Cotton, Boldy impress in BC’s season opening win

David Cotton, pictured here in a game last season against UVM, had a goal and an assist. (Boston College Athletics)

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. — For a team like Boston College that hasn’t experienced much success out-of-conference over the past few years, Friday’s season-opening, 5-3 win over Wisconsin was extra sweet.

“It’s nice to win a non-conference game,” BC head coach Jerry York remarked with a smile.

It wasn’t just any old, run of the mill season opener. Friday’s tilt pitted two of college hockey’s perennial powers. Wisconsin and Boston College combined for 21 NHL draft picks, including six first rounders, and another player who is expected to be a first round selection in 2020.

Each team had three first rounders and five of the six had played with each other at USA Hockey’s NTDP. Five and six were playing in their first collegiate game.