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.