Women’s Hockey: Terriers Looks to Regain Momentum in Maine Series
Featured Image by Jenny Chen
By Ryan Abazari
The Boston University Terriers (1-7-0, 1-2-0 HE) will head to Orono, Maine, for a weekend series against the University of Maine Black Bears (2-6-1, 0-1-1 HE).
BU is coming off a loss to No. 12 Northeastern last weekend, being outscored 10-4 across the two-game set.
“I think this year has a different feel,” Head Coach Tara Watchorn said. “I think it’s being patient. It’s not about lowering the standards or lowering the bar in how we prepare, but finding the little wins in everything that we do.”
The Black Bears are also coming off a weekend sweep, having lost both games to Providence in overtime.
The teams have a faceoff record of 37-22-4 4 all-time against the Black Bears, with BU winning all three of its games against Maine last season.
“They’ve definitely put together a strong start,” Watchorn said when asked about the series against Maine. “They’re hard to play against, they always have been. They’re going to capitalize when they get the chance.”
Senior forward Sydney Healey is one to look out for. She leads the Terriers in all major offensive categories with four goals, four assists, and eight points. Senior forward Clara Yuhn follows with three goals and four points.
BU is expected to continue splitting time between its two goaltenders. Graduate student Michelle Pasiechnyk has a 3.17 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage, while junior Mari Pietersen has a 3.79 goals-against average and an .877 save percentage.
Maine’s leading scorer is freshman forward Isabelle Michaud with five points. Senior forward Ava Stevenson has yet to score for the Black Bears but ranks second on the team with four assists.
Maine is expected to start with sophomore Kiia Lahtinen in goal. She has started every game so far, posting a 2.83 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage.
“It’s connectedness, it’s maintaining professionalism when things aren’t going your way,” Watchorn said. “It’s kind of those intangibles that you don’t always see on the scoresheet that I think are going to lead to more consistency.”
The series will be played at Harold Alfond Sports Arena, with Game 1 at 3 p.m. on Nov. 7 and Game 2 at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 8. Both games will stream on ESPN+.