New England

Providence and Boston University to Face Off Saturday in All-New England Frozen Four Final

Nick Saracion and the Friars celebrate his empty-net goal in Thursday’s semifinal win over the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks. Getty Images

That didn’t take long.

Two years after Yale bested Quinnipiac in the last all-New England Frozen Four Final, Boston University and Providence College will fight to bring the Div. 1 title back to the region. And this time, the winner will be decided right here at TD Garden.

The Friars (25-13-12) were the first to secure a championship berth, dropping Nebraska-Omaha by a 4-1 margin in the early game Thursday. The Terriers (28-7-5) survived a late rally by the University of North Dakota to secure their championship spot with a 5-3 win.

Jack Eichel, the presumptive no. 2 selection in this year’s NHL Entry Draft, led the nation this season with 67 points in 38 games, tallying two goals (including an empty-netter) and an assist in Thursday’s semifinal win. Providence was led this season by Nick Saracino (38 points), who likewise scored on an empty net Thursday.

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Boston University and Providence faced each other twice this year, splitting the season series.

The last All-New England Frozen Four Final to be decided here came way back in 1995, when BU topped Maine 6-2 in Providence.

The puck drops Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

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