Women’s Hockey: Terriers take exhibition matchup over Holy Cross

By Patrick Donnelly

The Boston University women’s hockey team defeated Holy Cross 2-0 in an exhibition game at Walter Brown Arena on Saturday.

BU junior forward Julia Nearis scored the eventual game-winning goal to break a scoreless tie in the third period, while senior goaltender Nicole McGuigan (eight saves) and freshman Callie Shanahan (seven saves) combined for the shutout. All of Shanahan’s saves came during the third period.

“I was super excited today for [McGuigan] and [Shanahan], who played really well and made some big saves” Terrier head coach Brian Durocher said. “They’re as big a part of the team as anybody else.

“One of the real unsung heroes over the years probably is Nicole McGuigan because she’s such a team presence and a locker room presence. She’s one of those people that brings great pride to what she does and brings great pride to our program and Boston University.”

Senior goaltender Jada Brenon stopped all 10 shots she faced for the Crusaders, senior Sarah Street had 21 saves, and sophomore Madison Beck allowed two goals on 15 shots.

Neither team scored in the first two periods, but the Terriers outshot Holy Cross 10-4 following the first 20 minutes before jumping out to a 21-4 margin after the second.

Nearis scored on the power play at the 9:36 mark of the third period to put BU up 1-0. Junior defender Nadia Mattivi dished to senior forward Courtney Correia, who broke in and found Nearis at the right post for the cross-crease finish past Beck.

“[Nearis] one of those players who’s a talented offensive player,” Durocher said. “If there’s one thing we’re looking for from her it’s consistency in endurance and conditioning… she’s put up points and we expect that again.”

Freshman forward Liv Haag doubled the Terriers’ lead just 1:08 later. Haag and sophomore Catherine Foulem entered the Crusaders zone on a two-on-one, and Haag opted to shoot, beating Beck short-side at 10:44 of the third.

“The good thing with [Haag] is that she scored a goal, and that always gives you a little bit of confidence,” Durocher said. “Ultimately that’s what you’re hoping for with the freshmen, that they get that confidence.”

BU and Holy Cross also played an extra five minutes of three-on-three. Although, it did not count towards the official score, graduate transfer forward Jesse DeVito added a goal for the Terriers in the extra frame, one-timing a shot past Beck and under the crossbar.

Senior netminder Kate Stuart, who is expected to be the starter this season, did not dress for the Terriers due to injury. She is considered “week-to-week,” according to the team.

“She’s expected to be a big part of our team,” Durocher said. “She’s somebody that’s been around for three years, and if you look at her track record, she’s put up All-American numbers.”

Saturday’s game also marked the first time that BU has played in front of fans since February of 2020. Durocher said it was good to have fans back in the building.

“It really is nice to have a little bit of energy,” he said. “There’s nothing like being at the rink when you can be. There’s only streams and Zooms that you want to watch.”

The Terriers will begin their regular season on the road against New Hampshire on Friday at 6 p.m. before returning to Walter Brown for the home opener on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Featured Image: BU junior forward Julia Nearis takes a slap shot during warmups ahead of an exhibition game against Holy Cross at Walter Brown Arena on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. Photo by Patrick Donnelly.