Boston College Women’s Hockey Returns Home for Key Hockey East Series vs. Maine
There’s no place like home, and this weekend, the Boston College women’s hockey team is back at Kelley Rink for a pivotal two-game set against Maine in Hockey East play. The Eagles and Black Bears are set to square off Friday at 6 p.m. and again Sunday at 2 p.m., with both games streaming live on ESPN+.
Where Things Stand
Boston College enters the weekend sitting at 11-14-1 overall, but a stronger 9-6-1 in conference play. They’re looking to build some momentum after splitting a home-and-home with New Hampshire last weekend. Maine, meanwhile, comes in at 9-15-3 overall and 5-9-3 in Hockey East action, still trying to find consistency as the regular season winds down.
This marks the first meeting of the season between BC and Maine, and with points at a premium in the Hockey East standings, both teams will be eager to make a statement.
Recapping the Weekend: A Tale of Two Games
The Eagles opened last weekend with a convincing 4-1 win on the road at New Hampshire. After falling behind early, BC responded with four unanswered goals, showcasing depth and resilience.
Olivia Maffeo sparked the comeback with the tying goal, Maxim Tremblay delivered the game-winner, and Madelyn Murphy and Kate Ham sealed it with empty-netters. Between the pipes, Grace Campbell was rock solid, stopping 33 shots to secure the win.
Saturday’s rematch back at Kelley Rink didn’t go as smoothly. BC fell 6-2 in a game where the Wildcats found their offensive rhythm early and didn’t let up. Despite the loss, Campbell remained a bright spot, finishing the weekend with 57 total saves.
Grace Campbell: The Backbone in Net
Campbell continues to be a workhorse in goal for the Eagles. Last week alone, she logged nearly three full games (178:43 minutes) and turned away 111 of 121 shots for a .917 save percentage. That stretch included a career-high 54-save performance against Northeastern - a game that also marked her 100th career appearance and 50th collegiate win.
She’s started all 26 games this season and holds a .926 save percentage - a testament to her consistency and endurance in one of the most demanding positions on the ice.
Offensive Leaders and Defensive Grit
Up front, Ava Thomas is driving the offense with 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists), leading the team in both goals and assists. Sammy Taber and Madelyn Murphy have chipped in with 20 and 19 points, respectively, while Tremblay has emerged as a key goal scorer with nine tallies on the year.
Defensively, Emma Conner is setting the tone with a Hockey East-leading 60 blocked shots. As a unit, the Eagles have racked up 348 blocks - averaging over 13 per game - showing a willingness to sacrifice the body and play tough in their own zone.
Scouting Maine
Maine comes into the weekend averaging just under two goals per game (1.89) while giving up 2.56. Offensively, Isabelle Michaud leads the Black Bears with 12 points, and while they’ve struggled to produce consistently, their defensive structure has kept them competitive.
In net, Kiia Lahtinen has been the go-to goalie, starting 24 games with a .923 save percentage and a 2.35 goals-against average - numbers that speak to her ability to keep games close, even when the offense isn’t clicking.
Defensively, Maine has been active in the lanes, leading BC in total blocked shots with 399 on the season (14.78 per game).
Series Snapshot
Boston College holds a commanding 57-20-7 all-time record against Maine, including a 31-11-3 mark at Kelley Rink. The Eagles have also taken eight of the last 10 meetings, giving them a clear historical edge. But recent form and goaltending could make this weekend’s matchups tighter than the records suggest.
What’s at Stake
With the Hockey East standings tightening and postseason positioning on the line, this weekend’s series is more than just another set of games. For BC, it’s a chance to reassert themselves at home and build momentum heading into the final stretch. For Maine, it’s an opportunity to climb back into the mix and shake up the standings.
Puck drops Friday at 6 p.m. - and with both teams hungry for points, expect a hard-fought series from start to finish.