College Game of the Week: Western Michigan vs. Boston University
It’s tournament time, and there are plenty of good games coming up on the schedule. A lot of matchups are ready to get underway, but the one we’re going to look at is No. 5 Boston University vs. No. 9 Western Michigan.
Fans will be introduced to two very strong star-studded offensive teams. Boston University is coming off an electric Hockey East championship game win, and Western Michigan is looking to get back on track after an upset to Colorado College.
Looking at the rosters, Boston University has players all over the ice that can rack up points and create offensive chances. Forward Matt Brown has had a solid senior campaign, tallying 44 points so far. Freshman defenseman Lane Hutson has been arguably the best blue liner this season as he has 47 points.
All season long Lane Hutson has shown his exceptional mobility and puck-moving abilities. Those abilities are a big reason why Hutson is one of the main candidates for the Hobey Baker, and a strong showing in the NCAA tournament can give the voters more proof to choose him.
Goaltender Drew Commesso has been strong between the pipes as well. He’s won 22 games for the Terriers saving 91% of all shots he’s faced. Hot goalies are a huge help to teams, especially in the playoffs.
Now looking at their opponent, the Western Michigan Broncos are an offensive dynamo. The forwards are led by Ryan McAllister and Jason Polin, the college hockey equivalent of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
McAllister was a favorite to win the Hobey Baker all year long but didn’t make the final 10 finalists. He’s found his way on the stat sheet almost every game, scoring 13 goals and dishing 35 assists for 48 points.
Jason Polin did make the final 10 players for the Hobey Baker because all he knows how to do is score. 29 of the pucks he’s fired have found twine, more than anyone else in the NCAA. He’s broken Western Michigan’s record for most hat tricks by a single player in a season.
Both teams deserve to be in this position. Will Western Michigan’s offense be able to crack the tough defensive armor that Boston University provides?
Commesso has been hot, but the Broncos know how to score with ease. This game can be very high scoring, or it could be a closer game that comes down the wire, with the next goal being the deciding factor.
Fans have every reason to make SNHU Arena this weekend because these two teams know how to provide can't-miss hockey. The game is set to take place on March 23, at 2 p.m. ET.
Anthony Desher is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email acd5698@psu.edu.
