BU Takes First Blood Against Lowell

Colby Freakin Cohen Scores ANOTHER Big OT Goal

Box Score (GoTerriers)
Recaps from USCHO, GoTerriers and WTBU Sports

Colby Cohen says he closed his eyes when the puck left his stick as he took the shot that sealed the National Championship for the Terriers.  I wonder if he kept his eyes open tonight.

Cohen scored the biggest goal of the young season with just over a minute left in OT to beat the #9 Riverhawks in Lowell.  The goal gave BU a 5-4 win on a night where the offense woke up in a big, big way.

Cohen is quickly (and amazingly) becoming a very solid two-way player for BU. (I honestly cannot believe that I just typed that sentence.  Please don't remind me that I wrote that if it turns out to be horribly, incredibly incorrect.)

Defenseman David Warsofsky scored two goals for the IceDogs, freshman stud Alex Chiasson tallied his third of the young season, and the new offensive star Zach Cohen put home his second of the year.

Kieran Millan saved 32 of the 36 shots he faced on the night.  He did, however, let up another game-tying goal late in the third period, with just over 4 minutes to play.

Millan was aided by a monster defensive effort by BU.  The Terriers allowed just 5 shots in the third and overtime combined. 

Know Your Enemy: The "What's a Riverhawk?" Edition

UMass Lowell Times Two

As we all know, the Riverhawk is a stupid, fake, idiot of a mascot.  It is worth every ounce of hatred and ridicule you can possibly dish out.  And don't feel bad about heckling them.  Seriously.

What else should you know about Lowell going into this big, big weekend?

Let's get something out of the way right now.  No bird on earth has molars.  None.

I truly hate to dwell on just how much I despise their mascot, but it is at the root of why I really cannot stand everything that is UMass Lowell.  Although their arena is very nice.

Second to the mascot is the fans.  In reality, I hate them for how well they travel.  There is always a strong, loud. cowbell-clanging visitor section full of red, white and blue Lowellies.  They are annoying, and they are passionate, if nothing else.  And make no mistake, they will spend the entire night getting in your face reminding you why they have nothing else to live for, as they are in fact from Lowell.  It's a boring, crappy place.

If you end up in Lowell for Friday night's game, don't forget to check out their biggest tourist attraction.

Alright, now to the hockey games.  This weekend is about as important as an October home and home series can be.  UMass Lowell is off to a hot 3-1 start, as expected, and is looking to push their way into the elite of Hockey East. 

To be fair, they attempted to do this at the end of last season in a cute little effort.  But they failed.  And it was glorious.  Ending UMass Lowell's season was almost as sweet as ending Newton U's pitiful year.

Lowell returned the main components of last year's almost-was team.  And there's no better place to begin with Lowell than with goaltender Carter Hutton.

Carter Freakin' Hutton.  Lucky recipient of Hot Dog and Jesus' Worst Human Being On Eart Award for 2008-09.  Last season he split time with some guy named Nevin, posting a 9-8-1 record.  Sort of lie a hard luck starting pitcher, that really doesn't inidicate how well he played for Lowell.  He put up a 2.06 GAA over his 19 games. 

Apparently Hutton is still sharing time with some guy named Nevin, but Hutton has 3 of UML's 4 starts this season.

Hutton started 2 of the 4 games against BU last season, and came in relief for a third.  He gave up 8 goals on 56 shots in that time.  Lowell fell short each time.

Much like Hutton, Lowell generally falls just short of beating BU.  In each of the three regular season games BU and UML played last season, BU was either losing or tied going into the third.  They just toy with the Riverhawks and break their hearts.

UML is also returning their two seven scorers from last season, all of whom scored 21 points or more, the polar opposite of a Terrier team counting on freshmen. 

Leading the way is the tandem of juniors Scott Campbell and Maury Edwards, who combined for 59 points on their own last year.  Captaining the Hawks is senior forward ben Holmstrom, who apparently thinks that it is Lowell's time to do something. 

It appears that Lowell is just as balanced offensively as they were a year ago, as nine Riverhawks have already scored through just four games.  Through three games, BU only has 5 goals as a team.  To say that Kieran Millan will have his hands full would be the understatement of the week.

Campbell and senior Kory Falite each have five points for UML to lead the team, followed by Edwards who has four.

All of this offense has put Lowell in a nice little spot early this season, sitting at ninth nationally.  Most recently, they beat Northeastern 3-1 in Lowell.  Their only loss so far came to #12 Nebraska-Omaha in this year's version of the Ice Breaker Invitational.

One reason Lowell always plays BU so close is the coaching.  Head Coach Blaise MacDonald spent 1990-1996 as Jack Parker's assistant head coach.

WTBU Sports spoke with Blaise at Hockey East Media Day this year.

UMass-Lowell Head Coach Blaise MacDonald from WTBU Sports on Vimeo.

If BU wants a chance in hell of winning this weekend, they will need to break out of their offensive slumber.  They will need to generate quality shots, which they did a much better job of against Michigan.

So strap in, it should be a really, really fun weekend.  Either BU rights the ship and gets back on the path toward defending its crown, or Lowell starts to assert itself as a true national force.  Huge impact either way.  Lots of fun either way.

Oh, and hide your kids.  Who knows what this freak is capable of?

If you want more, check out the UMass Lowell Media Guide.

What I Forgot To Mention Because BU Got Me Riled Up

Gilroy Nets NHL Goal Numero Dos

I know, I know, you're mad I didn't mention this earlier. 

On Saturday night, while BU was busy getting their first win of the year, Matt Gilroy was up north in Montreal getting his second goal of the year.

It's a shot you've all seen 10 million times before from Matt Gilroy.  His teammates grind out a solid possesion deep in enemy territory until they can dish out a clear pass to #97 on the blue line.  Gilroy patiently recieves the pass, gets in a clear shooting line, winds up and tees off. 



Unfortunately, despite this goal, the Rangers would eventually fall 5-4 to Montreal in OT.
In any case, keep up the good work, Matty Ice.

Gryba Watch: October 24, 2009

Gryba MUST read this blog....

Between periods on Saturday Night, Aggannis Arena got to know Eric Gryba a little bit better as BU did a pre-produced piece talking to the big man about a slew of different things hockey and non-hockey.

Gryba told us all that his favorite BU player of all time is Freddy Meyer.  At that point, I thought that he must be trying to please me personally. 

Then in the third, Gryba took a 5 minute hitting from behind penalty, along with a 10 minute game misconduct penalty for a glorious 15 minutes of sin bin time.  Almost a whole damn period closer to etching his name in Terrier lore.

This is no longer a crawl to the record.  It's a freakin mad dash.

Terriers Bounce Back, Beat Michigan

Joe Pereira Nets Late Game Winner


BU got in the win column despite blowing a two-goal lead late against U Michigan.  It was an exciting game in front of a packed house for BU's Alumni Weekend, capped off by an electric play by Junior Joe Periera to win it.

First thing's first, get caught up on game recaps from USCHO , GoTerriers, Inisde Hockey, and WTBU Sports, as well as a full box score.  You can also watch the game highlights at CBS Sports.

GoTerriers also posted this postgame interview with Pereira and Kieran Millan.





Now for some thoughts on the game.

BU -- Notre Dame Highlights Posted on YouTube

From BU Athletics

Oh. My. God.

No matter how bad it gets for BU Hockey this year, let's pray that our athletics department never, ever forces any of our athletes to participate in something so horribly lame.


WARNING:  You will legitimately beg for these three mintues of your life back.

Hockey East Roundup: Friday, October 23

Merrimack Headlines Big Night of Conference Play

Six teams played Hockey East games tonight, and none came out feeling better than perennial bottom-dweller Merrimack College. 

Mack fought hard with Vermont into the second, trading goals with the seventh ranked team in the nation.  5:58 into the second, Mack jumped ahead 3-2 on a Chris Barton tally on the power play and never looked back.  The Warriors ended up winning the game 5-2 in the latest upset of this young season.  They now somehow sit at 3-2-0 while UVM falls to 2-2-0.

UMass Amherst also continued their hot start with a 5-3 win over the Black Bears of Maine.  All-American James Marcou had a goal and three assists in the victory.  The Minutemen move to 3-0-0 and 2-0-0 in Hockey East Play.

The final conference game of the night was a match-up between New Hampshire and Northeastern U.  No surprise here as the Wildcats took down the Huskies 4-2 on their home ice in a game that was televised on NESN. 

Non-conference play featured UMass Lowell defeating Colgate 5-3, Providence taking down Bowling Green 8-2 and Boston College defeating Notre Dame 3-2.

Wolverines Skate Into Boston

Terriers Go To Battle With #5 Michigan on Saturday Night

BU already faced the X-Men, and now they have to contend with The Wolverines.

There is no place for Hugh Jackman on this Blog

What will the Terriers be up against as they look to get in the win column for the first time in 09-10?  Well, let's take a peek shall we?

Awesome John Curry Highlight Reel

You know you have no life when you are searching around on the internet and you stumble across a Johnny Curry Highlight Reel video produced by the WBS Penguins.....and you are the second person to have viewed it.  Now, I share it with all of you.  Enjoy.

Colin Wilson Creates Another Goal

Gets Second Career Point in OT Win Over Sens

Well, I suppose I may be posting a lot of these types of videos on the blog for a long, long time. 

A night after recording his first NHL goal back in Boston, Colin Wilson assisted on Nashville's first goal in what turned into a high scoring affair in Canada. 



I'd love to say it makes me happy to see him succeeding, but it just makes me sad to know he could still be playing at BU.

After One Week In Hockey East....

USCHO has this week's Hockey East round-up posted for your viewing pleasure.

Some Points of Interest:

-- HE Player of the Week: Stephane De Costa of Merrimack, for his ridiculous five goal outburst in Mack's victory over Army.  The kid from Paris talked to the media after the game, and his accent is pretty ballin'.

-- HE Rookie of the Week: Chris McCarthy of Vermont, for his two-point effort in the clash of Hockey East Titans on Sunday, as UVM took down BC 4-1.

-- HE Defensive Player of the Week: Paul Dainton, UMass Goalie, for his shutout win over Your Terriers.


Additionally, USCHO picks Michigan to defeat BU 3-2, in OT. 

Colin Wilson Still Does, And Always Will, Own This City

Wilson Scores First NHL Goal at TD Garden Against Bruins

Of course he did.

Wilson came back to Boston for the first time, and made us all weep over the fact that he could have played in Scarlet and White for two more seasons.



So Wilson knocks Patrice Bergeron off the puck, creates an odd-man rush, stays with the play, follows two shots and finally gets the tip in behind Tim Thomas.

Outstanding stuff for Wilson there, all-around great play and it's just wonderful to see him get his first NHL tally back in Boston.

Oh, and the Bruins won 3-2.  Big Deal.  Go Colin.

Parker Post-Game

 (Audio From of Terrier Hockey Fan Blog)

Parker talked to the media after BU's loss to Notre Dame, and he was not too pleased with his teams performance.


Parker Audio

My favorite moment:  "We were inept on the power play.  The 5 on 3 looked like we never practiced it."

Gryba Watch: October 20

Four More Minutes for the Big Man

The BU Hockey World is crumbling down around us.  BU can't score goals.  They can't even convert on wide-open breakaways!  And now even their goaltending looks a bit shoddy!  What can I believe in any more?

GRYBA SMASH, THAT'S WHAT!

Eric Gryba took a holding penalty 11 minutes into the game and a high-sticking penalty at 1:08 of the third period.  Four more penalty minutes on the docket.

Those two minors bring Gryba's season total to 6 penalty minutes, and his career mark to 242.

He now trails Freddy Meyer by just 46 minutes for the record of most career penalty minutes as a Terrier.  His next chance to eat babies and destroy entire towns simply by exhaling is this Saturday Night against Michigan.

SCOREBOARD

Meyer: 288 PIM

Gryba: 242 PIM

Post Game Reactions: Tuesday, October 23

Number Three (Seriously?) BU Falls Hard To Number Nine Irish


It was a very frustrating night for BU fans who forgot what it was like to watch a team that isn't a few steps above the rest of the competition.  The playing field certainly has been leveled since the end of last season, and that was very evident Tuesday at Aggannis.

First thing's first, with full game recaps from GoTerriers, USCHO, The FreeP, WTBU Sports, and Kevin Edelson over at Inside Hockey and a full box score.  If you dare, watch the highlights.

USCHO.com/ Melissa Wade

Now lets get down to the dirty, ugly keys to the loss.

National Champions No More

BU Embarrassed in Home Opener


BU fell tonight in their first home game of the 09-10 season, 3-0 to the Figthing Irish Ice Show.

Once again, for the fourth consecutive game, the Terriers collected a wealth of shots, but could not generate many quality scoring chances in the loss.

Goaltender Kieran Millan surrendered all three goals, two of which were very soft, en route to the loss to an over-ranked Notre Dame team.

I'll have plenty more on this tomorrow, but I don't feel like re-hashing this miserable performance until I have a chance to sleep on it.  BU has a chance to rebound Saturday Night against Hockey powerhouse Michigan.  We'll get you caught up on the loss, and get you ready for Game 3 tomorrow.

Johnny Curry Pushes Scranton To Big Weekend

 John Curry headlined a four-point weekend for the Scranton Wilkes Barre Penguins, playing two tough games to get a 6-3 victory in Binghamton and a 4-3 Shootout victory over Syracuse.

Friday night's game saw Curry record 38 saves on 41 shots, while fellow BU baller Brian Strait added an assist and went +3 on the night.

On Saturday, Curry made 29 saves on 32 shots, enough to push the game to a shootout.

As we know, Johnny Curry is at his best in ridiculous breakaway situations, so the shootout was pretty much built for him.  Syracuse apparently didn't get the memo that you DO NOT go low glove slide on Johnny Curry, as each of their first two attempts tried to deke in a goal pas Curry's left leg.  Curry made two sprawling kick saves (5:45 and 6:30 in the video) and then knocked down Syracuse's final attempt with his glove to ice the win.





On the year, Curry is 3-2 with a 2.56 GAA.

Around Hockey East

What You Missed Friday Night While The Terriers Disappointed You

BU and UMass were the only teams that played a Hockey East Game last night, but five other Hockey East clubs saw out of conference game action last night.

• Merrimack got in the win column for the first time this season with a 3-1 victory over Holy Cross.  Fun story from that game as brothers Elliott and Everett Sheen went toe-to-toe.  They say 1,800 people went to the game.  I sort of doubt it.

• Maine lost to Michigan State, 5-3, in the first of a two-game set at Alfond Arena.  The Sweedish monster Gustav Nyquist had a big game for the Black Bears in the loss.  The same cannot be said for Goaltender Scott Darling, who surrendered 5 goals on 34 shots.

• The number one team in the nation, Miami, visited Durham, NH and took down the Wildcats by the score of 6-3.  New Hampshire is now 0-2-0 on the year.  They'll get a chance at redemption when the teams skate again tonight.

• Bentley has a hockey team. 
• The Huskies beat them.

• BU gets Notre Dame later this week, fresh off the Irish's split with Providence.  Notre Dame got the best of the Friars Friday Night in South Bend, downing PC 2-0.  Notre Dame goaltender Mike Johnson saved 29 shots to earn the shutout.

On the slate for tonight is a huge Hockey East match-up between Vermont and Newton U.  The puck will drop at 5 PM in Burlington. 

Mack also skates tonight, playing host to Army at 7 PM.

Wake Up Bitches, The Terriers Lost

Sorry To Ruin Your Morning....

As you probably already know by this point, the UMass Minutemen downed the Terriers at the Mullins Center last night in Amherst, 3-2.  The loss is their first road loss since last November when they lost to, you guessed it, the Minutemen.

Being stuck at work, I was not blessed with the opportunity to go watch BU lay an egg in the season opener.  This is fortunate, as the Google Search "Things to Do in Amherst, MA" reveals that the top three tourist destinations are The Jones Library, The Old First Baptist Church, and Puffers Pond. 

Karen A. Winger/USCHO.com

Will Ortiz of UMass Celebrates

Gryba Watch: October 17

The Big Man Inches Closer

In an otherwise disappointing opening night for Terrier Hockey, Eric Gryba came through in the clutch to keep the hopes and dreams of BU fans alive.

7:33 into the third, donning a fresh "A", Gryba buckled down and did what we were all so desperately waiting for.  He took a high sticking penalty.

With the two minute minor, Gryba comes that much closer to securing the ultimate goal of surpassing Freddy Meyer as the all-time penalty minute leader in BU Hockey History.

As you can see, the standings are now as follows:

Meyer: 288
Gryba: 238

One small step for Gryba, One giant step for....Gryba?

Get To Know Your Hockey East Referees

It's Hecklin' Season

One of the best things about college athletics is the passion.  Here at TMA, we like to dump gasoline on the fire that is passion by providing you with all the information you will need to effectively cheer, root and heckle your way through the year. 

Therefore, we are providing you with this link, a veritable goldmine for belligerent college hockey fans.

This is the roster of all Hockey East On-Ice Officials, including number and full-time jobs.
 
Some important facts to keep in mind include Tim Benedetto and Scott Hansen's uniform numbers (15 and 7 respectively).
 
Also, by far the coolest job on the list goes to second year official Richard Patry, number 44.  His full-time job is a HazMat Transporter.  That's just straight baller.

Curry, Strait Shine in Baby Pens Victory

BU Alum Come Through As Usual

The Scranton Wilkes-Barre Penguins climbed back to .500 with a 6-3 victory over the Binghamton Senators.

John Curry stood on his head as usual, turning away 38 of 41 shots to get the win.  Brian Strait also played his part, setting up Scranton's fourth goal with a nifty pass that led to a teammate's breakaway.

Breaking News: BU Falls to UMass

The UMass Minutemen have defeated the Terriers, 3-2 in Amherst.  Tough start to the 2009 season with Notre Dame and Michigan on deck.  They'll need a big bounce back from this one.

Almost As Stupid Looking as the Riverhawk

Freshman forward Alex Chiasson had both of the Terriers tallies tonight, for his first and second career collegiate goals.

BU has lost a road game for the first time in 20 contests, as Will Ortiz of UMass gets the game winner and the first star honors.

Back later with much more from this one.

Lines For Tonight's Game

 Thanks to Chris Aliano of WTBU Sports


BU Lines

Forwards
Chris Connolly Nick Bonino Vinny Saponari
Zach Cohen Luke Popko Joe Pereira
Wade Megan Corey Trivino Alex Chiasson
Justin Courtnall Ryan Santana Kevin Gilroy

Defense
Colby Cohen Kevin Shattenkirk
Sean Escobedo Eric Gryba
David Warsofsky Max Nicastro

Goalies
Kieran Millan
Adam Kraus


UMass Lines

Forwards
T.J. Syner Casey Wellman James Marcou
Brian Keane Brett Watson Shawn Saunders
Chase Langeraap Rocco Carzo Will Ortiz
Danny Hobbs Darren Rowe Eddie Olczyk

Defense
Martin Nolet Justin Braun
Matt Irwin Mike Donnellan
Doug Kublin Michael Marcou

Goalies
Paul Dainton
Randy Wolcott

Previewing Tonight's Game

Get Ready to Pound the Minutemen!


As you well know, real hockey finally begins tonight at the Mullins Center in Amherst, with the Terriers facing off with the 1-0 Minutemen.  Coach Parker should have the boys pumped up and ready to go, so let's make sure you're the same.

Following the Game


If you can't get up to Amherst, like some people who have to work tonight, there's plenty of ways to follow the game online.  WTBU Sports will be streaming the game, and if you are looking for an interactive outlet, they will also most likely be live-blogging throughout the contest as well.  If you're in your car, 1510 has the call.  You could watch the game on All Access through UMass if you have an account.  Or you can follow the game on gametracker, via GoTerriers.

Now for the links!

Know Your Enemy: Game One

Get to Know The Terriers' First Opponent of the Season


The Terriers will end a more than six month wait for regular season hockey to start up again on Friday when they travel to Amherst to face off against the Minutemen.

Hockey East Alums Running New York

Gilroy and Drury Have Company on Broadway

 If you followed BU Hockey in the last five years or so, and you are even half as passionate about the Scarlet and White as I am, there's a very good chance you despise Brian Boyle.

Boyle had 52 and 53 points in his junior and senior years respectively before he went on to great success for several seasons with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL.  He went on to have a cup of coffee in the big time with the LA Kings.

As you probably know, he is now a New York Ranger, and his success continues.

Boyle scored the Rangers third goal in a 4-2 victory over his former NHL team, the Kings.  

I'm conflicted.  My eyes tell me to cheer for the Devil himself, but in my heart, I know I need to keep hating Brian Boyle.

By the way, Matt Gilroy logged 17:28 of ice time in the win.

UMass Amherst Game Notes

GoTerriers has the complete game notes available on their website for this Friday's season opener against the Minutemen of UMass.

Read up, and get ready for opening night!

The Golden Boy Breaks the Ice

Colin Wilson Plays in First NHL Game with Nashville

Wilson didn't get on the score sheet, but he did get on the ice for the Nashville Predators last night.

The Preds fell 6-1 to Edmonton, and Wilson finished the game -1 in 16:41. 

Congrats Colin.  The first of many.

Hockey East Season Previews

On the eve of the regular season, we provide you with the Hockey East season previews from the Big Boys.

• USCHO's Jim Connelly and Dave Hendrickson review Hockey East's revival as the nation's premier conference and ask whether or not the re-found success can be sustained.

• Inside College Hockey's Jeff Howe ponders how the Terriers will deal with their key losses in the off-season, and tells us why he thinks those pesky Riverhawks will make noise.

• Inside Hockey's Kevin Edelson previews the league and (gasp!) picks UMass Lowell as #1 in his Hockey East pre-season poll.  Blasphemy!

• WTBU's Chris Aliano has a BU-Centric view of Hockey East, presenting you the reader with a four-part series season preview. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.

• The entity that is BU has the Terriers' season preview over at GoTerriers.

• And finally, ESPN's David Albright relays the information that BU is favored to repeat as Hockey East Champs. 

Post-Game Reactions: Saturday, October 10

USA- 2 -- BU- 3

The Terriers faced off against the future of hockey Saturday night at Aggannis in their annual match-up against the USA Under-18 team.  Yours truly was out of town, but I have studied up on the game, and I have some reactions for you.

If You Missed Saturday's Game....

This Is What You Missed





Back with reactions later

Fresh Meat: Part 7 of 7

Max Nicastro -- Defenseman


This is the final installment of a seven part series introducing you to the newest members of the Boston University Terriers Men's Ice Hockey team. Here we will be looking at the resumes of the new recruits Jack Parker and Co. have brought in to try to fill the shoes of the dearly departed group of 8 players from the 08-09 championship squad.


Defense wins championships.  Plain and simple.  


Look at any sport, and the moral of the story is always the same.  Solid defense will keep you in games.


And last year's BU team had defense coming out of their ears, with the best unit of six blueliners in the nation.  In 2008-09, opponents of the Terriers managed a paltry 2.02 goals per game on just 23 shots per game.  And the number of quality chances was even lower.  High scoring offense is great, but the way the Terriers set themselves up to be a championship caliber team was with solid defense.


Assistant Captain Brian Strait was the man at the front of the line of a defense first strategy.  But alas, Strait has moved on to greener pastures in Scranton, and his presence will need to be replaced.

Ladies and gentlemen, Max Nicastro.

AHL Boys Find Success

McCarthy, Curry Working in the Minors

Congratulations, John McCarthy, you got on the scoresheet.  McCarthy scored a goal for the Worcester Sharks on Friday night to give the team a 1-0 lead.  The Baby Sharks, however, would go on to lose to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Over in Scranton, Goalie Johnny Curry registered an assist and 29 saves, but the Baby Penguins ALSO fell to Bridgeport.  Brian Strait had a relatively un-eventful night.

Meanwhile, we await the debuts of Colin Wilson and Brandon Yip.

The People Have Spoken

TMA Readers Vote Alex Chiasson

In the latest poll, you have all decided, by mere percentage points, that Alex Chiasson will be the Freshman who has the largest impact on the 2009-10 Terriers' season.  Chiasson edged out Max Nicastro by just one vote.

Now the pressure is really on.....

Boston Globe Writes About College Hockey

Nancy Marrapese-Burrell of The Boston Globe talked to Coach Parker and wrote a story about BU's chances of repeating as National Champs.  Definitely worth a read if you get a chance.

Fresh Meat: Part 6 of 7

Justin Courtnall -- Forward

This is the sixth installment of a seven part series introducing you to the newest members of the Boston University Terriers Men's Ice Hockey team. Here we will be looking at the resumes of the new recruits Jack Parker and Co. have brought in to try to fill the shoes of the dearly departed group of 8 players from the 08-09 championship squad.


Are you nervous about your favorite college hockey team because they lost about 700 points in graduating seniors and departed NHL prospects?

Do you lay awake late at night in a cold sweat, wondering where on earth your offensive production is going to come from?

Well what if I told you I could give you a player who scored 41 goals and assisted on 73 more in his last two years in the British Columbia Hockey League? 

This upstart offensive juggernaut in the making can be yours, if you're a fan of the BU Terriers.

Reading For Pleasure

Want to re-live every moment of the Terriers' magical push to the National Title?  Now you can.

These points from the book's website:

Check out a 16-page spread of full-color photos on glossy paper, including many action shots and celebratory moments from the NCAA tournament

Learn the story behind why coach Jack Parker urged Matt Gilroy and Colin Wilson to go pro… and why they opted to stay

Read the previously untold story about how two players were almost kicked off the team last spring, only to end up playing valuable roles on the championship team

Find out all the ways the Terrier coaches and players raised the bar during the offseason to develop a championship mentality

Discover what life was like among the diverse personalities in the Terrier clubhouse

Relive the game-by-game action, especially the many details of the high-stakes games throughout the season

Experience all of the emotional ups and downs that the players and coaches went through when they fell behind Miami in the national championship before pulling out an amazing victory
 
Buy the book here!

What Were You Doing When You Were Under 18?

Probably Not Going to Aggannis to Play Against the Defending National Champs

But you're also probably not as talented as the kids in the USA Hockey Development Program.  These games are always fun to watch, because the kids you see here always seem to pop up somewhere down the road.

As you can see, it's a big deal for these kids to skate against the best college hockey clubs, and they always bring their best game.

USCHO Says Last Year's Number One is This Year's Number Two

The first poll is out, and BU just cannot get any love.  USCHO and CBS College Sports say that BU is the number two team in the nation behind Denver. 

Bulletin Board Material, Bitches.

Gilroy Goal Highlight

Matt Gilroy's First NHL Goal is in the Books




Congratulations, Matty Ice!

Hobey Scores!

In a Rivalry Game, Of Course

Matt Gilroy netted his first career goal to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead in the second period against the New Jersey Devils.

The goal came on a pass from Marion Gaborik and Vinny Prospal.

We'll have the highlight and post-game reactions from the new King of New York as soon as they are available.

Hit the Panic Button!

BC Does what BU Could Not, Vanquishes X-Men

Boston College defeated St. Francis Xavier by a score of 4-1 on Sunday Night.

You know what that means....

Post Game Reactions, Saturday Oct. 3

BU 2 -- SFX 2


The score in a pre-season game is far from the most important thing.  The coaches are not coaching to win, lose, or draw, but rather to get their teams ready to play the games that matter, and to figure out who plays well together.  You also get a first look at your goaltenders and your freshmen.  All things considered, it wasn't a bad way for the Terriers to start off last night.

Terriers Tie X-Men in First Exhibition Game

Put Up 53 Shots, Manage Just Two Goals

We'll be back with a full wrap up and reactions about the game, including how rusty Adam Krauss looked, later today, but until then let's get you some links to hold you over.

Read the game recaps from USCHO, WTBU Sports and Go Terriers.

Also check out a full Box Score and Post Game Quotes From the FreeP.

Back later today with complete coverage, as well as a look forward to next week.

BU Reunion in Scranton

Three Recent BU Grads Play in AHL Season Opener


The Scranton Wilkes-Barre Penguins beat the Syracuse Crunch 4-2 last night in each team's season opener.

Goaltender Johnny Curry stopped 26 of 28 shots and Brian Strait assisted on a goal.  Strait also took a two-minute minor just two minutes into the game for hooking.

Chris Higgins didn't get on the scoresheet in his first professional game, but he did record two shots on goal.

Former Northeastern Goalie Brad Thiessen is Curry's back-up in Scranton.

The next time the teams meet, there could be a fourth Terrier in the mix.  The Penguins organization claimed Chris Borque off waivers.  He could be added to Pittsburgh's NHL roster.



Scranton Penguins Game Story
Penguins Game One Photo Gallery

Terriers FINALLY Begin Title Defense Tonight

Sort Of....

It's been a long, hot summer without Terriers' hockey ladies and gentlemen, but the wait is finally over.  The IceDogs will lace 'em up tonight and skate at Aggannis Arena against some guys who call themselves the X-Men.  Seriously.

While it's only a meaningless exhibition game, it's much more than that for us fans.  It's our first look at the incoming class of freshmen, it's a wind-pipe tune-up for the fans, and it's a way for the team to ease back into playing hockey competitively. 

Although the team from BC High would probably present better competition and a better atmosphere, every great team needs a tune-up game.  Bring in some clowns from up north, beat them senseless, and send them down Comm. Ave for those idiots on Chestnut Hill to have their sloppy seconds with them.

This is the inevitable result, right?  Like Michigan vs. Appalachian State, right?




Well, this isn't a regular season game, and it's not football, so don't get nervous if the Terriers come out flat.  Think of this more as a spring training baseball game.  Or maybe Week 4 of the NFL pre-season.  This is a way for Jack Parker to begin to get a read on his team and figure out how best to squeeze dozens of goals out of a traditionally pedestrian forward (see Jason Lawrence, 2008-09).

If you're itching for more on this game right now, read this post I wrote earlier this summer scouting out the opposition.

You can also check out the still-in-progress Fresh Meat Series getting you up to speed on this year's freshmen.  And yes, that section will be complete by the time the National Champions banner goes up before next Saturday's game against the U-18 team.

Plus, we'll be back with recaps, links, columns and much more following the slaughter of the X-Men.

And if all that isn't enough, watch this video to get pumped up.

Fresh Meat: Part 5 of 7

Alex Chiasson -- Forward

This is the fifth installment of a seven part series introducing you to the newest members of the Boston University Terriers Men's Ice Hockey team. Here we will be looking at the resumes of the new recruits Jack Parker and Co. have brought in to try to fill the shoes of the dearly departed group of 8 players from the 08-09 championship squad.

Let's present a scenario.

You just led your junior league team in points by scoring 17 goals and assisting on 33 more in just 56 games.  You were just selected 38th overall in the NHL Draft by the Dallas Stars after a rigorous scouting session.  And you are just about to hit your 19th birthday.  What could keep you from cashing in and going to play at the highest level in the NHL?

How about a chance to play for the defending National Champion NCAA Hockey Team?

Well, lucky for BU fans, that's the route that Alex Chiasson has opted to take.

Matty Ice Breaks the Ice With The Rangers

Plays in First NHL Game in Blueshirts' Season Opener

Matt Gilroy began his NHL career with a solid performance for the New York Rangers.  Is anyone suprised that his plus/minus is already at +2 after just one game?

Gilroy skated for 20 minutes, including 3:21 on the power play, a big vote of confidence from Coach Tortorella toward the rookie blueliner.

You can read the game story from espn.com here.

Terriers' great Chris Drury scored a goal in the game for the Blueshirts.

Interesting sidenote, also playing for the Rangers tonight was former BC standout Brian Boyle.  Boyle split time between The LA Kings and their AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, last season.

WTBU Sports With Parker, Shatty, Bonino

BU Student Radio Surpasses FreeP, Hockey East Online in Hockey Coverage

As you know, I bitched and moaned yesterday about the fact that Hockey East Online wasn't legitmate enough to post an embeddable video on their website from their own media day.


Well what do you know, the boys at my former stomping ground came through in the clutch.  Props to the WTBU Men's Hockey Beat Writer Chris Aliano and the rest of the WTBU Sports crew for doing work, and showing the other sites in town what it's like to live in the 21st Century.  Exclusive video interviews with Coach Parker, Nick Bonino, Kevin Shattenkirk AND UML Coach Blaise McDonald.


Boston University Head Coach Jack Parker from Tyler Murray on Vimeo.



Boston University Center Nick Bonino from Tyler Murray on Vimeo.



Boston University Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk from Tyler Murray on Vimeo.

I'm so proud, it almost brings a tear to my eye.

WTBU Sports.com is officially a legitimate source for BU Sports!  Congrats

So start taking notes Daily Free Press.  THIS is how you get it done!!!

Check out the whole post here, and be sure to visit WTBU Sports, once you're done here at TMA, of course.

Huskies Renovate 700 Year Old Stadium

Northeastern U Re-defines Phrase "Putting Lipstick on a Pig"

Matthews Arena is a horrible, horrible place.  I understand that the Bruins and Celtics played there.  I understand that it's old.  I understand that it's "homey."  I also understand that it is an atrocious, uncomfortable excuse for an arena.

During last year's BU-NU game at Matthews, a friend of mine commented that the arena was the loudest he had heard a stadium all year long.  It's loud because it's a goddamn shoebox.

All these things being what they are, the Division III team on Huntington Avenue finally realized that they play in an awful cesspool, and as such, decided to do some house cleaning.  And my god, the improvements are adorable.  In fact, they're so excited they went ahead and set up a website so you can stay current on the renovations.

Oh, and there's this.


Let's examine some of the highlights of the Matthews overhaul.

J-Lo Invited to ECHL Camp in Charlotte

Jason Lawrence with Opportunity to Skate for Charlotte Checkers


J-Lo didn't make the cut with the Bruins organization, but he is getting another shot with the New York Rangers franchise.

The Checkers are the primary affiliate of the Rangers and the Colorado Avalanche.

Jack Parker Speaks On Hockey East Media Day

Talks about Freshmen, Captains

Well, Hockey East Online is a piss-poor site, so their videos can't be embedded on my site

You can see the video here.

Either way, here are a few notable quotes from the interview.

"Well that was then, and this is now.  We lost a lot of players, but we got a lot of good players coming back.  We expect to be a pretty good club and obviously the other coaches think we're gonna be pretty good too.  We're excited about what we've got coming back, and we're interested to see how the freshmen will contribute."

"We're gonna need a few freshmen to step up on a couple of the first lines and on the defensive spots but in general we've got a pretty good nucleus coming back that we could field a good group of guys who played a lot of hockey for us last year."

"Shattenkirk is a terrific player, both of em are All Americans and Hobey Baker candidates.  So when you start with a great center like Bonino and a great defenseman as well as offensive defenseman like Shattenkirk, you've got a pretty good anchor at both ends of the offensive and defensive lines. 

"Bonino last year had four less points than Wilson and had five more goals than Wilson.  And yet I think the most he made was honorable mention for Hockey East, and Wilson was runner-up for the Hobey Baker and first-team Hockey East and first-team All American so I think people kind of overlooked what a great contribution Nick Bonino had for us last year.  And Shattenkirk was a second team All American and second team Hockey East so we're lookin forward to him coming back and being a great leader for us and a great player

Hockey East Online Coaches Interviews

Terriers Get Love on ESPN

I Guess ESPN Boston is Worthwhile After All


College Hockey on the Worldwide Leader?  Who knew it was possible?!

Well apparently it is.

Here is a feature from ESPN Boston on the Terriers' being ranked first in Hockey East to start the season.

Gilroy, Twelve Other Terriers On NHL Opening Day Rosters

Matt Gilroy Likely to Become 61st Terrier in History to play in NHL

The Rangers open up tomorrow night against the Penguins, and Matty Ice should be skating for the Blueshirts.

GoTerriers.com has an article detailing all 13 BU Alum currently on NHL rosters.

As you will see in the article, Colin Wilson and Brandon Yip are on pro teams but will start the season on the injured reserve.