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Senior Dylan Cooper scored the first goal of the season for Tufts
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MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – Middlebury was shutout in its season-opener for the first time since 1940, as they fell at home to Tufts, 3-0, in front of 1,700 fans at Kenyon Arena on Friday night. The victory by the Jumbos over the Panthers is their first in the series between the teams since the 1954-55 season, when Tuffs won 5-1.
Middlebury leads the all-time series with the Jumbos 16-2-3, but Tufts is now undefeated against the Panthers in the last two seasons. Tufts earned a 3-3 tie in the opener a year ago.
After a scoreless first period, Tufts took a 1-0 lead just 1:05 into the second period. After the initial shot was saved, senior Dylan Cooper (Colorado Springs, CO) gathered the puck and stuffed it home just off the far post. Middlebury had three power play opportunities later in the period, but could not take advantage as they headed into the third period with a 1-0 deficit.
Tufts gained some breathing room 3:50 into the third period, as senior Zach Diaco (Rumson, NJ) blasted home a shot from the high slot after the puck bounced out to him on a rebound.
Middlebury kept coming in the period, with some great chances to score, but could not find the back of the net. Tufts goaltender Scott Barchard (Reading, MA) kept the shutout intact at 17:00, making a nice blocker save on Bryan Curran, who was breaking in on the right wing. The Panthers pulled their goaltender with 3:00 remaining, but could not score as freshman Garrett Sider (Longwood, FL) added an empty-netter to seal the win.
Middlebury held a 29-15 shots advantage on the night, but Barchard made 29 saves to earn the win. Nick BonDurant made a dozen stops for Middlebury in his collegiate debut.
The Jumbos continue their opening-weekend road trip at Williams on Saturday at 3 pm. Middlebury returns to action when they host Connecticut College on Saturday at 4 pm.
Game Box Score
Game release courtesy of Middlebury College
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