Lane Hutson’s college season will last at least two more days. The Boston University Terriers won 6-3 Thursday against the Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
With this victory, the Terriers advance to the regional final of the NCAA end-of-season championship. This regional final actually constitutes a quarter-final, since the four winners will meet at the Frozen Four, in two weeks, to compete in the semi-finals and the season finale.
Hutson, defender drafted by the Canadian at 62e rank in 2022, scored a goal and an assist in the victory. His net, scored on a masterful feint, opened the scoring.
BU plays its next game Saturday, against Minnesota, winning Thursday against Omaha. BU comes to 2e rank in the NCAA national rankings, while Minnesota is 7e.
With a victory on Saturday, the Terriers would punch their ticket to the Frozen Four, which begins on April 11. The Habs season ends on April 16. Hutson, if he comes to an agreement with the Canadian subsequently, would therefore be entitled to a very short audition in the NHL before the end of the calendar.
Luke Tuch, a giant striker drafted by 2e tour in 2020, also lines up for the Terriers. He was shut out in the victory despite his five shots.
The Boston-Minnesota duel will bring together four CH hopefuls. In addition to Hutson and Tuch for Boston, we will find defender Luke Mittelstadt and forward Rhett Pitlick for Minnesota.
Two other CH prospects are participating in the tournament: goalkeeper Jacob Fowler (Boston College) and forward Sam Harris (Denver). Harris advanced to the next round thanks to a 2-1 Pioneers victory over Massachusetts. Fowler and Boston College will begin their journey Friday afternoon, against Michigan Tech.
However, neither Fowler nor Harris are expected to return to the professional ranks once their tournament is over.