Senior forward Kenny Magowan was shaking his head while freshman defenseman Sean Sullivan was being escorted to the penalty box for hitting after the whistle late in the third period of Saturday’s game at the University of Vermont.
But less than a minute later, Magowan was guilty of the same crime, burying the Boston University hockey team in a difficult 5-on-3 hole in the closing minutes of a tie game on the road.
The Terriers didn’t pay for it in the game they killed off the penalties and went on to tie the Catamounts in overtime (though BU coach Jack Parker pointed out his team would have had a much better chance to win the game at full strength). But Magowan and Sullivan paid for their mistakes Monday in practice, wearily skating extra laps while the rest of the Terriers tapped their sticks in support.
‘We’ve had problems in the past with penalties, and [Parker] just wanted to try a different way of penalizing guys,’ Magowan said. ‘When it comes down to it he might sit guys, but I think he just wanted to make a point right away.’
The infractions were somewhat understandable, if not acceptable, during a very physical and emotional game in Burlington. Still, Sullivan’s hit looked like a freshman mistake, while the senior had less of an excuse.
He was still shaking his head while gasping for air after Monday’s long skate.
TIGHTER TERRIERS
At Monday’s practice, there was a jolly, almost joking attitude as a fencing match broke out between freshman forward Kenny Roche and senior goalie Sean Fields, who jousted with their sticks inside Walter Brown Arena. This could be a good sign in the often-emphasized team chemistry department.
The Terriers might be learning from the Boston Red Sox, who outwardly loved playing together an attitude that carried them within five outs of the World Series.
‘I think since I’ve been here this is probably the funnest team I’ve had to play for,’ Magowan said. ‘Today, the ice was horrible, guys were falling all over the place, so it was pretty funny. I don’t know if coach Parker found it pretty funny, but it’s a good group of guys the best since I’ve been here.’
The attitude even extended off the ice, as Magowan was teased for his Canadian heritage while being interviewed outside the locker room. The laughter was indicative of the kind of bond that has formed remarkably quickly, after less than a month of official practice and just two games.
‘WHIT’ A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES
Perhaps the biggest joker on the ice was junior defenseman Ryan Whitney, who exaggerated his celebrations after a pair of nice goals during a shooting drill. He also picked on fallen freshman Eric Thomassian, sparking laughs from a whole pack of Terriers when he made fun of the forward laying on the ice.
Such an attitude is quite an improvement from a year ago for Whitney, who at this time last year was battling an ankle injury and inconsistent play along with the increased pressure of high expectations. But now the No. 5 overall draft pick for the Pittsburgh Penguins after his freshman year is playing well, and has the loose demeanor to go along with it.
‘[Whitney is] great, he’s a good guy,’ Magowan said. ‘He’s put that first half of the season behind him last year, and he had a great second half, and this year he’s started off strong already.’
For a player that many speculated would dart for the National Hockey League last summer, Whitney seems to be enjoying what could be his last year at school … Senior assistant captain Frantisek Skladany wore the non-contact blue shirt Monday after he suffered a third-period shoulder injury at Vermont. Parker said his status was uncertain, and that there is about a 50-50 chance Skladany will be in action Friday at Providence College … After their tie with Vermont, the Terriers fell one spot in both the U.S. College Hockey Online and the USA Today polls. They are now No. 8 in the USCHO poll and No. 7 in USA Today … Sophomore forward Brad Zancanaro will do battle with his twin brother Tony at Schneider Arena Friday as BU starts its conference schedule against the Friars.