Last week, Boston College women’s hockey successfully made amends for just its second loss of the season, edging out Northeastern in overtime. A couple days later, the Eagles rolled over Harvard—another Beantown rival—for the second time this year, defeating the Crimson, 6-2. Now, looking to string together its third win in a row, BC will face off against an inconsistent Vermont team—one that arrives at Chestnut Hill with a meager three conference wins to its name. That is not to say the Catamounts should be underestimated: They upset No. 5 Minnesota last week. In doing so, Vermont handed Minnesota just its 12th home loss since 2011, adding further credence to what was an impressive performance by head coach Jim Plumer’s team. Nevertheless, BC will be hoping to establish some momentum looking ahead to next month’s showpiece event, the 40th Annual Women’s Beanpot Championship.
Who is BC playing?
Vermont
When is BC playing?
Friday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 20, 2 p.m.
Where is BC playing?
Friday: Kelley Rink, Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Saturday: Kelley Rink, Chestnut Hill, Mass.
How to Watch:
Both games will be broadcasted on ESPN3 and are available online at WatchESPN, as well as the ESPN app.
By the Numbers:
BC:
1) The Eagles have a 20-3-1 record at Kelley Rink against UVM.
2) If things get tight, BC will be relying on Caitrin Lonergan, who has six game-winning goals this season.
3) Toni Ann Miano had 13 attempts on goal versus Northeastern last Saturday, a season high for the team.
UVM:
1) Last week’s win at Minnesota was Plumer’s 71st as head coach of UVM.
2) The Catamounts dethroned defending national champion Clarkson, 3-2, at home in November.
3) UVM’s double-overtime, 4-3 loss to BC last season was the longest game in Hockey East history.
Last Meeting:
The Catamounts and Eagles most recently faced off on Oct. 22 at Gutterson Fieldhouse, Vt. After entering the final period of play tied at one, Daryl Watts and Lonergan—the nation’s leading scorers—did their thing, tacking on three goals en route to a 4-2 BC victory.
BC wins if…
It gets the puck to Daryl Watts. She leads the country with 65 points in 25 games this season. Watts’ dominance was especially prominent last meeting, when she put her playmaking skills on full display, tallying three assists and one goal in BC’s series opening victory. The more time she has to create alongside fellow forwards Lonergan and Makenna Newkirk, the more likely the Eagles are to distance themselves from UVM.
BC loses if…
It fails to contain Alyssa Holmes, the reigning Hockey East Rookie of the Week. As UVM vanquished Minnesota, she recorded a pair of goals—the second of which proved to be the game winner—and an assist in what was a breakout performance for the freshman. When all was said and done, the Burlington, Ontario native finished the weekend with a plus/minus of +3. The Catamounts may not have a single player that’s logged over 15 points this season, but they do have a couple of legitimate scoring threats, and Holmes is certainly one of them.
Featured Image by Kyle Bowman / Heights Staff
