In the first meeting of the season between the two teams, the Boston University Terriers and UMass Minutemen played to a scoreless first period at Agganis Arena.
The hosts stormed out of the gate in the opening half of the stanza and peppered UMass netminder Steve Mastalerz, a North Andover native, who was making his second start in as many games. At the conclusion of the period, however, the Mass Attack collected an 8-6 shots on goal advantage. Neither team was able to cash in on their only power play opportunity of the period.
Terrier rookie Matt O'Connor got the starting nod for Jack Parker's squad and did not disappoint with eight saves on as many shots, as well as a strong flurry of Minuteman shots midway through.
Following the first period, Parker was honored for the start of his 40th season behind the BU bench and was joined on the ice with over 80 of his former players for a special ceremony and presentation.
Joshua Kummins is the Hockey East beat writer and a weekend editor for SB Nation Boston. Follow him on Twitter @JoshuaKummins.