Hickey triggers upswing for BU
A prime component behind Boston University’s recent nine-game unbeaten streak (7-0-2) has been the strong play of captain and senior defenseman Brandon Hickey.
While freshman forward Ty Amonte earned accolades for his double-overtime winner in the Terriers’ Beanpot semifinal against Harvard, Hickey actually hoisted BU on his back throughout the game.
Hickey had a goal and two assists and posted a team-high seven shots, while blocking three shots in the 3-2 victory.
Hickey later claimed he never saw his goal against Harvard, which was his sixth of the season, land in the net.
“I was coming through the zone and when I picked up the rebound I kind of had to backhand it. I was kind of spinning around, so I really didn’t see if it went in or hit one of their guys in front . . . . I kind of looked at the rafters disappointed and it was a nice surprise to see the light go on and hear the cheers,” he said.
The win sent BU into tonight’s title game (against Northeastern) for the 53rd time in 66 years. The Terriers also have ascended to No.19 in the Pairwise Rankings for NCAA tournament consideration later this season.
“It’s extremely important. It obviously comes at a time of the year where it’s right before the playoffs, so it’s a good little confidence booster going into the playoff run here,” Hickey said. “My freshman year we were lucky enough to win the Beanpot on a late-season run.”
“I think more of our pieces are starting to come together,” said Hickey, who grew up in Leduc, Alberta. “We’re starting to establish our forecheck and turning pucks over more. Guys are getting opportunities around the net and starting to take advantage. It’s been a really good run, all because of hard work.”
Quiz of the week
Which NHL skater is the most recent Beanpot MVP? Answer below.
Ferraro sets up UMass
UMass freshman defenseman Cale Makar (3-12-15) was the fourth overall pick in last spring’s NHL draft and warrants all the plaudits he gets, but keep an eye on his freshman partner on the blue line, Mario Ferraro.
Ferraro, who arrived out of King City, Ontario, can scoot, makes the right plays and has a good allaround game. He had three goals and 17 assists this season.
“Cale gets the scoring chances but Mario sets a lot of guys up. He’s pretty special,” said UMass coach Greg Carvel. “He plays so hard. He creates chances for his team. He’s extremely efficient.” . . .
New Hampshire coach Dick Umile became the second coach (BU’s Jack Parker in 2014) to be presented with a Hockey East founders medal . . . .
University of New England sophomore goalie Caty Flagg of Methuen had a busy week, stopping 35 shots in a 3-1 win over Castleton and making 57 saves in a 6-0 loss to Division3’s topranked squad, Norwich . . . .
Harvard freshman center Becca Gilmore of Wayland, who won 13-of-21 faceoffs in last week’s Beanpot opening-round loss to BU, paces the Crimson with 10 goals and 17 assists. Harvard (1113-2) plays Northeastern (14-14-3) in tomorrow’s Women’s Beanpot consolation at 4:30 p.m. BU (11-146) faces host No.2 Boston College (25-3-3) in the 40th title game at Kelley Rink at 7:30 p.m . . . .
NU junior Adam Gaudette (2123-44) of Braintree is the leading scorer in Div.1 men’s hockey. BC freshman Daryl Watts (37-35-72) is the leading scorer in Div.1 women’s hockey. UNE junior Brady Fleuren (13-32-45) is the leading scorer in Div.3 men’s hockey.
Norwich sophomore Amanda Conway (26-21-47) of Methuen has the best shot at making it a sweep of New England colleges in the top scoring spot. She is currently third in the nation.
Quiz answer
Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk of BU was the Beanpot MVP in 2015.
Drop the puck!