In just a few short years, Fenway Park has added some great hockey moments to its illustrious list of seminal sports moments, and now it’s time for the Beacons to make some memories of their own. Men’s hockey will be suiting up and taking on Salem State on the frozen tundra January 7th, as part of a D3 doubleheader that day.
Coach Peter Belisle is beyond ecstatic to get a chance to play on the big stage. “You watch so many of these games on TV,” he said, upon hearing the news, “and to be a part it, it’s going to be awesome not only for our guys but for the whole school. I’m super excited for it.” 
After leading the Beacons to a top 15 national ranking last year and a deep run in the Eastern College Athletic Conference tournament, the boys will now have a tough test in the shadow of the Green Monster. 
The Frozen Fenway invite means that there’s some serious pressure on the guys to pull out a win in a historic venue. Coach Belisle said, “There’s definitely (pressure). There’s already talk of a Chancellor’s wager so there’s some extra pressure on me to win this one. We just need to treat it like any other game. We’re just trying to build towards something and our ultimate goal obviously is to win a championship.” He added, “A lot of eyes will be on this and it’s kind a mini-Super Bowl within the season.”
The guys won’t have a soft stretch to build up for this game. They’re playing in the Codfish Bowl the weekend before and will only get one day off to rest up for the outdoor clash.
Salem State is an old rival, formerly in the same conference as the Beacons. Belisle explained, “They were in the ECAC East with us for a long time. … It’s old rivals and storied traditions going head to head. They’ve had some really good hockey teams in the past, and they have their own arena like us. It should be a good test.”
Of course, this major event wouldn’t be possible without the entire Department of Athletics rallying around the hockey team and working to make it a reality. UMass Boston is expected to sell at least 500 tickets to the event or face a monetary penalty.
Belisle said, “The alumni office has been heavily involved. … I think they want to use it as a soft launch for the 50th anniversary of our school too. It’s a great marketing opportunity for our school as well as the hockey program, and I think it will be a really fun event for everyone involved. And hopefully our students come.”
In addition to student and alumni activities surrounding the game, the boys will also be donning special throwback sweaters for the occasion. This is sure to be one of the biggest games in recent memory for Beacons Athletics, and as Belisle said, it will be one of the highlights of his coaching career.
Tickets for the Jan. 7 doubleheader will be available through the athletic department.