In a thrilling climax to a storied venue, the Boston University Terriers triumphed over the Northeastern Huskies in the final game held at Matthews Arena, a hallowed ground that has served both teams for generations. The Terriers showcased their resilience, overcoming a late deficit to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory.
The game began with a competitive spirit evident from the first puck drop. Brandon Svoboda ignited the scoreboard for the Terriers, finding a loose puck in front of the net and deftly sliding it past Northeastern goalkeeper Lawton Zacher at 17:40 in the first period. This goal brought the Terriers within one, setting the stage for an intense contest.
As the second period unfolded, Boston University leveled the score at 2-2. Malte Vass executed a pinpoint cross-ice pass to Sacha Boisvert, who fired a wrist shot that beat Zacher on the glove side at the 13:39 mark. The momentum seemed to favor the Terriers, but just seconds before the end of the second period, Northeastern seized the lead again. Joe Connor capitalized on a turnover during a successful penalty kill, gathering a loose puck and executing a powerful backhand shot that found the top corner of the net, putting the Huskies ahead 3-2 with only 1.3 seconds left on the clock.
The final period saw both teams fiercely fighting for control, with the score remaining unchanged deep into the third. The tension peaked at 18:03 when Kamil Bednarik scored from the doorstep off his own rebound during a critical moment when the Terriers had pulled their goalie for an extra skater. Just 18 seconds later, Svoboda struck again, breaking past a defender to send a shot past Zacher on the blocker side, sealing the comeback victory for the Terriers amidst roars from the crowd.
The game was a fitting tribute to Matthews Arena, having served as the home ice for the Terriers from 1918 until the gym was rebranded in 1971. The site was celebrated with a ceremonial puck drop featuring Hockey Hall of Fame members David Poile, a Northeastern alumnus, and Jack Parker, a former BU coach. Poile, inducted for his influential work as an NHL executive, and Parker, recognized for his storied coaching career with nearly 900 wins, added a special touch to the historic final game.
The event included a performance by Bruins anthem singer Todd Angilly, enhancing the evening’s emotional atmosphere. NESN analyst Billy Jaffe handled both commentary and postgame hosting duties, culminating in a celebratory farewell to a beloved arena.
The evening carried bittersweet sentiments for Northeastern’s coach Jerry Keefe, who fondly recalled his early days with the program and how Matthews Arena became a significant place for his family. His son, Owen, is set to join him on campus next year, making the farewell even more poignant.
The historical significance of Matthews Arena was echoed by BU coach Jay Pandolfo, who reminisced about his own experiences playing against Northeastern during his collegiate career. His grandfather, a former Huskies player, had instilled a sense of pride in competing against the rival school.
As Matthews Arena prepares for its deconstruction this winter, anticipation builds for a new 310,000-square foot facility that will house both the men’s and women’s teams. Until then, the Terriers and Huskies will find temporary homes at various other venues, ensuring the spirit of college hockey continues in the Boston area.
The atmosphere of nostalgia and rivalry marked the last moments of play in Matthews Arena, with college hockey fans settling in for one final game in a beloved venue that has seen countless memorable moments for generations.
