What's Happening?
The Boston University (BU) women's hockey team emerged victorious in the 2026 Friendship Series held in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Despite having the worst record among the four participating teams, BU defeated Harvard 3-2 in the championship game to claim the Belpot Trophy. Junior forward Neely Nicholson scored the decisive goal with 7:14 remaining, securing the win for BU. Seniors Riley Walsh and Lilli Welcke also contributed goals, while junior Mari Pietersen made 27 saves. Harvard's goals came from freshmen Carla McSweeney and Elle Sproule. Both teams reached the finals by upsetting higher-ranked opponents; BU overcame a two-goal deficit to beat No. 8 Quinnipiac in a shootout, while Harvard defeated No. 5 Minnesota Duluth in overtime. This
tournament marked the first time the Friendship Series featured a four-team format, expanding from its previous two-team setup.
Why It's Important?
The victory for Boston University in the Friendship Series is significant as it highlights the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, despite a challenging season start. This win could boost the team's morale and confidence as they return to domestic competitions. For the broader landscape of women's college hockey, the tournament's expansion to a four-team format represents a growing interest and investment in international competitions, providing teams with valuable exposure and experience. The success of such events can encourage more universities to participate in international tournaments, fostering greater competitiveness and skill development in women's hockey.
What's Next?
Following their victory in Ireland, the Boston University women's hockey team will return to the United States to continue their season in the Hockey East conference. The team will aim to build on their international success to improve their standing in domestic play. For the Friendship Series, the successful expansion to a four-team format may lead to further growth in future editions, potentially attracting more teams and increasing the tournament's prestige. Stakeholders in women's hockey, including university athletic departments and sponsors, may look to capitalize on the increased visibility and success of such international events to promote the sport further.
