The students may have just returned to campus, but the Boston University Terriers (16-5-2, 11-5-2 HEAW) have already gone 4-1-1 in January, and will look for two more wins against the rival Merrimack Warriors (4-18-3, 1-14-3 HEAW)
These two teams have not faced off since their first game of conference play, when the Terriers tied the Warriors 2-2 at Walter Brown Arena. This time around, the season is much farther along and the Warriors are looking for any kind of jump-start
“It’s a team that’s going to be playing desperate . . . to see if they can climb the ladder and get into that final playoff spot,” says BU head coach Brian Durocher. “The biggest difference between when we saw [the Warriors] early and when we’re seeing them now is confidence – some of that has been dented. It’s our job to make sure they don’t gain some of that back”
Durocher has given high praise to a few Terriers as they have heated up in January. Mackenna Parker has three points in her last two games, Courtney Correia has points in five of her last six games, and Deziray De Sousa and Emma Wuthrich have looked better and better, solidifying their lines.
For Parker, who spent much of last season on the first line, this season has been an uphill battle, but one that she is winning, in Durocher’s opinion.
“She has a power forward’s mentality, and she plays extremely hard. [She] can make a play when the opportunity arises,” said Coach Durocher.
The Terriers will need to stay focused this weekend, even with the Beanpot and playoffs looming. Durocher emphasized that the two points gained from a win will look the same regardless of whom they’re against. With no major injuries to report, the team is still looking strong as they’ve entered the dog days of the season.
Sophomore Kate Stuart will get the start in net at Wally B this evening, and junior Corrine Schroeder will likely go on Saturday when the series shifts to North Andover.
Durocher is confident that his team can stay the course and put two more wins away.
“[We need to] continue to do the little things – play defense first, and then when the chance occurs, make a good shot, get a rebound, get a deflection and put a puck away.”
WTBU Sports 