SB Nation College Hockey - Hockey East Coverage: December 6-8College Hockey's Home on the Blogospherehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49993/wchb-fav.png2013-12-08T21:09:47-08:00http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/rss/stream/49471212013-12-08T21:09:47-08:002013-12-08T21:09:47-08:00Power Play Lifts Maine Over UMass-Lowell
<figure>
<img alt="Maine freshman and Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick Blaine Byron had the game-winning goal for the Black Bears on Sunday." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y0_lbD7OwBxSTdQOvZzcEGg4eT4=/0x45:416x322/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24780779/blaine_byron.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Maine freshman and Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick Blaine Byron had the game-winning goal for the Black Bears on Sunday. | Jeff Cox</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After winning only two games at Alfond Arena all last season, the Black Bears are 7-1 in the building to begin this season.</p> <p>Orono, Maine -- What a difference a little home cooking makes. The University of Maine hockey team won its seventh home game of the season in eight tries on Sunday afternoon with a 4-2 victory over No. 7 UMass-Lowell.</p>
<p>"We obviously beat a very good team. They're one of the best teams in the country. I learned that last year while I was coaching at Yale. They're an unbelievable team that is exceptionally well coached," said Gendron.</p>
<p>"That's a huge win for us. Against a top ten team like them, they're a great team. It was a tough battle. The win feels really good," said sophomore <span>Devin Shore</span>.</p>
<p>The power play was the difference in the game for the Black Bears as they scored three times on five chances. The only goal that didn't come on the man advantage was the empty-netter.</p>
<p>"Obviously our power play came through today with three goals. That was huge. I thought we played a pretty good defensive game overall. There were still errors, but when they were made Marty came up with a few phenomenal saves," said Gendron.</p>
<p><span>Blaine Byron's</span> power play goal with 3:33 remaining in regulation proved to be the game-winner. With Michael Kapla in the penalty box for UMass-Lowell, Maine had a golden opportunity to convert on the man advantage for the third time in the game.</p>
<p>There was not much going on the particular power play until Byron received a feed from defenseman Eric Schurhamer. With no teammates open for a pass, the <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> draft pick took a slap shot that was initially saved by UMass-Lowell goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The puck glanced over his equipment and trickled into the net.</p>
<p>"I don't know how it went in. It looked like the goalie had it," said Gendron. "It was Wayne Gretzky who said ‘You don't score on 100 percent of the shots you don't take,'" added the coach.</p>
<p>Maine scored two goals by the midway point of the first period to give the Black Bears an early home cushion that they have become accustomed to in recent home games against Boston University and Boston College.</p>
<p>Cam Brown gave the Black Bears a 1-0 lead 5:52 into the game when the freshman connected on a quick slap shot from the top of the slot on the first power play attempt of the game. Brice O'Connor and Eric Schurhamer assisted on the goal.</p>
<p>"I got the puck from Brice [O'Connor] at the point. I just kind of threw it on net like a half slap shot. There was some traffic in front and it went in," said the freshman from Natick, Mass. of his second collegiate goal.</p>
<p>"Brownie's shot was just a great shot," said Gendron. "It was a laser," he added.</p>
<p><span>Ben Hutton</span> scored his team-leading seventh goal of the season at the 10:31 mark on the man advantage to give the Black Bears an early 2-0 lead. The play was started by a nice backcheck at the other end by Steven Swavely.</p>
<p>Connor Leen retrieved the puck in the corner and raced up the ice. He slid the puck to Devin Shore who fed Hutton in the slot who rifled one into the back of the net.</p>
<p>"Hutton's goal was a sweet goal. One of the things was we lost the puck and [UML] had a semi-breakaway. Steven Swavely not only got back to kill the play, but didn't take a penalty doing it. On the ensuing counterattack Hutton busts his tail to get up the ice to make it a three-on-two. That's a big time play," said Gendron.</p>
<p>As essential as the power play was to success for Maine on Sunday, the goals scored on the man advantage weren't exactly textbook plays with nice in-zone setups.</p>
<p>"A lot of the goals we scored weren't on our set plays," explained Shore.</p>
<p>"Brownie's first one was just a shot on net. It was a mirror image to Byron's. The best way to get a power play goal is to put pucks on net. The [Hutton goal] was all Steve Swavely. It could have been a two-goal swing the other way, but he made an amazing play on the backcheck. If you give Ben Hutton the puck in the slot the odds are it's going in," said the <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Stars</a> prospect.</p>
<p>Derek Arold lifted a backhander up and over Maine goaltender <span>Martin Ouellette</span> to get the River Hawks on the board with 5:26 to play in the opening period. The goal came on a wild scramble in front of the Maine net, but Scott Wilson took the puck and went around the back of the net before throwing the puck out front.</p>
<p>UMass-Lowell was able to capitalize on a power play opportunity of its own with just 35 seconds to play in the second period. Ryan McGrath picked up the puck after a Maine defender blocked his initial shot. The O'Fallon, Mo. native was able to wrist a laser up and over Ouellette.</p>
<p>Lowell had all the momentum in the beginning of the third period, but Ouellette came up with several huge saves in the first few minutes.</p>
<p>"The start of the third period was the weakest moment of the game. We lost our poise and composure. We had defensemen getting caught and pucks getting behind them. Marty made two or three saves, especially early, that were legit. If they score on those plays the whole complexion of the game is different," said Gendron.</p>
<p>"They are very good offensively so I had to be ready. They had a couple nice passes across and I was able to slide across to make those saves," said Ouellette of Lowell's chances early in the final frame.</p>
<p>Jon Swavely added the empty-net goal to put the game away for Maine.</p>
<p>"I wasn't playing Jon's line, but I used him on two different lines at different times. He didn't play that much because his line wasn't playing, but when the game was on the line Jon Swavely was out on the ice. He got rewarded with an empty net goal."</p>
<p>Gendron was pleased with his team's shot blocking and ability to get sticks in lane throughout the game.</p>
<p>"One of the other things we did an awful lot better was blocking shots. Our kids did a terrific job with that. It's not always shots you block with your body, but it's having sticks in the right place."</p>
<p>Another bright spot continues to be the play of the all-freshman line of Cam Brown centering Blaine Byron and Brian Morgan. The trio accounted for two of the team's goals and 10 shots on goal.</p>
<p>"Obviously you watch the game. They get the puck and go down to the other end and do stuff," said Gendron.</p>
<p>UMass-Lowell (11-5-0) is off until after Christmas when Norm Bazin's team faces Canisius and Clarkson in the Catamount Cup at the Gutterson Field House in Burlington, Vermont on the campus of UVM.</p>
<p>Maine (7-6-1) will get back to work next weekend when American International pays a visit to the Alfond Arena for a two-game set. The Yellow Jackets lost to UML, 6-1, on Tuesday night at the Tsongas Center.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css"></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, NCAA recruiting, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NHL Draft</a> prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jeffcoxsbnation" target="_blank">@JeffCoxSBNation</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2013/12/8/5189844/power-play-tallies-lifts-maine-over-umass-lowell-devin-shore-ben-hutton-blaine-byron-cam-brownJeff Cox2013-12-08T12:30:47-08:002013-12-08T12:30:47-08:00UMass-Lowell at Maine: Line Combinations
<figure>
<img alt="UMass-Lowell goaltender Connor Hellebuyck" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f6E09875Ck5k2JHXfY8z_0c1i7A=/0x90:4000x2757/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24749481/166337038.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>UMass-Lowell goaltender Connor Hellebuyck | Justin K. Aller</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Maine looks to continue its winning ways on home ice at the Alfond Arena.</p> <p>Orono, Maine -- Welcome inside Alfond Arena for Sunday afternoon's contest between the visitors from UMass-Lowell and the home standing University of Maine. The River Hawks have actually been better on the road with a record of 6-1-0 away from the Tsongas Center. Maine has a 6-1-0 record on home ice so something has to bend tonight.</p>
<p>A Maine win would give the Black Bears nine points in the league and lift Red Gendron's team into fourth place alone. If Norm Bazin's team comes out on top, UML will be tied for third with New Hampshire, but with games in hand on every team in Hockey East.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>UMASS-LOWELL</u></b></p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="620" style="height: 1px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Left Wing</u></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Center</u></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Right Wing</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Ryan McGrath</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Joe Gambardella</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Derek Arnold</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Scott Wilson</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Chris Maniccia</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Terrence Wallin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">A.J. White</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Stephen Buco</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Adam Chapie</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Shayne Thompson</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Joe Pendenza</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Josh Holmstrom</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="620" style="text-align: center; height: 1px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Left Defense</u></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Right Defense</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Zack Kamrass</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Jake Suter</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Joe Houk</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Greg Amlong</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Michael Kapla</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Christian Folin</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<table style="text-align: center; height: 1px;" width="620" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Goaltenders</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span>Connor Hellebuyck</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Doug Carr</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Brian Robbins</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>MAINE</u></b></p>
<table style="height: 1px;" width="620" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Left Wing</u></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Center</u></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Right Wing</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Connor Leen</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span>Devin Shore</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Steven Swavely</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Mark Anthoine</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Stu Higgins</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Ryan Lomberg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Will Merchant</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Jon Swavely</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Josh Henke</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Brian Morgan</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Cam Brown</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span>Blaine Byron</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<table style="text-align: center; height: 1px;" width="620" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Left Defense</u></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Right Defense</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span>Ben Hutton</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Brice O'Connor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Jake Rutt</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Conor Riley</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Dan Renouf</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Eric Schurhamer</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="620" style="text-align: center; height: 1px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Goaltenders</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span>Martin Ouellette</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Dan Sullivan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Matt Strickrott</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, NCAA recruiting, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft">NHL Draft</a> prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jeffcoxsbnation" target="_blank">@JeffCoxSBNation</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2013/12/8/5189138/umass-lowell-at-maine-pregame-notes-line-combinations-connor-hellebuyck-martin-ouelletteJeff Cox2013-12-07T00:44:23-08:002013-12-07T00:44:23-08:00Providence Rallies, Forces 3-3 Tie at Northeastern
<figure>
<img alt="Northeastern junior goaltender Clay Witt" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hxqtiohYyCbCBz2YuCsZRGao2wU=/0x87:384x343/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24662063/claywitt.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Northeastern junior goaltender Clay Witt | Northeastern Athletics</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Northeastern goaltender Clay Witt made 52 saves on Friday night, the third most in program history.</p> <p>Boston, Mass. -- Northeastern scored just seven seconds into the game and held a 3-0 advantage after 40 minutes, but that didn't deter Providence. The Friars stormed back for three unanswered goals in the third period to force a 3-3 tie with the Huskies on Friday night at Matthews Arena.</p>
<p>"We played well for two periods then in the third period we sat back. We got out of a rhythm and how we need to play well to be successful and how we played for two periods," said Northeastern bench boss Jim Madigan.</p>
<p>"It was a good game. I thought it was our best effort in our last five or six games. I was really happy and proud of the way we played tonight," said Providence head coach Nate Leaman.</p>
<p>Leaman's Friars fired 55 shots on the Northeastern net, but Huskies junior goaltender <span>Clay Witt</span> stopped all but three of them. The 52 saves made by the Brandon, Fla. native tied for third most in program history.</p>
<p>"Against Providence they direct a lot of pucks to the net. They put pucks to the net and drive the net hard. I wasn't really worried about shots on goal. [Witt] is a good goalie," said Madigan.</p>
<p>Michael Szmatula scored seven seconds into the contest before some people had even sat down after the opening face-off. He crossed the blue line on the left side and took a slapper that beat <span>Jon Gillies</span> to the short side. <span>Josh Manson</span> and Mike Gunn assisted on the rookie's sixth goal of the season.</p>
<p><span>Kevin Roy</span> scored his 12th goal of the season later in the period when he came into the zone from left to right. He took a wrist shot cross-grain and beat Gillies to the far side for the 2-0 lead. Matt Benning set up the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Ducks</a> prospect with a nice forward pass.</p>
<p>Despite being down 2-0 after 20 minutes, Providence coach Nate Leaman didn't think his team played all that poorly. "It was tough in the first period. I thought we really played great and we were down, 2-0."</p>
<p>The score would stay that way until Branden Pimm connected on a shorthanded situation for his eighth of the season. He collected the loose puck and blew by one Providence defender before cutting in towards the middle and snapping a shot off that hit off Gillies' glove before popping into the back of the net.</p>
<p>"It's tough to get down on the road early in a tough environment. It can be tough to get back into it, but it speaks to the character of our team. We stuck to the game plan and knew if we kept getting pucks to the net that we'd get our chances. We just needed to keep getting to the net and get the rebounds," said Providence junior Ross Mauermann of his team's mindset heading into the third period.</p>
<p>Freshman defenseman <span>Anthony Florentino</span> gave some life to the Providence bench when he connected on a wicked snapshot from the left wall on the man advantage 3:16 into the third period. He was set up by a nice feed from Trevor Mingoia who just became eligible three games ago after transferring from Union.</p>
<p>Providence cut the Northeastern lead to one just over two minutes later on a rebound that couldn't be corralled by the Huskies defense or goaltender. Witt made the initial save on a Nick Saracino shot, but Shane Luke was there to bat in the rebound.</p>
<p>The Friars completed the comeback bid with 2:21 to play in regulation. It was a nice play by Tom Parisi who showed patience to wait for the right opportunity. The defenseman let a defender go by and then whistled a wrist shot upstairs and past Witt.</p>
<p>"We found a way to come back in the third and tie the game. I thought we kept coming and had some great chances to win it there," said Leaman.</p>
<p>"In the third period they took it to us," said Madigan. "We hung on for a tie, but it's obviously disappointing."</p>
<p>With defenseman Kevin Hart in the penalty box Providence was shorthanded for the last 1:48 of the overtime period, but the Friars might have had the best scoring opportunity. After a tough battle for possession <span>Mark Jankowski</span> transitioned up ice and made a terrific pass to Steven McParland, but the sophomore couldn't get his stick on the puck.</p>
<p>"That was a heck of a play. That's what you want. You want your best players trying to make plays when the game is on the line. I thought he made a terrific play there. It was a big kill in overtime," said Leaman.</p>
<p>Providence and Northeastern each have one game left before the Christmas break. The Friars head to Army for a nonconference game on December 20 while the Huskies travel to Burlington for the last league game of the semester at Vermont.</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, NCAA recruiting, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft">NHL Draft</a> prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/jeffcoxsbnation">@JeffCoxSBNation</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2013/12/7/5184866/providence-rallies-to-force-3-3-tie-at-northeastern-ross-mauermann-clay-wittJeff Cox2013-12-06T21:47:13-08:002013-12-06T21:47:13-08:00Notre Dame Keeps UMass Reeling
<figure>
<img alt="Minnesota Wild prospect Mario Lucia had two goals and a helper on Friday night." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Qhxwi2O7tr6-icUWLujMVpjtclA=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24658941/117298660.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Minnesota Wild prospect Mario Lucia had two goals and a helper on Friday night. | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Minutemen are 0-8-1 on the road this season, and are in the midst of an eight game winless streak.</p> <p>South Bend, Ind. -- Notre Dame stayed undefeated in league games on home ice on Friday evening with a 5-3 victory over visiting Massachusetts. Mario Lucia had two goals and an assist while Sam Herr, Jeff Costello and Andy Ryan all added scores for the Fighting Irish (10-6-1). Steven Summerhays stopped 36 of the 39 shots he faced for the win.</p>
<p>UMass freshman Steven Iacobellis had a goal and an assist in the losing effort. Branden Gracel and Brandon Wahlin also added goals for the Minutemen. Steven Mastalerz made 27 saves.</p>
<p>Both teams had success on the power play. Notre Dame was three-for-six while UMass was two-for-eight on the man advantage. There was a total of 30 penalty minutes called in the game.</p>
<p>The two teams will complete their weekend series Saturday night at the Compton Family Ice Arena.</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, NCAA recruiting, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft">NHL Draft</a> prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jeffcoxsbnation" target="_blank">@JeffCoxSBNation</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2013/12/6/5184672/notre-dame-defeats-massachusetts-5-3-jeff-costello-mario-lucia-sam-herr-steven-iacobellisJeff Cox2013-12-06T21:35:44-08:002013-12-06T21:35:44-08:00Merrimack Hockey: Shawn Bates Kicked off Team
<figure>
<img alt="Mark Dennehy" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m3wKZJpKpBDu6aLxeX5BQfzfksY=/0x0:1099x733/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24658361/dennehy_1.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Dennehy | Merrimack Athletics</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bates had eight goals last season, tied for second most on the team.</p> <p>North Andover, Mass. -- Merrimack College head coach Mark Dennehy has removed senior Shawn Bates from the hockey team. The speedy forward had played in ten games this season without registering a point. Bates seemed to often be in the doghouse over his career, sitting in the stands more times than he should have with the talent he had. Bates finishes his Merrimack career with 19 goals and 27 assists for 46 points in 103 games played.</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, NCAA recruiting, NHL Draft prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/jeffcoxsbnation">@JeffCoxSBNation</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2013/12/6/5184642/merrimack-hockey-shawn-bates-kicked-off-team-hockey-east-mark-dennehyJeff Cox2013-12-06T21:23:05-08:002013-12-06T21:23:05-08:00BC's New Top Line Thwarts UNH
<figure>
<img alt="Johnny Gaudreau" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P-4stZwJ3z5QHiLPOPzHGnzRZfM=/42x0:957x610/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24658093/20120420_kkt_sd9_624.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Johnny Gaudreau | Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With a new top line, Boston College found the back of the net six times en route to a Hockey East win.</p> <p>
<style>
</style></p>
<p>Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston College had dropped its last two games in surprising fashion, losing on the road in Hockey East play at Maine, and then to Holy Cross in non-conference action at home.</p>
<p>So to shake things up, Jerry York went all in.</p>
<p>After tooling with his top line the past few contests, York put all of hit top guns—Johnny Gaudreau, <span>Bill Arnold</span>, and <span>Kevin Hayes</span>—on a new top line.</p>
<p>The result? Old linemates and new linemates can all produce.</p>
<p>The Eagles found their offensive game, as six different players scored, and Boston College leapfrogged New Hampshire in the Hockey East standings with a 6-2 win at Conte Forum.</p>
<p>"I didn't think against Holy Cross we played as hard as I liked, and we didn't play as a team, but we learned from that," said BC head coach Jerry York. "If everybody could figure this out they'd be 36-0 for the year."</p>
<p>The first goal of the night against UNH came off the stick of Gaudreau, who only took 67 seconds to find the back of the net. On the end of the first shift of the night, BC's new top line connected, when Arnold sent Gaudreau an alley-oop pass up ice, springing the Eagles top forward on a breakaway.</p>
<p>"They got a breakaway, I mean, look who got a breakaway," said a frustrated Dick Umile, New Hampshire's head coach. "That's not a good plan.</p>
<p>"They got it on the rush. We did a terrible job back-checking on the rush."</p>
<p>The action would then tilt in favor of UNH though, who dominated the rest of the possession in the first, to the tune of 16 shots to BC's four.</p>
<p>The Wildcats finally broke through, with Jeff Silengo firing a shot under the glove of Brian Billett just 18 seconds into the second period to knot the score at one.</p>
<p>But the Eagles only needed 48 seconds to retake the lead, as <span>Steve Santini</span> was able to stash home a rebound off the rush and put BC ahead 2-1.</p>
<p>"Our team was very opportunistic," said York. "We some chances, and we didn't miss many. If we had a chance, it was a red light."</p>
<p>Play would settle down until late in the second, when the Eagles exploded for three goals in the span of 1:40 to put the game out of reach.</p>
<p>On the first, old linemates Austin Cangelosi and Gaudreau rekinled some magic. With Gaudreau at the end of a shift, and Cangelosi on the ice making a change, the two drove through the dots, with Gaudreau putting a saucer pass on the freshman's tape for an easy redirect.</p>
<p>For the most part though, it was the unit of Gaudreau, Arnold, and Hayes that was producing quality scoring chances all night.</p>
<p>"They should; those are our three most dynamic players," York said. "Generally I like to split them up, but we're experimenting a little bit; we're coming off two losses in a row.</p>
<p>"There's a chance they could be a very good line."</p>
<p>The Eagles next tally would come off the stick off defenseman Teddy Doherty, who picked up a loose puck behind the Wildcats net and wrapped it off the pad of Casey DeSmith to push BC's lead to 4-1.</p>
<p>The second period scoring was capped off only 18 seconds later. With UNH pressing and trying to send numbers forward, Kevin Hayes escaped the zone on a 2-on-1. With a defender in the passing lane, a calm and collected Hayes elected to shoot, beating DeSmith and chasing him from the game.</p>
<p>"We didn't play very well defensively in the second period," said Umile. "I don't think we played well from the net-out in the second."</p>
<p>While the Eagles wound up winning by a definitive margin, the game itself was played much closer. BC was able to capitalize on nearly a third of its shots on goal, even as UNH outshot the homestanding Eagles 41-21.</p>
<p>"It feels like we were in a very evenly matched college hockey game," said York. "Brian Billett made some outstanding saves.</p>
<p>"New Hampshire had the puck a lot, and were very creative in the offensive zone, which led to some excellent, Grade A chances against us."</p>
<p>The teams will get another crack at each other Saturday night, when the weekend series shifts Durham, and the Wildcats home ice.</p>
<p>"I thought [Kevin] Goumas' line was terrific tonight," said York. "We're going to have to watch that matchup tomorrow night.</p>
<p>"We're going to have to contain them a little bit-we're not going to shut them down, but tonight they had way too many chances."</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2013/12/6/5184520/ncaa-mens-hockey-hockey-east-boston-college-new-hampshire-recap-gaudreau-austin-cangelosiEvan Sporer2013-12-06T18:59:22-08:002013-12-06T18:59:22-08:00Merrimack Wins First Hockey East Game of Season
<figure>
<img alt="Mark Dennehy" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FOpfVI4fCpCe_MXV97iCAvQYVig=/0x0:1099x733/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24651543/dennehy_1.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Dennehy | Merrimack Athletics</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Mark Dennehy's squad won its first Hockey East game of the season Friday night.</p> <p>North Andover, Mass. -- Mike Collins, playing in his first game since November 15, scored the game winner midway through the third period as Merrimack won its first Hockey East game of the season on Friday evening at Lawler Arena.</p>
<p>Brian Christie, another Warrior who has been injured much of the year, scored his first goal of the season in just his third game to tie the score at two 4:27 into the third period.</p>
<p>Defenseman Brendan Ellis, yet another Warrior who has missed significant time with injury this season, assisted on both third period goals. Merrimack junior goaltender Rasmus Tirronen stopped 17 of the 19 shots he faced.</p>
<p>Freshman defenseman Jonathan Lashyn scored a first period tally just 2:34 into the contest to give Merrimack a 1-0 lead. Quinn Gould and Clayton Jardine assisted on the goal.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/">Boston Bruins</a> draft pick Matt Grzelcyk and freshman Tommy Kelley scored the two goals for Boston University. Matt O'Connor made 27 saves while giving up three goals. The loss snapped a four game unbeaten streak for Boston University (7-7-1).</p>
<p>Merrimack (4-9-1) will travel to Agganis Arena to take on the Terriers in the series finale Saturday night.</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, NCAA recruiting, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft">NHL Draft</a> prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/jeffcoxsbnation">@JeffCoxSBNation</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hockey-east/2013/12/6/5184232/merrimack-wins-first-hockey-east-game-of-season-over-bu-mike-collins-brian-christie-rasmus-tirronenJeff Cox2013-12-06T16:33:22-08:002013-12-06T16:33:22-08:00Providence at Northeastern Line Combinations
<figure>
<img alt="Clay Witt" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sqEDU5499yb0w1ixEkZobVDc30Q=/0x86:384x342/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24646377/claywitt.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Clay Witt | Northeastern Athletics</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Providence travels to Matthews Arena on Friday night for an 8 p.m. start.</p> <p>Boston, Mass. -- Northeastern will face a stern test on home ice at Matthews Arena tonight as Providence comes to town for the only game of the weekend for either club. As expected, <span>Jon Gillies</span> will start in net for the No. 4 Friars while <span>Clay Witt</span> will get the nod for the No. 19 Huskies.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>PROVIDENCE</u></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="620" style="height: 1px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Left Wing</u></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Center</u></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Right Wing</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Conor MacPhee</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Ross Mauermann</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Shane Luke</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Brandon Tanev</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span>Mark Jankowski</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Trevor Mingoia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Steven McParland</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Noel Acciari</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Nick Saracino</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Drew Brown</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Kevin Rooney</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Derek Army</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="620" style="text-align: center; height: 1px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Left Defense</u></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Right Defense</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span>John Gilmour</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Kevin Hart</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Kyle McKenzie</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Steven Shamanski</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Tom Parisi</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span>Anthony Florentino</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<table style="text-align: center; height: 1px;" width="620" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Goaltenders</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Jon Gillies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Nick Ellis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Nicholas Luise</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>NORTHEASTERN</u></b></p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="620" style="height: 1px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Left Wing</u></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Center</u></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Right Wing</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span>Kevin Roy</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">John Stevens</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Braden Pimm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Mike McMurtry</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Mike Szmatula</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Torin Snydeman</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span>Adam Reid</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Dalen Hedges</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span>Cody Ferriero</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Zak Stone</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Tanner Pond</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Mike Jamieson</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="620" style="text-align: center; height: 1px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Left Defense</u></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Right Defense</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span>Josh Manson</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Mike Gunn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Dax Lauwers</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Matt Benning</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Dustin Darou</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Colton Saucerman</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<table style="text-align: center; height: 1px;" width="620" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><u>Goaltenders</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Clay Witt</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Derick Roy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Bryan Mountain</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, NCAA recruiting, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft">NHL Draft</a> prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jeffcoxsbnation" target="_blank">@JeffCoxSBNation</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2013/12/6/5183460/providence-at-northeastern-line-combinations-jon-gillies-kevin-roy-mike-szmatula-ross-mauermannJeff Cox