THE HOCKEY ISSUE “It’s not about who scores and who doesn’t, it’s not about who’s getting the glory or the outside noise. It’s about winning hockey games and doing it as a group.” COMFY COACH, 2
CAPTAIN CURRY, 3
NEW WAVES, 8
ALL REVVED UP, 12
Albie O’Connell brings confidence, comfort into season two.
BU’s senior leader is embracing the challenge of captaincy.
Trevor Zegras and five more 2019 draftees arrive on Comm. Ave.
The BU women’s team has high aspirations for 2019-20.
2 HOCKEY
In year two, Albie O’Connell is ready for a major step forward
COURTESY OF MATT DRESENS
Second-year head coach Albie O’Connell instructs the BU men’s hockey team in a contest at Providence College last spring. BY BRADY GARDNER DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
It’s a new year for Boston University men’s hockey; a blank slate that holds no record, no standings and no statistics. On Commonwealth Avenue, perhaps no one is embracing this fresh start as much as Terrier head coach Albie O’Connell. “We’re hoping for a bounceback,” said the BU boss, entering his second year behind the same bench he formerly patrolled as the BU captain two decades ago. O’Connell’s inaugural season in charge was not what the Watertown native said he had in mind, as his Terriers went 16-18-4 and fell in the semifinal rounds of the Beanpot and Hockey East tournament, both at the hands of crosstown rival Northeastern University. As he now willingly admits, on-ice challenges weren’t the only hardships O’Connell faced in his first year as a head coach. “Overscheduling worked its effect,” the 43-year-old said. “I think last year I was pulled in a lot of different directions.” From the players’ perspective, senior captain Patrick Curry acknowledged that the team experienced some growing pains when O’Connell took over the managerial duties. “It was just a learning experience for everybody, including himself,” the four-year forward said. O’Connell’s first season didn’t go according to plan, but it should be noted that his predecessor, David Quinn, took the Terriers to an 11-21-4 record in his opening campaign with BU. The following year, Quinn’s men went 28-8-5 on the way to the Frozen Four final. O’Con-
nell will hope for the same good fortune in year two, and early signs are keeping the coach optimistic. “We had a good offseason,”
O’Connell said. “Guys are in shape, guys are hungry and I think we’re excited as a coaching staff.” O’Connell and his staff have
LEFT WING:
more than enough reason to be excited. The Terriers welcome 11 freshmen to their 2019-20 roster, including six 2019 NHL draftees. This is BU’s largest
RIGHT WING:
CURRY HARPER CENTER: COCKERILL PHILLIPS ZEGRAS ARMSTRONG BRINK AMONTE COPELAND BOGUSLAVSKY MASTROSIMONE CHABOT STEVENS WITKOWSKI DEBOER WISE
LEFT DEFENSE: FARRANCE FENSORE BLIXT DRISCOLL
RIGHT DEFENSE: CROTTY VLASIC MCCARTHY KOTKANSALO
GOALTENDER: TUCKER PURPURA LYNCH
GRAPHIC BY HANNAH SHEARER/DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
incoming class of recruits since the 2004-05 season, when the Terriers earned an at-large bid into the national tournament. Aside from 2018-19 National Rookie of the Year Joel Farabee, who has since moved on to professional hockey, last year’s five freshmen skaters combined for two goals and 12 assists. In order to get more out of this season’s debutants, O’Connell aims to do things a bit differently his second time around. “[I plan on] spending more time with players individually,” O’Connell said. “I think that’s an area that I can improve at. You have to be out there. Development is development — that’s our number one job as coaches.” With seven of 11 Hockey East teams earning votes in the first national poll of 2019-20, the conference is as competitive as ever this season. In order to emerge from the pack, the skipper knows his team will have to start quickly and play strong but smart hockey. “Hopefully we hit the ground running,” O’Connell said. “We’re going to have to put ourselves in a spot where we’re disciplined, but we’re hard to play against.” It’s a new year and a new opportunity for O’Connell to stake his claim at the helm of BU’s future. The names may be different and the team may be younger, but to O’Connell, that’s no excuse to lower the expectations. “It’s the same goal every year,” O’Connell said. “You want to win the Beanpot, you want to win Hockey East, and you want to win the whole thing.” “Do we have a team that can do it? Yeah.”
HOCKEY 3
Patrick Curry rising to his new role as captain BY PATRICK DONNELLY DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
Patrick Curry is living out every college hockey player’s dream. After starting out as a bottom-six role player as a freshman, Curry has risen through the ranks to become one of the Terriers’ most important players on the first forward line. Following what was a challenging 2018-19 season for the team, BU head coach Albie O’Connell and his staff named then-rising senior Curry as the lone captain for the 2019-20 campaign. “It’s just starting to sink in,” Curry said of the opportunity to wear the ‘C’ on his scarlet and white sweater. “Stepping on campus, I didn’t think this day would really come. It’s really exciting for me, personally.” Last season, the 23-year-old had his best collegiate season yet, statistically speaking, as he recorded 13 goals and 13 assists in 38 games to go along with a plus-two rating. From fighting to maintain his spot in the lineup to inheriting the captaincy, the winger has improved each year in terms of goals and shooting percentage. “I know that I’ve grown a lot since freshman year,” the Schaumburg, Illinois native said. As captain, Curry said he hopes to use this knowledge and experience to integrate the team and help the 2019 recruits settle in. “[So far it’s been about] just getting to know one other, making sure the freshmen are feeling comfortable with the team and how we go about doing things here BU and really trying to ingrain a solid
culture for the coming season,” Curry said. Curry said he also understands the strong foundation laid before him by previous Terrier captains. “I learned a lot from Doyle Somerby, Brandon Hickey and Dante Fabbro,” Curry said. “They really helped me figure out what I needed to do to become more of a leader on a day to day basis.” Continuing, he said, “I think understanding how many great players came before us and have been in these leadership positions, you have the ability to set the tone and really make sure the guys respect you and get ready for the upcoming season.” The hard-nosed, left-shot forward has shown he can set an example each day for the Terriers both on and off the ice. His work-ethic and leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed, O’Connell said. “[Curry] has set the tone for the team. I think he will be a really good captain,” O’Connell said. “He’s done a really good job of setting the standard of what we need to do day in, day out.” Curry usually maintains a calm, quiet demeanor, mostly allowing his work on the ice do the fair share of the talking. That said, O’Connell said he knows when and where to pipe up. “He’s a really good leader by example, but he can be vocal too,” O’Connell said. Last season’s trophy-less finish may have been a disappointment by BU hockey standards, but the bar has not been lowered. Curry said he recognizes the high level of performance expected of himself
EMILY HUNTER/ DFP FILE
Senior captain and forward Patrick Curry follows the play in a Beanpot contest last winter.
and the team and is prepared to lead the charge. “[I’m doing] everything in my
power to make sure we’re successful this year,” Curry said, “and making sure that guys understand
that even if some guys don’t have a letter, they can still be a leader on this team.”
COURTESY OF HOCKEY EAST
4 HOCKEY
MEET BOSTON UNIVERSITY’S
#1 NICO LYNCH Senior Goaltender Barnstable, Massachusetts 5’11” | 165 lbs
#2 CASE MCCARTHY Freshman Defenseman Clarence Center, New York 6’1” | 198 lbs
#3 TY AMONTE Junior Forward Norwell, Massachusetts 5’11” | 175 lbs
#7 ALEX VLASIC
#4 DAVID FARRANCE
#5 CAM CROTTY
#9 LOGAN COCKERILL
#10 GABRIEL CHABOT
#11 PATRICK CURRY
#12 JAMIE ARMSTRONG
#13 TREVOR ZEGRAS
#14 SEAN DRISCOLL
Junior Defenseman Victor, New York 6’0” | 190 lbs
Junior Forward Brighton, Michigan 5’9” | 175 lbs
Freshman Forward Warwick, Rhode Island 6’2” | 192 lbs
#15 MARKUS BOGUSLAVSKY Freshman Forward Calgary, Alberta 6’1” | 190 lbs
Junior Defenseman Greely, Ontario 6’2” | 190 lbs
Senior Forward Quebec City, Quebec 5’8” | 180 lbs
Freshman Forward Bedford, New York 6’0” | 169 lbs
#16 ROBERT MASTROSIMONE Freshman Forward East Islip, New York 5’10” | 170 lbs
Freshman Defenseman Wilmette, Illinois 6’6” | 199 lbs
Senior Forward Schaumburg, Illinois 6’0” | 185 lbs
Freshman Defenseman Mequon, Wisconsin 6’2” | 194 lbs
#17 JAKE WISE Sophomore Forward Reading, Massachusetts 5’11” | 190 lbs
HOCKEY 5
2019-2020 MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM
#18 ALEX BRINK Graduate Forward Hamilton, New York 6’0” | 200 lbs
#21 PATRICK HARPER Senior Forward New Canaan, Connecticut 5’9” | 160 lbs
#25 SAM STEVENS Freshman Forward Montreal, Quebec 6’1” | 184 lbs
#19 JACK DEBOER Sophomore Forward Madison, New Jersey 6’3” | 188 lbs
Junior Forward Melrose, Massachusetts 5’10” | 178 lbs
Freshman Defenseman Thornwood, New York 5’7” | 151 lbs
#26 KASPER KOTKANSALO #27 JOHN COPELAND Junior Defenseman Espoo, Finland 6’3” | 205 lbs
#29 VINNIE PURPURA
#33 HUGO BLIXT
ALBIE O’CONNELL
Sophomore Defenseman Linköping, Sweden 6’4” | 195 lbs
Sophomore Forward Andover, Massachusetts 6’3” | 202 lbs
#22 JAKE WITKOWSKI #23 DOMENICK FENSORE
#28 ETHAN PHILLIPS Freshman Forward Dartmouth, Nova Scotia 5’9” | 155 lbs
#20 MATTHEW QUERCIA
Sophomore Goaltender Lemont, Illinois 6’6” | 194 lbs
Head Coach 5th coaching season at BU Former Terrier captain (CAS ‘99)
Freshman Forward/Defenseman Wellesley, Massachusetts 6’6” | 181 lbs
#31 SAM TUCKER Graduate Goaltender Wilton, Connecticut 6’3” | 195 lbs
6 HOCKEY
EMILY HUNTER / DFP FILE
Junior forward Ty Amonte dekes around the Merrimack College netminder to score in BU’s 5-1 rout of the Warriors on March 2. Amonte would end the 2018-19 season with eight goals and 16 points.
Harper, Cockerill, Terrier offense looking to turn heads BY BRADY GARDNER DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
There are plenty of holes to fill among the BU-attacking ranks. The Terriers have lost five of their seven top goal scorers from last season, including now-Philadelphia Flyer Joel Farabee, who was named the National Rookie of the Year after posting a team-leading 17 goals and 36 points in his freshman season playing on Commonwealth Avenue. With the departure of several names that had previously filled BU’s box scores, the Terriers will need contributions from familiar faces and new additions, young and old. That said, there is reason to believe this new-look forward group can get it done on the offensive end in 2019-20. Assistant captain and junior forward Logan Cockerill said he thinks the offense will be successful this season. “It looks like we’re going to be
pretty explosive offensively and coming of [the hard-working men“We have a lot of guys who went should be able to score a lot of tality],” Harper said. through some freshman [year] ups goals,” Cockerill said. A year removed from donning and downs,” O’Connell said. The three-year Terrier has a scarlet and white for the first time On the other end of the specpoint: BU’s recent attacking addi- themselves, the sophomore class trum is Alex Brink, a graduate tions bring with them a total of of forwards is poised to make a student joining the forward group 118 goals in all after skating c o m p e t it i o n s in 95 games through the for Brow n 2018-19 season, Un i v e r s it y. with 112 proAt 25-yearsvided by the old, Brink is freshman class. seven yea rs This is older than certa in ly a n five 18-yearencouraging old Ter r ier sign towards freshmen. to the future “He could of the BU offense, be like a very – Asst. captain and junior forward Logan but the young Terriers old brother of Cockerill on the upcoming season know that they will have half our team,” to find another gear in order O’Con nel l sa id. to replicate their success at the bigger impact in year two. “He’s a man.” collegiate level. BU head coach Albie O’Connell The 6-foot, 200-pound Brink Cockerill’s fellow assistant pointed to Jake Wise in partic- will bring some size to a list of BU captain senior forward Patrick ular as a sophomore set to make forwards that is relatively limited Harper said the work ethic has a positive return after seeing his in that department: only half of been “top notch.” freshman season cut short due to the 16 forwards stand over 6 feet “Everyone seems really wel- an injury just 12 games in. tall. However, the Terriers believe
It looks like we’re going to be pretty explosive offensively and should be able to score a lot of goals.
other strengths can make up for the pedestrian physical attributes. “We’re looking to be able to use our speed and our skating,” Cockerill said. Not to be forgotten, BU return three seniors and three juniors to their 2019-20 attacking lineup. Senior for ward and captain Patrick Curry led all current Terriers with 26 points last year, with Harper’s 20 close behind. The junior forward duo of Cockerill and Ty Amonte also cracked the double-digit point mark in 2018-19, among the seven returning Terriers to do so. Last season, BU finished fifth in Hockey East with 2.61 goals per game, their lowest total since the 2013-14 campaign. With proven veteran leaders mixed with a new core of hungry youngsters, this Terrier attack is ready to make BU the offensive powerhouse of years past. On behalf of the team, Harper said, “we’re all looking forward to getting things started here.”
EMILY HUNTER / DFP FILE
Senior forward and assistant captain Patrick Harper challenges for a loose puck (left) and shields the puck from a Harvard defenseman (right) at the TD Garden during last winter’s Beanpot tournament.
HOCKEY 7
Cam Crotty, BU defense playing with confidence BY PAIGE MAUTNER DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
As the Boston University men’s hockey team gears up for a new season, all notes from the team indicate that the least of their concerns is their defense. Since the end of last season, the Terriers have lost some of their best players on the back end such as defensemen Dante Fabbro and Chad Krys in addition to goaltender Jake Oettinger. However, they are finding an immense amount of depth and talent among their new defensive ranks. BU head coach Albie O’Connell said he wasn’t worried about the team’s defense. “[We have] three defensemen returning who have played a lot of minutes,” O’Connell said, “four who played in the game last year in the semifinals.”
EMILY HUNTER / DFP FILE
Sophomore Terrier defenseman Hugo Blixt evades an oncoming Minuteman in the ice hockey rink during a match at the University of Massachusetts last winter.
Leading the defense this year is junior assistant captain Cam Crotty, and the third-year Terrier said he has made setting a good example one of his top priorities. “I’ve always thought of myself as a leader: I guess the only big difference is there is a little more recognition,” Crotty said. “I’m going to try to do my best this year and pave the way for the underclassmen.” O’Connell describes his blueliners as “big and mobile.” Beyond the physical traits, he believe they
the Terriers have the right mix of players for any given situation. “There are differences in terms of roles,” Crotty, has labeled himself as a more defense-focused player, said. “If we are down by a goal and we need some more offense, then some other guys will be getting the nod to play a little more. In games when we need to shut some guys down, then other guys will get the nod.”
Alongside Crotty, the Terriers are expecting big things out of other returners such as junior Kasper Kotkansalo, junior David Farrance and sophomore Hugo Blixt, all of whom have played meaningful minutes for BU in the past. The group of freshmen, however, is the part of the depth chart the Terriers are most excited
about, O’connell and Crotty shared. BU has welcomed in four solid defensemen in Alex Vlasic, Case Mcarthy, Domenick Fensore, Sean Driscoll and two-way man John Copeland.
According to Crotty, the way things are shaping up, BU believes there is no significant drop-off from line to line, which can be a major plus for this defensive group. If they can deliver on their preseason expectations, these blueliners could just be the backbone of the 2019-20 season. When asked to choose a greatest strength of his team, O’Connell said he liked the way his defensive core looked and said he believed it would be very competitive. “I think we’ll be a lot deeper there than we were last year,” he said.
In net, Purpura and Tucker embrace their partnership BY PAIGE MAUTNER DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
For the past three seasons, the Terrier crease has been occupied by 17-time Hockey East Top Performer Jake Oettinger. However, with the Minnesota native’s departure to the Dallas Stars’ system following the 201819 campaign, one of the positions of least concern for the Terriers in recent years has become one of slight uncertainty for the BU faithful ahead of 2019-20. Among the three goaltenders on the Terrier roster, only sophomore Vinnie Purpura has experience between the pipes for BU, having appeared in a mere four contests as a midseason addition last January. Providing experience among the netminder ranks this season is graduate student Sam Tucker, who comes to Boston having appeared in 54 games over four years for the Yale Bulldogs. With an underclassman and grad transfer tasked with backstopping the men in scarlet and white, it may take some time for the patrons of Agganis Arena to get acquainted with the new goaltending tandem. However, though the names may be unfamiliar, early indica-
tions suggest that this pair could quickly earn the trust of Terrier Nation. BU head coach Albie O’Connell said he thinks they both look good. “We had an intrasquad scrimmage and it was 0-0,” O’Connell said. “That’s a good sign.” While Purpura and Tucker may both vy for the same spot in the lineup, they enter the season at very different points in their collegiate careers. For 20-yearold Purpura, set to begin his first full season with the team, Tucker serves as a veteran mentor who could guide the young keeper. “I learn a lot from him,” said the sophomore of his new goaltending partner. “[His presence is] definitely good for me and my learning curve.” For Tucker, being the second oldest player on the team — only younger than fellow graduate transfer Alex Brink — has given him a natural leadership role for Purpura and the other growing Terriers. “[I want to] do whatever I can to help the team win,” Tucker said. “We have a strong leadership foundation and I hope to contribute to that.” As is the case for any position, there is only so much ice time
to distribute among the capable candidates. Making the choice all the more challenging are the statistics behind each netminder’s play. In NCAA Division I competition, Purpura has posted a .911 save percentage, while Tucker’s career mark is marginally inferior at .903. It should also be noted that Tucker is coming off a senior season at Yale University where he posted a career-best .917 save percentage. For O’Connell, it may very well come down to who has the hot hand. “They’re just competing right now,” said the second-year head coach. “We’re going to play the best guy versus Union that helps us win.” Ultimately, the most important stat
to keepers and coaches alike is the number of wins. In a program with the reputation and expectations that Boston University carries, these goaltenders know that the bar has been set high. They may be relatively new to the program, but these netminders are
determined to answer the bell and find success in the BU net. “We want to win a lot of hockey games,” Purpura said. Echoing his goa lkeeping partner, Tucker added, “I want us to be able to compete for championships.”
EMILY HUNTER / DFP FILE
Sophomore goaltender Vinnie Purpura sends the puck around the boards in his first collegiate start last winter.
8 HOCKEY
Zegras, other 2019 draftees headline impressive freshman class for BU BY PATRICK DONNELLY DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
It would be hard to find a Terrier recruit class in recent memory that has garnered more praise and attention than this year’s freshmen. Entering the 2019-20 season, 11 freshmen have joined the squad, six of whom were selected in this year’s National Hockey League Entry Draft. The Terriers welcome a balanced group of rookies, including six for wards, four defensemen and the versatile John Copeland, who stands at 6 feet 6 inches and can slot in at both forward and defense. With such a rookie presence across the depth chart, these Terrier youngsters will be relied on to be key contributors on both ends. BU head coach Albie O’Connell said it doesn’t matter that the team is young, as they all can play well. “It’s just [about] our ability to get them to play the right way,” O’Connell said, “to play as a group and to give us a chance to be there at the end.” Forward Trevor Zegras, who was BU’s earliest draft pick at ninth overall to the Anaheim Ducks, headlines the incoming crop of attackers. “The draft was really cool,” Zegras said. “I’ve been looking forward to that my whole life. But you have to put that behind you pretty quickly, because at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter, [whether you’re] one or the seventh round, you kind of all end up in the same pot. So It’s pretty exciting having such a big class — it’s basically half the team.” The highly-skilled forward has already captured the attention of his teammates with his creative style of play on the ice, especially his projected linemates, senior captain Patrick Curry and junior assistant captain Patrick Harper. “He’s on our line,” Curry said. “It’s exciting to work with him everyday and see the the
mindset he brings.” Robert Mastrisimone will also play a critical role in the Terrier attack as the Detroit Red Wings’ 54th-overall pick, along with his fellow future Red Wing and third-round pick Ethan Phillips, plus Jamie Armstrong, Markus Bogaslavsky and Sam Stevens, all who bring impressive resumes to Commonwealth Avenue. Based on what he has seen so far, assistant captain and junior forward Logan Cockerill said he has been impressed by the new additions up front. “We have a lot of very skilled incoming freshmen — Trevor Zegras, Ethan Phillips, [Robert] Mastrosimone, basically everybody,” BRADY GARDNER/ DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF Cockerill said. “It seems like they’re really A gentle giant at six-feet-six inches, freshman defenseman Alex Vlasic brings size and skill to the BU blue line. competitive kids and they want to win, “Throughout the years, I’ve played with or which is what we’re looking for out of our really deep.” against most of the other guys in the class,” younger guys.” The expectations are certainly high for the Zegras said. “A lot of guys are coming from The defensive recruits will be highlighted class of 2023, and as a former highly-touted the USHL, so [we’re] used to seeing [each by Alex Vlasic, who went 43rd overall to his recruit himself, Harper understands the other] on a regular basis.” hometown Chicago Blackhawks. Vlasic is position these young men are in. In fact, Zegras’ bond with one freshman the biggest Terrier on the 2019-20 roster “I think all those guys have come in for in particular goes back to their childhoods. and O’Connell said he already likes what a reason, they’ve been recruited for a rea“Dom [Fensore] and I actually grew up he sees from the 18-year-old. son, and they’re all playing towards their playing together, so I’ve known him since “Vlasic gives us a different look at [six- strengths,” Harper said. “We’re just trying we were pretty young,” the Bedford, New feet-six-inches],” O’Connell said. “He can to build that pro mindset within our locker York native said. be 10 feet away from a guy and have a stick room that it’s time to take care of business.” With 11 first-years on the team for the on [him].” Curr y said it was important to make first time in fifteen seasons, O’Connell said Domenick Fensore and Case McCarthy sure the players understand the importance he anticipates some inevitable growing pains will also patrol the BU blueline as second of staying in the moment and building a that would be expected to accompany such and third round selections respectively. Sean winning culture. a young group and knows what it will take Driscoll rounds out the new guys on the back “That will last for the rest of their time to counteract them. end as one of three freshmen blueliners who here,” Curry said. “We’re going to make mistakes, but we are listed at more than 6-feet-tall and over Like Curry and Harper, Cockerill said he just want to make sure we give our guys 180 pounds. knows that the team’s success will depend on confidence,” the second-year bench boss “He’s like a football player on skates,” the freshmen adjusting to Division I hockey, said. “The key for us as coaches is to keep O’Connell said. keeping in mind that practices and scrimtheir confidence up because if guys waiver As the leader of the defensive ranks, mages are not the same as in-game action. with confidence, obviously their game suffers.” junior assistant captain Cam Crotty said “We’ve only been able to scrimmage With the regular season just days away, the he is excited about the early returns from each other a couple times,” Cockerill said. freshmen are as ready to go as anyone. These this group. “Hopefully they can get adjusted to college young Terriers are hungry for the chance to “Our [defense] is looking really good so hockey as quickly as possible.” make a strong first impression in the scarlet far,” Crotty said. “This year we’re looking As they look to adapt to D1 hockey, the and white when they travel to Union for their Terrier rookies do have the benefit of the collegiate debut. connections they developed before coming “I think it’s been a while since a lot of us to Boston. The majority of BU’s freshmen have played our last game,” Zegras said. “We’ve hail from either the United States National been practicing for a while, so we’re excited to Development Team Program or the United get out there as a group and just get it going.” States Hockey League.
BRADY GARDNER/ DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
(Left) Freshman forward Ethan Phillips surveys the attacking end in preparation for his first collegiate contest. (Right) Associate head coach Paul Pearl leads his Terriers in a drill at a preseason practice.
BRADY GARDNER/ DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
HOCKEY 9
To readers, from the Boston Hockey Blog Hockey fans and dedicated readers, This fall, the Boston Hockey Blog turns 10. It has been a decade since a few student writers with an interest in hockey opened this blog in September of 2009, with Jack Pa rker’s Terriers just months removed from a historic 2008-09 campaign that saw BU sweep the Beanpot, the Hockey East tournament and the NCAA Championship. In the last 10 years, our blog has covered 202 Terrier wins, nine playoff runs, eight winning seasons, five national tournament appearances, two hockey east titles and one Frozen Four final. In that time, we have grown to serve thousands of hockey fans on Twitter, on our website and on our live blogs during games. This blog has seen a lot of success and it has seen a lot of change. In addition to BU men’s hockey, we have also featured covera ge of the women’s tea m a nd the Boston Br uins at times throughout our existence. The blog will continue to adapt over time and we are confident that such changes will help keep our content fresh and exciting. Just as BU men’s hockey has seen the passing of the torch between three head coaches si nce 2009, leadersh ip of t he Boston Hockey Blog has exchanged hands mu ltiple ti mes as wel l. As the cu r rent d i rector, I a m conf ident that we have put together a hockey staff comprised of talented, passionate writers who eagerly await the start of this new season. Whether you have been with us for all
COURTESY OF BRADY GARDNER
Brady Gardner is a sophomore in the College of Communication studying public relations and journalism. This is his first full season in charge of the Boston Hockey Blog.
10 years or are just now hearing about the Boston Hockey Blog for the first time, we couldn’t be more excited to have you join us for the upcoming season. The interactions we have with our readers are what ma ke this blog so specia l a nd we hope you feel the sa me way. We cou ldn’t do this without you.
It ’s that time of yea r a ga in: hockey season has returned to Commonwealth Avenue. It’s a big season for the Terriers, as a core of hungr y veterans welcome a class of impressive freshmen, all bringing plenty of talent and tenacity to the scarlet and white. We have big plans for this year, includ-
ing integrating new forms of content to our blog and implementing more women’s hockey coverage than in years past. As always, we will constantly seek to provide high-qua lit y coverage of the sport, the players, and the teams we all love. Thanks for being here. We can’t wait to get started.
Remembering the Winter Olympics’ “Miracle on Ice”, 40 years later BY BRADY GARDNER DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
In the spirit of reminiscing on years past, it should be noted that this upcoming winter will mark 40 years since four American Terriers collected gold medals in the historic 1980 Winter Olympics, affectionately known as the “Miracle on Ice”. Trading in scarlet and white sweaters for the red, white and blue of Team USA, Jim Craig, Mike Eruzione, Jack O’Callahan and Dave Silk were selected to represent their country by the team’s notoriously harsh head coach Herb Brooks. The majority of the roster was
composed of college students, and the Boston University quartet was the only group of players from a school on the east coast. Recognized for his relentless drive and teamfirst attitude, Eruzione was named captain of the team by Coach Brooks. While O’Callahan battled injury and Silk fought for ice time, Craig emerged as the team’s starting goaltender. After months of rigorous preparation, these Terriers and their American compatriots charged into Lake Placid, New York to take on the world’s best, including a perennial hockey power in the Soviet Union. The USSR entered the 1980 games
having historically dominated international men’s hockey, securing the gold in the four previous Winter Olympics. As fate would have it, the squad of college kids from the United States would find themselves taking the ice against the heavily-favored Soviets in the Olympic semifinals. BU’s representatives would make their marks on the contest, as O’Callahan delivered a crunching hit to set up the USA’s opening goal, Eruzione fired in what would prove to be the game-winning tally, and Craig stopped 36 shots in the historic upset victory. Having knocked off the tournament favorites,
the Americans would cruise past Finland in the final to take home their hard-earned gold medal. Their performance still holds up as the most recent first-place Olympic finish in USA men’s hockey history. Any American can find pride in the 1980 Winter Olympics and what the victory meant to this nation. But for members of the BU community, that memorable gold medal feels just a bit sweeter knowing that four Terriers were crucial to the history that occurred in Lake Placid that winter.
COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Team USA takes on the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, NY. The USA would emerge as the shock victors with a 4-3 win, propelling the Americans into the gold medal game.
10 HOCKEY
Netminder Corrine Schroeder ready to fortify BU Terriers’ defense BY NICK TELESMANIC DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
T h e No . 7 r a n ke d B o s ton University women’s hockey team had an impressive showing in the 2018-19 season. Despite starting that year 1-3-3, BU managed to catch fire around late November, winning their first Beanpot title since 1981 and finishing third in Hockey East. There were a lot of gears that were spinning in order for the Terriers to achieve what they did. Having Sammy Davis and Jesse Compher in the first line was the offensive spark the team needed. Defensively, however, junior goaltender Corrine Schroeder gave the team the stonewall at the net it needed to keep the Terriers in games. The Manitoba, Canada native said she will be looking to contribute even more her junior year. “I had some pretty good stats at
the end of last year and I hope to coming out on top with a 4-3 victory. just build on those,” Schroeder said. “ T he f i r st g a me w a s rea l l y Schroeder’s numbers last year exciting,” Schroeder said. “Nervespeak for themselves. In the month wracking, but exciting.” of December, she was the National In the Beanpot Final win against and Hockey East Goaltender of Har vard Universit y, Schroeder the Month, putting up a .964 save recorded 30 saves a nd n i ne i n percentage, the best for goalies with overtime. two or more starts in that month. “[The second game] being our first In addition, from Nov. 27 up to Jan. Beanpot win as a varsity team, that 22 she did not concede more than was also really exciting,” Schroeder three goals in a game, only giving said. up three goals during one game in Not only is Schroeder’s impact that span. based on the numbers important, She also had standout perfor- but BU head coach Brian Durocher mances in the Beanpot that gave said her presence on the ice gives her team the chances they needed more confidence to her teammates. to end their drought. Schroeder “It’s always great to have someone cited both this beanpot game and who is so accomplished coming the first Beanpot game as the most into their … upperclass years givexciting games for her last season. ing everyone a level of confidence The first Beanpot game went coming into games,” Durocher said. to a shootout, with BU eventually “I think the [skaters] that play in
Junior Corrinne Schroeder in a game against Northeastern University last season on Nov. 17.
front know that if they make a slight day on Sept. 26. Durocher expanded error… she’s going to be there for on his statements from Thursday, most of the time.” citing that the team will need to Five of the skaters that will play prevent what made them start 1-3-3 in front of Schroeder will be fresh- last season. men: forwards Haylee Blinkhorn, “While I felt we were playing Brooke Ersoy and Julia Nearus, as the right way defense-first creatwell as defenders Grace Parker and ing opportunities [last year], we Nadia Mattivi. Schroeder cited that just didn’t score,” Durocher said. she hopes to give these new freshmen “Hopefully this year with our expemore confidence on the ice. rience and the success we had last “[Helping my team] is something year … we’ll find a way to score goals.” that I take very seriously,” Schroeder Schroeder also hopes to avoid said. “[I’m] making sure that I’m that same slow start last season and always leading by example, working focus on the hockey fundamentals hard...and giving our team the best that can construct wins. chance defensively to succeed … “I think last year we kind of hopefully that just gives our fresh- started off a little slow and we could man confidence.” have improved on that,” Schroeder Having this confidence will be said. “I think if we have a better key for building on last year’s show- start this year, play a full 60 minutes, ing, something Durocher said was and give it everything we have, we’ll important at Hockey East media definitely succeed and do better.”
MAISIE MANSFIELD-GREENWALD/ DFP FILE
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HOCKEY 11
EMILY HUNTER/ DFP FILE
Senior forward Sammy Davis will again be Boston University’s primary source for goals this season.
Experience will be key for Terriers
WOMEN’S, FROM 12 BU is also bringing in a class of five freshman recruits, of which there are three forwards and two defenders. In this class, the Terriers have their first ever player to come from outside of North America in defender Nadia Mattivi, of Italy, who plays on the Italian women’s national team. D u rocher sa id the goa l for the freshman class is to get into a rhythm early in the season and try to ease them into tougher situations. “They all brought good qualities to get us interested in them and I know they’ll bring them to this level, but doing it in the first game, or the first week, or the first month is not a given,” Durocher said. “Just being comfortable is important and because of the depth we have, we won’t be in a rush to force them into a power play or penalty kill. BU w ill start the season on the road in Schenectady, New York against Union College on Oct. 6, and then will jump right into Hockey East play the following weekend against Merrimack College and the University of New Hampshire. When asked about his expectations for the season, Durocher emphasized the importance of every regular season game. “My first thing I always point to every year is to have a great regular season body of work,” Durocher said. “If you really come to play every single game, you give yourself a chance to get in the NCAA tournament.”
EMILY HUNTER/ DFP FILE
Junior forward Kristina Schuler and Senior attacker Deziray De Sousa pictured in action.
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Women’s Hockey season preview: Terriers to build off of 2018 campaign BY CHRIS LARABEE DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
Based on the 2018 season, expectations a re sky-high at Wa lter Brow n A ren a a s t he n at ion a lly-ranked Boston University women’s hockey team awaits the opening puck drop for the 2019-20 season on Oct. 6. BU head coach Brian Durocher, who is entering his 15th season at the helm, has tempered those expectations with an underdog mentality.
“I’ve talked to the ladies and said ‘if we think we’re good, we’re going to be in trouble,’” Durocher said. “If we believe we’re the underdogs and understand that we’re a team that worked as hard as we did last year then good things can happen to us.” The last season presented an opportunity for the Terriers to gain experience on the ice and it proved to be valuable as the season progressed. The team took home its first Beanpot title since it became
a club team in 1981, but a tough loss in the Hockey East semifinal to arch-rival Boston College sent BU packing early. Durocher said the Terriers can build off of last season’s accomplishments and have the benefit of stability, with almost the entire 2018 team returning. “Experience and depth are the first things that come to mind, the kids have certainly experienced some success,” Durocher said. “I think they can flashback and think
about the things they did well. We were a real tough team throughout the majority of the season … and the depth comes from 20 of the 23 players returning.” The Terriers finished third in the Hockey East Conference last year with a record of 15-6-6 in the regular season before falling to the Eagles in the playoffs in Providence, Rhode Island. This season, BU was picked to finish second in the conference in the Hockey East preseason that
released on Sept. 26. The Terriers have also been ranked at number seven in the national rankings this preseason. As Durocher said, BU is returning an experienced squad this season, including senior and 2019 Beanpot MVP Sammy Davis. Davis, of nearby Pembroke, Massachusetts led the team in goals last season with 25, including the Beanpot-winning goal. She spread the wealth amongst her teammates as well, with 27 assists on the season to finish with the second most points in the conference. Junior forward Jesse Compher is also returning to the team this season after being named to the Hockey East First Team last season. Davis was the primary scorer for the Terriers last season, but Compher was the ultimate facilitator for the offense with 44 assists; leading the Hockey East and the second most
If we believe we’re the underdogs and understand that we’re a team that worked as hard as we did last year then good things can happen to us. – Brian Durocher, Head Coach
Redshirt senior Abbey Stanley focuses in a match against Northeastern University last season while her teammates watch from the sidelines.
MAISIE MANSFIELD-GREENWALD/ DFP FILE
in the country. Durocher sa id Dav is a nd Compher are the focal points of the team, but he is more excited to see how the other players around them develop. “You had a kid who does a great job of moving the puck around in Jesse, and you’ve got a kid who’s a power forward in Sammy … they’re the real top kids here on the team based on stats,” Durocher said. “The big thing this year for me and the exciting thing is to see who’s going to evolve and step forward this year.” Junior Corinne Schroeder, who will be returning as goaltender, brings her invaluable experience to the team. Schroeder boasted a BU record .933 save percentage last season, good for ninth in the nation and second in the Hockey East conference.