Boston College
Merrimack*
No. 4 Men's Hockey Beats Merrimack, 2-1
January 13, 2006 | Men's Hockey
Jan. 13, 2006
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Freshman Benn Ferriero's goal at 13:25 of the third period snapped a 1-1 tie and lifted fourth-ranked and league-leading Boston College to a 2-1 Hockey East victory over Merrimack before 5,828 fans in Kelley Rink.
Ferriero's goal came on the second of just three Boston College shots in the third period.
Freshman Nathan Gerbe gave BC a 1-0 lead at 18:19 of the first period, beating Merrimack goalie Jim Healy after receiving quick pass across the crease from sophomore teammate Dan Bertram. Freshman Brock Bradford also assisted on the goal.
Merrimack senior defenseman Bryan Schmidt evened the score at 1-1 at 2:11 of the second frame. With his team shorthanded, Schmidt collected the puck after an errant pass by BC goalie Cory Schneider. Schmidt found an empty net.
Despite being outshot 7-3 in the third period, BC had a 19-18 shot advantage in the contest. BC's Schneider and Merrimack's Healy both finished with 17 saves.
The game was slowed in the final minute when players from the two teams scrapped in front of the Merrimack bench. BC's Gerbe and Merrimack's Jordan Hart each received major penalties for fighting and game disqualifications. Both players must sit out tomorrow's rematch at Merrimack's Lawler Arena.
Boston College raised its record to 13-4-2 overall, 11-2-1 in Hockey East action. Merrimack dropped to 4-14-2 overall, 1-10-2 in league play.
Game Notes: BC improves to 9-1-1 in its last 11 games with a 41-20 goal differential during that span ... The Eagles are unbeaten in their last 16 games against Merrimack in Kelley Rink ... BC improves to 5-0-1 this season when entered the third period with the score tied and has now outscored opponents 27-13 in the final frame.
