Bochna’s Double-Overtime Goal Sends Boston University to Hockey East Final
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victory over Boston College marks first semifinal win since 2016; Championship game against Northeastern set for March 8.
BOSTON – In a contest filled wiht relentless action and palpable tension, graduate student Lindsay Bochna etched her name into Boston University hockey lore. Her decisive goal, scored 7:12 into the second overtime, secured a 3-2 victory for the No. 13 Boston University women’s ice hockey team against No. 15/14 Boston College at Walter Brown Arena on Wednesday evening.the dramatic win propels the Terriers into the Hockey East title game, setting the stage for a highly anticipated championship showdown.
This victory represents a significant milestone for Boston University, marking their first Hockey East semifinal win since 2016. The Terriers are now preparing to face fifth-seeded Northeastern in the championship game on Saturday, March 8, at UConn. The team’s journey to the final has been characterized by resilience and determination, qualities that were on full display in their hard-fought battle against Boston College.
The game itself was a captivating back-and-forth affair, with BU consistently answering Boston College’s challenges. Clara Yuhn and Riley Walsh each scored crucial goals to erase deficits, ultimately forcing the game into the heart-stopping overtime periods. The winning play unfolded with precision and teamwork. Senior Christina Vote skillfully maneuvered around the BC defense, driving to the crease and firing a shot off the far post. bochna, perfectly positioned, capitalized on the rebound, sending the BU faithful into a frenzy and sealing the victory for the Terriers.
The atmosphere at Walter Brown Arena was electric, intensifying as the game progressed. Every save, every shot, and every hit carried immense weight, reflecting the high stakes of the contest. The Terriers’ resilience shone brightly as they battled back from behind twice, showcasing their unwavering determination to advance to the championship game. This never-say-die attitude has become a hallmark of the team’s success this season.
Senior callie shanahan delivered a stellar performance in goal, recording an impressive 38 saves, including 18 crucial stops after the second intermission. Her performance was a cornerstone of the Terriers’ defensive effort. vote contributed substantially with two assists, while Yuhn, senior Maggie Hanzel, and juniors Lilli and Luisa Welcke each tallied one assist, highlighting the team’s balanced offensive attack.
Coach Watchorn praised the team’s perseverance and Shanahan’s outstanding performance, stating, Callie was outstanding tonight. She kept us in the game and made some unbelievable saves down the stretch.
Shanahan’s performance not only secured the win but also provided a significant boost to the team’s morale heading into the championship game.
How It Happened
- The game began with BU facing a penalty kill just 1:06 into the first period for a tripping call, which they successfully navigated, setting the tone for their resilient defensive performance.
- Shortly after, Boston College was penalized for hooking at 16:06, but BU was unable to capitalize on the power play, missing an early prospect to gain an advantage.
- Boston College took the lead at 8:10 in the first period, putting BU on the defensive early in the game.
- Clara Yuhn, assisted by Maggie Hanzel and Christina Vote, tied the game 1-1 at 2:48 in the second period, injecting momentum into the Terriers’ attack.
- A potential go-ahead goal for BU was challenged by Boston College for offsides and overturned, keeping the score tied and adding to the tension of the contest.
- BU had a power play possibility at 13:59 in the second period due to a slashing call on Boston College but couldn’t convert,missing another chance to take the lead.
- Boston College regained the lead at 18:21 in the second period with a rebound goal,once again putting BU in a trailing position.
- Riley Walsh, assisted by Lilli Welcke and Luisa Welcke, tied the game again at 5:10 in the third period, making it 2-2 and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
- The score remained tied through the end of the third period, sending the game into overtime, where the tension reached its peak.
- BU was called for interference at 1:59 into overtime but successfully killed the penalty, demonstrating their resilience under pressure.
- Instantly after, Boston College was penalized for having too many skaters on the ice, giving BU a power play, a golden opportunity to end the game.
- BU failed to score on the power play, and the first overtime ended in a tie, leading to a second overtime, prolonging the suspense.
- Early in the second overtime,BU applied significant pressure on Boston College’s net,setting the stage for the game-winning play.
- Clara Yuhn set up Christina Vote, who drove to the net and shot the puck off the post, which was initially saved by the BC goalie, creating the rebound opportunity.
- Lindsay Bochna then scored the game-winning goal, securing a 3-2 victory for BU and advancing them to the Hockey East title game, cementing her place in BU hockey history.
Game Notes
- Both BU and Boston College recorded 40 shots on goal, highlighting the even nature of the contest.
- BU was 0-for-3 on the power play, while Boston College was 0-for-2, indicating struggles for both teams with the man advantage.
- Boston College blocked 18 shots, and BU blocked 17, showcasing the defensive efforts of both teams.
- Boston College won 34 faceoffs, while BU won 32, giving Boston College a slight edge in puck possession.
- Callie Shanahan’s 38 saves were her second-highest total this season, behind her 40 saves against Minnesota, underscoring her exceptional performance.
- This game marked the first time BU went to overtime in the Hockey East semifinals, adding to the historical importance of the victory.
- This was the Terriers’ second-longest Hockey East postseason game,as their double-overtime loss to Maine in the 2020 quarterfinals lasted 95:21,demonstrating the team’s experience in extended playoff contests.
Up Next
Boston University will now face fifth-seeded Northeastern in the Hockey East Championship on Saturday, March 8, at the Toscano family Ice Forum in Storrs, Conn. Puck drop is scheduled for noon. The Terriers will look to carry their momentum into the championship game and secure their first Hockey East title as 2015.
Bochna’s Buzzer-Beater: Unpacking BU’s Historic Hockey East semifinal Victory
Did you know that Boston University’s women’s ice hockey team hadn’t won a Hockey East semifinal game as 2016? their recent double-overtime thriller against Boston College showcases not just athletic prowess, but a powerful comeback story and a testament to the enduring spirit of collegiate sports.
Interviewer (Senior Editor, world-today-news.com): Dr.Anya Petrova, you’re a leading expert in women’s collegiate hockey and sports psychology. BU’s dramatic victory over Boston College was truly captivating. Can you break down the key factors that contributed to their success in this high-stakes game?
Dr. Petrova: Absolutely. BU’s win wasn’t just about luck; it was a culmination of several crucial elements. Firstly, extraordinary goaltending: Callie Shanahan’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal, demonstrating remarkable composure under immense pressure—she made 38 saves, including several clutch stops in overtime. A goalie’s ability to maintain focus amidst the tension and high stakes of a playoff game, is crucial for success.Secondly,the Terriers showcased remarkable resilience: facing deficits twice,they didn’t falter; they fought back,showcasing an unwavering commitment to their strategy and teamwork. This mental fortitude is a hallmark of championship-caliber teams. Thirdly, their balanced offensive strategy was key. While Bochna’s goal stole the headlines, it was the combined efforts of several players—Yuhn, Walsh, Vote, and others—executing flawlessly on assists and rebound opportunities. the team demonstrated excellent power play execution handling: Though they missed some opportunities, their adept play on the penalty kill and the triumphant navigation of their own penalty situations played a huge part in controlling the rhythm of the game.
Interviewer: The game went into double overtime. How does a team maintain focus and avoid burnout in such a grueling, extended match?
Dr. Petrova: Maintaining focus in prolonged overtime periods requires a multifaceted approach. physical conditioning is paramount; players need the stamina to sustain high intensity throughout. But equally critically important is mental and emotional resilience, the ability to concentrate amid fatigue and pressure. effective coaching strategies during timeouts—including motivational speeches, tactical adjustments, and emphasis on small, manageable goals—are critical for preventing burnout. Moreover, the team’s cohesion and trust in one another function as a strong buffer against the immense pressures of overtime; a team that supports one another, especially during stressful situations, is highly likely to succeed. This mutual support system enables players to remain focused and engaged in the objective.
Interviewer: Lindsay Bochna’s game-winning goal cemented her place in BU hockey history. What does this victory signify for the future of the team and the program as a whole?
Dr.Petrova: Bochna’s goal represents more than just a singular victory; it symbolizes a resurgence for the Boston University women’s ice hockey program. It signifies a shift in team momentum and the growing confidence within the team, bolstering their chances for future success in high-stakes competition. This victory serves as a powerful recruitment tool, allowing BU to attract top-tier prospective players—a key ingredient in maintaining sustained success. Moreover, the victory inspires young female athletes, demonstrating that perseverance and teamwork can lead to triumph, no matter the challenge. This inspiration has a wider societal impact.
interviewer: What are some key takeaways from this game that coaches at all levels can learn from?
Dr. Petrova: This game offered several valuable lessons:
Prioritize goaltending: A strong goalie is the backbone of any successful team.
Cultivate resilience: teach players to bounce back from setbacks, maintaining focus even under pressure.
Foster teamwork: Highlight the importance of players supporting each other and operating effectively as a cohesive team.
Develop a balanced offensive strategy: Don’t rely on one player; emphasize diverse scoring opportunities.
* Stress effective penalty kill and power-play handling: Opportunities presented during special teams plays are vital, but proficiency during penalty situations equally enables team success.
Interviewer: What’s your prediction for the upcoming Hockey East Championship game against Northeastern?
Dr. Petrova: The championship game against Northeastern promises to be another intense match. Northeastern is a formidable opponent, but given BU’s current momentum, increased confidence, improved teamwork following the semifinal game and powerful performance in handling pressure, they have a strong chance of securing the title. It will likely be a hard-fought battle showcasing excellent athleticism and teamwork but based on the current trajectory of BU’s improved performance, I expect a close and thrilling competition.
Final Thought: BU’s victory is a testament to the power of teamwork, resilience, and exceptional athleticism. Their journey to the Hockey East Championship is an inspiring story that resonates far beyond the ice rink. Share your thoughts on this remarkable game in the comments below!