Women’s Hockey: BU set for two-game series against Merrimack

By Alexa Podalsky

This weekend, Boston University women’s ice hockey (2-2-0, 1-2-0 HEA) will face off against the Merrimack College Warriors (4-6-1, 1-4-1 HEA) in a two-game home-and-home set.

The Terriers will look to build upon last weekend’s success, a 4-3 conference win against the University of Maine. The odds are in BU’s favor for this matchup, as they have a historical 15-4-5 record against the Warriors. 

The Terriers will look to sophomore forward Sydney Healey to continue her impressive offensive play, as she currently leads the team with six points through five games. With goals in both of their last two games, Healey will look to extend her streak this weekend. 

Healey, along with the rest of BU’s offense, will be up against a tough competitor in net for Merrimack. Sophomore goaltender Calli Hogarth has been formidable so far this season. Recording a 2.34 goals against average and a .903 save percentage through over 600 minutes played for the Warriors this season, she will certainly present a tough challenge for the Terriers.

On the other end of the ice, Terrier defense will have to bring their A-game against the likes of fifth-year forwards Celine Tedenby and Mary Edmonds. Both were in the Hockey East at their previous schools and are familiar with the Terriers. With six points apiece to start the season, they are tied for first in points for the Warriors. However, neither player has seen much success against the Terriers historically, with only a combined seven points against BU throughout their careers. 

Edmonds and Peterson, along with the rest of the Warriors’ forward group, will be met with defending from BU graduate defender Nadia Mattivi. Another experienced Hockey East competitor and consistently providing strong player for the Terriers, Mattivi backs up her strong offensive play with remarkably solid defense. Mattivi and standout freshman goaltender Mari Pietersen will make it difficult for Merrimack’s offense, as Pietersen has started her BU career off with just a 2.70 goals against average through 300 minutes.

This weekend matchup will be an important one, as BU sits just two points below Merrimack in the Hockey East standings. 

Friday’s game will take place at Lawler Rink in North Andover, with puck drop set for 2 p.m. Saturday’s game at Walter Brown Arena will be at 4p.m. Both games will be available to stream on ESPN+.