Talk about your dramatic contrasts.
When Penn State and Boston University meet Thursday evening in Frozen Four’s second semi -finals in St. Louis, it will be a collision of a college hockey Neophyte for a blue blood.
While Nittany Lions (22-13-4) is in its first national semi-finals, Terrier (23-13-2) is there for the 25th time. The team’s first meeting ever could not have been less likely when Penn State lost its first nine Big Ten conference matches.
“It was a time in our season when people left us for the dead,” said Nittany Lions coach Guy Gadowsky, the only coach the program has had in their iteration in Division I. “Everyone talks a good game, but for them to actually do it and then come out right now it is really remarkable to go to the frozen four.”
Penn State won Allentown Regional with a 3-2 overtime decision over Uconn, and received 42 rescues from Arsenii Sergeev and the game-winning goal from Matt Dimarsico at 17:56. Its top player is Aiden Finc, a Hobey Baker Award candidate that has potted 23 goals and added 30 assists.
At the same time, Bu’s season has followed a similar bow as the opponent. After needed a couple of months to find their best version, Terrier has only lost six matches since the calendar was turned until 2025 and relies on a deadly power play that clicks 28.4 percent.
The Hutson brothers go on the bu attack. Quinn, one forward, has 23 goals and 27 helpers, while Cole has added 14 and 32 and ranked him others among Division I. Quinn’s 23rd goal came at 6:25 of overtime in the final of Toledo Regional and helped Terrier beat Cornell 3-2 to serve its last frozen four journey.
Some felt hockey east could have all four teams in St. Louis, but BU was the only one from the league that survived the regions.
“You never really know what will happen in these situations with a game,” said forward Devin Kaplan.
The winner will play either Denver or Western Michigan on Saturday night for the national championship.
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