Boston U. Lifts Stigma By Upending Maine For Ncaa Hockey Crown

The triumphant Terriers flung their sticks and gloves in the air. They had finally tossed away the stigma of the most lopsided loss in 33 years of NCAA championship hockey games.

Boston University won its first title in 17 years Saturday with a 6-2 win over Maine. This time, the Terriers didn’t collapse.

“I didn’t think anything could happen to us like it did last year,” Boston U. coach Jack Parker said.

Last year, Lake Superior State led 1-0 after one period. Then the Terriers fell apart in an embarrassing 9-1 loss. On Saturday, they stayed cool when Maine cut the lead to 3-2 just 31 seconds into the third period.

Boston U. regained control when Mike Sylvia scored at 5:23.

“It was like somebody put a stake in your heart,” Maine coach Shawn Walsh said of the goal.

The Black Bears, the 1993 champions, couldn’t stop the flow. Boston U. pulled away for its fourth NCAA title and first since 1978, when it beat Boston College, also at Providence, in the last all-New England championship game.