College Hockey: BU vs. BC at Fenway!

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Do you want another chance to see an outdoor game at Fenway Park this coming January? Well that's just what you're going to get. On Friday, January 8th, at 8 pm, The Boston University Terriers will be facing off against the Boston College Eagles. Why spend the money to see the Bruins/Flyers game when you can check out a much better rivalry a week after the NHL's Winter Classic. You will have a much better chance at getting tickets for this game, at a much lower price, than the Winter Classic.

Why would you choose this game over the Bruins? This is THE BEST rivalry in all of College Hockey. This is the Red Sox/Yankees of College Hockey. These two teams are also the last two National Champions, and still have great programs that will put them in the national mix again this season. Boston is a great hockey town, so this should be another sell out for Fenway Park. There will be many Bruins fans left looking for tickets to an outdoor game that will go, there are the many BU & BC fans, and there will be a ton of general hockey fans who will throw on his or her parka, hat and gloves to watch in the icy cold January weather.

There will be a Thursday morning press conference at Fenway Park to formally announce the game. Make sure to stay tuned to Fan Fanatic Sports for great College Hockey coverage throughout the season.

Bye Bye BU! On to the NHL

By Jim Ingram 

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Just days after celebrating their 5th National title, the Boston University Terriers are now forced to start thinking about the 2009-2010 campaign.  Matt Gilroy, the Hobey Baker Award winner, has reportedly signed a two year deal with the New York Rangers that is worth $3.5 million.  He was a senior so this comes as no surprise.  He is not eligible to play in the playoffs, so Rangers fans will need to wait until next year to see just how good he'll be in the NHL. I have had the privilege to watch him play for all four years and have no doubt he will make a successful transition.  He's a very strong offensive defenseman, due in part to being a forward before joining BU, and is just as strong defensively.  For some reason I've always liked right handed defenseman so I will certainly keep track of him as his career progresses.  

The other news of the day concerns Colin Wilson.  The sophomore sensation has decided to leave BU and sign with the Nashville Predators.  Wilson, who was drafted 7th overall last year by the Predators, had a fantastic two year stretch with the club and leaves with zero regrets.  No one expected Wilson to return for his junior season, so this also isn't a surprise.  It is a huge loss though.  His contract is a 3 year deal at the entry level rookie contract.  Wilson should be a solid NHL players thanks in part to his combination of size and speed.  He has great hands and a long reach that allows him to work past defenders.  

Just when I thought the College Hockey season was done, something else pops up!

BU Terriers bring home the National Championship

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Chad, thank you very much for the post game review last night.  I appreciate you picking me up for slacking.  As I'm sure you know, I had too much of a good time last night.  Last nights' game was one of the most frustrating, for a diehard BU fan, and the most exciting games of hockey I've watched in a long, long time.  Miami (Ohio) simply outplayed Boston University for 59 minutes and 1 second.  I had been texting some of the Premium Seat Holders at Agganis Arena, who were down in DC for the game, about how the better team was going to win and how disappointing the loss was going to be for this team.  

Boy, was I wrong.  Realistically, the Terriers didn't show up in this game until the very end. They had choked.  As a BU fanatic, I'm not going to sugar coat this.  They should have lost the game, but somehow, some way they turned the jets on with about 3:30 minutes left in the game. Jack Parker, in a stroke of genius, pulled the goalie with that 3:30 minutes left and put the game in the hands of his offense and defense.  For two and a half minutes BU put unbelievable pressure on the Red Hawks and never allowed them an empty net shot.  With 59 seconds left Zach Cohen made the game 3-2, and with just 17 seconds left Nick Bonino unbelievable tied the game.  My wife was trying to go to sleep at that time, so she lambasted me for being so loud.  I'll take the wrath of my wife for that, because the Terriers did something so amazing just by tying the game.  

From there, Boston University took over the game in overtime.  Once they tied it up it was BU's game.  I knew it, the fans knew it and by the way Miami played, they even knew it.  I have to say that the winning goal was even a fluke.  Colby Cohen, Zach's older brother, scored the game winner with 8:13 left in the first overtime.  It was supposed to be a hard slapper from the point, but was deflected by a Miami defender's leg, shot up in the air and went well over the right shoulder of the Red Hawk's goalie into the net.  The only thing I can say is that it was meant to be.  

I can't wait until the celebration at Agganis this week

Go BU!

Any more room on the BU bandwagon?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Well, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the biggest college hockey fan in the world, but during the NCAA tournament, I've been pulling for the Boston University Terriers with a little help from FFS Staff members Jim Ingram and Josh Bremberg.

I was at the Northeast Regional with Jim and Josh in Manchester, N.H., to watch BU beat Ohio State, and have been simply amazed with BU's skill -- now that's obvious everyone tells me-- and how it seems to come through in the clutch.

Tonight's championship game against Miami (OH) took the cake, however. Trailing, 3-1, late in the third period, the Terriers put together one of the greatest late-game comebacks I've ever seen, in any sport. BU, after pulling its goalie, scored two goals in a 41-second span (the equalizer with 18 seconds left in regulation) to send the game into OT.

Mind you, nothing is ever impossible but down by two goals that late, the driver was already warming up the bus and some BU fans were already sobbing (if it was you, it's OK to admit it).

Just simply mind-boggling is the only way I can describe that comeback. Lucky? Definitely. Amazing? Hell, yes.

If something like that can't get you fired up, then you're not a real sports fan and you probably shouldn't be reading anything on fanfanaticsports.blogspot.com

Regardless of who ended up winning, that final minute of play in the third period is one I'll never forget. Neither will BU or Miami (Ohio).

In OT, both teams had great scoring chances, but the Terriers delivered the final blow with a goal that deflected off a defenseman and high into the air and over the goalie and into the net to send the BU faithful into a frenzy.

It was a fitting ending to an amazing comeback for the top-seeded Terriers. 

I hope the BU bandwagon has room for one more fanatic now!

College Hockey awards handed out in DC

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Hobey Baker  Award:

The Friday night in between the national semifinals and the national championship is always awards night for NCAA Men's Ice Hockey. As expected, Boston University went away as the big winners.  Matt Gilroy, BU's sensational senior defenseman, took home the coveted Hobey Baker Award.  For those who don't know, the Hobey Baker is hockey's version of the Heisman Trophy. Gilroy now has the chance to put the cherry on top of one of the best careers in BU history with a win tonight in the National Championship.  He is now a three time First Team All American, a Hobey Baker winner and an all around good person.  His main competition for the award was teammate Colin Wilson and Northeastern goalie Brad Theissen.  While Thiessen did have a great season, and career with the Huskies, Colin Wilson was the one who was giving him more competition.  Ultimately, character is a huge consideration in the award, and no one in the country has more character than Gilroy.  Gilroy was a walk on forward his freshman year and was on the verge of being cut by Jack Parker due to too many right handed forward.  In an attempt to make the team, Gilroy suggested a shot at defensemen and the story really takes over from there.  Gilroy is the first Terrier to win the award since Chris Drury in 1998. 

First Team All Americans:  

East First Team

G Brad Thiessen, JR, Northeastern (Aldergrove, BC)

D Matt Gilroy, SR, Boston University*# (North Bellemore, NY)

D Zach Miskovic, SR, St. Lawrence (River Forest, IL)

F David McIntyre, JR, Colgate (Pefferlaw, ON)

F Viktor Stalberg, JR, Vermont (Gothenburg, Sweden)

F Colin Wilson, SO, Boston University (Winnipeg, MB)

West First Team

G Alex Stalock, JR, Univ. of Minnesota-Duluth (So. St. Paul, MN)

D Ian Cole, SO, Univ. of Notre Dame (Ann Arbor, MI)

D Jamie McBain, JR, Univ. of Wisconsin (Faribault, MN)

F Louie Caporusso, SO, Univ. of Michigan (Woodbridge, ON)

F Aaron Palushaj, SO, Univ. of Michigan (Northville, MI)

F Ryan Stoa, JR, Univ. of Minnesota (Bloomington, MN)

College hockey Rookie of the Year:

Boston University takes home yet another award.  Keiran Milan, the 19 year old Edmonton native, who's sensational play has led the Terriers to the National Championship takes home a huge piece of hardware this weekend.  He currently has a 27-2-3 record, an NCAA record for a freshman goalie, an .891 winning percentage, best in the country for 2009, and a 1.85 GAA.  

From all accounts, I am a BU Terrier homer.  I am OK with that, but I can also be critical.  I didn't just pick them to win it all because of my affiliation with the club.  I picked them because they have the best team in the country, and apparently College Hockey experts agree with me.  

I hope you all enjoy the championship game tonight and check out my post game review tomorrow morning.

Have a happy Easter!

National Championship Preview: The year of the Terrier

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

If you didn't tune in for the 2nd national semifinal last night, then you missed one hell of a hockey game.  The Vermont Catamounts gave the top seeded Boston University Terriers more than a run for their money.  The Terriers quickly jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period thanks to a beautifully tipped shot by Colin Wilson and another by Jason Lawrence.  Many a BU fan thought the game was over from there.

Boy, were they wrong.  The Terriers couldn't stay out of the penalty box, so the Catamounts played the majority of the 2nd period with a man advantage.  Vermont answered with three straight goals in the 2nd period thanks to BU's freshman goalie Kieran Milan.  Milan looked like he was ready to wilt under the pressure at times.  He let in two soft goals during the game, one of which was unacceptable.  Freshman Vinny Saponari tied the game with 1:21 left in the 2nd period to get BU back on the right track.  

The 3rd period was one of the most exciting periods of hockey I've seen all year, regardless of the level.  Vermont showed the Terriers time after time they weren't the least bit intimidated by them, or by the stage.  Vermont scored their 2nd power play goal of the game with about 11 minutes left.  From there, the Catamounts started to make BU fans nervous.  With just under 6 minutes left in the game, Chris Higgins scored his 14th goal of the season on an odd man rush. Higgins was attempting to pass the puck to Jason Lawrence for a quick snap shot, but the puck was deflected of a Vermont defender and went in the net.  The goal was reminiscent of the game winner two weeks ago versus New Hampshire with 15 seconds left. From there, BU took over the game.  With 4:41 seconds left in the game Colin Wilson was in the right place on a deflection right in front of Vermont's goalie Rob Madore for the his 2nd goal of the game and the ultimate game winner.  

It was a phenomenal game to watch, and the single most important player in the game was Hobey Baker finalist Colin Wilson.  The sophomore, most likely headed to Nashville after the season, was by far the best and most electric player on the ice.  

The first national semifinal of the night was somewhat of a blowout.  The first period was a tight, well played scoreless period between Miami (Ohio) and Bemidji State.  Miami dominated much of the game and scored 3 of their 4 goals in the 2nd period.  Miami did an amazing job of crowding the Beavers passing and shooting lanes.  Every time a Bemidji State player tried to bring the puck up the ice, a Red Hawk defender was there.  Not only did Miami play well on the defensive end, they also had 37 shots on net.  An amazing barrage, that if not for Bemidji State freshman Matt Dalton, would have been even more of a lopsided end.  

Miami does have a tall task Saturday night.  They're playing a Terrier team that withstood a tough game they could have easily lost.  BU's goalie can now relax and settle down because he knows his offense can help bail him out if necessary.  BU can't take the Red Hawk's lightly either as they've looked so impressive since the start of the NCAA Tournament.

Prediction:  4-2 Boston University.  I've called it all along.  They have too much talent not to win this game.  They have the best offense in the nation, 3 solid defensive parings and the best goalie in the nation.  

Make sure to see my championship game review on Sunday morning.

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.  

The Three Amigos Ride Again at NCAA Hockey Regionals

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

This is about a week old, but I wanted to post the picture of Josh (left), Chad (center) and myself (right) from the NCAA Hockey Regional in Manchester, NH.  Chad and I got to a local establishment a little before 1 pm, so we obviously had a fun time.  Man does my face look fat in that picture!  

Check back on Thursday morning for my Frozen Four preview.

Go BU!

NCAA Men's Hockey: BU only #1 seed to the Frozen Four

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Can you say upset city? Forget the NCAA basketball tournament. This was the craziest weekend in hockey that I've seen in some time. If you want to have a good laugh, go back to my NCAA preview and look at my predictions. BU is the only Frozen Four team I got right, and I am a whopping 3 of 12 in my game picks thus far. Not pretty, but I am just one of many who had no idea what was to take place this weekend.

The weekend started off with a bang when Michigan was shutout by Air Force. Then came Miami of Ohio's thrashing of Denver. Two #1 seeds, two losses. The final upset of Friday came when Vermont beat Yale 4-1 practically in their home town.

Saturday wasn't much different. BU may have rolled over Ohio State 8-3, but no one saw Notre Dam losing to Bemidji State 5-1. Even though UNH played at home, I was very surprised to see them beat North Dakota in a thrilling overtime game. Later in the Day Vermont and Miami punched their tickets to the Frozen Four.

Sunday brought us the final two games of the regionals. BU won a game they shouldn't have with :15 seconds left. They were vastly outplayed by UNH, and were only in the game thanks to freshman goalie Kieran Milan. I couldn't tell you how many times ESPN's John Buccigross went nuts after a save. Bemidji State and Cornell played the late game. Bemidji State easily beat Cornell to complete the Frozen Four.

The Frozen Four has two #4 seeds, a #3, and a#1 in Boston University. While I believe BU will win the championship, it's not as easy a path as you'd think. BU will face Vermont in the opener. Vermont is the only Hockey East school to have a winning record against BU and swept them at Agganis Arena early in the season. The Catamounts know how to disrupt the BU's flow of play. They make it much harder for the Terriers to complete their cross ice passes which is their bread and butter. Ultimately, hockey playoffs come down to goal tending, and you won't find a better goalie in college than Keiran Millan. He is the main reason BU is heading to the Frozen Four. BU fans just need to hope the two week layoff doesn't hurt his momentum.

Predictions:
BU vs. Bemdji State in the finals

NCAA Champs:
Boston University Terriers

NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament Preview - Go BU!

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

There is more than one Sweet Sixteen happening this weekend. Yes, I am talking about the NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament, and I totally agree when my cousin, and loyal FFS reader, said "In my opinion, playoff hockey, college or pro, is the most exciting time of the year in all sports". As I sit down to right this, I need to keep reminding myself to be as unbiased as possible. To be honest, I have a huge routing interest in the tournament. I am an employee of the Agganis Arena at Boston University, home to the #1 ranked BU Terrier men's hockey team, and have watched them play over half of their games this season. With that being said, allow me to provide some analysis as I give you a tour through the four regionals being held in Minneapolis, Grand Rapids, Bridgeport and Manchester.

Minneapolis: Miami vs. Denver/Princeton vs. Minn.-Duluth

Regional final: Minnesota-Duluth vs. Denver
Winner: Denver

Grand Rapids: Bemidji State vs. Notre Dame/Cornell vs. Northeastern

Regional final: Notre Dame vs. Northeastern
Winner: Notre Dame

Bridgeport: Air Force vs. Michigan/Vermont vs. Yale

Regional final: Yale vs. Michigan

Manchester: Ohio State vs. Boston University/North Dakota vs. New Hampshire

Regional final: North Dakota vs. Boston University

Frozen Four: Michigan vs. Boston University/Denver Notre Dame

NCAA final: Notre Dame vs. Boston University
NCAA Champion: Please read on

The 2009 tournament is once again filled with great teams from around the company. 7 of the 10 Hobey Baker Finalists are a part of the NCAA Tournament, so there's a great chance the winner will already be in attendance when the award is announced the Saturday in between rounds. Just in case you didn't realize it, I do have all four #1 seeds advancing to the Frozen Four.

Even though UMD comes in a little hotter than Denver, it's my opinion they will not be able to handle the considerable firepower of Denver. Denver has 7 players with at least 10 goals. While I believe Northeastern will make it to the regional finals, they have not been playing well enough to handle Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have been a force all season. They have a phenomenal defense that should easily handle the Huskies. Northeastern has had trouble from behind all season long and will have serious trouble playing from behind. Air force has been playing fantastic, but have drawn Michigan in the opener. That is unfortunate for them, and should prove a much tougher game for the Wolverines than the regional final against Vermont or Yale.

The final region, and the most interesting to me should is in Manchester. Despite the fact that BU holds the #1 overall seed in the tournament, they reside in the toughest of the 4 regions. I have put my BU love aside for this one, and truly believe that. Ohio State is no slouch, as they now reside at #14 in the country. The Terriers do have a stacked team. The lead the nation in scoring, with 180 goals, have a solid defense, and have a freshman goalie that is 25-2-3 on the season. Not bad for the guy most people thought was the backup goalie to fellow freshman Grant Rollheiser.

The key to BU winning the NCAA this year is scoring early and establishing the lead. They have lost only 1 game when leading after the 1st period, and are undefeated when leading after 2. That is phenomenal! They don't have a bad record, 3-4-1, when they trail after the 2nd period so even if they're down, it doesn't mean they're out.

Well, I've tried to be as objective as possible, but my prediction still stands. The BU Terriers will win the 2009 NCAA Men's Hockey Championship.

Make sure to check back in two weeks for the preview leading up to the actual Frozen Four down in Washington DC!