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#5 Boston University (4-1-0) vs. #11 Michigan (3-2-1, 0-0-0 B1G)
Date & Time: Friday, Nov. 1 – 7 p.m. | Saturday, Nov. 2 – 7 p.m.
Venue: Agganis Arena – Boston, Mass.
Twitter: @BUGameDay | @TerrierHockey
The No. 5 Boston University men’s ice hockey team is set to welcome the No. 11 Michigan Wolverines to Agganis Arena for a highly anticipated weekend series on November 1 and 2. Both games are poised to begin at 7 p.m., promising action-packed nights for fans and players alike.
Fans can purchase tickets to both games by clicking here. In addition to the games being streamed on ESPN+, an audio-only broadcast for both games will be available for those unable to attend in person.
TERRIER TIDBITS
- The Terriers are facing another top-11 opponent following a competitive weekend series against No. 7 North Dakota, where they managed to secure a split with a 4-3 victory after an earlier 7-2 defeat.
- BU’s resilience was evident as they rallied from a significant loss on Friday; a pivotal shorthanded goal from junior Devin Kaplan propelled them into a winning position on Saturday.
- Kaplan showcased his playmaking skills by also assisting on a power-play goal by sophomore Tom Willander, securing a victory that highlighted the Terriers’ offensive depth.
- Sophomore Jack Harvey contributed significantly to the team’s performance with both a goal and an assist, and junior co-captain Ryan Greene also registered a goal, emphasizing the team’s collaborative effort.
- Willander’s outstanding performance earned him the title of Hockey East Defender of the Week, further boosting the team’s momentum.
- This season, eleven different Terriers have scored, highlighting the versatility and talent spread across the roster.
- Freshman Cole Eiserman has made headlines as Hockey East Rookie of the Month after netting four goals and adding an assist, showcasing his potential on the ice.
- BU boasts the fifth-best power play in the nation, currently operating at an impressive rate of 30.4%, reflecting their strategic prowess.
- Sophomore co-captain Shane Lachance stands out this season, leading the team with six points, encompassing one goal and a notable five assists.
SERIES HISTORY
- Boston University and Michigan’s storied rivalry dates back to 1950, with the Terriers holding a record of 14 wins, 18 losses, and no ties against the Wolverines.
- The teams first clashed in the 1950 NCAA semifinals, with BU triumphing in a thrilling 4-3 match-up that set the tone for future encounters.
- In their previous series in Ann Arbor on October 14 and 16, 2022, both teams split the competition, with the Terriers emerging victorious in a tightly contested second game.
- During Michigan’s last visit to Agganis Arena on November 20-21, 2015, they faced off against the Terriers, resulting in a split series marked by close contests.
SCOUTING THE WOLVERINES
- The Wolverines arrive in Boston with a record of 3-2-1, recently claiming a thrilling 5-4 victory against the U.S. National Development Team Program in an exhibition game.
- In their last counted games, Michigan faced off against then-No. 13 St. Cloud State, splitting the series with a decisive 3-0 win followed by a challenging 4-0 loss.
- Freshman Michael Hage stands out for Michigan, leading the Wolverines with a total of seven points, including four goals and three assists this season.
- Sophomore Garrett Schifsky has also been a key contributor with five goals; junior T.J. Hughes adds playmaking ability with a team-high four assists.
- In goal, graduate student Logan Stein and freshman Cameron Korpi have each showcased their skills, with Stein boasting a strong 2-1-0 record and Korpi also making significant contributions.
UP NEXT
- Following this weekend’s series, BU will turn its focus back to Hockey East competition, squaring off against No. 20/19 UMass Lowell in a challenging home-and-home series starting on November 8.
**Interview with Hockey Analyst Sarah Johnson**
**Editor:** Welcome, Sarah! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the upcoming match between #5 Boston University (BU) and #11 Michigan. It looks like fans are in for an exciting weekend!
**Sarah Johnson:** Absolutely! The energy surrounding this matchup is incredible. Both BU and Michigan are historically competitive programs, and their history adds an extra layer of excitement.
**Editor:** Speaking of history, this rivalry dates back to 1950. How do you think that historical context impacts the matchup?
**Sarah Johnson:** Rivalries like this create an intensity that can elevate the team’s performance. Players feel the weight of tradition on their shoulders, and that can lead to incredible plays and moments on the ice. While they are both strong teams now, that historical aspect means the players are often playing for more than just a win; they’re playing for pride.
**Editor:** BU recently had a mixed performance against North Dakota, securing a split after a hard-fought 4-3 win. How does that resilience translate into their chances this weekend?
**Sarah Johnson:** Resilience is key in college hockey. The Terriers showed their ability to bounce back and adapt after a tough loss, which can be a huge morale booster. With key players like Devin Kaplan and Tom Willander stepping up in high-pressure situations, I see them holding a strong competitive edge going into this series.
**Editor:** You mentioned player performances. How critical are players like freshman Cole Eiserman, who was nominated as Hockey East Rookie of the Month, to their success?
**Sarah Johnson:** Eiserman’s contribution is massive—he’s adding fresh energy and scoring capability to the team. When you have a rookie making an impact early on, it not only enhances the team’s depth but also instills confidence throughout the roster. It shows that anyone could be a game-changer on any given night.
**Editor:** The Terriers have the fifth-best power play in the nation. How pivotal is that as they prepare for this weekend’s games?
**Sarah Johnson:** A strong power play can be a game-changer in tight contests. If BU can capitalize on those opportunities against Michigan, it could significantly tilt the momentum in their favor. With a rate of 30.4%, they’re clearly executing well, which will be crucial in breaking down Michigan’s defensive setups.
**Editor:** Lastly, what do you think will be the deciding factor in this series?
**Sarah Johnson:** I believe it’ll come down to which team can control the pace of the game. Both squads have offensive depth, but the ability to maintain defensive discipline while capitalizing on scoring chances will be vital. If BU can leverage their power play effectively and keep their composure during moments of pressure, I think they stand a good chance of coming away with a strong performance.
**Editor:** Thanks for your insights, Sarah! It seems like it’s going to be an exhilarating weekend of hockey in Boston!
**Sarah Johnson:** It sure will! I can’t wait to see how it unfolds!
