Setup

We will go through each proposed “system” starting with the current system, followed by the switching to the top seed hosting the 4-team regional, ending with the wildly different system in which the top eight teams host the bottom eight teams in week one followed by the top four remaining seeds hosting the bottom four remaining seeds.

We’ll look at average travel distance, amount of flights vs. busses—NCAA requires teams to drive if a tournament game is less than 400 miles—and total travel distance.

Current System

The current system has been in place since 2003 and sees the 16 team tournament divided in four neutral regional sites with four teams each.

Since 2014, 15 different arena have hosted regionals led by Scheels Arena in Fargo, North Dakota—2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025.

Under the current system, Denver is one of the “biggest loser” having to fly for 9 of their 11 of their regionals (81.8%). The only two instances of being able to bus were the two times they hosted a regional in Loveland, Colorado in 2022 and 2026. Michigan and Notre Dame are also among the biggest losers both being forced to fly to 85.7% of regionals (6 of 7).

The “biggest winner” in this system is Providence who was able to bus to 7 of their 8 tournament sites (87.5%), the only exception being 2026 when they were sent to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Quinnipiac is also a big winner in this system also being able to bus to 7 of their regionals.

In total in the current system, there were 102 instances of teams busing to regionals (53.13%) and 90 instances of teams flying to regionals (46.88%) out of 192 opportunities.

Every team—except Air Force—with multiple NCAA tournament appearances in this span were able to bus to at least one of their appearances. Penn State and Boston College were the only teams with 3+ appearances to not have to fly to any regional.

Average combined travel distance for all teams in the current system: 520.01 miles

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Top Seeds Hosts

Next up we’ll look at travel if the top seeds host each of the four regionals. In total, 22 different arenas would have hosted regionals—up from 15 in the current system in that span—with Conte Forum (BC), Magness Arena (DU), Ralph Engelstad Arena (UND), and Mariucci (Minnesota) each hosting 4 times.

This new system decreases the number of teams flying >50% of their appearances from 19 to 17, a quite small decrease.

Let’s look at how this system changes the amount of travel and the amount of flights. Denver and Minnesota State are big winners in reducing their travel distance, with Denver traveling on average 418.257 miles less and Minnesota State traveling 376.881 miles less. In terms of flights, Michigan drops their number of flights by 4.

On the other end of the spectrum, Cornell’s number of flights increases by 5 and their average travel distances increasing by 361.116 miles.

Overall this system increases the total number of flights from 90 to 97 and drops the total instances of busing from 102 to 95.

Average combined travel distance for all teams in the a system in which the top seeds host: 498.51, a decrease of 21.49 miles.

Top 8 Seeds Host, Bottom 8 Seeds

In what would be a major shift in the system, we look at what a system that sees the Top 8 seeds, host the bottom 8 seeds at home in weekend one of the tournament. In weekend two, the top 4 remaining teams would host the bottom 4, a week later. For simplicity we are utilizing the first round matchups of the last 12 tournaments. In this “new” system the amount of top seeds winning would most likely increase but we will assume the first round winners will be same for simplicity.

31 different venues would host first round games in this format in the same span. If you just look at post the last 6 tournaments we’d only see 20 different venues with Minnesota hosting in 5 of 6 and Michigan, Denver, and North Dakota hosting in 4 of 6.

19 different venues would host 2nd round games, led by Denver who would host in 7 of 9 second round appearances, along with BC hosting all 5 of their 2nd round appearances and BU hosting 4, busing to UMass Lowell for 1, and flying for their other.

Looking just at the past 6 years, just 12 teams would host, led by BU, BC, Michigan, and Western Michigan who would host 3 times each.

Denver is the biggest beneficiaries of this system bring their total number of flights over 12 years from 9 to just 4 and dropping their average travel differential by 586.195 miles. Cornell goes from 1 flight to 5 in their 7 tournament appearances and increasing their average travel by 597.137 miles.

A downside of this system, is that it moves the second week of the tournament up against the Final Four—which is the reason why currently there is a week between the regionals and the Frozen Four. Also for fans, it is another weekend of travel and potentially hotels if they make it to the next round.

The total number of flights would increase from 90 to 102. Average combined travel distance for all teams in the a system in which the both rounds are hosted by the top teams host: 526.54, an increase of 6.54 miles.

Analysis

The only season the “Top Seeds” hosting the regionals would decrease total flights would be 2021. On only three occasions—2015, 2017, 2022—would the top remaining seeds hosting the 1st and 2nd rounds decrease the number of flights.

In the current system, 36 different teams have had to fly, just 18 have had to fly more than once. In the top seed hosted regionals, 41 different teams would be required to fly—23 more than once. When the top remaining seeds host over two weekends 38 teams require at least 1 flight and 22 would have to fly more than once.

Conclusion

Looking exclusively at flights and travel distance, for the vast majority of teams, on average, all three systems are not that different. The home-hosted regionals and the home-hosted 1st and 2nd round games would have issues for non-fans and potentially local fans alike being to get to tickets, due to limited capacity compared to current set up at some places. For example, Quinnipiac would be hosting 3-5 games at a 3.2k arena. If we’re going to change anything with host, let teams bid their own arena if it meets the NCAA minimum of 5,000 seats.

Beyond capacity, ticket prices would also be a concern. Single game tickets costing twice or even three times what normal tickets to a team’s game given the NCAA requires a minimum of $100,000 guarantee2 and the NCAA does not allow complimentary tickets to its championships3. As a result students would need to pay their own way into the game or schools or alumni groups would need to front the costs

None these solutions solve the biggest issue in getting people into arena, game schedule. Both of these systems would still be tied to a game schedule that prioritizes giving games their own TV window, leading to games at 2pm on Thursday. In a world where more teams would get home games, who are the ones that will be forced into the worse time slots? Surely not the teams that get a home tournament game once a decade. Getting a game schedule with more games at times that people could attend would do wonders to attendance. Additionally, the extra day in between game is a waste and makes it harder for people to travel. Going back to a Friday/Saturday, Saturday/Sunday schedule with games at 5 pm and 8pm local time would do extremely well.

What are the biggest games lost this season in terms of BU dropping out of position for an Auto-bid

Well, the Auto-Bid goes to the conference tournament champion so March 14th vs UConn in the Hockey East tournament Quarterfinal.

However, for an at-large bid it’s hard to quantify what “big loss” is. There’s a couple of ways you can go about this e.g. flipping loss to teams higher up in the NPI that would boost you or flipping losses to teams lower in the NPI that hurt you. We will take a look at the latter. CollegeHockeyNews breaks down a team’s NPI showing the games with the lowest game NPI—the second to last column.

If we flip just these four games to wins, BU ends up 13th in the NPI not safe but in a better position going into the final weekend of the season.

What do you expect the roster to look like next year? There's lots of projected incoming freshmen who are expected to be high NHL picks, but there's not enough room for all of them barring lots of early departures through signings and the portal. That also doesn't even get into the fact that they almost certainly don't want to be as young next year as this year. How do you see it all shaking out?

Disclaimer: we’re not really prospect/roster construction experts at BU Hockey Stats nor do we following recruiting closely so information on the incoming class may not be current.

We’re going to assume with the 26 player roster limit a roster of 14 forwards, 9 defensemen, and 3 goalies.

On defense, I would like to see Kyle Kim and Malte Vass find better opportunities, elsewhere. Kim only getting into one game this season and Vass being the extra defenseman in most games that he got in. In addition to those portal entries, not bringing Amico back would leave two open D spots. Those spots could be filled with older, more experienced transfers so the team can start on the right foot defensively from the onset of the season.

The forwards group is tougher. If everyone sans Eiserman and Boisvert returns, BU is over by 5 forward spots—based on projections (S/O BurntBoats)), so we’ll go through and say who we think should/might stay and who we feel could go.

The only rising senior forward is Jack Harvey is 100% a keep and should be a big part of the forward group.

Rising juniors are Kamil Bednarik, Nick Roukounakis, and Brandon Svoboda. Roukounakis is a keep, Bednarik probably signs, Svoboda stays/transfers.

The rising sophomores are Tynan Lawrence, Jack Murtagh, Ryder Ritchie, Jonathan Morello, Ben Merrill, Conrad Fondrk, John McNelis, and Jay Feldberg. Of this group Lawrence, Ritchie, Morello, and Merrill have seen the most consistency and are most likely to figure the most in the new season. Which leaves 4 possible transfers.

Assuming no changes to commitments, this wouldn’t leave any room for transfers. If there was a spot available BU is in need of another “power forward” that can position themselves in front of the goalie and screen and/or score in tight.

Would it be possible to get a cumulative player score average for the season (take all their individual scores each game and average it out)

What overall final letter grade do you give BU hockey for this season? Better yet, why that grade?

I’d give BU a C. In the first half, the team struggled defensively with a young group of defensemen but as the season went on defense got more solid. The team dealt with injuries throughout the season which hampered chemistry and production. They had times when they showed promise and times when they didn’t. They were solidly middle of a conference that was chaotic and inconsistent which hurt everyone in the national picture. In the end, in the league, they weren’t far off from the teams above them. Did they not reach their full potential? sure. Was the season as terrible and horrible as some people make it out to be? no. Sometimes in sports, things just don’t fall your way.

Connecticut (3-5 L)

The Huskies opened the scoring at 6:44 in the first. BU out shot UConn 11-9 and had two powerplays but was unable to capitalize.

Early in the second Tynan Lawrence tied things up for the Scarlet and White at 1:11 in the period. His second of the season and second on the road. UConn retook the lead on the power play at 3:33. Again BU tied things up, when Jack Murtagh scored his 6th, his first goal on the road, and second goal against UConn. Lawrence recorded an assist on the goal to earn his first multipoint game as a Terrier.

In the third UConn took the lead and kept it. The Huskies scored twice to open the period at 2:39 and 3:47. Ben Merrill brought the Terriers within 1 at 9:54 in the period. Merrill’s 7th of the season, all of which have been on the road in 5 different arenas. UConn scored on the empty net at 19:05 to seal the win.

The Terriers end the season 17-17-2. Their 7th straight season without a losing season. Unlike the previous 3 seasons, there will be no trip to the Garden, no trip to NCAA Tournament, and not trip to the Frozen Four.

Other Notes

• BU falls to 0-3-0 in Hockey East Tournament games against UConn away from Agganis (2-0-0 at Agganis)

• Tynan Lawrence is one of only 3 Terrier freshman to record a multipoint game at Toscano Ice Forum joining Jack Harvey and Macklin Celebrini both on February 23rd, 2024

Advanced Stats

BU won the face off edge in two of three zones: OZone (47% to 42%) and DZone (58% to 53%) with UConn winning NZone faceoffs (44% to 56%). BU got a shot off in 95% of OZone play (21/22). UConn won Puck Battles (47% to 53%) while BU held the edge on EV Possession (54% to 46%).

Per Period xG: 1st (1.28-0.92, BU) 2nd (1.08-1.17, UConn) 3rd (1.08-1.48, UConn)

Tynan Lawrence is the 17th different Terrier to be the team’s top performer in terms of Game Score, far and away his best game as a Terrier surpassing his previous best of 1.77 against BC on February 28th.

BU recorded 2 high danger shots (.45 xG) one was saved, one missed the net while UConn recorded 3 (.87 xG) all of which were saved by Mikhail Yegorov.

The xG battle was back and forth with the Terriers holding the edge midway through the 1st through the 2nd before UConn took over.

Four Terriers recorded xG% over 60: Tynan Lawrence (67.26), Cole Hutson (65.68), Gavin McCarthy (64.66), and Ben Merrill (63.55)

Mailbag

Lastly, we wanted to do an end of the season mailbag. We’ll try to find an answer to any query you may have, be it current or historical, BU specific or College Hockey in general.

Questions due Wednesday (3/18) at 5pm

Link

Vermont (4-1 W)

It was do or die for the #6 seed Terriers against the #11 seed Catamounts, as a loss would end BU’s season.

Cole Eiserman opened the scoring with a power play goal at 17:16 in the first. Eiserman’s scoring BU’s last two Hockey East Tournament goals at Agganis Arena dating back to the 2025 Quarterfinal GWG in OT vs UMass. Cole Hutson had the primary assist on the goal, the 12th time he has recorded the primary assist on an Eiserman goal. BU held UVM to just 4 shots in the first period.

In the second, Vermont tied things up 2:51 in the period.

Cole Eiserman gave the Terriers back the lead at 6:51 in the third, it was Eiserman’s 30th goal at Agganis Arena meaning 69.77% of his goals have been at home. 6 minutes Cole Hutson doubled the Terriers lead with his 6th career power play goal and 1st of the season. It was just the 2nd time that both Coles recorded power play goals in the same game—first time since March 6th, 2025 vs. Providence. Cole Eiserman’s secondary assist on Hutson’s goal gave him his 4th career 3+ point game and second against Vermont. Jack Harvey capped off the win with an empty netter at 17:15 in the period. His third goal in as many home games for the first time in his career.

BU advances as a 6th seed for the first time in program history with their first win as the 6th seed since 2001. BU finishes their time at Agganis Arena 9-8-1, their 27th straight season without a losing record at home

Other Notes

• BU recorded 2 power play goals in a game for the first time since October 25th at UConn

• BU improves to 4-2-0 against Vermont in Hockey East tournament games

Advanced Stats

BU won Puck Battles 53% to 47% but lost face-offs in all three zones: OZone (42% to 59%), NZone (20% to 80%), and DZone (41% to 58%). BU has failed to hold the face off edge in any zone 6 times this season, they are 5-1-0 in such games. In 15 instances of OZone Play, BU recorded shots in 14 (93%).

Per Period xG: 1st (0.94-0.28, BU), 2nd (0.98-1.15, UVM), 3rd (0.81-1.01, UVM)

For a team leading 6th tie this season Cole Eiserman is the team’s top performer. The performance was his second best of the season just behind Colgate (3.86).

Both teams recorded 3 high danger shots, for BU (.75 xG) two were saved and the other resulted in Cole Eiserman’s 2nd goal (.30 xG), while UVM (.83 xG) had one result in a goal, one saved and one miss the net.

The Terriers held the xG edge the entire game with differential hovering around .5 for most of the game.

10 of 18 Terriers recorded xG% over 50, led by Jonathan Morello at 80.53.

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The #6 Terriers (17-16-2, HEA: 12-12-0) head to Storrs to face the #3 UConn Huskies (March 14th, 1pm) in the Hockey East Tournament Quarterfinals with a trip to the Garden on the line.

Connecticut

(18-11-5, HEA (3rd): 12-9-3)

In a rematch of the 2025 Hockey East Tournament Semifinal, BU faces off with UConn for a spot at the Garden. The teams split the season series with each team winning on the road (4-8, 3-1).

BU enters off of a win against Vermont midweek in the Hockey East opening round at Agganis Arena. Cole Eiserman recorded his 9th career multigoal game with Cole Hutson and Jack Harvey also contributing goals.

UConn enters with just 1 win in their last 6 (1-4-1), beating UNH on March 5th (4-1) before losing to Providence (1-3) on March 7th. Senior Tristan Fraser scored two in the win, his first career multigoal game. Huskies’ leading scorer Ryan Tattle is on a two game goal streak and three game point streak.

The Huskies will be the second straight “repeat” opponent in the Jay Pandolfo Era.

Records

• 2-2-0 vs UConn in the Hockey East Tournament (0-1-0 under Jay Pandolfo)

• 54-26-1 in the Hockey East Tournament Quarter Final (3-0-0)

• 2-0-1 at Toscano Ice Forum (2-0-1)

Stats

• Macklin Celebrini’s only 4 point game on the road was at Toscano Ice Forum

• Jack Harvey has more goals at Toscano (3) than any other venue outside Agganis Arena

Vermont

(13-20-1, HEA (11th): 8-15-1)

The Terriers are playing in the Opening Round of the Hockey East Tournament for the first time since 2016 when they hosted UMass Amherst.

BU enters on a loss to UML (3-4) which saw Owen McLaughlin, Cole Eiserman, and Gavin McCarthy score. Prior to the loss the Terriers were on a three game winning streak including a sweep of Boston College.

Vermont enters unbeaten in their last two earning a win last time out vs. Maine (5-3) and a tie vs Merrimack. Prior to that, the Catamounts were on a six game losing streak. Freshman Cedrick Guindon and Sophomore Colin Kessler each had 3 points in the win vs Maine, with Kessler contributing 2 goals.

The teams split the regular season series (2-1, 2-3) both games at Agganis Arena. Four different Terriers scored in the series: Nick Roukounakis, Cole Eiserman, Charlie Trethewey (his first as a Terrier), and Kamil Bednarik.

This will be the 2nd time in the Jay Pandolfo Era that BU will host Vermont in a Hockey East playoff game. The game will be exactly 3 years to the day of the 2023 Hockey East quarterfinal game against the Catamounts (7-3) en route to their 10th title in program history.

Records

• 3-2-0 vs. Vermont in HEA Playoffs (1-0-0 under Jay Pandolfo)

• 2-1-0 in HEA Tournament Opening Round

• 2-0-0 in the HEA Opening Round at Home

• 28-8-0 in HEA Tournament at Agganis Arena (3-0-0)

Stats

• Vermont is the first team that BU has played in the Hockey East Opening Round, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals

• Last HEA playoff game vs. Vermont, Nick Zabaneh recorded the Terriers’ first HEA tournament hat trick since David Van der Gulik in 2006 (QF vs UMA and SF vs. UNH)

UMass-Lowell (3-4 L)

Owen McLaughlin opened the scoring at 4:09 in the first. His 5th of the season, 3rd on the road and first since November 8th vs. Merrimack. Shots were an even 8-8 in the period.

In the second, UML scored the only goal at 7:11 to tie things up. The goal ended Mikhail Yegorov's 147:11 shut out streak on UMass System campuses.

The third period saw a combined 5 goals, the most in period in a BU game since the second period vs. Merrimack on November 8th. Lowell took at two goal lead with goals at 3:42 and 8:37. Cole Eiserman got one back off the face off, his first goal at the Tsongas Center for the son of a UML hockey alum. Lowell got an empty netter at 18:11, before Gavin McCarthy brought BU back within 1. McCarthy has back to back goals for the first time since the 2024 Friendship Four in Belfast.

The Terriers took 7 penalties for the 3rd time this season, but did unlike the previous two games—Nov 1st vs Maine and January 23 vs. Providence—they were a perfect 7-7 and have killed all 10 of their last 10 penalties.

The loss was the Terriers first loss in their regular season finale since 2021-22 at Maine and first ever loss to Lowell in a regular season finale.

Other Notes

• Both of Owen McLaughlin's goals in the Merrimack Valley this season have had a primary assist from fellow UND transfer Sacha Boisvert

• Gavin McCarthy is the first Terrier defenseman not named Hutson to score a goal at the Tsongas Center since his brother, Case on October 30th, 2021

Advanced Stats

BU lost face offs in two of the three zones: OZone (41% to 57%) and DZone (43% to 59%), only holding the edge in the NZone (64% to 36%). They did however hold the edge in EV Possession 54% to 46% and Puck Battles 55% to 45%.

Per Period xG: 1st (1.02-0.95, BU), 2nd (1.71-1.66, BU), 3rd (1.4-0.72, BU)

Kamil Bednarik is the 16th different Terrier to be the team’s top performer in terms of Game Score with his best performance of his career, surpassing his previous best of 2.53 vs Maine on November 1st.

BU recorded a season-high 8 high danger shots (1.85 xG), one resulted in Gavin McCarthy’s goal (.34 xG), 1 missed the net and 6 were saved (1.3 xG). UML recorded 4 (.88 xG), 2 resulted in goals (.45 xG), 1 was saved, 1 missed the net.

The xG edge was close the entire game with the differential staying between <.34 for much of the game.

Kamil Bednarik (85%) and Jack Harvey (72.92%) are the only Terriers with xG% over 70, with 4 others >50%.

UMass Lowell

(12-20-0, HEA (10th): 8-14-0)

The Terriers head to Lowell to close out the regular season against the River Hawks. The game completes the three game set started in January (3-4 (OT), 3-0). Last time the Terriers visit the River Hawks, Mikhail Yegorov shut out Lowell in a 23 save effort. Cole Hutson scored the game winner with Nick Roukounakis and Ben Merrill adding to the lead.

BU on a three game winning streak including their first the weekend sweep of arch-rivals since 2023. Cole Eiserman and Jack Harvey are each on a three game goal streak.

UML was off this past weekend and hold a 3-6-0 record since they last saw the Terriers including getting swept by Northeastern their last time out (0-2, 2-8). Dillan Bentley leads the River Hawks in goals (13) but scored just 2 in February.

Records

• 20-18-5 vs. UML at the Tsongas Center (3-1-0 under Jay Pandolfo)

• 13-6-1 vs. UML in March

• 2-0-1 vs. UML in March in Regular Season games

Stats

• Each of the last three goals scored by a Terrier defenseman at the Tsongas Center were scored by a Hutson (2 by Cole, 1 by Lane)

• BU has ended the regular season against UMass Lowell just twice: 1986-87 a 3-2 win at Walter Brown Arena on March 6th, and 2020-21 a 3-3 tie at Tsongas also on March 6th

Men’s

Boston College (3-1 W, 5-1 W)

In the 301st Battle of Comm Ave the Terriers came out swinging. Ryder Ritchie opened the scoring at 11:18 in the first, his 7th of the season. After scoring just 1 goal after October, Ritchie has 3 goals in February. Cole Eiserman doubled the lead at 18:20 in the first. Eiserman has recorded a point in 5 of his first 6 games vs BC including goals in 4 of 6. Cole Hutson’s assist was his first on an Eiserman even strength goal since the 2025 Frozen Four against Penn State. BU’s 19 shots on goal in the first was the most since November 22nd vs. NU when they recorded 20.

BC got on the board on the power play in the second at 7:41.

In the third, Jack Harvey sealed things with an empty netter at 19:15 in the third. His 11th of the season, tying a career high. Harvey scored in back to back games for the second time this season and first since Nov 8th and 11th vs Merrimack and Quinnipiac.

The win was BU’s 6th straight Senior Night and are a perfect 3-0 vs BC at home on February 27th (first since 1990). It was also BU’s first win over BC at home since January 28th, 2023 (6-3).

On Saturday night, the Terriers shipped out of Boston to visit the Eagles on Chestnut Hill and brought their firepower with them. Ben Merrill opened the scoring at 12:14 in the first, with his 5th goal of the season and 5th on the road. The short handed goal was BU’s 8th shorthanded goal of the season their most since recording 11 in 2018-19. BC tied things up at 17:21 in the period but could not muster any more offense.

In the second, Gavin McCarthy gave the Terriers the lead at 2:40 in the period, his third career goal vs the Eagles, his most vs. any opponent.

Jack Harvey extended the Terriers lead with a shorthanded goal at 1:27 in the third. The goal gave Harvey his second career 3 game goal streak. It is also the 2nd time this season that BU has recorded 2 SHGs in the same game and first since November 1st vs Maine. Midway through the period Ben Merrill extended the lead with his second of the game at 15:03, his first career multigoal game. Merrill is the first Terrier freshman to record a multigoal game at Conte Forum and the first to do so on the road against BC since Jeff Sveen on November 13th, 1984 at McHugh Forum. Cole Eiserman capped things off with his second career empty net goal at 18:47. Eiserman has record a point in 6 of 7 games vs BC and has a goal in 5 of them.

Mikhail Yegorov made 28 saves on 29 shots, giving him a career save percentage at Conte Forum of 0.962, only behind Sean Fields’ 0.966 for the best through two games at the arena.

The win was BU’s biggest win at Conte Forum since November 13th, 2011 (5-0 W) in their first weekend sweep of BC since exactly 3 years and a month to the day of their last on January 27th and 28th, 2023.

Other Notes

• Friday’s win was BU's first win over a top 10 ranked BC as an unranked team since January 8th, 2010 at Fenway Park (3-2 W)

• BU has scored multiple shorthanded goals in multiple games in back to back seasons

• For the first time in program history an unranked BU recorded a weekend sweep of a top 10 ranked BC

• Cole Hutson is the first Terrier sophomore defenseman to record a multipoint game at Conte Forum since Tom Poti on December 7th, 1997

• With 1 game to play, BU has clinched 6th place in HEA and home opening round game, with a chance for a first round bye still in play

Advanced Stats

Game 3

BU recorded shots in 93% of OZ play (14/15), compared to BC’s 67% (10/15). BC held the faceoff edge in all three zones: OZone (38%-50%), NZone (39%-61%), DZone (50%-63%). Possession at EV was even (21:50 to 21:34).

Per Period xG: 1st (1.5-0.12, BU) 2nd (1.18-1.49, BC) 3rd (0.75-1.39, BC)

Aiden Celebrini was the Terriers top performer for the 2nd time this season, first since January 9th vs UMass. It was his second best performance in terms of Game Score only behind October 21st at Notre Dame (4.38). It was also Mick Frechette second best Game Score performance only behind December 13th vs NU (3.03).

BU recorded 3 high danger shots (.83 xG) two were saved and the other missed the net, while BC recorded 4 (1.13 xG), all of which were saved by Mikhail Yegorov

The Terriers held the xG edge for the entirety of the game

5 Terriers record xG% over 80 lead by Mick Frechette (90.21), Owen McLaughlin (89.47), Brandon Svoboda (84.27), Aiden Celebrini (83.69), and Sacha Boisvert (81.98)

Game 4

BU held the face off edge in two of the three zones, winning OZone face-offs (59% to 54%) and DZone face-offs (46% to 41%), while BC won NZone face-offs (40% to 60%). BC held the slight Puck Battle edge 49% to 51%.

Per Period xG: 1st (0.43-2.27, BC) 2nd (1.12-1.1, BU) 3rd (0.3-0.96, BC)

Cole Hutson was the Terriers’ top performer in terms of Game Score joining Jack Harvey and Brandon Svoboda as the only Terriers to do it 4 times this season. Although all 3 still trail Cole Eiserman who leads the team with 5.

BU recorded just 2 high danger shots (.62 xG), both of which were saved compared to BC’s 5 (1.42 xG), 3 of which were saved by Yegorov (.89 xG), the other two missed the net.

In an inversion of Friday night, BC held the xG edge for the entirety of the game.

Jack Murtagh (66.12%) and Tynan Lawrence (61.33%) were the only Terriers with xG% over 50.

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Women’s

Northeastern (1-2 (2OT))

The Huskies opened the scoring at 4:32 in the first. Midway through the second Terriers’ leading scorer Sydney Healey tied things up shorthanded at 8:34 in the period. It was her 4th shorthanded goal of the season tying Victoria Bach (2017-18) for 2nd most in a season and trailing only Rebecca Leslie who scored 5 in 2015-16. After a scoreless third, the teams headed to overtime. In the first overtime BU out shot NU 10-7 but was unable to score, so the teams headed to a second overtime period. The Huskies got the game winner at 1:14 in the period, ending the Terriers’ season.

BU’s 2025-26 season ends 11-21-3, their most losses in a season in program history.

Other Notes

• Sydney Healey, who had 0 career short handed goals going into the season, ended the season tied for the 2nd most in a season in program history

Women’s

Providence (3-0 W)

After a scoreless first where BU out shot PC 10-6, the Terriers opened the scoring 41 seconds into the 2nd. Sydney Healey scored what ultimately became the game winning goal, her 16th of the season, setting a new career high for goals in the season. It is also her 3rd SHG of the season the most by a Terrier since Jesse Compher also recorded 3 in 2018-19. Only 2 Terriers have scored more in a season: Rebecca Leslie (5) in 2015-16 and Victoria Bach (4) in 2017-18. Healey added an empty netter at 18:01 in the third. Her 8th career multigoal game and 6th at Walter Brown Arena. Maeve Kelly record an assist on each of BU’s first two goals giving Kelly her second multipoint game in as many home games. 20 seconds later, Lilli Welcke sealed things with another empty net goal. Welcke recorded a point in every game she played against the Friars at Walter Brown Arena.

Mari Pietersen records BU's first Hockey East Tournament shutout almost exactly 10 yrs to the day of their last one on Feb 26th, 2016 a 25 save effort by Erin O'Neil vs UVM at Walter Brown (3-0). It is also BU’s 60th shut out win. BU is unbeaten in their last 8 games vs. PC (7-0-1).

Other Notes

• Each of BU's last 4 shutouts have had a score of 3-0

• This is BU’s first opening round win in their 3rd appearance

• 2 of BU’s 3 shutouts of Providence have come in the Hockey East Tournament

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Home Away from Home

For the 5th time this season the #8 Terriers and #1 Huskies will face off. This time in a win or go home playoff game. It is the 2nd straight season they will face the Huskies 5 times. It is also the first time BU will face the NU 4 times at Walter Brown Arena, as NU is unable to host the game even as the higher seed.

The Huskies won 3 of the 4 games this season with the Terriers sole win coming in OT of the Beanpot semifinal at Walter Brown (2-1). Captain Maeve Carey scored her sole goal of the season with the game winner.

NU has lost just 1 game since the Beanpot semifinal (12-1-1), with their sole loss coming to BC on February 15th (0-1 OT) at Bentley Arena.

BU enters winning two of their last three. Clara Yuhn has scored in 3 of 4 games against NU this season. Sydney Healey has a goal and 2 assists.

Records

• 6-2 vs. NU in the Hockey East Playoffs (1-0 under Tara Watchorn)

• 1-2 vs. NU in HEA Playoffs at Home

• 15-8 in HEA Quarterfinals

• 14-2 in HEA Quarterfinals at home (1-0)

Stats

• BU has never played a true road game against Northeastern in the Women's Hockey East Tournament the teams have only played at Walter Brown Arena or a neutral site

Women’s

The Terriers host #9 seed Providence on Wednesday (February 25th, 6pm) in the opening round of the Hockey East Tournament.

Providence

(11-21-2, HEA (9th): 8-14-2)

The Terriers welcome the Friars to Walter Brown Arena for the second time in as many weeks. On Senior Night, Lexie Bertelsen, Maeve Kelly and Luisa Welcke all scored in the 3-1 win over the Friars.

During the regular season, BU was unbeaten against the Friars winning both games at Walter Brown (4-1, 3-1) and tying the single game at Schneider Arena.

BU and PC have faced off 4 times in the Hockey East tournament, including three straight years from 2012-2014. The first in 2012 saw the Terriers win their 2nd straight Hockey East title in 2OT (2-1) at the Hyannis Center. The 2013 Tournament met in the semifinals with Kerrin Sperry posting a 42 save shutout in rout to the teams 3rd straight title. 2014 was a quarterfinal matchup at Walter Brown Arena (3-2). Finally their last meeting was 2021 in which Friars topped the Terriers 3-4 at Schneider Arena, the Terriers the 6 seed, Friars the 3 seed.

Records

• 3-1-0 vs. Providence in the Hockey East Tournament

• 15-9-0 in HEA Tournament games at Home (2-1-0 under Tara Watchorn)

• 0-2-0 in Opening Round Games (0-1-0)

Stats

• Each BU’s last 3—and 4 of their last 5— HEA Tournament games have gone to overtime

• Lilli Welcke leads all active Terriers with 6 HEA Tournament points, her sister Luisa joins her with 5 assists

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Men’s

Arch-rivals face off in the 301st (February 27th, 7pm, Agganis Arena) and 302nd (February 28th, 7pm, Conte Forum) Battles of Comm Ave this weekend.

Boston College

(19-10-1, HEA (2nd): 13-7-0)

The Comm Ave rivals have faced off twice this season with the Eagles coming out on top in both (1-4, 2-6).

The Terriers were off last week but come in on a split with UNH (1-4, 5-3). Five different Terriers scored in the win and five players recorded multipoint games.

The Eagles enter on a three game winning streak including a sweep of UConn over the weekend (5-2, 2-1 (OT)). James Hagens had his 2nd hat trick of the season and first since November 28th vs. Notre Dame.

Records

• 141-138-21 vs. BC (4-9-0 under Jay Pandolfo)

• 62-52-4 vs. BC in February (2-2-0)

• 60-33-9 on Senior Night (3-0-0)

• 10-12-3 vs. BC on Senior Night

Stats

• Friday will be the first time BU will host BC at home on February 27th since 1990 (4-2 W)

• It will be just the 2nd time since 2001 that BU will face BC on Senior Night and first since 2022 (6-3 W)

Women’s

Providence (3-1 W), Boston College (0-4 L)

On Senior Night, the Seniors led the way to ended the Terriers four game losing streak. Providence opened the scoring at 12:58 in the first. Lexie Bertelsen tied things up for the Terriers at 17:22 in the second. Bertlesen’s last 3 points at Walter Brown Arena have been goals. Returning Olympians Luisa and Lilli Welcke both had assists on the goal, just the second time this season they have both assisted on the same goal (January 17th vs. Holy Cross). Maeve Kelly gave the Terriers the lead at 12:01 with her first of the season and 3rd her career on the power play—her first as a Terrier. Luisa Welcke capped things off with an empty netter at 19:20 in the 3rd. Her 5th of the season and first against PC at Walter Brown Arena since December 9th, 2023. The Terriers dominated at the dot, winning 33 of 52 (63.46 %). The win was BU’s first on Senior Night since 2020 vs UConn (6-2).

On Saturday, the Terriers were shutout for the 5th time this season. BC opened the scoring at 6:08 in the first with a short handed goal. The Eagles added two in the second at 10:57 and 12:38, before capping things off with a final goal at 9:58 in the third. Shots were even 24-24, with BU recording 8 shots in each period. BU dominated at the dot winning 30 of 49 faceoffs (61.22%). They were unable to do anything with their 6 power play opportunities. It was the most penalties the Terriers drew since having 7 PPO in the Beanpot Final vs. Harvard on January 20th. BU heads to the Hockey East tournament as the #8 seed, hosting Providence in an opening round game.

Other Notes

• Michelle Pasiechnyk’s 41 saves were the most in a win since Kate Stuart’s 42 saves at Conte Forum on November 30th 2018

• Maeve Kelly recorded her 3rd career multipoint game on Friday, with her first two coming in the 2025 HEA QF (vs. UVM) and the 2025 HEA Championship Game (vs. NU)

Women’s

The Terriers face Providence (February 20th, 6pm) before traveling to Chestnut Hill (February 21st, 4pm) to close out the season with BC.

Providence

(11-19-2, HEA (T-8th): 8-12-2)

Providence come to town for Senior Night in what may be the last game at Walter Brown Arena this season. Earlier this season the Terriers took 5 of 6 points against the Friars winning 4-1 at Walter Brown and earning the shootout win (2-2) at Schneider Arena on November 21st and 22nd.

The Friars come in on a two game winning streak beating BC (2-1 (OT)) and Holy Cross (3-2) over the weekend. Team leading scorer Reichen Kirchmair scored in both games for the Friars including the OT game winner against BC. PC has won 4 of their last 6 after starting 2026 losing 7 straight.

BU comes in losers of 4 straight including 3 shutouts. Clara Yuhn and Neely Nicholson the sole goalscorers in their 2-5 loss to NU on Friday. The Terriers should have the Welckes back in the lineup after return from the Olympics.

Six different Terriers scored a goal against the Friars earlier in the season. Sydney Healey (11/22/25) and Riley Walsh (11/21/25) each recorded multipoint games against the Friars.

Records

• 23-6-2 vs. PC at home (4-0-0 under Tara Watchorn)

• 5-3-0 vs. PC at home in February (1-0-0)

• 11-8-1 on Senior Night (0-2-0)

Stats

• Sydney Healey leads all seniors with 17 goals, 18 assists and 35 points at Walter Brown Arena

• Clara Yuhn leads all seniors with 4 goals and 6 points vs. PC

• Healey and Yuhn are the only seniors with more than a goal vs. PC at Walter Brown Arena

Boston College

(14-17-1, HEA (3rd): 12-9-1)

BU heads to The Heights to face the Eagles to close out their regular season slate. BC swept the first two times the teams faced off in mid November (5-2, 3-2). Lexie Bertelsen recorded her only multipoint game on November 14th against the Eagles at Agganis.

BC has just 7 wins since sweeping the Terriers in November, including a 6 game losing streak in end/start the year. The Eagles have won 3 of their last 5 all in OT, with one of their two losses also coming in OT.

Clara Yuhn leads all seniors with 9 points against BC, Sydney Healey leads with 5 goals.

Records

• 9-10-1 in Season Finales (0-2-0)

• 0-2-1 in Season Finales vs. BC

Stats

• Sydney Healey’s 5 goals vs. BC is the most against an opponent in which she doesn’t also have an assist

• BU and BC have never closed the regular season against each other at Conte Forum

• It is the first time BU and BC will face each other to end the season and BC is unranked

Women’s

Northeastern (2-5 L), Connecticut (0-2 L)

The Huskies opened the scoring with two goals in the first at 11:57 and 19:31. In the second, Clara Yuhn got one back at 3:45 in the period. Yuhn has scored in 5 of her last 6 games vs. Northeastern. NU restored their two goal lead at 16:41 in the period. Midway through the 3rd Northeastern extended their lead to 3 at 13:31, however Neely Nicholson cut into the lead just 22 seconds later at 13:53. It was Nicholson’s first point and first goal against the Huskies. NU capped things off with an empty netter in the last second of the game.

On Saturday, the Terriers were outplayed by UConn. The Huskies opened the scoring in the second at 7:45 in the period. An empty netter at 17:14 in third sealed things. The Terriers were held to just 11 shots on goal in the game, their fewest of the season, the last time they had that few was October 4th, 2024 vs. Minnesota also 11. Michelle Pasiechnyk stopped 34 of 35 shots, keeping the Terriers in the game. The .971 SV% was her best performance in a non-shutout as a Terrier.

Other Notes

• With her 7th career goal vs. NU, Clara Yuhn moves to 8th all-time aside Erin Seman and Gina Kearns in goals against the Huskies

• It is the 5th straight season BU has been shutout 3+ times.

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Men’s

New Hampshire (1-4 L, 5-3 W)

In the first UNH jumped to a 2 goal lead less than two minutes into the game scoring at 0:28 then at 1:23 on the power play. At 12:55 in the period, Ryder Ritchie got one back with his 6th of the season and first on the road since November 8th at Lawler Rink.

After a scoreless second, the Wildcats scored on a 5 on 3 at 2:18 in the third then added an empty netter at 17:27. The loss was just the Terriers’ 2nd at the Whittemore Center since 2015.

On Saturday, the Terriers responded with a barrage of goals not seen in months. Brandon Svoboda opened the scoring for the second time this week at 6:30 in the first. It was his first goal at Agganis Arena this season. UNH responded just under 5 minutes later, scoring at 11:23 in the period.

In the second, the Terriers took the lead for good, when Cole Hutson scored his first at Agganis since November 22nd vs. NU at 2:29 in the period. Jack Murtagh doubled the lead at 12:13 in the period. His 5th of the season and 2nd in as many home games.

Jack Harvey extended the lead to 3 at 1:21 in the third. It was Harvey’s 10th point against the Wildcats and 2nd goal, no other Terrier has more points on the Wildcats since 2011-12. UNH made things interesting with two quick goals late in the period at 15:31 and 16:26. Cole Eiserman seal things at 19:43 his 3rd game with a goal in his last 4. It was also Eiserman’s first ENG.

In his first start at Agganis Arena, Max Lacroix earned the win, saving 24 of 27 shots he faced.

The win extended BU’s home unbeaten streak against UNH to 13 games (12-0-1, dating back to February 13th, 2015) and their home winning streak against UNH to 10 games.

Other Notes

• With an assist on Ryder Ritchie's goal, Owen McLaughlin becomes the first Terrier transfer since Matt Brown (2021-23) to reach the 100 point milestone (84 UND/16 BU)

• Jack Murtagh’s goal was his first goal of the season against a team whose name does not start with a "C" or "M"

• Max Lacroix is the first goalie wearing #33 to win a game at home in program history

• Jack Murtagh recorded his first career multipoint game in a game where 5 Terriers recorded multipoint games for the first time since October 10th vs. Colgate

Advanced Stats

Game 1

The Terriers won Puck Battles 55% to 45%, OZone Faceoffs 58% to 41%, NZone Faceoffs 73% to 27%, and DZone Faceoffs 59% to 42%.

Charlie Trethewey recorded his second best Game Score of his career behind only Colgate on October 10th (3.07).

BU recorded 2 High Danger shots (.46 xG), one missed the net, one was saved. UNH recorded 1 (.25 xG) which resulted in a goal.

BU held the xG edge from the 22nd minute of the game on.

Tynan Lawrence (87.5), Charlie Trethewey (82.65) and Conrad Fondrk (80.77) led all players with an xG% over 80.

Game 2

Puck Battles were an even 50%-50%. BU won OZone draws 59% to 43% and DZone draws 57% to 41%. UNH took NZone draws 44% to 56%. BU held possession at EV 57% to 43%.

Brandon Svoboda was the team’s top performer for the second time this week (Beanpot Final vs. BC) and matches Jack Harvey with 4 top games for the Terriers both are just 1 behind Cole Eiserman for the team lead. In terms of Game Score this was Svoboda’s 3rd best game of his career behind Maine on Nov 1st (5.38) and Northeastern on December 13th.

BU recorded 4 High Danger shots (1.09 xG) three of which occurred in the first period including Svoboda’s goal (.25xG). UNH recorded just 2 (.59 xG) with 1 resulting in a third period goal.

After scoring their first goal, BU took the xG edge and ballooned it throughout the game.

10 Terriers record xG% over 60.

Women’s

The Terriers host a pair of Huskies, facing Northeastern (February 13th, 6pm) and UConn (February 14th, 4pm).

Northeastern

(23-6-1, HEA (1st): 18-1-1)

The Terriers and Huskies will complete their four game series this weekend. NU took the first two (1-3, 3-7) while the Terriers won last time out, beating the Huskies in the Beanpot semifinal. Captain Maeve Carey had the OT game winner to sent the Terriers to the Beanpot.

NU comes in as the newly crowned Hockey East Regular Season Champions. The Huskies are unbeaten in their last 8 since losing to BU. Their only blemish a shootout win against Holy Cross on January 29th at Walter Brown Arena. Allie Lalonde scored the game winner against Vermont (3-2) in overtime, after the Huskies gave up an extra attacker goal at 19:33.

BU comes in after two straight shutouts at the hands of Vermont (0-3) and Maine (0-2). Michelle Pasiechnyk made 17 saves on 18 shots she faced against Maine.

Records

• 16-17-3 vs. NU at home (2-3-0 under Tara Watchorn)

• 15-9-6 vs. NU in February (1-0-0)

• 7-4-2 vs. NU at home in February

Stats

• After losing 12 straight to the Huskies, BU is 4-3-0 in their last 7 against NU

• Sydney Healey’s 10 points against NU is the most by any Terriers since 2017-18

Connecticut

(21-7-2, HEA (2nd): 14-5-1)

BU and UConn face off to complete their three game set this weekend. The Terriers won the shootout in Storrs (1-1) in early December to end a 6 game losing streak to the Huskies while UConn won following night at Walter Brown Arena (2-3).

UConn enters on a two game winning streak after beating Providence in OT (2-1) and Boston College (6-2). Senior forward Megan Woodworth, the team’s leading goalscorer had two goals and an assist in the win over BC—her first 3 point game of the season and first of her career.

Records

• 16-11-5 vs. UConn at Home (0-4-0)

• 6-4-2 vs. UConn at Home in February (0-3-0)

Stats

• Avery Supryka only goal and only multipoint game this season was against UConn at Walter Brown Arena

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Men’s

The Terriers travel New Hampshire (February 13th, 7pm) before host the Wildcats at Agganis Arena (February 14th, 6pm).

BU enters off a devastating loss to BC in the Beanpot final 2-6, Brandon Svoboda and Cole Eiserman each scored.

UNH enters winless in their last 7 with only a shootout win against Merrimack on January 31st. On Friday, the Wildcats took a one goal lead on Cam MacDonald’s 5th goal of the season before allowing 6 unanswered to Providence (1-6).

Jack Harvey has 9 points against UNH (1g-8a) his most vs. any opponent and the most of any active Terrier vs. UNH. Harvey’s 8 assists is the most by a Terrier against the Wildcats since 2012-13.

Records

• 122-53-1 vs. UNH (7-1-0 under Jay Pandolfo)

• 17-8-4 vs. UNH at Agganis Arena (4-0-0)

Stats

• The Terriers have won 18 of their last 20 against UNH (18-1-1) with their sole loss coming on October 13th, 2023 at the #1 team in the country

• Quinn Hutson recorded a hat trick vs. UNH last time out on January 31st, 2025

First Round Recap

Before we preview the 73rd Beanpot final, let’s take a look back at the first round, where both finalist put things away early.

Semifinal 1: BC 5 Harvard 1

Drew Fortescue opened the scoring in the 73rd Beanpot at 3:10 in the first period. It was his first goal since November 14th and it ties a career high 4th of the season. At 13:11 and 15:21 identical stat lines of James Hagens from Oscar Hemming and Andre Gasseau gave the Eagles a 3-0 lead going into the first intermission. It was Hagens first multigoal game since November 28th vs Notre Dame in which he scored a hat trick.

30 seconds into the 2nd period Harvard’s Ryan Healey got the Crimson on the board with his third of the season. At the near mirror point of the period at 19:40 in the period Dean Letourneau restored the Eagles 3 goal lead with his team leading 15th of the season and first in the Beanpot on the power play.

In the third Lukas Gustafsson scored just his 11th career goal in 135 games, but his 2nd straight Beanpot semifinal goal on the power play at 18:55 in the period.

The Eagles move on to their second straight Beanpot Championship game for the first time since 2013 and 2014—both times facing NU and winning. The win was BC’s 14th over Harvard in the Beanpot semifinal and first since 2019. It was the Eagles first win over Harvard in a Beanpot semifinal by more than a goal since 2013, a 4-1 win.

Advanced Stats

Semifinal 2: BU 2 Northeastern 2 (BU wins shootout 2-1)

In the nightcap, Huskies’ leading scorer Dylan Hryckowian opened the scoring with his 1st power play goal of the season at 9:20 in the first period. It was his second career Beanpot goal and 15th goal of the season.

In the second, Jonathan Morello tied things up for the Terriers at 1:41 in the period. The goal was his 6th of the season and 6th in the City of Boston—4 at Agganis Arena, 1 at Bright-Landry Hockey Center, 1 at TD Garden. He is also the first Bruins prospect to score at TD Garden for BU since Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson vs. BC in the 2017 Beanpot semifinal. At 4:55 in the period Jacob Mathieu gave NU the lead back, Mathieu’s 2nd goal of the season against the Terriers. Just over 3 minutes late Nick Roukounakis tied things up at 7:44 in the period. Roukounakis has 4 points in his 3 Beanpot games and 8 points in all other games. Cole Hutson assisted on the goal and extends his point streak at the Garden to 4 games.

After a scoreless 3rd, the teams headed to overtime where a late game winning goal for the Terriers was wiped away due to an interference penalty. The Terriers killed the last 38 seconds of overtime a man down.

For the first time ever, the Beanpot semifinal headed to a shootout. Mikhail Yegorov stopped Giacomo Martino’s first attempt. Jack Harvey gave BU the lead after the first round. Dylan Hryckowian tied things up in the shoot out as Cole Eiserman’s 2nd round attempt was saved. In round three Jacob Mathieu saw his attempt saved. 2025 Beanpot MVP Cole Hutson stepped up, with the game on his stick and sent the Terriers to their 58th Beanpot Championship game as he shot trickled into the net.

The Terriers advanced past the Huskies for the first time since 2016. It was the Terriers 3rd “NCAA tie” in the Beanpot following two ties in 2020—Beanpot advanced in 2OT in the semifinal over BC and lost in 2OT in the final vs. NU. It was the Terrier men’s first time in a Beanpot shootout. The women’s squad has competed in 3 and advanced in their last 2 (2019 and 2024).

Advanced Stats

The Terriers won both OZone Faceoffs (56%-46%) and DZone Faceoff (54%-44%) while teams were even in NZone Faceoffs (50%-50%). BU held possession at EV 59% to 41%.

Cole Hutson has his second best career Game Score performance only behind last year’s Beanpot semifinal vs. Harvard (7.2736).

BU recorded 3 High Danger shots (1.17 xG) one of which resulted in Morello’s goal (.46 xG), one was saved (.46 xG), and one missed the net (.25 xG). NU recorded just 1 (.21 xG) which was saved.

BU dominate the xG differential from puck drop to the end of the game.

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Battling Back

Consolation Game (4:30 pm): Northeastern vs. Harvard

For the second straight year Northeastern and Harvard will face off in the Beanpot Consolation game. NU are in the early game in back to back years for the first time since 2016 and 2017. Harvard is making their third straight appearance in the game.

NU enters (12-13-1, HEA (6th): 12-13-1) on a loss to UConn, shut out 0-2 at a game played at Bentley. The Huskies are winless in their last 5 and have just 2 wins since December 7th.

Harvard enters (12-10-1, ECAC (4th) 10-6-0) losers of two in a row. After losing to BC in round one on Monday (1-5), the Crimson fell to Dartmouth at home (1-3), Richard Gallant the lone goalscorer against the Big Green.

Harvard has played in 7 of the last 8 Beanpot Consolation games and 45th overall (21 thirds, 24 last place finishes). Northeastern has not won the game since 2017.

Championship Game (7:30 pm) BU vs. BC

The most played Championship Game matchup (23) in Beanpot history will get its 24th edition Monday night, as the Boston University Terriers take on the Boston College Eagles, in a rematch of the 2025 Title Game. It will be also be the 300th Battle of Comm Ave, TD Garden will take sole possession of 5th place as the site now 31 of the matchups.

The Defending Beanpot Champion BU (13-13-2, HEA (4th): 9-10-0) enter unbeaten in their last two following a shootout win in the semifinal with an overtime win over Maine (3-2). Ryder Ritchie, whose OT goal was wiped off the board on Monday, got the game winner for the Terriers. Jack Murtagh and Cole Eiserman both had goals.

BC (15-9-1, HEA (2nd): 10-6-0) come in on an up and down week. After putting up 5 against Harvard, the Eagles gave up 6 to Vermont in a 1-6 loss. James Hagens, the only goalscorer for the Eagles on the power play 47 seconds into the second. The goal which cut the deficit to 1-2 was followed up by 4 unanswered goals.

BU holds the edge in Beanpot Final matchups, 13-10, after winning last year’s final. This will be just the 3rd final between the rivals in which BU comes in with a win and BC comes in with a loss—1995 and 1997, both BU wins.

Last seasons final was first between the two not to go to OT since 2010 and first that was not a one goal game 2001 and the first three goal game since 2000.

Women’s

Vermont (0-3 L), Maine (0-2 L)

Vermont opened the scoring just 10 seconds into the game. In the second the Catamounts extended their lead to two at 8:32. At 3:44 in the 3rd UVM capped off the win with their 3rd of the game. The Terriers were a perfect 2-2 on the PK but 0-4 on the power play. BU held the edge in shots 14-10 through the first two periods but was severely outshot in the third 4-13. It was the Terriers first time getting shutout since opening night vs. Minnesota.

On Saturday, the goal drought continued. After a scoreless first, Maine took the lead on the power play at 7:17 in the second. Michelle Pasiechnyk made 17 saves on 18 shots she faced. She was pulled with just over 3 minutes to play, however the extra attacker could not help the Terriers get back in the game, as Maine iced the game with an empty netter at 17:31 in the third. The Terriers were shut out in back to back games for the first time since January 18th and 21st against UNH (0-2) and NU (0-4) respectively.

Other Notes

• It is the 6th straight season in which BU has been shut out 3+ times

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Men’s

Maine (3-2 W)

In what has been termed the “Beanpot Trap Game”, the Terriers looked to avoid looking past the Black Bears with important Hockey East points on the line. Maine opened the scoring 1:22 in the first. Less than two minutes later, Jack Murtagh responded with his 4th of the season and his first goal since November 11th vs Merrimack, ending a 16 game goal drought at 3:07 in the first. Maine took back the lead at 11:33 in the period.

After a scoreless second, Cole Eiserman tied things back up for the Terriers at 4:27 in the third on the power play. It was his first PPG since scoring two vs. Colgate on October 10th.

In overtime, after getting his game winning goal wiped away on Monday, Ryder Ritchie potted the game winner at 1:42 in the period. Ritchie is the first Terrier not named Cole or Hutson to score an OT game winning goal since Ryan Greene on January 18th, 2025 vs UNH.

The win was the Terriers 8th straight home win over the Black Bears, their longest in program history against Maine with their last loss coming on November 17th, 2018.

Other Notes

• Ben Merrill has recorded a point in all three games against Maine this season

• Jack Harvey recorded his 4 multipoint game of the season

Advanced Stats

BU recorded 22 Scoring Chances for the second straight game. BU won OZone Faceoffs 50%-47%, DZone Faceoffs 53%-50%, while Maine won NZone Faceoffs 47%-53%. 94% of BU’s OZone Play (15/16) resulted in a shot. The Terriers held possession at EV 55% to 45%. Maine won puck battles 46% to 54%.

Jack Harvey was the Terriers top performer for the 4th time this season, second only to Cole Eiserman (5). Harvey has topped the team in Game Score in two of the last three games.

BU recorded just 1 high danger shot (.24 xG) which was saved compared to Maine’s 0. It was the first time since they faced Harvard on January 12th that BU allowed 0 high danger shots.

It was a tight xG battle with the differential not growing larger than .28.

3 Terriers recorded xG% over 70—Jack Murtagh (76.27), Conrad Fondrk (76.12), and Ryder Ritchie (70.23)

Women’s

The Terriers head to Burlington, VT (February 5th, 6pm) before returning to host the Black Bears (February 7th, 4pm).

Vermont

(12-14-4, HEA (T-7th): 6-9-3)

The Terriers complete their three game season series with the Catamounts. Vermont swept the weekend (2-5, 1-2) at Walter Brown in the aftermath of the Terriers Beanpot Championship loss two weeks ago. It was the first time the Terriers have lost to Vermont at home twice in the same season.

After being swept by Vermont, the Scarlet and White took their frustration out on Merrimack and swept the Warriors to end January (3-0, 3-1). Michelle Pasiechnyk recorded her first shutout as a Terrier and 22nd of her career. Sydney Healey tied her career high with her 14th and 15th goals of the season.

Vermont on the other hand was swept by Providence (1-4, 2-3). Catamounts’ leading scorer Stella Retrum extended her point streak to 5 games and has 7 points in that span. No other Catamount has more than 9 goals.

Records

• 20-8-2 vs. Vermont at Gutterson Fieldhouse (2-1-0 under Tara Watchorn)

• 7-1-0 vs. Vermont at Gutterson Fieldhouse in February (1-0-0)

Stats

• 3 Terriers have recorded hat tricks at Gutterson Fieldhouse: Marie-Philip Poulin on January 22nd, 2011, Sammy Davis on January 17th, 2016, and Victoria Bach (4) on November 17th, 2017

• Sydney Healey has 6 goals in her last 5 games vs. Vermont

Maine

(10-15-3, HEA (T-7th): 6-9-3)

The Terriers host the Black Bears to close out their three game season series. The teams split the weekend in early November (1-3, 2-1) at Alfond Arena. Clara Yuhn and Sydney Healey each had a goal in the win.

Maine has had an up and down season. After winning their 2026 opener over Holy Cross (2-1), the Black Bears went winless in their next 5 including getting swept by UConn. They have won two of their last three in a row and face Northeastern midweek before their matchup with the Terriers.

Records

• 16-12-1 vs. Maine at Walter Brown Arena (0-1-0)

• 5-4-0 vs. Maine in February at Walter Brown Arena (0-1-0)

Stats

• Lola Reid is the only active Terrier with a multipoint game vs. Maine at home doing so at Agganis Arena on October 19th, 2024

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Men’s

The men host Maine (February 6th, 7pm) in a single game between the Beanpot.

The Terriers face the Black Bears to close out their three game set. BU was swept early in the season in Orono (4-5 (OT), 5-8). Brandon Svoboda and Ben Merrill each scored two goals in the weekend series, Cole Hutson had 5 points (1g-4a).

Maine is 9-8-1 since sweeping BU in November. However, their only losses in 2026 have been to Providence. In their sole game over the weekend they held the lead for much of the game until PC tied it with 5 seconds left in the game before winning it in overtime.

BU enters off a loss to BC (1-4) and a shootout win in the Beanpot semifinal against Northeastern (2-2), Cole Hutson scored the shootout winner and had an assist in the game. Nick Roukounakis scored his first Beanpot goal and his 4th Beanpot point. The Terriers will face BC in a rematch of last year’s final.

Records

• 45-19-6 vs. Maine at Home (4-0-0 under Jay Pandolfo)

• 11-0-0 vs. Maine at Home in February

• 41-14-4 in the game between the second week of the Beanpot (1-1-0)

Stats

• Under Jay Pandolfo, BU has played Maine 4 times at home all in the year 2023

• Cole Hutson leads all active Terriers with 6 points against Maine

The Matchups

Semifinal 1 (5 pm): BC vs. Harvard

The Eagles and Crimson face off for the first time since January 14th, 2025 (3-1 BC win) and the first time in the Beanpot since the 2024 Beanpot Consolation Game (5-0 BC Win). BC leads the all semifinal series 13-10 with 7 of those wins coming since 2001. Prior to their last semifinal matchup in 2023 the Eagles has won 7 straight against the Crimson. The matchup has seen 5 overtime semifinal games including the last one however there has only been 2 since 1998.

Semifinal 2 (8pm): BU vs. Northeastern

For the 4th time this season the Terriers and Huskies will face off. BU won 2 of 3 so far including each of the last two (2-3, 4-3 (OT), 4-3). Their last game against each other saw BU come back from down 2-3 with less than 2 minutes to play to close out Boston (Matthews) Arena on December 13th.

BU holds an 18-5 lead all time in semifinals but have not beaten NU on the first Monday in February since 2016. Every final since 2009 has featured one or the other other. Since 2018, the only teams that have lifted the Beanpot have been Boston University and Northeastern including 4 head to head finals. Last season was the first time since 2017 that the teams didn’t face each other in the Beanpot.

The Teams

Boston University

The defending Beanpot Champion Terriers (12-13-1, HEA (4th): 8-10-0) will look to win back to back titles for the first time since 2006-2007. All four goal scorers in last year Beanpot Championship game return for the Terriers including Beanpot MVP Cole Hutson who recorded 5 points in last years tournament. The 2025 Eberly Trophy winner Mikhail Yegorov also returns for his 2nd Beanpot.

The Terriers enter on a three game losing streak on the down of an up and down second half of an up and down season. Though the Scarlet and White have two shutouts in 2026, they have also been shut out twice in 2026. BU has strung together 3 wins in a row just once this season, while they have strung 3 losses in a row twice this season. On the positive side, BU won their 1 other game at an NHL arena this season, beating Cornell at Red Hot Hockey at Madison Square Garden.

Players to Watch

• Cole Hutson (D, SO), the 2025 Beanpot MVP is 1st in Hockey East and 5th nationally in points by a defenseman

• Cole Eiserman (F, SO) has scored in each of BU’s last 3 neutral site games

• Nick Roukounakis (F, SO) recorded 3 of his 5 points last season in the Beanpot

• Mikhail Yegorov (G, SO) record a .972 save percentage in last year’s Beanpot, the best save percentage by an Eberly winner since TJ Semptimphelter (.972) in 2022 in a losing effort for NU vs BU

Boston College

The Eagles (14-8-1, HEA (2nd): 10-5-0) enter as runners-up of the 2025 Beanpot after making their first Beanpot final since 2019. BC are the top ranked Beanpot team coming into the tournament.

After a rocky October where they finished 2-4-1, BC lost just 1 in November (shut out by Maine, 0-3, on November 22nd), 1 in December (Western Michigan in the Holiday Face-off in Wisconsin, 3-5). They followed two straight losses to Providence to start January with 3 straight wins over UNH (5-2, 3-0) and BU (4-1).

Players to Watch

• Dean Letourneau (F, SO) is second among Hockey East skaters in goals with 14 after 0 as a freshman

• James Hagens (F, SO) has 7 points in his last 6 games

• Jake Sondreal (F, SO) leads the Eagles with 14 assists but has just 1 in 2026

• Louka Cloutier (G, FR) has the 3rd most shutouts in Hockey East with 3

Harvard

The Crimson (12-8-1, ECAC (2nd): 10-5-0) finished 3rd in last year’s Beanpot, after getting rocked by BU 7-1, beat Northeastern 4-3 to earn their 21st third place finish.

A solid first half for Harvard (7-3-1) with their only losses coming to Michigan (1-5, 3-4 (OT)) and Cornell (1-3), gave way to a rough start to 2026, which saw the Crimson loss 4 in a row. The team, however, bounced back winning 4 straight before falling again to rival Cornell (1-4). Harvard does come in on a win, over RPI (3-1).

Players to Watch

• Mick Thompson (F, SO) has at least a point in 7 of 9 games in 2026, including a 6 game point streak prior to going pointless vs. RPI

• Casey Severo (F, SR) recorded 3 multipoint games in November

• Philip Tresca (F, SR) has a career high 16 points on the season and has more multipoint games (7) than single point games (2) this season

• Ben Charette (G, SO) has a .909 SV% in back to back seasons and is the only goalie outside of Mikhail Yegorov with Beanpot experience

Northeastern

The Huskies (12-12-0, HEA (T-5th): 7-9-0) enter the Beanpot after their first 4th place finish since 2012 in the 2025 Beanpot. The most successful Beanpot team in the past decade will look to return to their heights of the recent past.

After starting the season 10-4-0, NU has lost 8 since December 7th, including separate 5 and 3 game losing streaks with their only success being a sweep of UNH on January 16th and 18th.

Players to Watch

• Dylan Hryckowian (F, JR) leads all Hockey East players with 31 points

• Jacob Mathieu (F, FR) has 6 multipoint games on the season

• Vinny Borgesi (D, SR) leads the nation in TOI/G with 27:31

• Lawton Zacher (G, JR) is 2nd among HEA goalies in GAA (2.15) and 3rd in SV% (.928)

Women’s

Merrimack (3-0 W, 3-1 W)

The women snapped their 4 game losing streak on Friday with a win over Merrimack. Lola Reid opened the scoring at 11:02 in the first, her second of the season and first goal against Merrimack. Just under 6 minutes later, Greta Henderson scored her first career short handed goal at 16:53 in the period. All of four Henderson’s goals as a Terrier have come away from home. After a scoreless second Clara Yuhn seal things for the Scarlet and White at 18:38 in the third, with an empty net goal. Yuhn’s goal was her 8 against the Warriors. Michelle Pasiechnyk records her 22nd career shutout and 1st as a Terrier. It is the first time since 2019-20 and 2020-21 that BU has had back to back season where multiple goalies have recorded shutouts.

On Saturday, Mari Pietersen was back in goal for the first time since the Beanpot final. Sydney Healey opened the scoring for the Terriers her first goal against Merrimack at Walter Brown Arena since October 29th, 2022 at 4:59 in the first period. The Warriors got one back midway through the first at 11:09 in the period. In the second Lexie Bertelsen scored for third of the season at 3:45. Bertelsen scored twice in January after scoring just once in the first half (Oct 10th vs Colgate). In the third, Sydney Healey capped off the sweep for the Terriers with her 15th of the season which ties her career high. Her 7th multigoal game of her career and 3rd of the season. It was the first weekend sweep for the Terriers of the season and first since January 24th-25th, 2025 vs. Holy Cross. BU is unbeaten in their last 8 against Merrimack (7-0-1)

Other Notes

• It is the 7th time in program history that BU has had 2 goalies record a shutout in the same season

• Sydney Healey becomes the first Terrier since Sammy Davis (18-19, 19-20) to record back to back 15+ goal seasons

• Clara Yuhn has a 7 game point streak against the Warriors dating back to November 4th, 2023

  • The point streak is the 2nd longest in program history vs. Merrimack only trailing Victoria Bach’s 9 game point streak

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Men’s

Boston College (1-4 L)

Boston College opened the scoring at 3:28 in the first period of the 299th Battle of Comm Ave. The Eagles scored twice more in the second at 5:59 and 16:53 to go out to a 3-0 lead. Jack Harvey finally put the Terriers on the board just 37 seconds into the third. BC added an empty netter at 18:47 in the period. The Terriers went a perfect 5-5 on the PK. BU has dropped 3 in a row for the first time since October (17th-24th).

Other Notes

• BU falls to 55-13-5 in the pre-Beanpot game and 3-1 under Jay Pandolfo in such games

• Cole Eiserman has recording a point in 3 of 4 games vs. BC

Advanced Stats

The Terriers won OZone Faceoffs 60%-52% and NZone Faceoffs 61%-39% while the Eagles won DZone Faceoffs 48%-40%. BC won Puck Battles 54%-46% while BU held the edge on possession at EV 58%-42%.

Jack Harvey was the Terrier’s top performer for the 3rd time this season and is second behind Cole Eiserman for the most this season (5).

Both teams recorded 4 High Danger shots with a 2 of BU’s (1.17 xG) being saved (.72 xG) including a Ben Merrill shot with a .47 xG and 2 missed the net. 3 of BC’s (1.03) were saved by Yegorov (.78 xG) and one resulted in a goal.

BU held the xG edge for most of the game only losing it from the 17 minute mark of the first through the 30 minute part of the second.

6 Terriers record xG% over 65, compared to just 1 Eagle.

Women’s

The Terriers travel to Merrimack (January 30th, 2pm) before hosting the Warriors (January 31st, 4pm).

Merrimack

(5-18-3, HEA (10th): 2-13-1)

The Terriers enter on a 4 game losing streak including getting swept at home by Vermont (2-5, 1-2). Sydney Healey scored in both games to extend her goal streak against Vermont to 5 straight, 2nd longest by any Terrier against the Catamounts.

Merrimack come into the weekend winners of two of their last 3 including a road split with Maine (2-0, 2-4). Sophomore transfer Adreanna Doucette recorded her first shutout for the Warriors making 33 saves in the win. In game two the Warriors took a 1-0 lead in the second before allowing four goals in the 3rd to give Maine the win. Merrimack is led by junior forward Emma Pfeffer, who leads the team in goals with 10 and points with 18. Senior forward Avery Anderson and junior defender Hailey Eikos leads the Warriors with 10 assist each. In net, Doucette (2.65 GAA/.923 SV%) and freshman Lauren Lyons (4.07/.895) have split time.

Clara Yuhn leads all active Terriers with 7 goals vs. Merrimack, no other Terrier has more than 4. Two of Yuhn’s three multi-goal games have come against Merrimack.

Records

• 20-4-6 vs. Merrimack (5-0-1 under Tara Watchorn)

• 6-1-2 vs. Merrimack in January

Other Notes

• Only Victoria Bach (10) has more career goals than Clara Yuhn

• Each of the last two Terrier hat tricks have come against Merrimack—Madison Cardaci (January 27th) and Lacey Martin (November 4th)

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Men’s

The Terriers host the Eagles (January 30th, 7pm) in the first of three games this season.

Boston College

(13-8-1, HEA (T-2nd): 9-5-0)

The Terriers look to get back on the winning track and gain some positive momentum going into the Beanpot after being swept by Providence (3-4, 0-4). It was the first time the Terriers have been shutout by Providence since October 26th, 2018.

Boston College enters on a sweep of UNH (5-2, 3-0). Dean Letourneau scored his 12th and 13th of the season in Friday’s win. Will Vote recorded his first career hat trick, scoring all three of the Eagles goals on Saturday. The Eagles are led by Letourneau in goals with 13, Jake Sondreal leads the team in assists with 13, and James Hagens and Letourneau lead the team with 23 points. In net freshman Louka Cloutier has taken most of the starts with a 2.22 GAA and .912 SV% along with 3 shutouts.

Gavin McCarthy leads all active Terriers 3 points against the Eagles, McCarthy and Cole Eiserman each have 2 goals.

Records

• 141-136-21 vs. BC (4-7-0 under Jay Pandolfo)

• 67-63-12 vs. BC at Home (1-2-0)

• 55-12-5 in the pre-Beanpot game (3-0)

Other Notes

• It is the first time since 1958 that BU’s last game before the Beanpot will be against Boston College. Larry Creighton recorded a hat trick, Jack Carruthers and Bob Marquis had 3 assists each in a 7-4 on January 20th at the Boston Garden

  

• It is the first time since 1970 that BC’s last game before the Beanpot will be against BU, BU won that game at Boston Arena 8-3, John Danby recorded a hat trick and Larry Davenport recorded 5 pts (2g-3a)

• Coincidentally BC’s game in 1958 between BU and the Beanpot was against Dartmouth at Dartmouth and BU’s game in 1970 between BC and the Beanpot was also against Dartmouth was at Dartmouth

  

  

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