Frozen Four features old guard, new blood

BOSTON – Traditional power or relative unknown?

One will win college hockey’s biggest prize in the Frozen Four at the TD Garden.

The first semifinal today has a newcomer, Nebraska-Omaha, making its first Frozen Four appearance, against Providence, which hasn’t made it to the final four since 1985.

The nightcap features two of college hockey’s traditional names: Boston University and North Dakota.

“If you ask any casual hockey fan, name the top five or six college hockey programs in the country, every single person will mention North Dakota in one way, shape or form,” BU coach David Quinn said Wednesday. “You’re talking about one of the most-storied programs in college hockey. I also think BU would be in that mix.”

The national semifinals also feature two schools playing close to home.

BU is making its 23rd Frozen Four appearance, and fellow Hockey East member Providence is in the semifinals for the fifth time. The Terriers are chasing their sixth NCAA title, while the Friars are seeking their first.

Both enjoyed the short ride, with BU’s campus located about 2 miles from the arena. Providence is an hour south, in Rhode Island.

“It was great making the bus trip up. We didn’t need a movie, so that was good,” Providence coach Nate Leaman said. “It’s special that it’s in Boston this year. I’m sure it’s special for Boston University, also.”

North Dakota, looking to move one behind Michigan’s NCAA-best mark of nine national championships, will be playing in the Frozen Four for the second straight year and 22nd overall.

Both North Dakota and Nebraska-Omaha relied on strong goaltending to earn trips to Boston.

Zane McIntyre, the most outstanding player of the West Regional, stopped 48 of 50 shots for North Dakota in regional victories over Quinnipiac and St. Cloud State. The junior is a Hobey Baker finalist, an award given to college hockey’s top player, along with BU freshman forward Jack Eichel.

Nebraska-Omaha goalie Ryan Massa had even a stronger tourney, stopping 73 of 74 shots in the Mavericks’ Midwest Regional run.

Three of the last four national champions have been first-timers in the Frozen Four.