Men’s Hockey: No. 2 BU hosts Northeastern with World Juniors in rear-view mirror
Featured image: Jessica Lam
By Claire Smieszny
On Tuesday, January 9th, Boston University Men’s Ice Hockey (12-4-1, 7-1-1 HE) head across town to face off against a division rival in the Northeastern University Huskies (6-9-2, 1-8-0 HE). This marks the first of two meetings between these foes in the 23-24 regular season. BU hopes to redeem themselves after their last meeting, a 3-1 loss in the 2023 Beanpot semifinals.
“The last few years we’ve had some really tight games against Northeastern,” said coach Jay Pandolfo. “It’s been quite a rivalry the last couple years, so I know our guys are looking forward to it.”
After a break in the schedule, the Terriers return to conference play with the number one spot in the Hockey East standings.
BU will be welcoming back several of its stars into the lineup after being absent for the World Junior Championships in Sweden. Namely, freshmen forward Macklin Celebrini, who will certainly be hungry for success after Canada’s disappointing finish in the tournament.
Celebrini, the team leader in points with 25, will return to center the top line alongside senior forward Luke Tuch and sophomore forward Quinn Hutson. Defensemen sophomore Lane Hutson and freshman Tom Willander will also make a comeback to the lineup. With 20 and 8 points respectively, the top defensive pairing’s return is sure to make an impact in the Terriers’ game.
On the rival side, Northeastern will bring the offense to BU. With eight players recording 10 or more points, the Huskies are sure to put up a good effort on the scoring side. Sophomore forward Jack Edwards leads the charge with 18 points.
Unfortunately for Northeastern, BU’s junior goaltender Mathieu Caron has been nothing but strong and consistent in net. With a 2.53 goals against average and a .910 save percentage, the Huskies’ offense will face tough competition.
In the opposite net, BU may face trouble as well. Northeastern’s freshman goalie Cameron Whitehead has been nothing but solid in his first collegiate season, racking up a 2.72 goals against average through nearly 1000 minutes played.
With competition ramping up as the Terriers head into the second half of the season, this game is crucial in setting the tone. “It’s gonna be a tough stretch here, so this is where the season really gets going.” said Pandolfo.
Puck drop is at 7p.m. at Matthews Arena in enemy territory, with streaming available on both TSN+ and ESPN+.