The Boston University women’s hockey team’s 3-1 victory over Northeastern University last night was not just the end of a six-game losing streak, it was also the start of what the Terriers hope becomes a winning tradition in the annual Beanpot.
Plus, it was a chance to see yet another freshman player shine – this one more unheard of, typically confined to backup duty behind a very solid netminder.
And although it was just the game for third place and not the Beanpot championship, it was a starting point for this young Terrier squad and for another young Terrier goalie.
BU (11-15-4, 5-11-2 Hockey East) got a thorough game out of freshman goaltender Karilyn Pilch, who shut down the Huskies (5-23-1, 4-14-1) for the most part in just her fourth start of the season in place of normal starter Allyse Wilcox.
“I think we all played really well,” Pilch said. “I was happy with how I played, and was glad I got to play.”
With Wilcox not starting in the consolation game, the game presented a chance for Pilch to prove her abilities. She answered the challenge and played a marvelous game in net, making 26 saves and allowing just one goal.
Pilch has not had many opportunities to play this season with Wilcox dominating between the pipes all year, but she has been a more than adequate backup. In her previous starts, she went 2-2 and averaged 23.75 saves per game.
The wins came against Union College and Sacred Heart University, while one of her losses was at the hands of defending Hockey East champions, Providence College. As for the other loss, it was the only bad game Pilch has played, according to BU coach Brian Durocher.
The game he is referring to was a 7-3 hammering by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She made only 14 saves in just under two periods of play, while surrendering five goals – a far cry from the performance she delivered last night.
“Pilch played great,” he said. “Every time out there other than against RPI, she has played great. She had excellent concentration tonight.”
With the win, Pilch improved her record to 3-2, dropped her goals-against average to 3.22 and upped her save percentage to .891.
Solid numbers. And from a backup, solid is all you’re looking for. Anything more is a bonus.
Last night was bonus time. Pilch gave up just one goal, an Ali Bielawski blast in the second period. The Huskies’ freshman buried a shot from the top of the crease on the right side off an excellent pass by freshman Erin Reil from behind the net. The entire play happened very quickly and there simply was not enough time for Pilch to react.
“It was a good pass in front of the net by them and just a tough break for us,” Pilch said.
The third period was when Pilch shined the most. She made nine saves, including a big stop during a Northeastern 5-on-3 advantage and another one in the final minute of the game with the goalie pulled and an extra attacker on for the Huskies.
Pilch’s stellar final 20 minutes, along with a breakaway goal by freshman Gina Kearns immediately after her penalty, propelled the Terriers to victory and a third-place finish in the Beanpot championship.
“It was our 11th win and that was the most important thing,” Durocher said. “It just so happened that on top of it we got the Beanpot win.”