CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Freshman defenseman Aram Minnetian's first career goal early in the third period proved to be the game-winner as No. 1 Boston College defeated UMass Lowell 3-2 on Friday night at Kelley Rink in BC's Hockey East opener.
The Eagles improved to 6-1-0 (1-0-0 HEA) and closed their six-game homestand at 5-1-0, while the River Hawks fell to 4-3-0 (1-2-0 HEA).
Freshman Ryan Leonard netted his second goal of the season just 51 seconds into the night, while sophomore Cutter Gauthier scored his team-leading seventh of the year. Eight different Eagles recorded a point on the night.
Boston College took the lead in the game's opening minute when Gabe Perreault forced a turnover and slipped a pass into the slot for Leonard, whose one-timer beat Henry Welsch blocker side high. Perreault's assist was the team-leading seventh of the season for the freshman.
The Eagles extended their lead at 9:49 of the first when Gauthier took a cross-ice pass from Oskar Jellvik on the power play and hammered a shot from the right circle that beat Welsch glove side to the near post.
The River Hawks cut the deficit to one when Filip Fornaa Svensson finished a rebound just in front of Jacob Fowler at 10:30 of the opening frame.
UMass Lowell knotted the score at 2-2 early in the second period when Scout Truman located a loose puck in the crease and tapped in the tying goal at 1:20.
The Eagles answered back with an early goal at 1:19 of the third period. Minnetian took a pass from Aidan Hreschuk along the left wing boards, cut around the faceoff circle, and drove the net before curling a forehand effort around Welsch's left pad. Will Smith picked up the secondary assist for his team-high ninth point.
Fowler registered 27 saves to move to 6-1-0 on the year, while also recording his first career conference win.
Boston College and UMass Lowell square off again on Saturday in Lowell at 6 p.m. The game can be streamed on ESPN+ from the Tsongas Center.
