by Cara Spilsbury

1. Boston College

The Eagles are 2-0 on the season so far, the only Hockey East team with two wins, although they have yet to play a conference opponent. The team amassed 11 goals as it won the Ice Breaker tournament, defeating both Michigan State and North Dakota. Sophomore Bill Arnold recorded a team-high five points during the two games. Junior Chris Kreider was named tournament MVP.

2. Boston University

The Terriers opened the season strong by defeating UNH, 5-0. Senior goaltender Kieran Millan recorded his sixth career shutout in the win. The win was the team’s most decisive shutout victory since the 5-0 win against UNH in January 2009.

3. Merrimack

The Warriors faced a tough challenge to open their season, traveling to Orono to face Maine. However, the team rose to the occasion, defeating the Black Bears 2-1. This W marks the first time Merrimack has won at the Alfond Arena since 1997. Jesse Todd scored the game-winning goal short-handed in the second period and goalie Joe Cannata earned his 43rd career win.

4. Maine

After a disappointing 2-1 loss at home to Merrimack in the season opener, Maine rebounded to defeat Northeastern 6-3 in the team’s second game. Brian Flynn kicked off his conference player of the year campaign early, recording five points in the game, including one goal.

5. Massachusetts

The Minutemen tied Northeastern, 3-3, in their season-opening game. All-time, the team still has not won a season opener against a Hockey East opponent. Conor Sheary had two assists in the tie, which was a career high for the sophomore. Meanwhile, freshman goaltender Kevin Boyle made 29 saves.

6. Northeastern

The Huskies tied Massachusetts, 3-3, to open the season, but then fell to Maine in their second game, 6-3. Sophomore Braden Pimm’s goal against UMass forced overtime, while junior Vinny Saponari accounted for four points, one goal and three assists, in the team’s first two games.

7. New Hampshire

The Wildcats were defeated this week 5-0 by Boston University to open the season. One bright spot for the team was Matt Di Girolamo, who still managed to stop 32 shots in the loss. UNH is the only team in Hockey East who has played a game but has yet to tally a point, both in the standings and on the scoreboard.

8. UMass Lowell

The River Hawks tied New Brunswick, 3-3, in overtime during an exhibition game. Joseph Pendenza, Tyler Brickler and Derek McCoy all scored goals for Lowell. The team, with new head coach Norm Bazin, will open its season this weekend in Mankato for a pair with Minnesota State.

9. Vermont

While the Catamounts have yet to play a regular season game, the team returns four of its top five scorers from last season. Vermont will open the season against Minnesota on Friday before wrapping up the pair on Sunday, and the team’s first game marks goaltender Rob Madore’s 100th game in net.

10. Providence

The Friars will officially open the regular season Friday against Boston University with new head coach Nate Leaman behind the bench. Providence boasts a 36-23-1 record in season openers throughout its history, but is 13-12-2 when opening the Hockey East season.

Thursday, October 13th, 2011 - 10:27 pm | Hockey East, Notes, Thoughts, Ramblings