O'Connor earns Hockey East honors

Sophomore goalie Matt O’Connor, who stopped 92 of 96 North Dakota shots in the two-game weekend series, earned Hockey East’s Defensive Player of the Week honors. Named to the weekly list of top performers were Matt Lane, co-captain Garrett Noonan, Danny O’Regan and Nick Roberto.

The fourth renewal of Red Hot Hockey between the Terriers and Cornell, set for Saturday night, Nov. 30, at newly refurbished Madison Square Garden, is reportedly a sellout and also will be available on the Terrier TV pay-per-view service. Details. Freshman right wing Kevin Duane explained (video) what he’s looking forward to on Saturday.

A BU grad and a Cornell grad, got together this year to co-sponsor a Cup named after two legendary hockey coaches: Boston University’s Jack Kelley and Cornell’s Ned Harkness. They agreed that the Cup’s permanent name would be determined by the outcome of the game on November 30, 2013. If BU wins, it’s the “Kelley-Harkness Cup.”  If Cornell wins, it’s the “Harkness-Kelley Cup.”

Looking ahead

2015 recruit Charlie McAvoy scored his second goal of the season in the NTDP U17s’ 5-2 loss to Tri City.

Looking back

Sharks’ site “Blades of Teal” examines the path that led Matt Nieto from the NTDP program to BU and now to the NHL.

Rick DiPietro, whose career has been detoured multiple times by injury, is attempting a comeback in the AHL with Charlotte. The New York Times checked in with the former BU netminder to discuss his progress.  Last night, DiPietro was on the short end of a 4-3 loss to Rockford, who got on the board first on an Adam Clendening goal.

Sahir Gill assisted on two goals as ECHL Wheeling doubled up Cincinnati, 4-2. The Nailers, coached by former Terrier Clark Donatelli, now are tied for the Atlantic Division lead.

Women’s Team

Senior goalie Kerrin Sperry was named Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week following 29-save efforts against both Harvard and New Hampshire. Sarah Lefort, Rebecca Russo and Kayla Tutino all made the weekly top performers’ list.

With their record now at 11-3-1, Terriers remained at #9 in the USCHO poll.

Terriers have received a commitment for 2014 from standout goalie Erin O’Neill from Minnetonka, Minn., and Hopkins High School. Both O’Neill and a fellow 2014 recruit, blueliner Toni Ann Miano, were members of the U.S. National Under 18 squad that battled Canada in a three-game series last summer.