Boston University defeated Vermont 4-1 in the Hockey East Opening Round at Agganis Arena on March 11. Cole Eiserman led Boston University with two goals and an assist, including the game-winning goal early in the third period.
The result ends Vermont’s season, closing their campaign with a record of 13-21-1. The match was significant as it marked the conclusion of play for Vermont’s senior class and highlighted the team’s resilience throughout the year.
Boston University opened scoring late in the first period when Cole Hutson set up Eiserman for his 17th goal of the season. Vermont responded early in the second period, tying the game after a sequence that saw Richards score his sixth goal of the year off a deflection. A potential go-ahead goal by Boston University was overturned following a challenge that determined Owen McLaughlin had kicked the puck into the net.
Eiserman scored again midway through the third period to give Boston University a lead they would not relinquish. Hutson added another goal on a power play, and Jack Harvey sealed the win with an empty-net tally late in regulation. Community Bank N.A. donated $50 to Special Olympics Vermont for each goal scored by both teams during this game, continuing their support throughout the season.
After the game, Head Coach Steve Wiedler said, “There’s not a lot of words I can say to take the sting away from the loss. This team overcame a lot of adversity throughout the year. I thought we deserved a little better tonight, but that wasn’t in the cards for us. I’ll miss this senior class they mean a lot to our coaching staff.
I was proud of our resolve and culture all year long. Our culture has never been in a better place than it is right now. That’s a credit to our senior class and this young core of players we have. I will miss ‘the glue class.'”
Looking ahead, Wiedler emphasized pride in his team’s development and culture despite falling short in postseason play.
