When the NCAA Ice Hockey bracket was unveiled, several Boston Bruins prospects were keeping a keen eye on the screen. Unfortunately for Boston College, a team with a rich history of Bruins prospects, their journey ended prematurely. They were edged out in a nail-biting overtime loss to UConn in the Hockey East Tournament semifinals, missing a spot in the 16-team field.
As the NCAA Tournament kicked off, the Sioux Falls Regional became a focal point, featuring two New England powerhouses, Providence and Quinnipiac, making the trek out West. These teams clashed in the semifinals, with a ticket to Saturday’s final at stake. It was the Bruins prospects shining brightly for Quinnipiac, leading them to a decisive 5-2 victory over Providence.
The game remained scoreless through the first period, but the Bobcats found their rhythm in the second, netting three goals to take control. Boston draft pick Elliott Groenewold broke the deadlock with a blistering slap shot from the point, finding the far post. Groenewold, selected 110th overall in the 2024 Entry Draft, has been a standout defenseman for Quinnipiac this season.
Later, in a thrilling 4-on-4 situation, another Bruins prospect, Christopher Pelosi, showcased his skill. Drafted 92nd overall in 2023, Pelosi capitalized on a breakaway to double the Bobcats' lead, thanks to a slick assist from teammate Toni.
Quinnipiac, holding the third seed in the regional, now sets its sights on Saturday’s final. They await the victor of the matchup between top-seeded North Dakota and Merrimack, the Hockey East Tournament champions. This showdown promises to be a thrilling contest in Sioux Falls.