The Boston University women’s ice hockey team (15-9-3, 7-7-3 Hockey East), coming off a 4-4 tie against Northeastern University on Saturday, faces off against those same Huskies (3-22-2, 2-13-2) tonight in the first round of the 29th annual Women’s Beanpot Tournament at Boston College’s Conte Forum.
Although the Terriers had a strong third period comeback to tie Saturday’s game at Matthews Arena, BU coach Brian Durocher fails to see the good side in playing the same opponent twice in such a short period of time.
“Maybe we left some doubt in them after [Saturday] . . . they probably thought they were going to win that game. But there’s really no advantage,” Durocher said. “We have to make sure we put them away [tonight] and not allow them a chance.”
Though the outcome of tonight’s game will not affect the Hockey East standings, expect the Terriers and Huskies to play inspired hockey in their quest for a berth in next Monday’s championship game.
“Everyone from BU, BC, Northeastern and Harvard gets excited for the Beanpot,” Durocher said. “It’s something that generates its own enthusiasm . . . it’s for bragging rights.”
Senior co-captain Cara Hendry agrees that tonight’s game will take on a higher meaning, given the circumstances.
“We’re hungry right now . . . we want to make the finals,” Hendry said. “Our team is treating this like a playoff game.”
BU split its first two Beanpot games as a Division I program last season. The Terriers fell in overtime to then-No. 7 Harvard, 2-1, in the opening round before defeating Northeastern, 3-1, in the consolation game. BU won the tournament as a club team back in 1981 for its sole Beanpot crown.
Durocher outlined the Beanpot championship as the “third goal” his team set out to accomplish this season, behind a spot in the Hockey East playoffs and a winning record.
BU will play a Northeastern team rich in Beanpot tradition. NU has captured the title a record 14 times in 28 appearances but has not won the tournament since 1998. While Northeastern appears to be the easiest draw on paper this season, Durocher believes the Huskies will provide a challenge for his squad.
“They’re a proud team that’s a little down right now, but I expect they’ll be ready to go,” Durocher said.
In Saturday’s contest, the Terriers overcame a 3-0 deficit after two periods against NU. But despite scoring four times in the third stanza, BU allowed a game-tying score with less than two minutes left in regulation. Neither team generated many offensive threats during the scoreless overtime period, leaving the squads with a point apiece.
BU goaltender Melissa Haber struggled considerably in that game, and the rookie may not get the chance to redeem herself tonight. Durocher said the starting goaltender would be a game-time decision.
“We’ll chat about it over the next few days and review some film,” Durocher said following Saturday’s game. “But this team enjoys playing in front of both goaltenders.”
Sophomore Allyse Wilcox brings valuable experience to this year’s tournament. The veteran netminder started in last year’s first-round matchup with the Crimson, making 39 saves to earn the game’s Second Star Award. Sophomore forwards Gina Kearns and Nicki Wiart, who both play on the second line, registered two points apiece in last season’s tournament.
With both BC and Harvard ranked in the Top-10 nationally and BU vastly improved from last year, this year’s Beanpot field figures to be as competitive as ever, marking the second year in which the tournament has featured four varsity programs.
While the Terriers have their attention on Northeastern, some members of the squad have already made their preference for which team they play in next Monday’s game known.
“I’d like another crack at BC,” Hendry said.