Third period and overtime video
April 11, 2009–It took a last-minute rally for the ages and a deflected overtime game-winner for top-ranked BU to nail down its fifth national championship in a game that became known as the “DC Miracle.”
Trailing 3-1 with goalie Kieran Millan pulled for an extra skater, BU cut the deficit with 59 seconds remaining when Zach Cohen backhanded home the rebound of Nick Bonino‘s shot. Then, with time winding down, Chris Higgins recovered a puck at the right boards and sent it to Matt Gilroy in the high slot. The Terrier captain didn’t have a shot, so he backhanded a pass to Bonino in the right circle and he buried a one-timer. His “unbelievable!” goal exploded the BU bench and sent the game to overtime.
In the sudden death period, both teams had grade A scoring chances. Gilroy barely beat a Redhawk skater to a juicy rebound, while Colin Wilson bulled his way past a defender on an end-to-end rush before firing a shot that was defended.
Nearing the 12-minute mark, BU sent the puck deep and got on a forecheck with Corey Trivino battling for possession. Chris Connelly came away with the puck and dished it to Kevin Shattenkirk at the left point. As he moved to his right, he dropped a pass to Colby Cohen who closed to the top of the left circle and ripped a slapper. A diving Miami defender got a piece of the shot that flew high over goalie Cody Reichard’s shoulder and into the net.The “Burn The Boats” guys were national champions.
Victory number 35 (35-6-4) set a new program mark for most wins and completed BU’s third “championship hat trick”: Beanpot, Conference championship and NCAA title.
The win gave BU it’s seventh title of the season: Ice Breaker, Denver Cup, Beanpot Championship, Hockey East Regular Season title, Hockey East Championship, Manchester Regional and National Championship.
For the senior class, it was their 100th win. Ten Terriers, including all six starting defensemen, went on to play in the NHL. Bonino and Shattenkirk would become Stanley Cup champions.
● GoTerriers.com Terriers Capture National Title in OT Thriller
● GoTerriers.com Cardiac Kids
Congrats to Cole Hutson on being named a First Team All-American for the second straight season! pic.twitter.com/zMTTKD8iYB
— BU Men’s Hockey (@TerrierHockey) April 11, 2026
Following in the footsteps of
his brother Lane, Cole Hutson has been named a first-team All-American for the
second consecutive season. Hutson, who also repeated as a first-team Hockey East All-Star, led the Terriers in points (32) and assists (22). His two year career totals are 24-56-80.
Since signing with the Washington Capitals, Hutson has three goals and five assists in 11 games.
In the past 12 seasons, four
Terrier defensemen have repeated as first-team All-Americans, while a total of eight
blueliners achieved that mark in program history. Besides the Hutson brothers, they are: Tom Ross
(’64-’65, ’65-’66), Bob Brown (’70-’71 & ’71-’72), Vic Stanfield (’73-’74 &
’74-’75), Matt Gilroy (’07-’08 & ’08-’09), Matt Grzelcyk (’14-’15 & ’15-’16)
and David Farrance (’19-’20 & ’20-’21).
● GoTerriers.com Hutson Named First Team All-American for Second Straight Year
The Hutsons will go down as one of the most consequential families in BU Hockey History. Lane, Quinn, and Cole all scored clutch goals, filling the trophy case, and ushering in a new era of BU Hockey pic.twitter.com/JY7qPCgHFF
— BU Hockey Stats (@BUHockeyStats) April 11, 2026
Looking ahead
2027 recruit Caleb Malhotra scored his eighth playoff goal–unassisted–as Brantford rolled past North Bay, 4-1, to a take a 2-0 lead in their playoff series. With 13 points in six games, the 6’2″ center is third in OHL playoff scoring and is the leader in goals.
Just in time ⏰ #BFD pic.twitter.com/bPw7lmUcG7
— Brantford Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) April 10, 2026
Looking back
Three Terriers–Alex Vlasic (CHI), Jake Oettinger (DAL) and Jack Eichel (VGS) are their team’s nominees for the 2025-26 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The award is presented “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”
