Men’s Hockey: No. 7 Terriers Conclude Regular Season against Providence

By Miranda Lemus

Cover Photo Credit: Joe Eachus

After a crucial sweep over Vermont, No. 7 Boston University Men’s Hockey (22-10-0, 16-6-0 HE) is ready for their last regular season series against the Providence Friars (14-11-7, 9-7-6 HE). 

“It was obviously nice for us last week to get back on the winning track, hopefully our guys gain some confidence off that weekend and we’re looking forward to tomorrow night,” BU Head Coach Jay Pandolfo said.

Friday night’s game will celebrate the 11 graduating seniors and grad students on BU’s veteran squad. This year’s graduating class has brought incredible talent and numerous unique skills that help keep the Terriers as a top-ranked team. 

While the senior group of captain Domenick Fensore, forward Wilmer Skoog, defenseman Case McCarthy, forward Sam Stevens, alternate captain Jay O’Brien, forward Sean Driscoll, defenseman John Copeland, forward Ethan Phillips, goaltender Patrick Schena, and forward Jamie Armstrong all hope to see the ice this Friday, the Terriers will still aim to put their players out there in efforts to remain the No. 1 seed going in the Hockey East Championships. 

“I give [the senior class] a lot of credit, they’ve helped me out too and it’s my first year as head coach, so I’ve learned from them as well. It’s been fun to work with these guys and they’ve done a heck of a job,” Pandolfo said.

A notable defensive standout from the senior class is Hockey East Defenseman of the Month Fensore. Following a solid performance on the Terriers’ blue line in their series against Vermont, Fensore looks to continue his dominant performance to end his senior campaign.

While the Terriers senior class will pull out all the stops for this weekend’s series, the Friars are also well-equipped with senior star power. Providence captains, forward Parker Ford and defenseman Max Crozier, hold the first and third spots of the Friars’ point leaders, respectively, and will also be hungry to end their senior seasons on a high note. 

Friday’s matchup will be the first meeting between the Terriers and Friars since Feb. 10, 2022. Their last tilt ended in a 4-1 win in favor of BU. 

Currently, the Friars are tied for sixth in the Hockey East standings, and this weekend will be their last chance to climb the ranks. The Terriers will use this weekend to try and win their first Hockey East regular season title since the 2014-2015 season. 

“There’s a lot on the line for us and we have to make sure we respond,” Pandolfo said. 

The Terriers will play at Agganis Arena for one last regular season game this Friday against Providence. The Friars will host BU on Saturday night for their final regular season game of the year. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. for both games.