Thursday, November 17, 2011

Previewing the Holy War on ice.


Tomorrow, the Eagles will take on a Fighting Irish team that ranks amongst the top teams in the country. Notre Dame is currently ranked #4 in the USCHO poll, and are #2 in the pairwise rankings. The Irish are led by big forwards Anders Lee (12 G, 5 A) and TJ Tynan (3 G, 17 A) and are strong at the goaltending postion with Mike Johnson leading the way with a 2.24 GAA  which ranks him fifth in the CCHA. Like I said last weekend, BC has not lost two in a row since losing to BU at Fenway and then to St Lawrence in a Christmas tournament which was over a year and a half ago. If BC gives that effort they gave vs BU, expect them to lose by a wide margin simmilar to last weekend. The Irish are an extremely talented team up front with five of their forwards being NHL draft picks, and four defenseman to go along with that. This year, Notre Dame moved into the brand new state of the art Compton Ice Arena, and will show it off tomorrow vs the Eagles in a game that will be televised on CBS College Sports, puck drops at 7:35. After last weekend, not many people are giving the Eagles a chance vs an Irish team that has won six of it's last seven, and are also coming off a huge win @ #10 Western Michigan on Tuesday. If the Eagles give that effort we have seen at times this season like the ones @ North Dakota, @ UNH, @ NU, and vs Maine, I know BC can win a game that means A LOT (I will get into that in a little). It will be tough, but a win in South Bend could give this team the confidence it needs when it plays BU in two weeks.

Keys for the Eagles. 

1. Get pumped for this game. BC just got killed by BU, If that sentence alone doesn't get them amped up to play this game then I don't know what will.

2. ND's PP ranks first in the CCHA and twelfth in the country. If BC gets penalties like they did vs BU, guess wat ? they will lose.

3. Limit Tynan's and Lee's chances. These two players are good, very good. Try to keep them as far away from Parker Milner as possible. Try to limit the shots from the perimeter, not up close.

4. Give a solid effort. This a huge game, and when I mean huge I mean one if the biggest games of the year. Give it your all and you can win, play like you did vs BU, your gona get killed.

Why this game means so much 

For those of you that are not familiar with the pairwise rankings, it is the system that the NCAA selection committee uses to select the sixteen teams that will play in the NCAA tournament. Right now, BC is seventh in those rankings, and ND is second. A win on the road vs a good team = a good amount of pairwise points. If BC can win on the road vs a great team, then they should move up big time in the pairwise.

Last time out and series info- The last time these two teams met was on 10/23/10 and the Irish managed to bring down the then #1 Eagles by a score of 2-1. Boston College is 16-12-2 all time vs Notre Dame.

Prediction- Losing two games in a row under Coach York doesn't happen often especially after that effort vs BU. BC in a nail bitter, 4-3.



 Previewing the Holy War on Ice: BC vs. Notre Dame



In the world of college sports, rivalries add an extra layer of intensity, passion, and excitement to the games. The rivalry between Boston College (BC) and Notre Dame, affectionately known as the "Holy War on Ice," is a testament to the power of competition and tradition. In this article, we'll dive deep into the history and significance of this storied rivalry, preview the upcoming matchup, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to college hockey rivalries.

Table of Contents

Rivalries in College Sports: A Special Tradition
The Holy War on Ice: BC vs. Notre Dame Rivalry
Historical Context and Origins
Memorable Moments and Games
The Passion of the Fan Base
Previewing the Upcoming Clash
Key Players to Watch
Coaching Strategies
The Intangibles that Define Rivalry Games
FAQs - Understanding College Hockey Rivalries
: Embracing the Spirit of Rivalry
1. Rivalries in College Sports: A Special Tradition

College sports rivalries are a unique and cherished tradition. They ignite the competitive spirit of athletes and bring fans together in celebration of their respective institutions. Rivalry games often transcend the sport itself, becoming cultural events that are anticipated for months.

2. The Holy War on Ice: BC vs. Notre Dame Rivalry

Let's delve into the history and significance of the BC vs. Notre Dame rivalry:

Historical Context and Origins: The rivalry between BC and Notre Dame traces its origins to the passionate fan bases of both schools and their storied histories in college hockey. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most anticipated matchups in the NCAA.

Memorable Moments and Games: The Holy War on Ice has seen its fair share of unforgettable moments and closely contested games. These matchups often have a flair for the dramatic, with late-game heroics and high-stakes drama.

The Passion of the Fan Base: Rivalry games bring out the best in fans, who pack arenas with a sea of team colors, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The intensity of the fan base adds an extra layer of excitement to the games.

3. Previewing the Upcoming Clash

Let's take a sneak peek at the upcoming matchup between BC and Notre Dame:

Key Players to Watch: The outcome of rivalry games often hinges on standout performances. Keep an eye on key players from both teams who have the potential to make a significant impact on the game.

Coaching Strategies: Coaches play a crucial role in preparing their teams for rivalry games. Their tactical decisions and motivational skills can influence the outcome.

The Intangibles that Define Rivalry Games: Rivalry games are about more than just statistics and strategies. The emotions, history, and tradition associated with the matchup often lead to unpredictable results.

4. FAQs - Understanding College Hockey Rivalries

Let's address some frequently asked questions about college hockey rivalries:

Q1: What makes a college hockey rivalry special?

College hockey rivalries are special because they are rooted in tradition, history, and intense fan passion. The games are highly competitive, and the stakes are elevated.

Q2: How do rivalry games impact the players and teams involved?

Rivalry games can bring out the best in players, as the heightened competition often leads to outstanding performances. Teams often prepare differently for these games due to their significance.

Q3: What role do fans play in college hockey rivalries?

Fans are the lifeblood of rivalries. Their unwavering support and passionate presence at games create an electric atmosphere and add to the intensity of the matchup.

5. Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of Rivalry

The Holy War on Ice between Boston College and Notre Dame embodies the spirit of college hockey rivalries. It's a clash of tradition, passion, and excellence, where the outcome is never certain and the memories are everlasting.

As we anticipate the upcoming matchup, we're reminded that college sports rivalries are more than just games; they are an integral part of the fabric of the institutions and the communities they represent. The Holy War on Ice is a celebration of the spirit of competition and the enduring love for the game of hockey. Regardless of the outcome, these rivalry games remind us why we love college sports and the excitement they bring to our lives.







 Previewing the Holy War on Ice: BC Eagles vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish



In the world of college sports, certain matchups transcend the realm of competition and become iconic rivalries. One such rivalry, known as the "Holy War on Ice," features the Boston College (BC) Eagles facing off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the realm of collegiate ice hockey. This storied rivalry is steeped in tradition, intensity, and a history of thrilling encounters on the frozen stage. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the rich history of this rivalry, explore the dynamics of the teams, and provide a preview of the highly anticipated showdown between the BC Eagles and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Table of Contents

The Holy War on Ice: A Storied Rivalry

Historical Significance
Iconic Moments
Boston College Eagles: Hockey Excellence

A Tradition of Success
Key Players to Watch
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A Formidable Foe

A Proud Hockey Heritage
Standout Performers
The Upcoming Showdown: BC vs. Notre Dame

Game Preview
Key Matchups to Watch
Fanfare and Traditions: The Holy War's Unique Atmosphere

Fan Engagement
Iconic Traditions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Holy War on Ice

1. The Holy War on Ice: A Storied Rivalry

Historical Significance

The Holy War on Ice is a rivalry that transcends the boundaries of college sports. It has its roots in the longstanding athletic competition between Boston College and Notre Dame across various sports, but it takes on a unique intensity and significance when the hockey teams face each other.

The rivalry's moniker, "Holy War," reflects the historical connection between the Catholic institutions of BC and Notre Dame. This connection adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the rivalry, making it a celebrated and highly anticipated matchup on both campuses.

Iconic Moments

Over the years, the Holy War on Ice has produced countless iconic moments. From dramatic game-winning goals to fierce on-ice battles, the rivalry has etched itself into the annals of college hockey history. Each meeting between the Eagles and the Fighting Irish carries the weight of tradition and the anticipation of creating new memorable moments.

2. Boston College Eagles: Hockey Excellence

A Tradition of Success

The Boston College Eagles have a storied history of excellence in collegiate ice hockey. The team has consistently been a powerhouse in NCAA Division I hockey and has claimed multiple national championships. The Eagles' commitment to excellence, strong coaching, and a pipeline of talented players have made them perennial contenders.

Key Players to Watch

In the upcoming Holy War on Ice, the Eagles will showcase their depth and skill. Keep an eye on key players such as talented forwards, dynamic defensemen, and a goaltender with a penchant for making critical saves. These players embody the Eagles' commitment to teamwork, precision, and a relentless pursuit of victory.

3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A Formidable Foe

A Proud Hockey Heritage

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a proud hockey heritage that dates back several decades. While they may not have the same volume of national championships as some of their rivals, the Fighting Irish have consistently competed at a high level. Notre Dame's program is known for its strong work ethic, disciplined play, and commitment to defensive excellence.

Standout Performers

Notre Dame's roster features standout performers who bring their A-game to every matchup. Talented forwards, reliable defensemen, and a goaltender who can steal games make the Fighting Irish a formidable opponent. The team's commitment to defensive structure and timely scoring makes them a tough challenge for any opponent.

4. The Upcoming Showdown: BC vs. Notre Dame

Game Preview

The upcoming Holy War on Ice promises to be a clash of titans. Both the BC Eagles and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will be hungry for victory, knowing that a win in this storied rivalry can set the tone for the season. The game will be a showcase of skill, strategy, and determination.

Key Matchups to Watch

As with any intense rivalry, key matchups on the ice will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Pay close attention to battles in the neutral zone, special teams play, and the performance of goaltenders under pressure. These factors often tip the scales in high-stakes games.

5. Fanfare and Traditions: The Holy War's Unique Atmosphere

Fan Engagement

The Holy War on Ice brings out the best in fan engagement. Both BC and Notre Dame supporters come out in full force to cheer for their teams. The energy in the arena is palpable, and the rival chants and cheers create an electric atmosphere that adds to the intensity of the game.

Iconic Traditions

Rivalry games often feature iconic traditions that are cherished by fans. From pre-game rituals to celebratory chants, the Holy War on Ice has its own set of traditions that add to the spectacle. These traditions are passed down through generations of fans and players, creating a sense of continuity and history.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Holy War on Ice

Q1: When did the Holy War on Ice rivalry begin?

A1: The Holy War on Ice rivalry began in the 1960s when Boston College and Notre Dame's hockey teams first faced off in NCAA competition.

Q2: What is the significance of the "Holy War" in this rivalry?

A2: The term "Holy War" reflects the Catholic identity of both Boston College and Notre Dame, adding an extra layer of meaning to their athletic competitions.

Q3: How do players prepare for the intensity of the Holy War on Ice?

A3: Players prepare for the intensity of the Holy War on Ice by focusing on their training, mental preparation, and understanding the significance of the rivalry. Coaches often emphasize the importance of composure and executing their game plan.

Q4: Are there any notable alumni from the Holy War on Ice rivalry who went on to play in the NHL?

A4: Yes, several players from the Holy War on Ice rivalry have gone on to have successful careers in the NHL. Notable alumni include Johnny Gaudreau (BC) and Anders Lee (Notre Dame), among others.

Q5: How can fans experience the Holy War on Ice if they cannot attend the game in person?

A5: Fans can experience the Holy War on Ice through televised broadcasts, live streams, and by following updates on social media and official team websites.



The Holy War on Ice between the Boston College Eagles and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is a clash that goes beyond the rink. It's a celebration of tradition, competition, and the enduring spirit of college hockey. As fans gear up for the upcoming showdown, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. Whether you're cheering for the Eagles or the Fighting Irish, the Holy War on Ice is a spectacle that reminds us of the power of collegiate sports to unite, inspire, and create memories that last a lifetime.




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