Men’s Hockey: Duplessis, Vlasic lead Terriers to 1-0 shutout over Catamounts
By Carolyn Mooney
BURLINGTON, V.T. – The No. 13 Boston University Terriers (7-2-0) shut out the University of Vermont Catamounts (1-6-2) by a score of 1-0 Friday night at Gutterson Fieldhouse.
It took about 45 minutes of play before the puck found the back of the net for BU, as sophomore defenseman Alex Vlasic scored the lone goal for the Terriers.
Freshman goaltender Vinny Duplessis earned his first collegiate shutout between the pipes stopping all 18 shots that came his way. UVM’s freshman goaltender Gabe Carriere stopped 29 of 30 shots for the loss.
Despite the win, BU head coach Albie O’Connell said he believes his team could play better offensively.
“We didn’t get a great night out of some guys, so hopefully we will bounce back tomorrow and play well,” said O’Connell. “I thought they, for the most part, played well defensively. We managed the puck pretty well, but from an offensive standpoint, we need some of those guys to step up and make plays at the right time.”
Vlasic was the lone scorer in the game, tallying his goal 3:34 into the third period. The 6’6 defenseman carried the puck into the neutral zone, dropped it off to sophomore forward Jay O’Brien at center ice along the boards, then joined the rush.
Vlasic received a pass from O’Brien, then wrist-shot the puck into the net to break a 0-0 game.
You can only hope to contain the sudden goal-scoring machine that is Alex Vlasic.
Nice give-and-go with OB for a 1-0 lead.#GoBU pic.twitter.com/GqKHrOElwy
— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) February 13, 2021
Vlasic has three goals in three games, and extended his point streak to four games.
O’Connell said he thought Vlasic was the best player on the ice.
“He’s really made a big step,” said O’Connell. “When he got the one goal there, you gain some confidence. I’m happy for him because he wants it. He works hard, he was a beat tonight, and he was like a man amongst boys out there.”
In his second collegiate start, Duplessis earned his first shutout. The 21-year-old out of Quebec City, Canada had previously earned his first collegiate win against Boston College last weekend with a 3-1 victory over the Eagles.
O’Connell said that he thinks Duplessis has been managing his game well.
“He knows how to manage himself, and knows how to get ready for a game and preparation,” said O’Connell. “I thought he was terrific, and he didn’t make a mistake … He managed the game well while he took a lot of whistles. I thought he managed the dump-ins pretty well. So, pretty mature for a young guy.”
Senior forward Logan Cockerill was back in the lineup after missing some time. As for other players returning this weekend, O’Connell said he does not believe any other members of the team will be dressing up for the backend of the two-game away series.
However, freshman defenseman Cabe Webber will be back after serving a one-game suspension for delivering a high cross-check to a BC player in last weekend’s series.
On the suspension, O’Connell said he believes that the league had made the right call.
“I think the league did a good job and made the right call,” he said. “Sometimes that happens, especially when you’re six, seven and the guy’s five, seven, and you have your stick out. He’s got a game.
“It’s not the worst thing in the world for a freshman to watch and see what the game looks like from the top.”
The Terriers are scheduled to take on the Catamounts tomorrow in the backend of the two-games, away series at Gutterson Field. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Featured Image: Sophomore defensemen Alex Vlasic (7) and Dom Fensore (23) celebrate Vlasic’s goal in a win against Boston College at Walter Brown Arena on Feb. 6, 2021. Photo by Carolyn Mooney.