BOSTON - New addition Ashton Abel and senior Nico Lynch combined for a shutout in goal as the Boston University men's ice hockey team returned from the holiday break to post a 3-0 exhibition victory over Concordia University on Sunday evening at Walter Brown Arena. Over $10,000 was raised at game to benefit the Travis Roy Foundation.
Making their first appearance at their old stomping grounds in five seasons, the Terriers took a 2-0 lead in the first period before adding a late empty-netter. Three freshman - Ethan Phillips, Sam Stevens and Alex Vlasic - provided the goals.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Terriers took the first penalty of the night but made the most of it as freshman Robert Mastrosimone dished off to Philips, who converted a shorthanded shot from between the left hashmarks at 9:07 of the opening period.
• BU did not waste much time in extending the lead as freshman John Copeland scooped up a loose puck as the result of a broken Corcordia stick and slipped a cross-ice pass to Stevens, who tucked a shot inside the far post from the right circle at the 12:40 mark.
• Abel, who joined the Terriers earlier this week, played the first two periods in goal and stopped all 10 shots he faced.
• The third period was the Nico Lynch Show, as the senior netminder came on and made a handful of highlight saves to keep the visitors off the board.
• BU committed back-to-back penalties in the late stages of the game and the Stingers pulled their goaltender on each occasion to create 6-on-4 advantages.
• Lynch and the Terrier defense were up to task, however, holding Concordia at bay and Vlasic added a shorthanded empty-netter with 1:41 to play to create the 3-0 final.
GAME NOTES
• Seven of BU's eight points on the night we recorded by freshmen.
• Lynch closed out the shutout with a 16-save performance in the final period to earn first-star honors.
• Another holiday-break addition, Wilmer Skoog centered the top line.
• Stevens won 13 of his 15 faceoffs on the night.
• Freshman Sean Driscoll tied Concordia's Philippe Sanche for the game high in blocked shots with three.
• Concordia held a 26-23 shot advantage.
UP NEXT
• The Terriers will continue exhibition play with a visit to Plymouth, Michigan, to take on the U.S. National Under-18 Team on Friday (Jan. 3).
• Game time at USA Hockey Arena is set for 7 p.m.
