Sophomore Serena Sommerfield

In the midst of an, at best, uncertain football season, it is refreshing to note that two of BC’s most successful sports teams — men’s and women’s hockey — are about to open their seasons.

The women’s team, ranked #3 in the nation preseason by USCHO.com, plays at Minnesota Duluth this Friday and Saturday. They meet Maine in their home opener in a two-game series the following weekend. (You can see schedule/results of BC teams on our “Sports Schedules/Results” page.) BC split two exhibition games, losing 3-2 to Boston Pride, a professional team in the National Women’s Hockey League that features several BC alumnae on the roster, and beating the Cambridge Rivulettes, a local junior hockey team, 7-1.

The men’s team is ranked #5 in the nation preseason, according to USCHO.com., but was picked to finish 6th in Hockey East by the league coaches. There are obviously differing opinions on how well the Eagles will adjust to the loss of several players to graduation or the pros, including goalie Thatcher Demko, of San Diego. You can find a lot of information on BC hockey (as well as other BC sports) at bcinterruption.com.

BC men’s hockey has an exhibition game this Sunday against Carleton, a Canadian university in Ottawa, at Warrior Ice Arena, the Boston Bruins’ practice facility in Boston. The following weekend, October 7/8, the Eagles play in the Icebreaker Tournament in Denver. They meet the Air Force Academy in the opening round Friday and either Denver or Ohio State in the second round Saturday.

As with most sports, college hockey is showing up more on TV schedules. Several BC men’s hockey games will be televised, including games against Wisconsin on October 14 and 16. Also on the tube(?) will be games against North Dakota December 3 and Notre Dame December 10. Watch for information on San Diego game watches for those and other games.