Previewing the Frozen Four final
Boston College is accustomed to playing for a national championship. Ferris State is not. That’s the backdrop for tonight’s Frozen Four title game between the Eagles (32-10-1), one of the nation’s elite hockey programs, and the Bulldogs (26-11-5), who are competing in only the program’s second NCAA tournament and play at the Division II level in other sports.
Boston College, the overall No. 1 seed, won its 18th straight game Thursday by dispatching Minnesota 6-1 in the semifinals. But even though the Eagles seem poised to earn their fifth national championship — and third in five seasons — they are approaching Ferris State with caution.
“I hear this talk of David and Goliath, but I do not consider it to be that way,” said Boston College coach Jerry York, in his 18th season with the Eagles. “Anybody that gets to the Frozen Four is a really great team. I said any of the four can win this thing. And now, down to two teams, any of the two can win it.”
Boston College has outscored its NCAA tournament opponents 12-1. The Eagles have largely been fuelled by goaltender Parker Milner, who had a shutout streak of 193 minutes, 49 seconds that was halted when Minnesota scored early in the third period.
“Parker has been playing unbelievable . . .” Boston College senior defenceman Tommy Cross said. “It definitely gives you confidence to have a goaltender who’s rock solid back there, who’s on top of his game and has his confidence going. If his confidence is going, that spreads to the rest of the team.”
Ferris State, which is seeking the school’s first national championship in any sport, also has built substantial confidence. It began when the Bulldogs were ranked No. 1 nationally for two weeks earlier in the season. It continued during the NCAA tournament run, which included a 3-1 comefrom-behind victory against Union College in Thursday’s semifinals.
“We had some first-game jitters, but now they are out of the way,” Ferris State senior defenceman Chad Billins said.
Ferris State coach Bob Daniels said he has great respect for Boston College, particularly its overall speed and its depth in scoring lines, but doesn’t believe the Bulldogs will be intimidated by the title-game setting. His players echoed that sentiment.
“You always want to play the best to be the best,” Ferris State senior forward Jordie Johnston said. “Being this is our first time, we can hopefully start creating a dynasty of our own.’’