Melissa Bizzari, Taylor Wasylk, Danielle Doherty, Meagan Mangene, Jackie Young, and Corinne Boyles stepped onto the ice for their last regular season game at Conte Forum.
It was senior day for Boston College women’s hockey. The five seniors and one graduate student comprised the starting lineup against Boston University on Saturday, a game in which the Eagles edged out the Terriers 3-2 in the last five seconds. Senior Amanda Movsessian also saw her last regular season game as a member of the team-she has not been able to play due to injury.
“These seniors have done a tremendous amount for our program, and they’re all tremendous kids,” said head coach Katie King Crowley. “I’m really proud of who they have all become and what they have done for Boston College women’s hockey.”
In a team often defined by speed, Bizzari is a mainstay in the side. She took seven shots against BU, tied for the second most on the team. The alternate captain has been efficient for BC over the years, recording 22 points in her freshman season, and she has kept that productivity alive for the four years that she has played at BC.
After the Eagles scored their first goal, Wasylk came close to adding another. The senior forward charged through the middle of the slot and almost converted a cross into the back of the net, but the puck barely missed her stick. That is the hole that Wasylk will leave-a physical 5-foot-10 frame, in addition to her aggressive play and powerful left-handed shot. Wasylk is an efficient scorer, netting 36 total in her first three seasons. This season she was awarded Beanpot MVP for her two goals and one assist in the tournament.
Doherty is a forward who does not typically bask in the limelight. She has played any role that Crowley has asked her to fill this season, whether that means playing on her off-wing, at center, or even at defense.
“She has taken on a role that is very difficult, and I think she has done a tremendous job with it, and the kids have a lot of respect for her,” Crowley said.
Mangene is a controlling presence in the Eagles’ back line. The captain and defender is just as good tracking back on defense as she is picking out the right pass to set the offense in motion.
In her first three seasons with the Eagles, Mangene logged 35 points, 30 of those coming from assists. Her composure on the ice is clear, and it gives no doubt as to who should be wearing the “C” on her jersey.
Young’s heroics helped BC score its first goal on Saturday. As BU forward Sarah Lefort drove down the right wing, she attempted to cross the puck into the slot-Young dove head first, however, blocking the puck with her body. Seconds later, Andie Anastos netted for the Eagles, leveling the score at one.
“Jackie is super, super energetic,” Crowley said. “She always has a smile on her face and she makes everybody laugh. She’s the jokester of the group. She keeps it light in the locker room.”
Boyles has been a model of consistency throughout her career at BC.
The graduate student made 24 saves against BU, notching 71 career wins in the process.
In fact, just last week, Boyles was named one of the “Eagles of the Week” for her performance in two games, in which she managed to save 47 of 48 shots.
After the game, she was mobbed by all of her teammates.
Amanda Movsessian’s role has been contained to factors off of the ice, due to injury.
Movsessian played 11 games in her BC career, nine in her freshman year and two in her sophomore year. She has not touched the ice since.
“Amanda wasn’t able to finish playing but has been a great off-the-ice kid,” Crowley said. “She has been a kid that will keep the team together off the ice. She is a kid that takes the younger kids under her wing and tries to show them the ropes here at BC and within our program.”
