In full transparency, I must acknowledge that I write this after watching this game from the UMass Lowell student section (also known as The Cage). I will try to call this down the middle as much as I can. I will also be the first to say I set my expectations real low coming into this game. I know full well what the discrepancies between these rosters look like with Boston College sporting eleven NHL Entry Draft selections (along with highly touted 2025 Draft eligible James Hagens) to UMass Lowell’s zero. However, I figured I would see what was up with so many great talents to watch and the possibility that Norm Bazin’s system might pull off a miracle, particularly given the strong start the Riverhawks have gotten off to this season. Bear in mind, while lower, UML is also nationally ranked and entered this game with a 15 points to 13 points edge over BC in the Hockey East standings in the same number of conference games played. Different variables could end up deciding the outcome.

The tone seemed to be set early by UML with some physical play, including several on star BC presences. At one point in the first period’s fairly early phases, Boston College’s Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals) took a hit which had him limping off upon the conclusion of his shift. Upon his next set of reps, he didn’t look quite right in his stride, but he was ultimately able to stay in the game and would post some phenomenal dangles and high speed plays. However, he would end the night with nary a point. On the topic of offense, forward Mirko Buttazzoni (Brooks Bandits alumnus and cousin of Buffalo Sabre Zach Benson) was the one to open up the scoring just over five minutes into the game. The Langley, BC native was able to rip one past Jacob Fowler (Montreal Canadiens) from the top of the circle, with senior captain Owen Cole (also an ex-Brooks Bandit) and Northern Michigan transfer Connor Eddy (another British Columbia native) being credited for the assists. Just under two minutes later, Andre Gasseau (Boston Bruins) was set up by Oskar Jellvik (Boston Bruins) from behind the net to tie up the score. However, this is when the difficulties began for BC. Teddy Stiga (Nashville Predators, a player I have beaten the drum for a couple of times in the past: See here and here) went to the box for tripping at 11:17 and, while UML would not score on the ensuing power play, the Riverhawks had an answer shortly thereafter for Gasseau’s tally. A centering pass by C Iain Carpentier (a long-time Boston Jr. Bruin and transfer from Yale, hailing from Worcester MA) found Girts Silkans (ex-Fargo Force) for the Latvia native’s first ever NCAA goal. The period would end with this being the score, but not without some intrigue as Boston College D Aidan Hreschuk (Columbus Blue Jackets) was initially called for a cross-check in the dying seconds but got a five and a game for throwing his broken stick at an opponent. The original intent was probably to stand up for Stiga after the LW received a questionable hit, but his subsequent actions were deemed to be over the line, ending his night. This came shortly after a four-on-four yielded by matching roughing calls for BC’s Mike Posma and UML’s Libor Nemec had ended. There would be yet another fracas upon the period’s end for some more tension between the intraconference, Bay State rivals. BC captain/D Eamon Powell (Tampa Bay Lightning) [who was yet another minor penalty recipient for BC in the first for a cross-check] also had his night ended in the first period, as he was injured and did not return to the game. He was seen being helped to the visiting dressing room upon the first period’s end.

With a bit of time left in the major to Hreschuk, D Aram Minnetian (Dallas Stars) was called for a trip, giving UML some 5-on-3 time. However, despite sporting one of the best power plays in the nation, the Riverhawks were not able to beat Fowler despite their best efforts. In fact, the Eagles generated some good looks going the other way, with G Beni Halasz having to stonewall both Leonard and Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers) at different times. Nevertheless, Buttazzoni was able to get it done again after getting a piece of D TJ Schweighardt’s blast from the point after the New Jersey native received a pass from Eddy upon the lattermost completing his circle behind Fowler’s net. BC would receive their only power play of the game on a trip by Brandon Pierson but did not score. They did, however, eventually make a dent in the lead as Jake Sondreal set up Posma on a rush play. The goal had to be reviewed to determine if the puck fully crossed the line, but it was upheld. Shortly thereafter, another 4v4 occurred as Minnetian and Dillan Bentley were called for matching minors for roughing after a netfront, post-whistle exchange between the teams. In a matter of just nineteen seconds, Hagens found Perreault from behind the net and Perreault did some nifty handwork and made a great finish to tie it up at 3. The second frame then would end without much more Sturm und drang.

Miraculously, no penalties were called in the third period. Fowler and Halasz both were put to the test, making 10 and 9 saves, respectively. Fowler might have made the best out of all them, however, stopping Eddy on a dramatic breakaway. UML had a good number of looks late in regulation. When all was said and done, Boston College would play it safe and keep the puck behind their own net rather than drawing up a last second play as they opted for the three-on-three overtime. They had a tough battle, as the penalty kill put a lot of work in with just four D (the situation being so dire that, as observed by a few bloggers/writers to his rightful commendation, Teddy Stiga played some time on the back end) due to Hreschuk being tossed and Powell’s injury. From a cardio standpoint, one would have to imagine they didn’t have a lot of juice left, but in an open situation as a roster with plenty of skill, I understood the decision.

The decision almost proved lethal, though, as, while Halasz made some strong saves, it was primarily Fowler that was tested. It only got worse when D Drew Fortescue (New York Rangers) was called for a trip, giving UML a 4-on-3 power play. This would also continue during the 4v4 segment. However, Fowler was able to shut the door, and BC would have some good looks on their final possession. Ultimately, though, the defensive-minded Riverhawks (who had a terrific commitment to blocking shots in this game, which often turned into good counterattacks which may not have translated into goals, but did help them control possession and keep pucks out of the net against a terrific forward group) and Halasz were able to stand tall in the dying seconds. The game went into the record books as a tie and counted as such for the Pairwise, but the extra Hockey East point was still be played for in the shootout. Perreault scored on the first attempt, but that was all that went right for BC. Bentley had the response, both Leonard and Buttazzoni were denied in round two, but Jellvik was stopped and Cole beat Fowler blocker side to seal the deal for UML, as they won the shootout, 2-1. One has to wonder if they can repeat or better this feat at Kelley Rink on Monday, particularly given what went wrong for the Eagles in this matchup. For now, though, the Riverhawks can covet this somewhat surprising outcome at the Tsongas.