Women’s Hockey: Terriers Take to the Heights Against Eagles

By: Dan Shulman

The Boston University women’s hockey team resumes play on Saturday when they head down Commonwealth Avenue to do battle with archrival Boston College.

The Terriers ended the first semester on a high note by beating the two-time defending National Champion Minnesota, 6-5, in overtime. Senior co-captain Natalie Flynn doubled her career scoring output in the game, scoring once in the second period and again to win it in the extra frame.

Boston College ended their 2016 campaign with a thumping 6-1 win at Dartmouth. The Eagles continued their success on Wednesday afternoon, knocking off Syracuse at Conte Forum, 4-3. A four-goal second period, including a hat-trick from Kristyn Capizzano.

The last meeting between the two teams came back on November 5 at Walter Brown Arena. The Terriers scored five times in the third period to silence the visiting Eagles, 5-3. BU freshman Deziray De Sousa scored her first career goal for the game winner.

This season, BC is led offensively by Makenna Newkirk. The sophomore has scored only six times but has 16 assists for the Eagles this season.

On defense, the Eagles are looking to fill the void left after the suspension of defenseman Toni Ann Miano. The junior was found in “violation of team policy” and will miss the remainder of the season. Miano’s defensive partner Megan Keller has

In goal for the Eagles, Katie Burt has once again been immense. Her .920 save percentage and 1.84 goals against average are both slightly higher than her career numbers. However, Burt has three shutouts this season and has posted an 11-3-3 record.

For the Terriers, senior Mary Parker is second in the nation and first on the team with 17 goals. She is a +14 this season and recently eclipsed 100 career points. Parker will need to be at her best as the Terriers will be without the services of Rebecca Leslie and Victoria Bach who will both be away with Team Canada at the Women’s U-22 Nation’s Cup.

Defensively, BU has seen a major contribution from Abby Cook. The freshman has seven points (2G, 5A) and leads the team with a +12 rating.

In net for BU, both Victoria Hanson and Erin O’Neil have seen their fair share of minutes this season. Hanson has had the better numbers so far, posting a .925 SV% and a 2.42 GAA.

Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Conte Forum.