Men’s Hockey: Terriers swept by Minnesota State on opening weekend

By: Denny Hackett

A spirited second period comeback effort was not enough for the Boston University Terriers to overcome the Minnesota State Mavericks as they lost 5-3 on Saturday.

A slow first period that saw the Terriers outscored 3-0, ended up being the difference in the game. BU was outshot 14-6 and put up an uninspired first frame of the game.

“In the first period we just started out kind of limp” said coach Albie O’Connell.

In the second period the Terriers thoroughly outplayed the Mavericks. They outshot Minnesota State 18-6 and managed to tie it up as they scored three goals of their own, including freshman Joel Farabee’s first collegiate goal.

O’Connell credited the penalties in the second period as the turning point for the Terriers.

“The five minute major was helpful to get us a little bit organized out there and get some offensive momentum,” O’Connell said.

Despite the momentum that the penalties gave the Terriers, finding the back of the net was a challenge on the power play. Through the first two games, they are just one for eight with a man advantage.

O’Connell also thought that the penalties that BU gave up in the third were ultimately what allowed Minnesota State to put the game away. The Terriers were unable to find the back of the net and were outshot 11-7 in the third. While BU struggled to score a goal in the frame, Minnesota State was effectively able to ice the game with an empty netter with 20 seconds to go.

Despite the loss, O’Connell is confident in his team.

“We’ve got a great hockey team, there’s a lot to build off,” he said. “We’ve got good character, great leadership.”

The Terriers have a week to regroup before they return to Agganis Arena to take on the U.S. U-18 national team in an exhibition on Friday, Oct. 19.