Boston College Women’s Hockey Hits the Road for Key Hockey East Showdowns
The stretch run is here, and Boston College women’s hockey is gearing up for a pivotal weekend on the road with a pair of conference matchups that could shake up the Hockey East standings. First up: a Friday afternoon tilt against Holy Cross, followed by a Saturday showdown with UConn. Both games mark the third and final regular-season meeting between BC and their opponents - and with each series tied 1-1, there’s plenty on the line.
Recent Form: A Rollercoaster vs. Maine
The Eagles are coming off a split weekend against Maine that showcased both their resilience and their room for improvement. Friday’s 4-3 loss stung, but BC bounced back with a gutsy 5-4 overtime win on Sunday.
That victory wasn’t just about the scoreboard - it was about execution when it mattered most. Special teams stepped up, scoring came from multiple lines, and the Eagles showed the kind of late-game poise that coaches love to see this time of year.
Series History: Even Battles Across the Board
This weekend’s opponents are familiar foes. BC and Holy Cross have already traded wins this season - the Eagles took the first meeting 4-2, while the Crusaders answered with a 3-1 win in the rematch.
It’s been a similar story with UConn: the Huskies grabbed a 3-1 win in the first game, but BC responded with a tight 2-1 victory in the second. These aren’t just rubber matches - they’re measuring sticks for where BC stands heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Rookie on Fire: Ava Thomas Takes Center Stage
Let’s talk about Ava Thomas. The freshman forward is putting together one of the most impressive debut seasons in recent Hockey East memory - and January was her coming-out party.
She was named Hockey East Rookie of the Month after leading the league in assists (8), points (13), and shots on goal (74) across eight games. That’s not a typo - 74 shots in eight games.
She’s averaging over nine shots per game and already has five multi-point games under her belt this year.
Her signature performance came on January 16, when she erupted for six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in an 8-2 win. Right now, Thomas leads the entire conference in both overall points (39) and league points (27). For a first-year player, that’s elite territory.
Team Snapshot: Balanced Attack, Steady Goaltending
Boston College enters the weekend at 12-15-1 overall, with a 10-7-1 mark in Hockey East play. While the overall record might not jump off the page, there’s talent and depth across this roster.
Thomas leads the way offensively with 16 goals and 23 assists, but she’s not carrying the load alone. Sammy Taber (23 points) and Madelyn Murphy (21 points) have been steady contributors, while Olivia Maffeo is heating up at just the right time - she’s notched three goals in her last two games and has nine on the season.
Between the pipes, Grace Campbell has been a workhorse. She’s started 27 games and posted a .924 save percentage with two shutouts. Her consistency has kept BC in games all season long, especially when the offense has gone cold.
As a team, BC has scored 70 goals and is averaging over 31 shots per game - numbers that suggest this group can generate chances, especially when they’re clicking in transition and on the power play.
Scouting Holy Cross: Defense First
Holy Cross comes into Friday’s matchup at 18-8-2 overall, with a 10-7-2 record in conference play. They’ve been especially tough at home, going 10-4-1 in their own building.
The Crusaders lean on a defense-first identity. They’ve allowed just 42 goals all season - one of the stingiest marks in Hockey East - and they’re anchored by standout goaltender Abby Hornung, who boasts a 1.46 goals against average and a .944 save percentage. That’s elite-level goaltending, and it gives Holy Cross a chance to win every night.
Offensively, Violet Carroll leads the team with 22 points, while Alexia Moreau has found the back of the net 10 times. This isn’t a high-octane offense, but they don’t need to be - they play disciplined, structured hockey and capitalize on their chances.
Scouting UConn: Deep, Dangerous, and Disciplined
Saturday’s opponent, UConn, brings a 19-7-2 overall record into the weekend and sits at 12-5-1 in league play. The Huskies are one of the most balanced teams in the conference, combining steady scoring with a rock-solid defensive core.
They’ve put up 77 goals this season and average nearly three per game. Kyla Josifovic leads the team with 27 points, while Megan Woodworth has chipped in 11 goals.
But the real story is in net, where Tia Chan has been a wall. The veteran goaltender has started 26 games and owns a ridiculous .949 save percentage with four shutouts.
UConn has allowed just 47 goals all season - and when you pair that kind of defensive efficiency with a capable offense, you get a team that’s built to make a deep postseason run.
What’s at Stake
For Boston College, this weekend is about more than just evening up season series. It’s about climbing the Hockey East standings, building momentum, and proving they can hang with two of the league’s most consistent teams. With Ava Thomas leading the charge, a goaltender they trust, and a group that’s shown flashes of high-level play, the Eagles have the tools - now it’s about putting it all together.
Two games. Two tough opponents. And two big opportunities to make a statement.