Boston College Men’s Hockey delivered its most complete series of the season this past weekend against UMass. With a 7–3 win at home on Friday and a 4–0 shutout on Saturday in Amherst, the No. 18 Eagles swept No. 12 UMass and proved that the lack of dependable depth that held them back last year is quickly becoming one of their greatest strengths. While it’s a good sign that BC beat a top-15 opponent twice, it’s an even better one that they did it so convincingly.
Friday’s match in Conte Forum seemed doomed at first, with UMass scoring first. But that didn’t last long. The Eagles’ decidedly outplayed the Minutemen from virtually the second period on, earning their first home win of the season and third in a row. BC’s offense looked unstoppable, firing off shot after shot and scoring multiple goals within minutes of each other.
Coming into the series, BC had repeatedly reworked its lines due to injuries and inconsistencies. Senior forwards Andre Gasseau and Oskar Jellvik have already been out for a few weeks. With the addition of sophomore forward Teddy Stiga out Saturday due to a five-minute major for unsportsmanlike conduct in Friday’s game, the offense was a minor concern heading into the second matchup.
But Saturday’s first line featured hardly the expected configuration for a huge matchup, with sophomore defensemen-turned-forward Michael Hagens and freshman Landan Resendes starting. The Eagles looked steady. Instead of crumbling in the face of fluctuations, they remained sharp and confident.
That’s a dramatic shift from last season. With Jellvik out for a majority of last season as well, their lack of depth and consistency cost them games. This year, though, the fourth line in any given game is producing as much, if not more, than the top line. BC got first-career goals this weekend from seniors Paul Davey and Will Traeger, which was a clear sign that despite setbacks and the absence of some players, BC has figured out how to produce.
Sophomore Dean Letourneau continued his hot streak and leads the team in shots on goal. He could be considered BC’s most valuable player this season. This is massive news for the Eagles, as the Boston Bruins’ first-round pick had a disappointing rookie season at BC last year.
The team’s increased competitiveness is also showing in its edge, sometimes in ways that hurt them. On Friday, Teddy Stiga received a major penalty and was suspended for Saturday’s game after saying something to a UMass player who had shoved him while he was hurt on the ice. After a heated fight on Saturday, junior defenseman Aram Minnetian and Davey were ejected in the final minute, with both earning game misconducts. Davey also received a minor for roughing in the scrum. The intensity and penalties from both games reflect a visible shift in attitude. BC looks like a team that “wants it” more.
Freshman goaltender Louka Cloutier earned Hockey East Goaltender of the Week for the second straight week, and at this point, it’s safe to assume he’s won the starting job outright. After alternating starts with Jan Korec early in the season, something flipped for Cloutier after the Denver series in late October. He looks more poised and unbothered by the intensity that opposing teams are bringing in front of the net. The Eagles also seem to play a cleaner game than when Korec is in net. His shutout on Saturday was his strongest collegiate performance yet.
For a team that has been searching for its rhythm amid constant adjustments, this sweep was a statement. BC proved they can win with unfamiliar line combinations, injuries in the top six, and freshmen thrust into high-pressure moments. They also showed that their most significant limitations from last season are no longer problem areas.
The Eagles might be more dangerous than their ranking suggests heading into a home-and-home series against No. 10 Maine.
Summers in the Newton Woods; advocate for the State of Washington.
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