Tag Archives: Hockey East

The Big Bad Bruins are Back

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The Boston Bruins showed a bit of rust in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. That was to be expected after having ten days off. In the first period they ended with only eight shots on goal and down 1-0. It didn’t take long to shake that rust off, however. After going down 2-0 early in the second period the Bruins finally found life. Goals from defensemen Connor Clifton and Charlie McAvoy tied the game at 2, and the St. Louis Blues wouldn’t score again. Meanwhile, Sean Kuraly would score the go-ahead goal and Brad Marchand sealed the game with an empty netter. In the last two periods the Bruins out-shot the Blues 30-12 and beat them 4-2 to take a 1-0 series lead.

That Old Feeling

In a rematch of the Stanley Cup Finals from 1970 it’s appropriate that this game had a feeling of ‘70s hockey. It was physical and the referees let the boys play. Also appropriate is the Bruins felt like their brutally physical ‘70s counterparts. Just as they were nicknamed in that era, last night the Big Bad Bruins returned. At one point Brad Marchand made a play on goal and Blues goalie Jordan Binnington hit Marchand with his stick, losing it in the play. After the play was blown dead, Marchand skated past Binnington, giving him a shoulder bump along the way. That was one of the friendlier interactions of the night.

Changing Momentum

Photo by Bob DeChiara

The key moment in the game came from defenseman Torey Krug. While in the Bruins defensive zone, in front of Tuukka Rask in net, Krug and Blues forward David Perron got into a wrestling match. It started with a couple of hacks of the sticks, then Perron began shoving Krug from behind several times while Krug stood his ground. Perron fell on top of Krug and pushed his head down once before trying to get back to his feet, pulling Krug’s head back twice and yanking his helmet off. Krug, not backing down, held Perron’s right leg, causing both of them to fall down again. Perron then successfully got back to his skates, straddled over Krug, and pushed his head back down, before skating after the puck, now in the Blues defensive zone.

Torey Krug was clearly angry. He got to his skates, flew up the ice, and with no helmet he ran full-speed into rookie forward Robert Thomas, knocking both of them down. No penalty was called on any of it. The wrestling match was questionable, but Krug’s hit on Thomas was legal. Thomas had the puck, the hit was shoulder to shoulder, and while Krug’s skates did come off the ice it wasn’t until after the contact. The Big Bad Bruins, led by Torey Krug of all people, were back in force in Game 1.

David Backes perfectly summed it up after the game. “That gave me goosebumps. He doesn’t have a helmet on but he goes right up the ice and lays a big hit. He thinks he’s playing thirty, forty years ago.”

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Merrimack Warriors Hire Scott Borek

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The newest Head Coach of the Merrimack College Warriors Ice Hockey team is Scott Borek. Merrimack College lured Scott Borek away from Providence College. Scott Borek has been working under Nate Leaman the past three seasons.  Before that, he was working under Dick Umile at the University of New Hampshire since 2003.

Coaching History

Scott Borek first broke into the college hockey scene as a Dartmouth man before a neck injury.  However, the end to his playing career did create some positives.  He remained with the Big Green as a student assistant coach.  Little did Scott Borek know how important to his life taking that role was to his career.

Scott Borek did not squander this new opportunity.  After learning and becoming a student of the game, he turned it into a full time career.  In 1985, Scott Borek became an assistant coach for the Providence College Friars.  Rhode Island remained his home until 1991.  He left his assistant coaching job for his first head coaching job with the Colby Mules.  Scott Borek’s reign as a head coach is an uneventful one as he accumulated a record of 33-35-5.  This led Scott Borek back to the Division 1 scene as, again, an assistant coach with the Lake Superior State Lakers.  Nevertheless, his time as assistant coach only lasted one season.  Following this season, the head coach title was his. This stint lasted four seasons.  Then Borek had another head coaching gig with New England College.  That only lasted one season.

Student of the Game

His up and down time as a head and assistant coach did not last.  Borek found himself working under the legendary Dick Umile.  While a certainly successful run as assistant coach in New Hampshire, Scott Borek’s time at UNH was not without controversy.  During the 2007-2008 season, Borek, who worked with recruits, sent over 900 text messages that are described as “impermissible.”  What is said in these messages is unknown.  However, the incident was self-reported by the school.  Not to mention, Borek only served a two-year suspension.  If the messages were anything unspeakable it is unlikely he would be allowed to remain the game of hockey.

In 2015, Borek made his triumphant return to the Friars. This time working under another legendary coach, Nate Leamen.  During his time as assistant coach, the Friars are extremely successful.  Reaching the NCAA tournament every season under Leamen and Borek.  He oversaw recruiting for the Friars, as well as the defense and the penalty kill.  Under Borek’s tutelage, Providence ranked 7th nationally in defense, and 6th nationally in the penalty kill.  Not too shabby.  When asked about Scott Borek, Nate Leaman says,

“Scott is a tireless worker who has an excellent mind for the game.  He is an effective communicator with the student-athletes and develops long-lasting relationships with his players. His 16 years of experience provide a great base of knowledge for what it takes to be successful in Hockey East.”

Scott Borek is replacing Mark Dennehy as the Warriors head coach.  This upcoming season is going to be a good one for Merrimack.  Watch out for the Warriors on the penalty kill and defense.  Watch his introduction interview:

 

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter: @MickGurn @Ta_CawHawkey

Back in Boston: Brian Gionta

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The Bruins signing of 39 year-old Brian Gionta to a one year, $700k deal means a former Boston College legend will be returning to Boston. The last time Gionta wore a jersey with Boston across the front was in 2001.

Offseason

Brian Gionta’s 1000 NHL games are the reason why he is a household name throughout the National Hockey league.  Gionta last put in time in the NHL last season with the Buffalo Sabres.  Gionta captained Buffalo for three straight seasons after signing a deal in July of 2014.  During his time in upstate New York, Gionta solidified himself as a leader.  The Sabres did not resign him this past offseason.  Buffalo’s AHL team, the Rochester Americans, also the home town of Gionta, inked him to a practice squad contract.  This let Gionta stay in playing shape.

The United States Olympic committee named Brian Gionta the Captain of the U.S. Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey team.  Not being in the NHL allowed the Olympic Committee to put his name on the roster.  Being a captain of an Olympic hockey team is an incredible achievement, not to mention it gave Gionta the chance to play with many young, talented hockey players.  This includes possible future teammate, Ryan Donato.

Boston College

Brian Gionta’s path to Olympic leader began as a leader for the Boston College Men’s ice Hockey team.  Gionta flew with the Eagles from 1997 to 2001.  Jerry York, current coach of BC, guided Gionta into the legend he is today.  Gionta acquired the skills and traits of a leader by playing on a team filled with leaders and future stars.  Marty Reasoner, a native of the city Rochester like Gionta, mentored Gionta during his freshman season.  With the guidance of Reasoner, Gionta put 30 goals in the back of the net and put up 62 total points.  The University of Michigan Wolverines put an end to Gionta’s incredible season, defeating Boston College in the National Championship game in Boston.

Gionta continued to put up numbers at Boston College, scoring 33 goals with 56 points as a sophomore.  The playoff woes still plagued the Eagles as the University of Maine Blackbears eliminated BC in the semi-finals of the Frozen Four.  The phrase “the more things change, the more they stay the same,” is continuing to reign true for Gionta at this point in his BC career.  Junior year for Gionta was more of the same.  Continues to put the puck in the net and put up points with 33 goals and 56 points.  However, once again, BC was not able to get it done in the playoffs with a loss to the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux in the national championship game.

Senior year for Gionta, the season all the pieces were falling into place.  Gionta’s point total took a hit, but remained strong at five points.  Not to mention he led the country in goals with 33.  Amongst an Eagle roster crawling with talent, Gionta stood out as the leader.  Vengeance for the loss in the National Championship game was even sweeter for Gionta and the Eagles.  The won in overtime with a score of 3-2, in Albany New York no less.  Not quite Rochester, but it is something.

Gionta continues to prove himself despite his age.  His mentoring and leadership skills are extremely valuable to the Bruins and some of their emerging young talent.

 

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter:  @MickGurn

 

Cover image courtesy of The Boston Globe.

Northeastern Huskies Beanpot Champions

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“For the first time in 30 years, the Northeastern Huskies are college hockey’s Beanpot champions. Can you believe it?” – Joe Castigilione, probably.

David Versus Goliath

For as often as this biblical phrase is part of sentences, it truly fits the Huskies and Terriers rivalry. From a historical standpoint alone, Boston University is the favorite to win the Beanpot every season. After all, thirty Beanpot Championship trophies and banners in their trophy case back that up. Not to mention their incredibly hot goalie, Jake Oettinger, and their nine game unbeaten streak coming into the game, Boston University is in familiar waters. On the other hand, 2018 is a different season.

As I stated in the previous Beanpot article, Northeastern is the favorite this year. The number 12 ranked Northeastern Huskies came into the Garden, the favorites to win it all. At the present time, Matthews’ Arena is home to one of, if not the, best lines in all of College Hockey. Right wing Dylan Sikura, center Adam Gaudette, and left wing Nolan Stevens are making what is most likely their last season together a memorable one. To say nothing of Cayden Primeau, who carriers a 1.97 GAA, and a .925 SV%. Northeastern’s Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are keeping the Dog House rocking all season long. Stevens, Gaudette, and Sikura put 61 goals in the net this season. This is no cakewalk for the Terriers.0 BU is also hurt by the absence of Jordan Greenway who looks to become an American hero in the Olympics this year.

The Game

“I am sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Terriers have. Screw ‘em! This is our time.  Let’s go out there and take it!” – Jim Madigan’s pregame speech, probably.

In what was one of the most entertaining open periods in college hockey history, the 2018 Beanpot did not disappoint. BU immediately took the lead. While the first Terrier goal did not count due to goaltender interference, Boston University quickly scored again. Cayden Primeau wass kicking himself after sending the puck into his own net. Logan Cockerill was credited with the goal.  As a result, Northeastern jacked it up a notch, as Nolan Stevens took advantage of a BU penalty. Throughout the game Primeau stood tall, making 38 saves in the contest. Adam Gaudette will live forever in Beanpot legend as his hat-trick was the difference maker in this one. Gaudette also continued to write Northeastern history as he became the all-time school leader in power play goals.

Jim Madigan obviously understands the importance of the Beanpot. He is a Huskie through and through, from a player to a coach. After the game, Coach Madigan’s quote embodies this, “The first thing I thought about was ‘Hey we’re finally over the hump’’’. For now, Northeastern is the best college hockey program in Boston. While that itself is impressive, they know the season is not over, and they want to continue to make history.

http://northeasternhockeyblog.com/game-day/beanpot-round-harvard-northeastern-preview-boston-college-boston-university-1988-drought/

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter:  @MickGurn

 

Cover image courtesy of The Boston Globe.

Dick Umile: A Look Back on a Storied Career

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Dick Umile, head coach of the UNH Wildcats will be retiring following the end of this season. Umile has been a head coach at the University of New Hampshire for 28 seasons. In 22 of those seasons he coached the Wildcats to winning record. Umile has always been a Wildcat; he was a player from 1969 till 1972. During his time on the ice, Umile talied 60 goals and 84 assists. As the captain of the Wildcats, Umile led them to the ECAC Semi-Finals for the first time in school history.

Umile was drafted by the Saint Louis Blues following his senior season, however he was out of professional hockey by 1975. Not to mention, he is 12th all time in UNH history with a 1.66 points per game average. His coaching career at UNH began in 1988 as an assistant coach. He took over for Bob Kullen as head coach in 1990. As head coach he has accumulated 586 wins, good enough for 9th all time among Division 1 head coaches. Not bad.

Watertown High School

Dick Umile is a native of Melrose Massachusetts.  At Melrose High School, Umile excelled at hockey and football. Melrose High honored Umile by inducting him into their athletic Hall of Fame. His hockey career at Melrose was quite memorable; three-time all-star, all-scholastic captain, as well as a three-time Middlesex League Champ. As a captain; Umile used his skills as a motivator and a team player to win in high school. Umile transferred his experience as a high school player to a high school coach.

The Watertown High School Red Raiders were enthused to announce Umile as head coach of the hockey team in 1975. Defense and hustle were a part of Umile’s strong suit. With this in mind he took great care in demanding them from his players. When Watertown hired Umile, they were in the basement of the Middlesex league. Umile’s knowledge for the sport and the respect he commanded from his players put them in awe. The Red Raiders’ play increased significantly. By teaching his boys what the word “team” was all about, they got better every year, culminating into a state championship in 1985. Umile proved his worth as a coach by taking a basement dwelling group of individuals into a dominant state championship team. Watch his Watertown High induction ceremony here.

Head Coach

Dick Umile’s success at the high school level attracted the attention of several college coaches. Mike McShane, former teammate of Umile at UNH, was the new head coach for the Providence College Friars. McShane knew the knowledge Umile possessed for the game of hockey and brought him to the college level. Umile went on to return to the University of New Hampshire following the 1987 season. Bob Kullen, who stepped aside due to a rare heart condition brought Umile back home. Umile served as assistant coach for two seasons until Bob Kullen tragically lost his battle with the rare heart condition.

Umile’s first season under the helm, 1990-1991, was the Wildcat’s first winning season in seven long years. That year is dedicated to Bob Kullen. This also lead Umile to his first Hockey East Coach of the Year Award, which is now named in Bob Kullen’s honor. Umile has led the Wildcats to twenty 20+ wins in a single season, four NCAA Tournament appearances, ten Hockey East regular season titles, as well as making it all the way to the championship games in 1999 and 2003, only to lose in heart-breaking fashion. Umile is a six time Bob Kullen Hockey East Coach of the Year Award winner. The college hockey world will miss Umile behind the bench, but are forever grateful for his contributions.

 

Cover image courtesy of WMUR.com.

Boston’s Contributions to Miracle on Ice Still Remembered 38 Years Later

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“11 seconds, you got 10 seconds. The countdown going on right now! Morrow up to Silk, 5 seconds left in the game! Do you believe in miracles? Yes!”.

These words spoken by legendary broadcaster Al Michaels are forever engraved in the history of USA hockey. The call came in the closing seconds of what may be the greatest upset in the history of sports. The political ties made it much more than a hockey game. Known as the miracle on ice, the United States’ upset the USSR on the night of February 22nd, 1980. That game forever changed the image of USA hockey.

Even 38 years later it still doesn’t add up. How did a team of American college kids beat a team who lit up the NHL All-Stars 6-0? I mean, you’d think if anybody could beat the Soviet Red Army it’d be the NHL All-Stars. However even with the Eastern and Western conferences combined, it was still no contest. Known primarily for their intricate passing plays, the Soviets showed the world a whole new style of hockey.

Their domination only further enforced the communist propaganda of the USSR. The Red Army only lost one Olympic contest in the past 16 years, taking home the gold on all four occasions. The odds were completely stacked against the Americans, but their perseverance and determination embodied everything that we still stand for as a nation. This team really did serve as a catalyst for the entire country and it couldn’t have been done without the four rag-tag Boston boys.

Dave Silk

Born in Scituate, Silk played high school hockey at Thayer Academy in Braintree prior to joining BU in 1976. His impact on the Terriers was noticed as he put up 65 points in just 34 games as a freshman, leading BU to their fourth consecutive ECAC title. His domination earned him the New England Rookie of the Year honors and it only continued throughout his collegiate career. Even despite another stellar season on the score sheet (27-31-58), Silk’s Sophomore year was highlighted with a National Championship victory over BU’s archrival BC Eagles.

This production was enough for the New York Rangers to take Silk in the 1978 amateur draft, although he did not sign with the team until after the Olympic games to preserve his amateur status for the tournament. He put up five points in the seven games at Lake Placid. From there the dynamic forward went straight to New Haven, Connecticut to begin his professional career in the AHL.  After another brief stint in the “A” during the 1980-81 season, Silk was called up to New York. He finished his rookie season with 26 points through 59 games and solidified himself as an NHL player.

Silk eventually retired from the NHL in 1986 after having played for New York, Boston, Detroit, and Winnipeg. He put up solid numbers, finishing with 113 points in 249 NHL games. His career will forever be highlighted by his role in the miracle on ice.

Jack O’ Callahan

The hard-hitting defenseman out of Charlestown attended Boston Latin High School prior to BU. Joining the Terriers in 1975, O’ Callahan played a vital role in BU’s three consecutive ECAC championships. He was about the average size for a defenseman but had a very physical style of play. O’Callahan was ruthless in his own zone and was always one to clear out the front of the net. The hard edge that he had to his game led to 283 penalty minutes over his four years at BU. However it definitely made his movie character an audience favorite. He missed the first two Olympic games with a knee injury, but suited up for the remaining five.

“OC” was drafted by Chicago after his sophomore year at BU. He began his professional career with the New Brunswick Hawks immediately after the miracle. After just one full season in the American League O’Callahan made his NHL debut in 1982. He was a reliable defenseman with Chicago and remained a physical presence on the Hawks until he was traded to New Jersey. He retired in 1989 after playing parts of two seasons with the Devils, finishing with a career stat line of 27-104-131 in 389 NHL games.

Jim Craig

Craig grew up in a North Easton house with three brothers and four sisters. He admitted that he started playing goalie because he wanted to play with his brothers but didn’t know the rules. He  fell in love with it and got plenty of practice from his brothers and the other kids in the neighborhood. Craig starred at Oliver Ames High School in North Easton and began his BU career in 1976. During his freshman season his mother, who was a heavy smoker, was diagnosed of cancer. She passed away in 1977 right as his dad lost his job. This took a huge toll on the family of nine. Even with his struggling family Craig posted a 29-4-2 record through three seasons at BU and played big role in the 1978 National Championship win.

He was taken by Atlanta in the fourth round of the 1977 draft and signed immediately after the miracle in 1980. After playing four games in the tail end of the season Craig was traded to Boston for the 1980-81 season. He played in 23 games posting a 9-7-6 record and wouldn’t see the NHL again until the 1983-84 season. After thirty games in Minnesota his NHL career came to an end. He finished with a career record of 11-10-7 and a goals against of 3.78.

Mike Eruzione

The “Massachusetts Miracle Man” played for his hometown of Winthrop all throughout his youth and high school hockey days. He then played a post-grad year at Berwick Academy in Maine and joined the Terriers in 1973. He helped lead the Terriers to an ECAC championship title in each of his four years at BU, highlighted by a 64-point senior year. This was enough to get the attention of the WHA’s New England Whalers and he was taken in second round of the 1974 WHA draft. He never played in the WHA or the NHL. He spent two years playing semi-professionally, but didn’t want a prolonged NHL career. Despite negotiations with the New York Rangers, Eruzione felt that he had already reached his peak by scoring the miracle on ice clinching goal.

He hung up the skates at just 26 years old and worked as a color commentator. Eventually Eruzione returned to his hometown of Winthrop and coached his son’s youth team. He was also an assistant on the boys’ varsity team, and seems content with not going pro. It’s crazy that the guy who scored the biggest goal in the history of hockey never played in the NHL.

 

Cover image courtesy of mentalfloss.com

Hockey East Biggest Games 1/20/18

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Hockey East competition is storming into 2018 and teams are beginning to separate themselves. Northeastern officially claimed first place in the Army ROTC Hockey East Rankings with twenty-three points. Likewise, Boston College, although struggling lately is still right there with twenty-two. The Friars’ recent loss put an end to a golden opportunity to gain ground on Northeastern and Boston College. As a result, Providence has twenty-two points and now stands next to Boston University.

Providence College and UConn

The Friars took an early bus ride down to the XL Center on Thursday night for a home and away series against the Huskies. The Friars were led by “Silky Wilky” Josh Wilkins’s two goals on their way to a 3-1 victory. All three of Providence’s goals came in the first period. Vimal Sukumaran’s goal at the end of the period put the game away. Hayden Hawkey’s twenty-three saves continued his hot streak. Following Thursday’s game the Friars ran their unbeaten streak to seven in a row (6-0-1). Huskie goaltender Tanner Creel got just his 3rd start of the season. Creel, a senior, is filling in for the injured Adam Huska and has proved himself worthy. Creel made twenty-seven saves and did not allow any goals after the first period. UConn’s power play struggles cost them as they dropped their fifth straight.

Saturday night the two teams met again as no love was lost in a physical contest. The hits were coming like Pablo Sandoval to a buffet. Several skirmishes broke out and hard checks were occurring up and down the ice. Huskies took advantage of a strong opening period to take the lead 1-0. UConn later extended their lead to 2-0 following a sloppy hit after the whistle penalty from Friar Alternate Captain Vincent Desharnais. The Friars came back strong and Captain Brian Pinho put Providence College on the board. Tanner Creel and the Huskies’ defense stood tall, like a proud oak tree, and added an empty netter to secure the win. Important to realize, this snapped the Friars’ streak of seven straight games without a loss. Watch the highlights here.

UMass Amherst and Northeastern

The stride the Northeastern Huskies are on hit a road block. The number eight ranked Huskies could not put a tally on the board against freshman goalie Matt Murray and the UMass Minutemen. While unranked and in eighth place in the Army ROTC Hockey East Rankings, the Minutemen are securing big wins this season. Coach Greg Carvel credits this win and the win over the Friars as his highlight of the season. This win for the Minutemen was no cakewalk. Northeastern is number eight and in first place in Hockey East for a reason. Northeastern led with shots on goal but the game had no goals until UMass started hitting its groove.

 

 

Additionally, the freshmen got it done for UMass this game. Rookie Mitchell Chaffee put a redirector into the net past Cayden Primeau. Likewise, Chaffee added to his impressive game by sending home a power play goal. Not to mention, another freshman, Mario Ferraro got a drive going that junior, Austin Plevy, put in the bag and took it to check out. UMass outshot the Huskies 32-29.  Northeastern could not get it done on the power play as they squandered their two man advantages. Matt Murray’s fifty-seven saves over the weekend earned him the Pro-Ambitions Rookie of the Week. Watch the highlights here. Northeastern cannot let off the gas again as they go up against the Providence College Friars next weekend.

 

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter: @MickGurn

Cover photo courtesy of www.insidehockey.com

Northeastern is a Team to Recognize

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The Northeastern Huskies are a team looking to take no prisoners in the college world. After sweeping UMaine this past weekend, the Huskies are one point shy of Boston College for first place in Hockey East. The Huskies are led by Hockey East Player of the Week, and NCAA Scoring Leader, Adam Gaudette. The Braintree native’s seventeen goals, and eighteen assists add up to be the most in the NCAA. Gaduette’s hat trick against UMass Lowell earlier in the season was a thing of beauty. The Vancouver Canucks’ prospect is someone to keep an eye on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_OvwCJJK8o

This Season

Head Coach Jim Madigan has led the Huskies to an overall record of 14-5-3, and a Hockey East Record of 10-3-1. Northeastern is putting the rest of the college hockey world on notice, coming in at #8 in the NCAA. Notre Dame has to keep up their pace with Northeastern firing on all cylinders. However Northeastern cannot let up. They have an important series against Providence College on the horizon. The Friars look like they are beginning to hit their stride.

Again, Adam Gaudette has been nothing short of spectacular this season. If Gaudette lights the lamp similarly as he has done all season, he will be a favorite for the Hobey Baker Award. In a similar manner there is another Husky up for the Hobey Baker Award that cannot be overlooked. Senior Dylan Sikura also has eighteen assists this season and twelve goals. Sikura comes in with thirty points on the year. The Chicago prospect is coming off his best season in which he scored twenty-one goals, tallied thirty-six assists, and ended with fifty-seven total points. If he continues to improve in his senior season, he’ll be looking like a steal for Chicago.

Of course, the Huskies are getting a big boost behind the play in net of freshman Cayden Primeau. The Montreal 7th round Pick has a GAA of 2.03 and a SV% of .920. He has one shutout this season. Primeau had a season high 33 saves against the high-powered offense of the Boston University Terriers. Primeau looks like he can sew the wounds of Jon Gilles being lured away from Northeastern to Providence College.

Going Forward

The Northeastern Huskies’ break out season has been a long time coming. After making it to the NCAA postseason just once since Jim Madigan took over, a disappointing era of Northeastern Hockey could be coming to an end. Furthermore, the Huskies are ready to take over the top spot in Hockey East from the struggling Boston College Eagles. Last season Northeastern made it to the Hockey East Quarter Finals, and want more.

 

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter: @MickGurn

Merrimack and the Long Road Back

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Merrimack and the Long Road Back

On December 8th, 2017 it was shaping up to be another long season for the Warriors. Merrimack’s record was 2-9-3, with no bright spots to be found. Since then, however, it appears that the Warriors have turned a corner and are heating up in the Hockey East. Since that day, Merrimack is 4-2-1 and sits ninth in Hockey East standings with a measly 8 points. If this hot pace can continue, the Warriors may be making a run. Seniors Jace Hennig and Brett Seney have been tearing it up and leading the team with nineteen points. The Warriors will be leaning heavy on their veterans. But overall they need to step up and deliver.

Early Season

The early months of the season did not bring many good moments for the Merrimack Warriors. The team limped out of the gates in October with only one win in seven games. They finished 1-5-2 in the first month of the season. The only silver lining is five of those games were against tough, non-conference teams. The list includes Colgate, Wisconsin, and Minnesota-Duluth. November did not fare any better with two losses to Boston College and a loss to Providence College. The Warriors ended the month blowing a 5-1 lead against the Friars, finishing with a 6-6 overtime tie. Merrimack was on fire to begin the game but could not keep it all together.

December

December is where tough teams continue to fight it out, and the rest are left behind. The Warriors are surprising everyone as of late. Following two losses to the mighty Northeastern, Merrimack scored big wins over Army and the University of New Hampshire. A tie against Northeastern kept the momentum rolling and led to a win over Denver. Merrimack ended the month on a sour note with a loss to Colorado College. There is no denying that Merrimack is no longer an “easy win”.

Going Forward

The Warriors have started the month of January off with a 1-1-0 record. The schedule does not let up with Boston University on the horizon. However, UConn, Vermont, UMaine, and UMass Amherst are coming up. All those programs have been struggling. Merrimack could make up ground in the Hockey East Standings and shock the college hockey world.

Jace Hennig, Brett Seney, and Jared Kolquist must continue to produce. If Merrimack wants to survive in Hockey East they must meet the challenge. Craig Pantano has been an unsung hero in Hockey East. Though 6-6-2 is not that impressive, his 2.42 GAA and .915 Sv % are nothing to sneeze at. The junior should receive the most time between the pipes for the rest of the season. If he can continue to improve, the Warriors will be in it for the long haul. Merrimack’s biggest fan, Mike Babcock, father of junior Michael Babcock, will be there to see the Warriors making a run.

 

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter: @MickGurn

What is Going on with Boston University Hockey?

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With the history and tradition that surrounds the Boston University Terriers’ Hockey program, a “down” or “rebuilding” year are out of the question. The students, alumni, season ticket holders, and higher-ups expect and demand greatness, and every game the team endures “Sucks to BU” chants where ever they go.

Coaching

David Quinn has been given the unfortunate gift of taking the helm of the Terriers from Jack Parker. This is perhaps the most unenviable position to be in College Hockey, Quinn has taken the Terriers to some success. Coach Quinn has taken the Terriers to a record of 83-53-17. They are 44-29-13 in Hockey East action. Comparatively, this is a good record for a hockey school, but Boston University is no ordinary hockey school. Coach Quinn’s reign as produced the only one down year, the 2013-2014 season when the Terriers finished 10-21-4. They went 5-12-3 in Hockey East games. In light of this season, the Terriers bounced back the following season which saw them finish first in Hockey East and end runner’s up in the NCAA Finals. Coach Quinn has led the Terriers to two first place finishes in Hockey East Standings.

This Season

Currently the Terriers stand at 8-10-1. They are 6-6-1 in Hockey East Games. The Terriers are not in the Top 20 in NCAA. Playing .500 hockey in Hockey East this season good enough for third place in the standings. The main stay between the pipes this season is Sophomore Jake Oettinger. The first round Dallas Stars pick has appeared in 17 games this season and boasts a 2.91 GAA and a .902 SV%. These numbers are too “average” for a Boston University goalie. Sophomore Patrick Harper leads the team with 21 points this season. The Nashville fifth round draft pick has 8 goals this season. The team leader in goals this season for the Terriers is Bobo Carpenter, with 9 goals.

Problems

These numbers are the root of the Terriers’ struggles this season. They lose too may close games and get blown out far too often for a team that should be competing. Some the defense and goal tending shows up, the offense sputters, and other games the offense is firing on all cylinders, the defense and goal tending cannot stop anything. The 2017-2018 Boston University Terriers are the worst thing you can be in sports, inconsistent.

Going Forward

The Terriers season is far from over and the chance for them to succeed is very high. The schedule is weaker than what the Terriers went up against during the first half of the season with multiple games against Merrimack, Vermont, and Arizona State. There are multiple chances for Boston University to win. Only 2 games under .500, the Terriers are not out.  Hockey East is a tough conference and in order to survive, consistency is key.