The first game of the NCAA men’s hockey quarterfinals (aka the Elite Eight) jumped an hour before the Blackhawks game started. Cornell and Boston University renewed their long rivalry with a berth in the Frozen Four on the line.
Blackhawks prospect and Boston U. goaltender Drew Commesso was terrific, making it 59:31 before allowing Cornell’s first goal to earn a trip to Tampa. He stopped 13 of 14 shots against in the game. (Yeah, their defense was that good.) BU freshman center Ryan Greene also had a strong effort for the Terriers. Boston University’s goals came from Wilmer Skoog and Ethan Phillips.
After allowing just two goals in two games, Commesso was named the regional all-tournament goaltender and the Most Outstanding Player in the region.
The Blackhawks have three more prospects playing in the remaining games to decide the other participants in the Frozen Four: Frank Nazar (Michigan), Jake Wise (Ohio State) and Dominic Basse (St. Cloud State). Basse and crew play later Saturday evening.