BOSTON UNIVERSITY SKATES TO 3-3 EXHIBITION TIE AGAINST THE US UNDER 18 TEAM
Sophomore forward Matt Nieto posts goal and assist for Terriers

Sophomore forward Matt Nieto had a goal and an assist for the Terriers

BOSTON - The Boston University men's ice hockey team skated to a 3-3 tie with the U.S. National Under-18 Team in an exhibition contest on Sunday evening at Agganis Arena. Sophomore Matt Nieto recorded a goal and an assist while junior Sean Escobedo and freshman Alexx Privitera also found the back of the net.

After Team USA opened the scoring early one, the Terriers responded with three goals, capped by two 17 seconds apart, to take a 3-1 lead into the first intermission. The visitors scored a goal in both the second and third periods to force overtime.

Freshman Evan Rodrigues assisted on BU's final two goals and senior goaltender Grant Rollheiser recorded 30 saves for the Terriers, who held a 48-33 advantage in shots.

Matthew Lane opened the scoring for the U18s at 4:49 of the first when he roofed a rebound at the left crease. BU responded on a power play at the 8:13 mark, as Privitera finished off a feed from senior Chris Connolly. Junior Alex Chiasson also assisted on the goal.

The Terriers took the lead and quickly doubled it later in the opening stanza. On an initial rush, Rodrigues skated up the right boards before turning in and finding Nieto at the low slot at 13:18. Just 17 seconds later, Nieto set up at tally by Escobedo at the inside of the left circle to give BU a 3-1 lead.

The lone goal of the middle period came on a power play from Team USA's Stefan Matteau, as he elevated a loose puck over a sprawled-out Rollheiser at 11:58 to make it a 3-2 contest.

Exactly eight minutes into the third period, the U18s registered the game-tying marker when Nikolas Olsson finished off an impressive individual effort with a high wrister in transition.

BU went 1-of-6 on the power play and Team USA scored on one of its three chances with the man advantage.

The Terriers will return to action on Friday (Jan. 13) with a visit to Northeastern in the teams' first meeting this season. The game, which starts at 7:30 p.m., will be broadcast live on NESN.