Warsofsky in, Noonan out for Game 1 vs. Northeastern

By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff

Junior defenseman David Warsofsky will be back for this weekend’s Hockey East quarterfinal series against Northeastern, according to BU coach Jack Parker.

Warsofsky, who will return to his usual spot alongside sophomore Ryan Ruikka on the top paring, has missed the last four games after suffering a concussion in the final minutes of a 1-0 win at Providence on Feb. 19. Parker said he’s been a full participant in practice this week and hasn’t shown any lingering symptoms.

The Terriers still won’t be at full strength on the blue line for Thursday night’s Game 1, though. That’s because freshman Garrett Noonan will miss the contest while serving a one-game suspension for accumulating three game misconducts on the season. Per NCAA rules, a third game misconduct results in an automatic one-game suspension.

Noonan completed the trifecta Saturday night when he elbowed Northeastern senior Tyler McNeely in the head. Parker said after the game that he didn’t think Noonan made contact with McNeely’s head and that he planned to ask Hockey East to review the call.

After Wednesday’s practice, however, Parker said the penalty could not be appealed and Noonan will have to serve the suspension. Noonan will be back for Game 2 on Friday night.

Sophomore Max Nicastro, who had been on the third pairing most of the season before getting bumped up to the top duo in Warsofsky’s absence, will now move to the second pairing to replace Noonan. He’ll play on the right side next to freshman Adam Clendening, who shifts left to play his off side. Parker said Clendening should have an easier time on the off side than Nicastro because he has better hands.

For the fifth straight game, the third pairing will be sophomore Sean Escobedo and freshman Patrick MacGregor.