In its first year at the Division I level, the Boston University women???s hockey team has exceeded expectations, finishing an impressive first half by winning four of its last five games.
The young team, which entered the season with 20 freshmen, two sophomores and five juniors, was picked to finish last in Hockey East in the preseason coaches??? poll. Currently, the Terriers are 9-8-3 overall and 4-5-2 in the conference ??? good enough for fourth place in the eight-team league.
???I am somewhat surprised by the success of this young team,??? said Head Coach Brian Durocher. ???Their accomplishments are a direct reflection on their effort, unselfish play and the overall depth of our squad. Every player has contributed to the team's winning record.???
Although young, the team has played well against older, more established teams. In just their third home game of the season (Oct. 18), the Terriers erased a three-goal deficit to tie longtime rival Boston College in the teams??? first-ever meeting at the Division I level. BU skated with then-No. 6 Dartmouth in a close 4-3 loss on Oct. 29, while the team earned its most impressive win of the season with a 2-1 victory over league-leading Providence on Dec. 3.
???Our young team has fought through the first half of the year in strong fashion including some really solid performances against established programs such as Dartmouth, BC and Providence College,??? said Durocher. ???The Providence game was a 60-minute effort that saw us play an even game against one of the league's top teams.???
Leading the Terriers up front is junior captain Cara Hendry (Calgary, Alta.), a transfer from Minnesota State??? Mankato. Hendry???s (6-11???17) experience, leadership and work ethic have helped set the tone for the young team.
???Cara Hendry is a wonderful leader who brings her best effort to every workout, practice and game,??? continued Durocher. ???She has set a great example for her young teammates and a standard for BU Women's Ice Hockey.???
Backstopping the Terriers is freshman standout Allyse Wilcox (Grand Blanc, Mich.). A highly touted recruit, she has kept the team in many games, while also putting up impressive numbers. She is 21st in the nation with a goals-against average of 2.30, and 14th in the nation with a save percentage of .921. She is also fourth in the nation in saves with 446, and third in the nation in minutes played with 993:00.
???Allyse has been a real constant throughout our first 20 games,??? said Durocher. ???She has been very consistent and focused as a college hockey rookie. Her ability to deflect or control rebounds remains one of the strengths in her game and it translates into confidence for her teammates.???
Freshman Laurel Koller (St. Paul, Minn.) is one of many young players that have had a strong first half for the Terriers. Koller leads the team in points with 20 (9-11), while freshman Gina Kearns (Norwood, Pa.) is second with 18 (7-11). Freshmen Erin Seman (Ramsey, Minn.) and Nicki Wiart (Queensbury, N.Y.) are tied for third with 17 points (7-10). Securing the Terrier blue line is freshman Amanda Shaw (St. Thomas, Ont.) who leads defensemen with 10 points (7-3).
Hendry and Shaw were honored to be selected to the Hockey East All-Star team, which took on the U.S. Women???s National Team on Sunday, Dec. 11, at New Hampshire???s Whittemore Center. Hendry scored one of two Hockey East goals as the All-Stars fell to the National Team, 5-2.
The Terriers return to action on Jan. 7 against No. 3 New Hampshire at Walter Brown Arena. Game time is set for 2 p.m.
To purchase tickets for Terrier home games, or for more information, click here or visit the Ticket Office at 925 Commonwealth Avenue, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., or call 617-353-GOBU (4628).
