Maine Shuts Out Boston College in Hockey East Clash Marred by Scary Injury

The University of Maine secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Boston College on Saturday night. The Hockey East matchup was overshadowed by a frightening injury to freshman defenseman Jeremy Langlois. The incident occurred late in the third period at Conte Forum.

Langlois was stretchered off the ice following a heavy check from BC’s Brady Berard. Medical staff attended to the player for nearly ten minutes. Both teams took a knee during the somber pause in play.

Game Details and Immediate Aftermath

Maine’s Mathis Rousseau recorded his first career shutout with 21 saves. The freshman goaltender was impeccable throughout the contest. His performance snapped Boston College’s five-game winning streak.

Miguel Marques led the offensive charge with two goals for the Black Bears. Josh Nadeau added a shorthanded marker in the first period. Maine’s victory salvaged a series split after dropping the opener 7-3.

The game changed dramatically with 8:46 remaining in regulation. Langlois collided heavily with the boards after Berard’s check. Play stopped immediately as trainers rushed to his aid.

Player Condition and Team Responses

Maine head coach Ben Barr provided a cautious update after the game. He confirmed Langlois was conscious and could move his extremities. The defenseman was transported for further medical evaluation.

Boston College coach Greg Brown expressed concern for the injured player. He described the hit as shoulder-to-shoulder but acknowledged the violent impact. Both coaches emphasized player safety above all else.

The incident highlights the physical nature of college hockey. NCAA concussion protocols will guide Langlois’s recovery process. His timeline for return remains uncertain.

Season Implications and Moving Forward

Maine improved to 8-5-1 overall with the road victory. The Black Bears now sit 5-3 in Hockey East conference play. Their defensive structure proved formidable against BC’s potent offense.

Boston College fell to 7-5-1 overall with the loss. The Eagles had been riding significant momentum before Saturday’s contest. They must regroup quickly with Notre Dame visiting next weekend.

Rousseau’s emergence provides Maine with valuable goaltending depth. His composure under pressure impressed coaches and teammates alike. The Black Bears have a week off before facing New Hampshire.

The Maine Boston College hockey contest will be remembered for both the shutout and the sobering injury. Player safety remains the paramount concern following these difficult moments. The hockey community now awaits positive news about Jeremy Langlois’s recovery.

Thought you’d like to know

What is Jeremy Langlois’s current condition?

He was conscious and able to move his extremities after the hit. Maine coaches described him as responsive and alert. The team is following standard concussion protocols for his recovery.

How significant was Maine’s victory over Boston College?

The win snapped BC’s five-game winning streak decisively. It also marked Maine’s first win at Conte Forum in seven attempts. The shutout gives Maine crucial momentum in Hockey East standings.

Who was the standout player for Maine?

Freshman goaltender Mathis Rousseau stopped all 21 shots he faced. This was his first career shutout at the collegiate level. His performance anchored Maine’s defensive effort throughout the game.

What happens next for both teams?

Boston College hosts Notre Dame in their next matchup. Maine has a weekend off before a two-game series against New Hampshire. Both teams continue conference play in early December.

Was any penalty called on the hit?

Officials did not assess a penalty on the play. The check was deemed a legal hockey play by the referees. The injury resulted from the violent impact with the boards rather than an illegal hit.

How does this affect Hockey East standings?

Both teams now hold 5-3 records in conference play. Maine gains crucial points in the tightly contested league. The shutout victory could prove important for tiebreaker scenarios later.

Trusted Sources

Sports Illustrated, Bangor Daily News, NCAA Official Protocol, Hockey East Conference