera will replace Ryan Ruikka as Max Nicastro’s blueline partner.

Gill-Trivino-Chiasson

Nieto-Coyle-Cisse

Megan-Hohmann-Rodrigues

Courtnall-Rosen-Gaudet

Escobedo-Clendening

Noonan-MacGregor

Nicastro-Privitera

Millan

The second-ranked Eagles come into the game following a 3-2 win against Yale. They’re led by Chris Kreider (10-8-18) and Bill Arnold (7-8-15). Junior goalie Parker Milner has been in net for all but one BC game, including last month’s 5-0 Terrier win.

● GoTerriers.com preview, game notes , WWZN Radio Webcast
● Daily Free Press preview
● CHN’s CHN The Week Ahead in Hockey East, Tale of the Tape, Tweetcast
● Boston Hockey Blog live blog
● USCHO’s Hockey East picks and column
● WTBU Sports: Weekly hockey notebook
● Boston Herald preview
● Boston Globe preview
● New England Hockey Journal’s Hockey East power rankings

Looking back
Colin Wilson scored a goal and two assists to lead Nashville past Vancouver last night, 6-5. The former BU All-American now has 15 points in 25 games. Video

Terrier Coach Jack Parker spoke with The Boston Hockey Blog about Mike Grier’s retirement. and how “he was a good advertisement of who a BU hockey player [is].”

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Matt O’Connor continued his strong play, stopping 30 of 31 shots in Youngstown’s 2-1 shootout loss to Sioux Falls. The only goal he yielded in regulation came on a 4-on-2 rush.

Memorable goals, signature celebrations

2011-12-01T14:41:00.009-05:00

Chris Drury scores in overtime, 3/22/97

In the aftermath of BU’s Red Hot Hockey win, there’s been much attention to Ross Gaudet’s “Tebowing” (down on one knee) after his overtime winner. The junior wing explained “It’s something I’ve been thinking of doing if I scored a goal. This was a good stage to do it [on] I guess.”

Gaudet is not the first Terrier to prepare a special goal-scoring celebration for a game in a unique venue. When David Warsofsky broke the ice at the January 2010 BU-BC Frozen Fenway with the game’s first goal, he also broke out an homage to the venerable home of the Red Sox with a pantomimed home run swing (video).

In BU’s 1995 NCAA championship game win against Maine, captain Jacques Joubert and tournament Most Outstanding Player Chris O’Sullivan each punctuated a goal with a personal signature celebration. Joubert followed his second-period rebound marker with his trademark fencing flourish, while O’Sullivan celebrated his second goal of the game by skating to the boards, turning his stick into a rifle and “shooting” the Black Bears' goalie. (Video: Jourbert-3rd BU goal, O’Sullivan-5th)

Two seasons later in the 1997 NCAA regional final, after converting a Chris Kelleher rebound in overtime to send BU to the Final Four, the normally low-key Chris Drury delighted Terrier fans with a hockey version of the Lambeau Leap, elevating into the glass in the corner of Walter Brown Arena. (Video)

More recently “the leap” returned as the preferred celebration of Pete MacArthur during his four years in Scarlet. (Video 2:15). And, after banging home the game-winner in the 2009 NCAA semifinal against Vermont, Colin Wilson celebrated with his “wind ‘em up” hand twirl. (Video 8:30; photo)

Of course, the milestone goals will be remembered more vividly than these celebrations. But as long as no one is pulling a Sharpie out of his boot to autograph a puck, why not add a creative punctuation to the moment?

►Episode 8 of Inside BU Hockey, now available on GoTerriers.com, is a special one. Along with Coach Jack Parker and Ross Gaudet, Bernie Corbett interviews legendary Coach Jack Kelley who led BU to back-to-back national championships in 1971 and 1972.

►Bay State Road Sports offers a Q&A interview with hard-hitting sophomore defenseman Garrett Noonan.

►College Hockey News’ Scott McLaughlin examines the recent resurgence of the Terriers’ power play and penalty kill units.

►Speculating about the final U.S. Junior National Team roster for the upcoming World Junior Championships, United States of Hockey.com suggests that three Terriers—Charlie Coyle, Adam Clendening and Matt Nieto—are strong candidates for Team USA.

Looking back
Former BU standout Mike Grier has announced his retirement following 14 NHL seasons and 1060 games. A ninth round draft pick by St. Louis in 1983, his rights were traded to Edmonton, where he began his pro career. He later played for Washington, San Jose and Buffalo, where he teamed for several season with Terrier teammate Chris Drury.
► Grier buries BC's Joe Callahan in the 1995 Beanpot Final in what ESPN's Darren Pang calls "the hit."

Like Matt Gilroy and John Curry, Grier evolved from walk-on to All-American (1995) during his three years at BU. A top forward at St. Sebastian's before arriving at BU, he became the first US-born and trained African-American player to play in the NHL. Grier issued a statement through the NHLPA:

I was very fortunate to be able to play 14 seasons in the NHL with some great players. "The memories and friendships that I have built during my time in the league will last a lifetime. I would like to thank my former teammates, family and fans for helping make my career so memorable for me. It was a great ride, and I am now excited and looking forward to my post-playing future."

2000-2001 Terrier captain Carl Corazzini is the latest alum to enter the coaching ranks, taking over the top job at Weston (Mass.) High School. A member of BU’s 100-point club (65-55-117), Corazzini’s post-BU career included 12 games and two goals for the Bruins and five games with the Blackhawks. He concluded his playing career last year with the Straubing Tigers of the German DEL and earlier this season appeared as an analyst on NESN broadcasts of college hockey.
● Video of a Corazzini shootout goal for the Peoria Rivermen in 2009

Matt Gilroy’s slick entry pass set up an easy one-timer by Tampa’s Steve Stamkos, but it wasn’t enough as Detroit doubled up the Lightening.

Tuesday Linkorama--UPDATED

2011-11-29T20:51:00.008-05:00

Red Hot Hockey hero Ross Gaudet (photo) and goalie Kieran Millan, who has yielded just two goals in his last 182:48 minutes, were named to Hockey East’s weekly list of top performers.

BU is now 7-0-1 in its last eight games at Madison Square Garden, dating back to 1966. We neglected to mention in Sunday’s post that MSG was sold out (18,200) once again for Red Hot Hockey.

►► Video highlights of BU's 2-1 Red Hot Hockey win finally have been posted on YouTube.
Editor's note: some of the sequences in this video clip are out of order. The no-g0al call late in the third period appears in the video before Cornell's tying goal, which was scored at 11:06 of the third.

Q. What Terrier scored the most goals in a game at Madison Square Garden?
A. BU All-American Fred "The Bear" Bassi turned the red light on five times in a 13-6 drubbing of Princeton, on Dec,17, 1966. In the same game, Mickey Gray added four goals.

● Daily Free Press's hockey notebook—The future of Red Hot Hockey; resurgent Nicastro
● Terriers moved to #13 in both the USCHO and USA Today polls.
● USCHO’s Hockey East weekend wrap
● Cornell Sun recap of Red Hot Hockey

Looking ahead
2013 recruit Matt Grzelcyk assisted on the game-winning goal in the NTDP U18s’ 5-4 win against Colby College Saturday night. The Charlestown, Mass., native has a 1-7-8 scoring line, second best among NTDP defensemen.

Looking back--Familiarity breeds success
Before they were BU blueline partners on the Terriers' 2009 NCAA champs, Kevin Shattenkirk and Colby Cohen were teammates on the East Coast Selects, and NTDP U17s and 18s. Post-BU, they joined the Colorado Avs together, before trades sent them in different directions. Now the Blues top-scoring defenseman (2-12-14), Shattenkirk is still skating with familiar faces, according to a tweet from United State of Hockey’s Chris Peters. Two new members of the St. Louis defense—Ian Cole (Notre Dame) and Cade Fairchild (Minnesota) were Shatty’s teammates at the NTDP and on the U.S. team at the 2009 World Junior Championships. All three were on the ice for St.Louis 2-1 win against the Caps tonight, with Shattenkirk logging 24 minutes.

The Terriers' first on-campus hockey home turns 40 today (updated)

2011-11-27T18:48:00.011-05:00

The Walter Brown Arena, BU’s first on-campus hockey home, hosted its first game 40 years ago today—November 27, 1971. During the next 33-plus years, the Terriers would play 528 games at the arena on Babcock Street, adjacent to BU’s West Campus. The final men’s game (video) was played on Jan. 2, 2005, a 2-1 loss to Minnesota.

BU inaugurated Agganis Arena (video) the following night, beating the top-ranked Gophers by the same score.

When Jack Kelley became head coach of his alma mater in 1962, one of the first goals he set was to bring an on-campus facility to Boston University. With the assistance of the support group he founded, The Friends of BU Hockey, Kelley was the driving force behind the arena project, a goal he pursued while returning the hockey program to top tier of Eastern hockey. In 1965, after The Friends reported a pledge list totaling $100,000, BU began a fund raising campaign that would raise $5.5 million for a complex that would house the arena, a basketball gym and a swimming pool. Financing was completed and after two years of construction, the doors of Walter Brown Arena opened as Kelley was about to begin his 10th –and final—season behind the Terrier bench. (Continue reading)

More Red Hot Hockey
● New York Times’ Slapshot blog recap
● Video of the controversial “no-goal” call

● Daily Free Press recap and Gaudet feature
● Ithaca Journal recap
● Jack Parker post-game comments
● Ross Gaudet post-game comments

Gaudet strikes in OT; Terriers edge Cornell, 2-1

2011-11-27T01:27:00.007-05:00

(photo courtesy of Adam Wodon, College Hockey News)

Junior Ross Gaudet’s overtime deflection of a Max Nicastro shot at 2:48 of overtimes sent BU and Terrier faithful home all smiles as Red Hot Hockey 3 ended with a 2-1 BU win. It was Gaudet’s first goal of the season. Ben Rosen also drew an assist.

Terriers had taken a 1-0 lead on Adam Clendening’s power play goal—a two-man advantage—in a first period dominated by BU hard-checking that effectively tied up the Big Red. Following a middle stanza in which Cornell had the better chances, the Big Red tied the score in an otherwise evenly played third period. Kieran Millan made an initial save on a shot for the high slot, but Locke Jillson collected the puck and fired it off a Terrier skate and behind Millan on a sharp angle.

BU caught a break minutes later when a Cornell shot off the dasher behind Millan bounced high in the air. The officials lost sight of the puck and whistled the play dead before the puck came down on Millan's back and dropped into the goal. A reviewed confirmed: "No goal."

Red Hot Hockey turned white hot in a frenetic overtime that featured excellent chances at each end of the ice. Millan made one particularly outstanding save before first-star Gaudet’s slick deflection turned on the red light.

Gaudet: “It’s the most exciting goal I’ve ever scored, and one of the best moments of my athletic career.”

► BU's win was its seventh in the past 12 meetings with the Big Red and narrowed Cornell's lead in the overall series--which began with a BU win on an outdoor rink in Ithaca in 1925--
to 23-18-2.

► Like the two previous iterations of Red Hot Hockey, edition #3 was a sellout of 18,200, and there was an electric atmosphere in The Garden all night. While there may have been more Cornell fans in the building, the BU student section deliver the chant of the night—“1970”—a reference to the Big Red’s last national championship. And the BU Pep band outperformed their rivals all night.

● GoTerriers.com recap, comprehensive box score and photo gallery
● Boston Hockey Blog recap
● USCHO recap
● College Hockey News analysis of “no-goal” and winning goal
● Boston Globe recap

► Today, Sunday, Nov. 27, marks the 40th anniversary of the first game played at BU men’s hockey’s former home, Walter Brown Arena, now the home of the women’s team. Check back this evening for a new Terrier Tales feature on BU’s first on-campus arena.

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Matt O’Connor picked up his 10th win for BU as Youngtown beat Sioux City, 5-4.

2012 recruit Sean Maguire stopped 20 of 21 shots over a little man than two periods in a relief roll as Powell River fell to Surrey, 4-3, in BCHL action.

Game Day: Red Hot Hockey 3

2011-11-25T16:27:00.007-05:00

BU and Cornell return to New York City for their bi-annual tussle at Madison Square Garden. Both the Terriers and Big Red enter Red Hot Hockey 3 at the top of their games. BU has won three straight conference games following a 2-1 OT loss to Merrimack. Meanwhile, Cornell has dealt shutouts to three consecutive opponents, the most recent coming Tuesday, 1-0, against Niagara.

Both teams’ netminders—BU’s Kieran Millan and Cornell’s Andy Iles—were named goalie-of-the-week in their respective conferences.

Cornell, as always under coach Mike Schafer, plays physical, tight-checking hockey. The Big Red’s offensive leaders are junior defenseman Nick D’Agostino (6-6-12), freshman Brian Ferlin (5-6-11)—twice named ECAC rookie-of-the-week—and Greg Miller (2-8-10).

BU, which will be the home team for this neutral-site game and gets the last change, is led by Matt Nieto (8-7-15), Corey Trivino (8-4-12) and Charlie Coyle (9 assists, +10).

Red Hot Hockey will air on MSG Network and DirecTV viewers can watch it on Channel 634.

BU has played ten previous games at Madison Square Garden, including the two previous Red Hot Hockey games and has a 6-2-2 record there. The Terriers first appearance in New York was at MSG III (on 50th Street), an exhibition game vs. St. Nicholas Skating Club in 1926.

The New York’s College Sports Blog talks with senior Kevin Gilroy about pond hockey, playing at Madison Square Garden and other college hockey “special events.”

► Cornell leads the all-time series 23-17-2. The teams have met twice in NCAA championship games, Cornell winning in 1967 and BU winning in 1972. They also met twice in ECAC championship games the same years with the same results.
Check back for more updates

●GoTerriers.com detailed preview, game notes, MSG Network broadcast announcement, WWZN Radio Webcast
● Terriers’ stats
●CHN’s This Week in Hockey East, Tale of the Tape, Tweetcast
●Boston Hockey Blog game preview
●USCHO’s Hockey East picks
●WTBU Sports: Three Things to be Thankful for, Q&A with Matt Nieto
●Ithaca Journal preview
●Inside College Hockey’s Holiday Four-cast

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Matt O’Connor stopped 19 of 20 shots in Youngstown’s 3-1 victory over Fargo to earn his USHL-leading ninth win of the season

Looking back
Former Terrier center Nick Bonino's two goals and an assist led the Syracuse Crunch past the Binghamton Senators, 4-1.

Former BU captain Kevin Shattenkirk has established himself as a driving force for the St. Louis Blues’ offense.

Women’s program
The #5-ranked Terriers travel West to Ithaca, N.Y., for a pair of games against #3 Cornell in what also deserves the title Red Hot Hockey. The game is a rematch of last Spring’s NCAA Frozen Four semifinal in whch BU defeated the Big Red, 4-1.
UPDATE: Cornell took the first game on Friday, 3-1, with Jill Cardella scoring the Terriers' goal. The teams meet again on Saturday at 4 p.m.

● GoTerriers.com preview, game notes, Radio Webcast, Video Webcast

Midweek Linkorama--updated

2011-11-23T14:41:00.005-05:00

Episode 7 of Inside BU Hockey features interview segments with Coach Jack Parker, senior center Corey Trivino and Tim Regan (photo), a BU Hall of Famer and Olympic Silver Medalist. He was named MVP of the 1972 NCAA Championship game in which he shut out Cornell, 4-0.

College Hockey News' latest Hockey East power ratings have the Terriers moving up to #3 behind Merrimack and BC.

Red Hot Hockey
Junior Wade Megan and sophomore Adam Clendening talked with BU Today about Saturday’s third edition of Red Hot Hockey

To get focused on the BU Cornell rivalry, check out a few of the previously posted Terriers Tales articles in the sidebar to the right: BU in the Big Apple, Red Hot Hockey Since 1925 and The Game that Never Was, which was written by former BU blueliner Dave Warner.

Looking ahead
Democrat & Chronicle: 2012 recruit Matthew Lane, one of four Rochester, N.Y. area skaters who recently committed to D1 schools.
● USHL announcement of Lane commitment

2012 recruit Jarrid Privitera suited up for his first USHL game, contributing an assist in Dubuque’s 3-2 OT win over Cedar Rapids.

2013 recruit Robbie Baillargeon’s scored his sixth goal in seven games in Indiana’s 4-3 OT win against Green Bay. 2012 recruit Robert Poleselo set up the game-winner for the Ice.

Looking back
Former Terrier co-captain and Hobey Baker Award winner Matt Gilroy is featured in an NCAA promo for the 2012 Frozen Four in Tampa.

Chris Bourque’s 10th goal gave Hershey an early lead that ended when David Warsofsky scored his first goal for Providence, but the Bears, who also received an assist from Bourque, earned a 4-3 win.

Red Hot Hockey's special "guest;" recruit news

2011-11-22T17:58:00.005-05:00

The third installment of Red Hot Hockey, matching BU and Cornell, is a few days away. We’ve learned that the Stanley Cup will be traveling from Boston to New York for the game. All fans who are registered for BU’s pre-game Pep Rally in the Delta Sky 360 Club luxury lounge are invited to get their photograph taken with Lord Stanley's Cup prior to the game.

On Saturday, Pep Rally attendees must enter Madison Square Garden through the South Concierge Entrance to the left of the main Will Call ticket entrance. This entrance will be open at 6 p.m. The arena will open at 7 p.m.

● The MSG Network broadcast of Red Hot Hockey will include WTBU Sports’ play-by-play announce, Paul Ryan, who will contribute as a reporter in the first intermission.

● Former New York Rangers and BC standout Brian Leetch talks about Red Hot Hockey.

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Matt O’Connor earned the USHL’s designationat Goaltender of the Week for backboning the Phantoms’ win against Chicago and Cedar Rapids.

O’Connor posted a 1.46 goals-against-average and a .957 save percentage in two wins for the Phantoms. He equaled a USHL season high with 44 saves in the 4-1 win over Chicago on Friday. The second-year goaltender then made 23 saves in the 3-2 overtime victory against Cedar Rapids on Saturday, which tied him for the USHL lead with eight victories this season. The 19-year-old from Toronto, Ontario has won each of his last three starts and is fifth overall among League netminders with a 2.36 GAA while ranking tied for third with a .923 SV%.

O’Conner is the only netminder to capture the USHL’s Reebok Goaltender of the Week award twice this season. His coach, Anthony Noreen, noted:

“Matt’s gotten better fundamentally and technically as a goaltender and also stronger physically. But I think the biggest jump since last year has been his mindset from a leadership standpoint. He’s definitely a leader on and off the ice. The guys look to him for stability and he’s given that to us day in and day out.”

The Terriers' newest 2012 recruit, Sean Maguire, reveals his reasons for committing to BU in a Powell River Kings' news release, while his coach, Kent Lewis (also his coach for the World Junior A Challenge), discusses the netminder’s strengths.

"This year he has proven to be one of the elite goaltenders and showcased at the WJAC. Sean’s strengths are his character, his willingness to compete and athleticism"

Among several roster moves made by the USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints, 2012 BU recruit Jarrid Privitera was “called up” for this weekend’s games against Omaha and Des Moines. Privitera was a 25-goal scorer last season at The Gunnery School where is a senior.

In other roster news, Jarrid Privitera, a Fighting Saints affiliate list player, will suit up for the team this weekend. Privitera currently plays for the Gunnery Prep, which is the where former Fighting Saint Nick Luukko played his prep hockey. Privitera, a Fighting Saints Futures Draft selection in 2010, is a 5’6, 150 pound forward. He is committed to Boston University, where his brother Alexx is currently on the team. Alexx Privitera played in the USHL for the Muskegon Lumberjacks last season.

“Jarrid has been someone we have been excited about since we drafted him last year,”[Coach Jim] Montgomery said. “He’s a dynamic skater who is a proven scorer as well. We are excited to have him in town, and we welcome him to the Fighting Saints family for this week of games.”

Terriers snare top goalie from World Junior A Challenge

2011-11-21T23:11:00.005-05:00

BU took a major step toward completing its 2012 recruit class when it received a commitment from Powell River Kings/BCHL netminder Sean Maguire. The 6’1”, 203 lb. goalie, a Feb. 1993 birthdate, was the all-tournament goaltender at the World Jr. A Challenge earlier this month, where he posted a 1.49 GAA and a .942 save percentage in four tournament games to help Canada West to the gold medal.

Maguire outdueled highly regarded Swedish netminder Oscar Dansk in the semifinal game, won by Canada West, 2-1 in OT. He turned aside 28 shots. Then in the gold-medal game, he stopped 18 shots in a 4-2 win against Canada East. Future Terrier teammate Wesley Myron of the Victoria Grizzlies also played for Canada West.

● Maguire video interview at the World Junior A Challenge

USHR reports that Maguire's pro stock has shot up thanks to his sharp tournament performance. It went on to say that Terrier assistant coach Buddy Powers has been scouting Maguire since last season, when he was co-winner of the league’s Wally Forslund Memorial Trophy (lowest combined GAA—1.88). In ten games for the Kings this season, Maguire has a 2.55 GAA and an .897 save percentage (numbers skewed somewhat, USHR notes, by a 5-3 loss last Friday.

Maguire had a 2.50 GAA and a .903 save percentage in his first year with Powell River and previously played for the North Island Silvertips. He’s the fourth member of BU’s 2012 class now playing in the BCHL, joining Myron and Mike Moran of Victoria and Marc Hetnik, Jr. of Vernon. And he joins Matt O'Connor, now at USHL/Youngstown, as BU's goaltending tandem of the future. All current recruits are listed in the sidebar to the right.

Linkorama
Terriers were named Hockey East Team of the Week following victories against Vermont and New Hampshire. Senior goalie Kieran Millan earned Hockey East recognition as Defensive Player of the Week for his 33 save effort in BU’s 4-1 win against the Wildcats. Wade Megan, Matt Nieto and Corey Trivino all were named to the Top Performers list for the week.

Both Trivino and Nieto have been held pointless only once this season. Charlie Coyle is the conference leader in plus/minus with +10.

In the USCHO national poll, BU moved up a notch to #15. Merrimack, the only remaining undefeated D1 team and the only team to beat BU the past two weekends, has risen to the top of the rankings. Congratulations to the Warrior program for making enormous strides under Coach Mark Denehy.

● Daily Free Press feature: Megan’s improvement
● USCHO Weekly Hockey East Blog: BU is Back
● College Hockey News Weekly Hockey East Blog: Coyle

Women's team
With Marie-Philip Poulin and Jenelle Kohanchuk out of the lineup, freshman Kayla Tutino has stepped up to fill the scoring void. After scoring the shorthanded game-winner in Saturday’s 4-2 win against Connecticut, the right wing from Lorraine, Quebec, scored twice Sunday against Providence, including another GWG, leading BU to a 3-2 win. Tutino is averaging a point a game with nine goals and five assists in 14 games. Senior captain Jenn Wakefield scored her 10th goal as BU improved its record to 9-4-1 and 4-1 in conference play.

Tutino, who is first in the conference and third nationally in rookie goal-scoring, was named Hockey East's Player of the Week, while Isabel Menard, Kerrin Sperry and Tara Watchorn all made the Hockey East Top Performers list for the week.

Terriers lead the nation in penalty killing with a 92.3 percentage and are tied for the lead in short handed goals.

● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score
● Assistant Coach LaChapelle post-game comments
● Daily Free Press weekend recap and special teams feature

Surging Terriers tame Wildcats

2011-11-20T07:49:00.005-05:00

Terriers earned their third consecutive win and sixth of the season, beating New Hampshire, 4-1, at Agganis Arena. BU broke open a close game with a trio of third-period goals, delivering an effort that Coach Jack Parker called “pretty thorough.” He added:

“I thought we did a good job of controlling the speed of the game and controlling where the puck was going to go. We got it out of our zone pretty well. They tried to bottle us up pretty good at center ice and we figured that out and we did a good job possessing the puck down low in their end.’’

Following an evenly played and scoreless first period, junior Wade Megan (photo) broke the ice midway through the second with a sharp angle shot that riccocheted in off Wildcat goalie Matt DiGiralomo. For the junior wing, who earned first-star honors, it was his fourth goal in three games. UNH knotted the score early in the third on a Trevor van Riemsdyk goal, but that didn’t last long as BU found the net twice in 34 seconds, the first on a Max Nicastro blueline blast and the second when Corey Trivino finished off a two-on-one rush with Chris Connolly. Trivino ran his goal-scoring streak to five games and has goals in eight of the ten games he’s played.

Leading scorer Matt Nieto (15 points) closed out the scoring with a long empty-netter. Kieran Millan earned his fourth win of the season stopping 33 shots including 22 in the final period.

BU has won the season series against UNH, having beaten the Wildcats, 5-0, in the season opener.

● GoTerriers.com recap, comprehensive box score and video highlights
● Noonan/Rollheiser post-game comments
● USCHO recap
● Boston Hockey Blog recap
● WTBU Radio recap
● CHN analysis and box score
● Boston Globe recap
● Jack Parker Post-game comments

● Wade Megan Post-game comments

Looking ahead
Matt O’Connor stopped 23 shots in Youngstown’s 3-2 OT win against Cedar Rapids. He earned his 8th victory against three defeats.

2012 recruit Robert Polesello and 2013 recruit Robbie Baillargeon picked up assists in Indiana’s 4-2 loss to Waterloo.

2012 recruit Wesley Myron scored a goal and an assist in Victoria’s 6-5 OT win over Cowichan Valley. Mike Moran also contributed an assist.
● Myron talked with Grizz Roar about playing in the World Junior A Challenge and his commitment to BU.

Looking back
Former Terrier Colin Wilson scored his fifth goal of the season in Nashville’s 4-3 OT win against Columbus.
● Video

Among the former Terriers in attendence at last night's game: Marc Hetnik (whose son, Marc, is a 2012 recruit), Jerry August, Don Singer, Chris Mays, Shawn Ferullo, Dale Dunbar, Brian Durocher Bill Pierce, Brian Collins, Rich Brennan, Brad Zancanaro, Mike O'Connell, Bill Whelton, Pat Aufiero and Adam Kraus.

Women’s team
Terriers will complete their weekend action today with a visit to Providence College. Gametime is 2 p.m. The Friars are coached by former BU netminder Bob Deraney.
● GoTerriers.com recap of 4-2 win against Connecticut
● Video highlights
● Coach Brian Durocher comments

Game Day: Terriers vs. Wildcats

2011-11-19T16:51:00.004-05:00

Terriers are back on the Agganis Arena ice tonight for their second meeting of the year with New Hampshire. BU shut out the Wildcats in its season opener, 5-0, but will be expecting a very different matchup as UNH has found its scoring legs of late. Wildcats thumped Lowell, 5-0 last night. Senior Stevie Moses and sophomore Nick Sorkin are UNH's top scorers, each with a 5-7-12 line.

Kieran Millan, who will get the start in goal tonight, was interviewed this past week for HockeyEastOnline’s Five Minute Major series.

BU's lineup for tonight:
Connolly-Trivino-Gill
Nieto-Coyle-Chiasson
Megan-Hohmann-Rodrigues
Courtnall-Rosen-Cissé
Escobedo-Clendening
Noonan-MacGregor
Nicastro-Ruikka
Millan

● GoTerriers.com game notes, WWZN Radio Webcast, All-Access Webcast, gametracker
● Boston Hockey Blog live in-game blog
● CHN’s Tale of the Tape, Tweetcast

Women’s Team
Two short-handed goals by junior Isabel Menard fueled the Terriers to a 4-2 win against Connecticut today at Walter Brown Arena. Kayla Tutino and Tara Watchorn also had goals. Braly Hiller stopped 24 shots to earn her second win.
● Box score

Power play goals ease BU past Vermont

2011-11-19T04:00:00.005-05:00

BU made it two wins in a row with an uncomfortably close 4-3 win against Vermont at Agganis Arena. Sophomore blueliner Garrett Noonan scored the game-winner on a power play, his fourth goal of the season, earning first-star honors.

The Terriers’ resurgent power play produced two goals in five chances, with a third goal coming seconds after a man-advantage ended. Matt Nieto assisted on both power play goals, setting up Noonan for a wrister from the right faceoff circle and Charlie Coyle from the top of the crease. Wade Megan’s fifth goal of the season broke a 2-2 tie in the second period.

Senior center Corey Trivino produced BU’s first goal–for the third time in the past four games—with a wrist shot from the slot. His seven goals are one shy of his career best, achieved last season. Trivino also won some key faceoff late in the third when the Catamounts were pressing to tie the score and nearly added an empty-netter.

Grant Rolleheiser stopped 31 shots, 13 of them in the final period. He allowed a rebound, leading to Vermont’s first goal, but made numerous strong saves including one on Catamount top scorer Sebastian Stalberg in the game’s final minutes. Terrier coach Jack Parker praised the senior netminder's strong game, but was clearly displeased with his team's third-period effort.

All six members of BU’s top two lines picked up at least one point. Nieto with a team-leading 14 points (7-7) has scored in nine of BU’s 10 games.

● GoTerriers.com recap, comprehensive box score and video highlights
● Noonan/Rollheiser post-game comments
● NESN Video highlights
● USCHO recap
● Boston Hockey Blog recap and analysis
● CHN analysis and box score
● WTBU Radio recap
● HockeyEastOnline recap
● Boston Globe recap
● Burlington Free Press recap

Looking ahead
BCHL
2012 recruit Wesley Myron scored a natural hattrick for Victoria in the final period, turning a 3-3 tie into a 6-3 win for the Grizzlies against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. The 6-2 center, who also had an assist and earned first-star honors, now has an 11-16-27 line in 14 games. Teammate Mike Moran’s assist gave him 32 points for the season, sixth best in the BCHL.
● Times-Colonist recap

2012 recruit Marc Hetnik, Jr., assisted on a power play goal for Vernon, which fell to Surrey, 3-2.

USHL
2012 recruit Matt O’Connor stopped 44 shots to backbone Youngstown’s 4-1 win against Chicago. The 6-5 netminder raised his record to 7-3 and has won three of his past four starts.

Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, a 2013 recruit, recorded a goal for the NTDP U18s in 4-2 loss to Green Bay.

2013 recruit Robbie Baillargeon's short-handed goal against Muskegeon was nominated for USHL top play for Weeks 6 & 7. It appears 1:18 into this video clip:

Looking back—injury update edition
Former Terrier Brandon Yip, MVP of the 2009 Hockey East tournament, returned to the Colorado Avalanche lineup Thursday and Friday nights. He’d suffered a broken arm in the Avalanche’s final pre-season game.

Penguins defenseman Brian Strait, who hyper-extended an elbow in his first NHL game this season, has been fitted for a brace and has begun skating and some light passing. He hopes to return to action after the holidays.

Game Day: Terriers vs. Catamounts

2011-11-18T12:18:00.009-05:00

BU begins an important two-game weekend tonight against Vermont in a 7 p.m. start that will air on NESN. Whether they’re up or down, the Catamounts seem to always bring their best game against the Terriers. Senior Rob Madore will be goal for the Cats who are led offensively by forwards Sebastian Stalberg and Connor Brickley.

Senior Grant Rolleheiser (photo) makes his second start of the season in goal. He was between the pipes for BU’s 5-4 OT win against UMass and then relieved Kieran Millan during the loss to UMass-Lowell. The Daily Free Press reports that freshman Cason Hohmann will replace Evan Rodrigues on the third line tonight. Garrett Noonan (ankle) is a game-time decision. If he doesn’t play freshman Alexx Privitera, whom Jack Parker says had his best game thus far against BC, will start in Noonan's spot. BU's lineup:
Connolly-Trivino-Gill
Nieto-Coyle-Chiasson
Megan-Gaudet- Hohmann
Courtnall-Rosen-Cissé
Escobedo-Clendening
Noonan-MacGregor
Nicastro-Ruikka
Rollheiser

● GoTerriers.com preview, game notes, WWZN Radio Webcast, gametracker
● Daily Free Press preview of UVM and UNH games
● WTBU Sports preview
● Boston Hockey Blog live in-game blog
● HockeyEastOnline live scoreboard
● College Hockey News Tale of the Tape, Tweetcast
● Boston Globe College Hockey Notebook feature on BU
● Burlington Free Press preview
● Vermont Athletics preview

Red Hot Hockey
BU’s semi-annual holiday matchup with Cornell at New York’s Madison Square Garden is just eight days away and Terrier fans who are attending the pre-game pep rally have something special to look forward to. This year, the rally will be held in the newly renovated Garden’s 10,000 square foot The Delta Sky 360 Club. It’s the new luxury center normally open to fans in the top 800 seats in the building, offering spectacular views, and something unique: the Club is so close to the locker rooms that the players have to actually cross in front of fans in the Club to get to the ice.

Online registration for Red Hot Hockey is closed, but tickets can still be purchased by calling 800-800-3466. Check back for more information about Red Hot Hockey.

Looking back
Former Terrier captain Jay Pandolfo registered the 100th goal of his NHL career in the Islanders’ 4-3 win against Montreal. It was the first goal since February 2010 for Pandolfo who was not in the NHL during the 2010-11 season. Goalie Rick DiPietro replaced injured Evgeni Nabokov eight minutes into the game and earned the victory.

● Video link

Rollheiser to start vs. UVM; Noonan iffy

2011-11-17T19:57:00.005-05:00

Boston Hockey Blog reports that senior Grant Rollheiser will be in goal for BU tomorrow night against Vermont because Kieran Millan is being benched for one game for skipping class. The post notes that the Terrier coaches “had wanted to get Rollheiser some game action this weekend anyways.”

Sophomore defenseman Garrett Noonan, who missed the BC game with an ankle sprain, is day-to-day and will be a gametime decision, according BHH.

● WTBU Weekly Notebook
● College Hockey News previews this weekend’s Hockey East matchups
● New England Hockey Journal analyzes the BU-BC game and offers its power rankings.

Frozen Four
Tickets for the Frozen Four, to be played in Tampa this season, go on sale tomorrow. Is it just a coincidence that a former Hobey Baker Award winner, now on the Tampa Bay Lightning blueline, is featured in the advertising?

Looking ahead
NHL Central Scouting released portions of its preliminary “Ones to Watch” list. Among draft-eligibles playing the USHL, 2013 recruit and former Cushing Academy standout Robbie Baillargeon was ranked 11th. United States of Hockey’s Chris Peters’ commented:

Coming over from high school hockey, Baillargeon needed some time to adjust, but by all accounts, he’s right where he needs to be now. He’s been a point-per-game player on one of the better offensive teams in the USHL with six goals and five assists in 11 games. The one thing Baillargeon will have to prove is that he is not just a product of a high-scoring team. That said, the skill set is right where it needs to be and he should continue to rise.

Looking back
In ESPN’s Victoria Matiash’s weekly ranking of the top 75 NHL defenseman, Ryan Whitney is #25 while Kevin Shattenkirk has moved up from #37 to #29 .

Women’s team
The Daily Free Press previews weekend games against Connecticut and Providence College. Captain Jenn Wakefield returns to the lineup after missing two weeks to play for Team Canada in the Four Nations tournament where she scored two game-winners en route to a silver medal.

NTDP forward commits to BU

2011-11-16T17:08:00.005-05:00

NTDP U18 forward Matthew Lane has committed to BU for next season and is the fifth forward in BU's 2012 recruit class. Lane is a 5-10, 178 lb., left-shot forward from Rochester, N.Y., described recently by U.S. Hockey Report as a playmaker whose strength is his speed.

"I was undecided for a while," the 5-foot-9, 170-pound Lane said. "I went on a visit to BU and fell in love with the campus. I knew right away that was where I wanted to be."

Last year, he had a 9-13-22 line for the U17s. After 17 games this season, he has 5-4-9, tied for fourth in scoring on the U18s. Prior to playing for USA Hockey, he skated for the Mississauga, Ont. Minor Reps, scoring 93 points in 72 games. He’d been a fifth round pick in the 2010 OHL draft.

At the recently completed Four Nations tournament in Switzerland, Lane scored goals in two of the three games, one unassisted. The United States of Hockey Web site, reviewing the tournament, posted:

Matthew Lane registered three points and has shown some marked offensive improvement from last season. He has nine points overall on the year. Lane plays with a bunch of energy.

An Amateur Hockey Report review from Jan. 2011:

Matthew is a tremendous skater: Agile and shows different gears that he can kick it in to. Is an energy / grinder type player with competent hands. Nothing too slick but shows flashes of creativity. Played an intense, down –low game with a hard-edged fore-check. Has a great deal of hockey sense and uses it on both sides of the puck. Not the most skilled player but gives it all he has every time he touches the ice.

● College Hockey Inc. report on Lane's verbal
● USA Hockey feature on Lane.
● NY Hockey Journal feature on Lane.
● NTDP Media Guide (Lane on pg. 42)

Lane and 2013 recruit Matt Grzelcyk will be at Agganis Arena on when the U18s play BU in an exhibition game on January 8.

► Episode Six of Inside BU Hockey is now available on the GoTerriers.com site and features Bernie Corbett’s interviews with Coach Jack Parker, junior wing Wade Megan and Jason Factor from BU's athletic development office.

Terrier tidbits--UPDATED

2011-11-15T22:15:00.005-05:00

Islanders Point Blank examines the development of Corey Trivino (photo), the Isles’ second round draft choice—#36 overall—in the 2008 draft, discussing his progress with Coach Jack Parker and Trivino.

►CHN’s Hockey East power rankings have the Terriers moving up.

Some additional coverage of Sunday’s 5-0 win over BC:
● NESN recap
● Boston Herald recap

Looking ahead
BCLocalNews.com caught up with Victoria Grizzlies forward and BU recruit Wesley Myron following his week with the gold medal winning Canada West squad at the World Junior A Challenge.

Next season, BU will have three Grizzlies (Myron, Mike Moran, Justin Courtnall) and four Vipers (Sahir Gill, Garrett Noonan, Ryan Santana, Marc Hetnik).

Looking back
Former Terrier All-American Colin Wilson banged home the game-winner with 25 second left in regulation as Nashville beat Washington, 3-1. Video.

The News-Democrat, covering the St. Louis Blues, reports on Kevin Shattenkirk’s scoring surge that has made him the team’s co-leader in points with 2-9-11. Meanwhile, SB Reports, looking at NHL trades that haven’t worked out, suggests that Shattenkirk's former team, Colorado, may be having seller’s remorse.
UPDATE: With his assist on the game-tying goal in the Blues' 2-1 win against Detroit last night, the former Terrier captain now leads the team in points with 12.

Women’s team
Daily Free Press recap of BU’s win against New Hampshire.

Monday Linkorama

2011-11-14T19:51:00.004-05:00

The Daily Free Press talked with junior blueliner Sean Escobedo and senior captain Chris Connolly about the changes in defensive tactics that keyed Terriers turnaround weekend.
● Post-game comments (video): Megan, Millan, Parker

Following the weekend split of games, BU remained at #16 in the USCHO weekly poll. Merrimack, which edged the Terriers in overtime on Friday, moved up to #2 with 25 first-place votes.

Four Terriers earned spots on the Hockey East weekly top performers list: Alex Chiasson, Wade Megan, Kieran Millan and Corey Trivino.

Millan’s shutout, second of the year and fifth of his career, was BU’s first blanking of BC since Cleon Daskalakis, a former Bruin and a Terrier All-American, backstopped a 3-0 win at McHugh Forum in March 1983.

The Terriers lead the nation in shorthanded goals with five and they have been scored by five different players.

Stick Salute
At the end of Sunday’s game at BC, the Terriers skated over to the contingent of BU fans, mostly students who had made themselves loudly heard throughout the contest, and offered a stick salute. Daily Free Press hockey writer Arielle Aronson asked Escobedo and Coach Jack Parker about the somewhat unusual gesture at an opponent’s rink.

Escobedo: "Yeah. Obviously you could hear them. They were up high, but they were loud and we really appreciated that. That’s why we gave them that salute at the end of the game. For them to come out and support us on the road like that is awesome. Can’t speak enough about that. We have the greatest fans and we were lucky enough to have that."

Parker: "I thought it was great. I told my team to go out and salute them after the game. I thought it was fabulous that they were all there in their game jerseys. Those game jerseys cost a lot more than those [BC superfan] t-shirts."

Looking ahead
2012 recruit centerman Wesley Myron returned from the World Junior A Challenge with a gold medal as a member of Canada West. Myron scored one assist during the tournament and added a goal during an exhibition game. He’ll rejoin the Victoria Grizzlies.

2013 recruit defenseman Matt Grzelcyk picked up an assist in the NTDP U18s’ 6-2 win over Switzerland, clinching the Four Nations championship in Monthey Switzerland.

Women’s team
Isabel Menard and Kerrin Sperry made Hockey East’s weekly list of top performers.

Like the men’s team, the Terrier women lead the nation with five shorthanded goals. They also own the fifth best penalty kill (91.3%) .

Terriers spank Eagles, 5-0

2011-11-13T22:37:00.008-05:00

Friday night, BU played a solid 58 minutes of hockey only to let a win slip away. Two nights later, BU played the full 60 and came away with dominating 5-0 win against #2 ranked Boston College in a nationally televised game at Conte Forum. Wade Megan led the scoring with a power play goal and a shorthander, while Corey Trivino, Alex Chiasson and Chris Connolly also had two-point games.

Trivino struck on a wrister from the high slot in the first minute of play, taking a drop pass from Sean Escobedo. Megan doubled the lead in the final minute of the first on BU’s first power play of the game. Midway through the second, Chiasson one-timed a laser past Parker Milner, again on the power play. Then Matt Nieto converted a Charlie Coyle centering pass from the crease for his team-leading seventh goal. Megan closed out the scoring late in the third on a breakaway with BU down a man.

Kieran Millan stopped all 21 BC shots en route to his second shutout of the season. Terrier took far too many penalties against the dangerous Eagles, but the penalty kill was superb, holding BC to 9 shots on 8 man-advantage opportunities while notching a shortie. For the Terriers, the only other negative was that the bus ride home was too short.

While Trivino, who missed Friday’s game with an ankle injury, returned to the lineup, BU played without Garrett Noonan, who also was nursing an ankle.

● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score
● USCHO recap and photo
● Daily Free Press recap
● WTBU Radio recap
● CHN analysis
● HockeyEastOnline recap
● SB Nation recap with Coach Jack Parker comments
● NESN In-game Blog
● Boston Globe recap
●Video highlights

Check back for further coverage

Looking back
Former BU captain John McCarthy scored a third-period goal—assisted by another former captain, Sean Sullivan—to bring Worcester even with Providence, but his former teammates, Dave Warsofsky and Colby Cohen, were the victors as the P-Bruins edged the IceCats, 3-2.

Looking ahead
2013 recruit Danny O’Regan is headed to the Tier 1 Midget Nationals with the Cape Cod Whalers U18s, who beat the GBL Bruins—and 2013 recruit Brendan Collier—in the Massachusetts Midget State Tournament championship game, 6-4. Former Terrier standout and Stanley Cup champ with Montreal Ed Ronan is one of three coaches for the Whalers’ whose roster includes his son, Corey, and former Terrier Mark Fidler’s sons, Mark and Trevor. We’ll post further details on the tournament's semifinal and final games when they’re available.

Game Day: BU-BC at Conte Forum

2011-11-13T12:35:00.003-05:00

Terriers meet archrival BC for the first time this season in a nationally televised (CBS College Sports) game beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

The #2 ranked Eagles are coming off a 2-1 win against Northeastern this past Friday. Parker Milner has inherited the goaltending duties from John Muse and junior Chris Kreider leads BC in scoring with 8-8-16.

● WWZN Radio Webcast
● Boston Hockey Blog's live blog
● CHN's Tale of the Tape

Between the first and second periods of the CBSCS broadcast, there will be hockey roundtable discussing “Do NHL teams respect NCAA programs for their player development. Preview

Looking ahead
2013 recruit Robbie Baillargeon continues to wield a hot stick for Indiana, registering his second two-goal game in a week for the Ice, who fell to Muskegon, 5-4. The former Cushing Academy standout has found the net five times in his past four games. Recap

Delivering his second strong effort of the weekend, 2012 recruit Matt O’Connor turned aside 19 shots as Youngstown upended defending USHL champ Dubuque, 5-2.

Looking back
Two All-American defensemen from BU’s 2008-09 NCAA championship team—Matt Gilroy and Kevin Shattenkirk—went head to head in St.Louis where the Blues blanked Tampa Bay, 3-0. Shattenkirk scored his second goal of the season.

Women’s team
Terriers picked up a pair of conference points with a 5-2 win against New Hampshire, led by two Isabel Menard goals and Caroline Campbell’s first collegiate goal. After spotting the Wildcats a 1-0 first-period lead, BU scored three times in the middle stanza with goals from Jill Cardella, Kaleigh Fratkin and Menard. After UNH narrowed the margin to 3-2 in the third period, goals by Campbell and Menard put the game away. Goalie Kerrin Sperry stopped 18 shots.
● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score
● WTBU Sports recap and Campbell feature
● Video highlights
● Coach Brian Durocher post-game comments (video)
● Campbell post-game comments (video)

Terriers lose heartbreaker in overtime

2011-11-12T08:48:00.003-05:00

BU held a 2-1 lead over Merrimack for more than 40 minutes, but Warriors' netminder Joe Cannata stopped 36 BU shots, allowing his teammates to tie the game in the final minutes, then win on the first shot of overtime, 3-2.

Playing their best hockey since the Denver game, the Terriers took a 2-1 lead late in the first period on a power play goal by Garrett Noonan and a assistant captain Justin Courtnall (photo) conversion down low of slick entry pass by freshman Cason Hohmann.

BU had numerous chances to increase its lead in the second period, with an extended power play, but the Warriors’ goalie, with the third best GAA in the nation, turned them away. Merrimack is killing penalties at a greater than 90% clip.

In the third period, #4 ranked Merrimack failed to score on three power plays, but after Charley Coyle took a questionable interference call with 2:24, the Warriors pulled their goalie and scored on the ensuing 6 on 4. Overtime lasted less than half a minute as a Merrimack shot deflected off a skate past Kieran Millan. The Terrier netminder made 27 saves, including 13 of 14 in the third period.

Ultimately, it was BU’s failure to cash in more than once on nine power plays—they had 18 power plays shots, just one goal—that cost it the game.

“That was the difference in the game, obviously,” said coach Jack Parker on his team’s lack of production. “I was happy with the way we moved the puck. We got chances. It was better earlier, but at the end we had a few too. I think when you get that many [power plays] you get worn out with the same guys, too, so we got a little tired.”

He added, “I was very pleased with how my team played all night
long from the start to the finish.”

BU outshot Merrimack and won the faceoff battle, but fell just short on the scoreboard.

Terriers must regroup to face top-ranked Boston College Sunday afternoon (4 p.m.) in a nationally broadcast game on CBS College Sports.

● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive recap
● Boston Hockey Blog recap and power play analysis
● CHN’s Takeaway analysis
● USCHO recap
● Video highlights

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Robert Polesello scored a goal and two assists in Indiana’s 5-4 overtime loss to Green Bay. 2013 recruit Rob Baillargeon assisted on Polesello’s power play goal.

2012 recruit Matt O’Connor stopped 33 of 35 shots in Youngstown’s 2-1 loss to Muskegon

2012 recruit Mike Moran set up each of his linemates for first-period goals, but Surrey took charge in the second period, outscoring Victoria, 8-5.

Looking back
John Curry, BU’s MVP and Hockey East Player of the Year in 2006-07, stopped 29 of 31 shots in Team U.S.A.’s 2-0 loss to Slovakia in the opening game of the Deutschland Cup. Former BU All-American Freddy Meyer also is on the U.S. squad.

Former BU co-captain John McCarthy scored Worcester’s first goal, then assisted on the game-winner in the IceCats’ 3-2 win against Bridgeport.

Dave Van der Gulik assisted on two Lake Erie goals as the Monsters dumped San Antonio, 4-1.

Women’s team
Terriers face off with New Hampshire at Walter Brown Arena at 3 p.m. this afternoon. Check back for game day information.

Senior captain Jenn Wakefield, playing for Team Canada in the Four Nations tournament, scored the first goal against Finland and then assisted on another in Canada’s 5-0 opening-game win.

Game Day: Terriers vs. Warriors--UPDATED

2011-11-11T14:52:00.005-05:00

The 16th ranked Terriers take on #6 Merrimack at Agganis Arena in a 7 p.m. start. The Warriors, at 7-0-1, are the last undefeated team in U.S. college hockey. While BU holds a substantial lead in the all-time series (74-14-6) between the teams, last season the Terriers tied the Warriors twice and lost to them once.

Senior forward Ryan Flanigan (10 points) and senior goalie Joe Cannata (1.41 GAA) lead Merrimack.

BU will be without senior center Corey Trivino due to an ankle injury. He’ll be replaced on BU’s first line by Sahir Gill. Senior Kieran Millan starts in goal. BU's lineup for tonight:

Connolly-Gill-Rodrigues
Nieto-Coyle-Chiasson
Megan-Gaudet-Cissé
Courtnall-Rosen-Hohmann

Escobedo-Clendening
Noonan-MacGregor
Nicastro-Ruikka

Millan

● GoTerriers.com preview, game notes, All Access Webcast, WWZN Radio Webcast
● WTBU Sports preview and weekly notebook
● Boston Hockey Blog live in-game blog
● Inside College Hockey preview of BU's weekend games
● College Hockey News Tale of the Tape, Tweetcast
● Inside Terrier Hockey, Episode 5, featuring Coach Jack Parker and former BU captains Peter Marshall and Joe Pereira
● USCHO's Hockey East picks

HockeyEast has announced the composite schedule of all televised games involving conference teams. At least eleven more BU games will be televised on the various outlets (NESN, NBCSN, CBSCS). The first of them is this Sunday afternoon’s first meeting of the year with Boston College, a 4 p.m. start at Conte Forum, airing on CBS College Sports.