Thrilling Showdown: #16 Men’s Hockey Prepares to Face #8 Boston University for a Chance at the Frozen Four – Cornell Athletics

Today, Cornell’s men’s hockey team, ranked 16th, aims to extend its seven-game winning streak as they face off against their long-time rival, Boston University, in the Toledo Regional final. The winner of this match will secure a spot in the Frozen Four for the first time since 2003. The game begins at 4 p.m. and will be aired on ESPNU and ESPN+.

This weekend marks Cornell’s 25th appearance in the NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Championship, placing it among the top programs in terms of participation. Only Harvard has more appearances in the ECAC Hockey, with a total of 27. The other teams in this regional include Michigan State, with its 29th NCAA appearance, and Ohio State, which has competed 11 times.

Last year, during the Springfield Regional, Cornell defeated Maine but fell to Denver, who went on to become national champions. Coach Mike Schafer, who has been at the helm for 15 seasons, announced he will retire after the 2024-25 season. He has a strong playoff record and has guided Cornell through multiple tournaments, achieving significant milestones.

In a thrilling display of endurance, Sullivan Mack scored a power-play goal just as the clock ran out in regulation last game, marking one of the latest game-winning goals in Cornell history. This late-game heroism parallels a similar memorable moment from 2021, showcasing the team’s resilience in crunch time.

Cornell has built a strong foundation this season, posting a remarkable record of at least ten conference wins for eight consecutive seasons—this ties for the third-longest streak in program history. In fact, under Schafer’s leadership, the team has achieved at least ten victories in the league 24 out of 29 times, a testament to consistent excellence.

The Big Red has been dominant on both ends of the ice, scoring an average of 3.92 goals per game since mid-February, which ranks them third nationally. Their defensive prowess is equally impressive, allowing just 1.58 goals per game during that same stretch, placing them fourth in that category. Additionally, Cornell has one of the highest success rates on the penalty kill, which is critical in tight playoff games.

Both Dalton Bancroft and Ian Shane have made significant contributions this season. Bancroft is in elite company as one of only 49 players in Cornell history to score at least 20 points in three consecutive seasons. Meanwhile, Shane has established himself as one of the top goalies in the nation, ranking high in career shutouts and goals against average.

As the team gears up to potentially make history by sending both its men’s and women’s teams to the Frozen Four in the same season, expectations are high. Only a few programs have achieved this feat, making a win today not just a step towards a championship, but a milestone in program history.

Cornell’s hockey tradition, defined by immense talent and competitive spirit, continues to thrive, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as they join in the excitement of each game. As they face Boston University, their journey showcases more than just skill; it reflects teamwork, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in college hockey.

Source link