Men’s Hockey: No. 14 Terriers Take on Reigning Hockey East Champions, No. 11 UMass

By Miranda Lemus

Following several split weekend series, No. 14 Boston University Men’s Hockey (4-3-0, 2-2-0 HE) come out of their bye week traveling to Amherst to play the two-time reigning Hockey East Champions, No. 11 Massachusetts (5–3-1, 1-3-0 HE).

“It’s been a long two weeks. We’re certainly looking forward to getting back to some competition,” BU Head Coach Jay Pandolfo said.

Historically, the Terriers have dominated this in-state match-up, notching an impressive record of 55-13-8. In 2021, the Terriers went 2-0-1 against the Minutemen, who would go on to win the NCAA Championship that year. 

UMass started the year strong by sweeping the reigning national champions, the No. 2 University of Denver. However, what seemed like a promising start to the season for the Minutemen has only gone downhill since then. Currently, UMass is on a three-game losing streak and is winless in away games, something the Terriers hope to take full advantage of this weekend. 

The Terriers have yet to sweep an opponent in a weekend series and remain winless in series openers since the start of the season. While the Terriers continuously show time and time again that they can compete with any team they have faced thus far, this matchup will be a good test for both teams. 

To compete to the highest of their abilities, the Terriers have to make an effort to stay out of the penalty box. BU currently averages 15 penalty minutes per game and has given up seven power play goals on 37 opportunities this season.

“UMass has really good special teams on both sides, power play and penalty kill, so we have to make sure our special teams are really good, and we have to make sure our discipline is good,” Pandolfo said. 

Tied for third for the most penalty minutes on the team is freshman defenseman Lane Hutson. Huston is the reigning Hockey East Defender of the month after notching eight points in seven games for the Terriers.

Alongside Hutson, UMass freshman forward Kenny Connors was named the Hockey East Rookie of the Month for October after putting up nine points across seven games. Connors and Hutson have both played a key role in their team’s success, and only time will tell just how much these freshmen can help their teams earn a win this weekend. 

The Terriers will resume play at the Mullins Center on Friday night, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m.