Minnetian Provides Third Period Winner in Hockey East Opener

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Freshman defenseman Aram Minnetian's first career goal early in the third period proved to be the game-winner as No. 1 Boston College defeated UMass Lowell 3-2 on Friday night at Kelley Rink in BC's Hockey East opener.

The Eagles improved to 6-1-0 (1-0-0 HEA) and closed their six-game homestand at 5-1-0, while the River Hawks fell to 4-3-0 (1-2-0 HEA).

Freshman Ryan Leonard netted his second goal of the season just 51 seconds into the night, while sophomore Cutter Gauthier scored his team-leading seventh of the year. Eight different Eagles recorded a point on the night.

Boston College took the lead in the game's opening minute when Gabe Perreault forced a turnover and slipped a pass into the slot for Leonard, whose one-timer beat Henry Welsch blocker side high. Perreault's assist was the team-leading seventh of the season for the freshman.

The Eagles extended their lead at 9:49 of the first when Gauthier took a cross-ice pass from Oskar Jellvik on the power play and hammered a shot from the right circle that beat Welsch glove side to the near post.

The River Hawks cut the deficit to one when Filip Fornaa Svensson finished a rebound just in front of Jacob Fowler at 10:30 of the opening frame.

UMass Lowell knotted the score at 2-2 early in the second period when Scout Truman located a loose puck in the crease and tapped in the tying goal at 1:20.

The Eagles answered back with an early goal at 1:19 of the third period. Minnetian took a pass from Aidan Hreschuk along the left wing boards, cut around the faceoff circle, and drove the net before curling a forehand effort around Welsch's left pad. Will Smith picked up the secondary assist for his team-high ninth point.

Fowler registered 27 saves to move to 6-1-0 on the year, while also recording his first career conference win.

Boston College and UMass Lowell square off again on Saturday in Lowell at 6 p.m. The game can be streamed on ESPN+ from the Tsongas Center.

Minnetian Provides Third Period Winner in Hockey East Opener

Players Mentioned

Jacob Fowler

Cutter Gauthier

Aidan Hreschuk

Oskar Jellvik

Ryan Leonard

Aram Minnetian

Gabe Perreault

Will Smith