The last time NU beat UNH was Feb. 2, 2002. With the No. 9 Huskies (12-4-2, 6-3-2-1 Hockey East) coming off one of the most successful seasons they've had in years, they're on a mission to prove they can compete not only with the Wildcats but any team in Hockey East or Division I, for that matter.
The Northeastern women's hockey program has long had a reputation of having one of the first and most long-standing programs in the country. Throughout the decades, they have produced everything from world class national team players, Olympic athletes, and Patty Kazmaier Award winners.
In recent years, as the program has revamped and gone through several changes, a win during Friday's game at Fenway could be just what the team needs to send the message to rest of D-I hockey that NU is back at the top and ready to compete with any team in the country.
Northeastern athletic director Peter Roby is feeling the excitement.
"What better way to set the bar for the first collegiate women's Winter Classic game than to have it between two of the most established programs in the country?" he said.
Both programs are known for having one of the longest D-I programs in the country.
"We [NU] are extremely honored to take part in a truly historic event Friday afternoon," said Roby.
The rivalry between UNH and NU has been going on for decades. If this year's previous November matchup, in which UNH won a tight 2-1 contest, serves as a preview for Friday's game, then we're all in for an exciting, fast-paced game.
Indeed, Friday's game is sure to be one of back-and-forth excitement. With the Huskies starting off the new year on a strong note with two straight wins, they're hoping momentum will carry over against UNH. The Huskies have been waiting a long time to explode back onto the college hockey scene. Now, the only thing that could possibly undo an eight-year winless curse against a long-time rival would be to earn bragging rights as the first ever winners of an outdoor game at historic Fenway Park.
