Frozen Four Preview: BU will take the crown!

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The Frozen Four will begin this evening in the nation's capitol.  Despite the fact that I work for Agganis Arena, the BU Terrier Men's Ice Hockey arena, I will not be in attendance this weekend.  Instead I'll be watching both games Thursday and the national championship on Saturday evening on the World Wide Leader.   If ESPN and the NCAA were given a truth serum, they would admit they're not thrilled with the draw.  One has to assume the  TV ratings will be down this year because the remaining teams do not provide the most excitement for hardcore college hockey fanatics, much less casual fans.  There's no Michigan, Notre Dame, Minnesota or Wisconsin.  Instead we have Bemidji State, Miame (Ohio), Vermont and Boston University.  BU is the only #1 seed left in the tourney and the overwhelming favorite.  Now on to the analysis

National Semifinal: Miami (Ohio) vs. Bemdji State (Thursday @ 5pm on ESPN2)

These teams have a lot in common.  Both teams were huge underdogs entering the tournament, they're both #4 seeds and have reached the Frozen Four for the first time in their programs.  On paper, Miami is the favorite.  They finished 2nd  in the CCHA, play a much harder regular season schedule and play a very balanced style of hockey.  On the other hand, the Bemidji State Beavers are hot as a team could be after dismantling Notre Dame5-1 in their opening round tourney game, and then Cornell 4-1 to punch their ticket to the Frozen Four.  What's most impressive about The Beavers run is their tally of 9 goals against the two of the best defensive teams in College Hockey.  

Prediction:  Bemidji State.  The Cinderella story will last for one more game.  

National Semifinal #2: Vermont vs. Boston University (Thursday, 8:30 ESPN2)

At the risk of sounding like a homer, this is the year of the Terrier.  That have the hottest goaltender in the country, freshman Kerian Millan, the best overall defenseman, Senior Matt Gilroy, and one of the best all around players in Colin Wilson.  Oh by the way, Gilroy and Wilson will are also 2 of the 3 Hobey Baker Award finalists.  By all accounts, the BU Terriers are the best overall team in College Hockey, and should win the national title this weekend.  There's only one problem.  They happen to face the only team in the Hockey East they had a losing record against.  Vermont was 2-1 versus the Terriers this season and swept them on BU's home ice of Agganis Arena in November.  The Catamounts won both games 4-3 and aren't the least bit intimidated by BU.  Vermont is lead by junior forward Viktor Stalberg and the diminutive senior Peter Lenes.  Both players have a knack of playing big against BU as they've combined for 9 points against the Terriers in three games this season.  The Catamounts are also a good defensive match up for the Terriers.  Vermont defenders are constantly in BU's passing lanes and disrupting the flow of the puck.  That right there, is the key to beating BU.  If Vermont can stay out of the penalty box, and disrupt the Terriers on offense, then they have a chance to make it to the championship game.  

Prediction:  Boston University.  Keiran Millan continues his hot streak and puts BU in the finals.  

National Championship: Bemidji State vs. Boston University (Saturday @ 7pm on ESPN)

Boston University is just too talented.  Vermont will be a much harder game for the Terriers than the underdog Beavers.  It's a great story for college sports, but the Beavers will not be able to add their first Division I Men's Hockey Championship.  This will be the 5th overall Men's Ice Hockey Championship for the Boston University Terriers.  With the win, there will be whispers a plenty about Jack Parker.  Will he decide to retire on top?  My guess is no.  

Make sure to check back on Saturday morning for the Championship Game preview.