By Allyn Tucker
Boston University News Service
The wait is finally over: tonight, Boston University Men’s Hockey returns. The anticipation has been building since April, which marked the end of the sophomore season of the Pandolfo era.
The Terriers open the season against the Holy Cross Crusaders, with the game slated to be the beginning of another successful season for BU Hockey. The team has earned back-to-back Frozen Four appearances since Coach Jay Pandolfo took the reins, so expectations for another deep postseason run remain high going into the 2024-25 season.
Although fans can find many familiar faces among the roster, the squad will look a little different this season. Former Terrier stars Lane Hutson and Macklin Celebrini, the Hobey Baker Award finalist and winner respectively, both made off-season moves to the NHL. The pair combined for 113 points over the 2023-24 season, leaving the team with major shoes to fill.
Lucky for the Terriers, as one Hutson leaves, another debuts. Defenseman Cole Hutson is one of a few major additions to this year’s roster, providing dynamic defense as well as offensive power to the team. Hutson also has the unique experience of being part of the only set of brothers currently playing for Boston University. Cole joins his brother, forward Quinn Huston, on the ice this season.
In addition to Huston, freshman forward Cole Eiserman is a much anticipated arrival to the Terriers’ locker room this fall. Known for his prolific scoring ability, Eiserman is set to put on a show at Agganis Arena. The 18-year-old holds the USA National Team Development Program’s all-time scoring record with 127 goals, topping the list of an impressive list of names.
With these additions along with the rest of the roster, BU Men’s Hockey ranks third in the USCHO preseason poll. Lining up for the opener, the Terriers are heavy favorites to earn their first win of the season, with odds of –750.
The Crusaders are set to face an uphill battle, but they have increased confidence following their most successful season in a decade, passing the 20-win mark last season for the first time since 2012-13.
The two teams face off tonight, Oct. 5, at BU’s Agganis Arena. Kicking off the 2024-25 season, the puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.
