Terriers Take on Buckeyes in NCAA Tournament Opener
The Boston University Terriers are set to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, offering a chance to redeem themselves after a disappointing loss to UConn in the Hockey East semifinals. The game is scheduled for Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Toledo, Ohio, regional, marking only the fourth encounter between these two programs. Their most recent meeting was in the 2009 tournament’s first round, where BU triumphed with an 8-3 victory, ultimately leading them to their last national championship. Can the Terriers replicate that success and embark on another deep tournament run?
This year marks BU’s 40th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, where they enter as the No. 2 seed in the regional. Leading the charge for the Terriers is junior Quinn Hutson, who has amassed an impressive 47 points (21 goals, 26 assists). Hutson’s exceptional performance translates to 1.38 points per game, ranking him third in the nation. His younger brother, Cole, is also making waves, topping all NCAA freshmen in points (40) and assists (28). Cole’s outstanding contributions have earned him the title of Hockey East rookie of the year. Adding to the team’s firepower, Cole Eiserman leads all NCAA freshmen with 21 goals. In the net, goalie Mikhail Yegorov boasts impressive stats, ranking among the top 10 with a 1.99 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage.
However, the Terriers will have to contend with a familiar face in Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, who transferred from Northeastern for his graduate season. Fontaine leads the Buckeyes with 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) and has a history of clutch performances against BU, including an overtime winner in the 2024 Beanpot. His knack for scoring crucial goals was also evident in the Big Ten semifinals against Penn State and the championship game against Michigan State. The Buckeyes’ goaltending duties have recently been taken over by former UConn goalie Logan Terness, who has started the last five games after splitting time with Kristoffer Eberly during the regular season.
Ohio State enters the tournament as the third seed, making their 11th appearance. The winner of the BU-Ohio State game will advance to face either top seed Michigan State or No. 4 Cornell on Saturday. The stakes are high, and the competition promises to be fierce as these teams battle for a spot in the next round.
Key Players and Storylines to Watch
As Boston University prepares to face Ohio State, several key players and storylines could determine the outcome of the game. Quinn Hutson’s offensive prowess will be crucial for the Terriers, as his ability to generate points and create scoring opportunities will put pressure on the Buckeyes’ defense. Cole Hutson’s playmaking skills and Cole Eiserman’s goal-scoring touch will also be vital for BU’s success. On the other side, Gunnarwolfe Fontaine’s familiarity with BU and his knack for scoring clutch goals make him a significant threat for Ohio State. Which team will be able to capitalize on their strengths and exploit their opponent’s weaknesses?
The goaltending matchup between BU’s Mikhail Yegorov and Ohio State’s Logan Terness will also be a key factor. Yegorov’s impressive stats and consistency in the net provide a solid foundation for the Terriers, while Terness will look to continue his strong play after taking over the starting role for the Buckeyes. The team that gets the better performance from their goaltender will have a significant advantage. Furthermore, the game will feature a contrast in styles, with BU’s high-powered offense going up against Ohio State’s more balanced approach. The Terriers will aim to dictate the tempo and create scoring chances, while the Buckeyes will focus on controlling the puck and limiting BU’s opportunities. Ultimately, the team that executes their game plan more effectively will emerge victorious.
UMass Faces Minnesota in Fargo Regional
In the second game of the Fargo, N.D., regional, UMass is set to take on Minnesota. This will be the first game for the Minutemen since the announcement of the top 10 candidates for the Hobey Baker Award, a list that surprisingly omitted forward Cole O’Hara. O’Hara’s impressive 51 points (22 goals, 29 assists) rank fourth in the nation, making his exclusion from the list a notable absence. How will this affect the team’s motivation and performance?
UMass boasts a well-rounded team with four other players who have surpassed the 30-point mark: Aydar Suniev (36), Jack Musa (35), Lucas Mercuri (31), and Bruins draft pick Dans Locmelis (30). The Minutemen, as the No. 3 seed, have consistently qualified for the tournament, making their fifth appearance in the last six years. UMass enters this game following a 3-2 overtime loss to BU in the Hockey East quarterfinals on March 15. Coach Greg Carvel has noted that the time off has allowed the Minutemen to recover and get healthy. Will this rest prove beneficial for their performance against Minnesota?
Minnesota, on the other hand, shared the Big Ten title with Michigan State. However, Michigan State’s superior regular-season record earned them the No. 1 seed and a bye in the conference tournament. This proved detrimental for the Gophers, who faced Notre Dame in the quarterfinals and were eliminated after losing two out of three games. Minnesota will be coming off an 18-day break between games. The Gophers are making their NCAA-best 42nd tournament appearance and are led by Hobey Baker finalist Jimmy Snuggerud, who has 49 points. Connor Kurth and UConn transfer Matthew Wood have also contributed with career-best 38 points each. Sophomore Sam Rinzel was named the conference’s defensive player of the year.
Echoes of 2022
Should UMass win, they will advance to Saturday’s final against the winner of the Western Michigan-Minnesota State game. The setup may feel familiar to some, as in 2022, Western Michigan, Minnesota, and UMass were the top three seeds in the Worcester regional. The Gophers rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat UMass in the first round and then shut out Western Michigan in the final to advance to the Frozen Four. Can UMass avenge their previous loss and make a deep tournament run this year?
NCAA Tournament Outlook
The NCAA Tournament promises thrilling matchups and intense competition as teams vie for a national championship. Boston University and UMass face formidable opponents in Ohio State and Minnesota, respectively, and must bring their best game to advance. Key players like Quinn Hutson, Cole O’Hara, and Jimmy Snuggerud will be instrumental in their teams’ success. The tournament’s unpredictable nature and the high stakes involved make it an event that no college hockey fan will want to miss. Which teams will rise to the occasion and make a lasting impact on the road to the Frozen Four?