Box Score
MALDEN - The University of Southern Maine Huskies tallied two special teams goals, and scored another just as a power play expired, to cruise past the Tufts University Jumbos, 5-1, in NESCAC/ECAC East play on Saturday afternoon at Valley Forum II.
The Huskies started the scoring in the first period at the 5:57 mark when sophomore David Niles (Brookline, MA) zipped a shot by Tufts freshman goalie Brian Phillips (Colleyville, TX). Niles was setup by both of his linemates, senior Zach Joy (Dover, NH) and freshman Mike Greene (Arvada, CO).
Phillips did make nine saves in the first period, while Southern Maine freshman goalie Braely Torris (Eckville, AB) stopped all eight Jumbo shots to keep it 1-0 Huskies entering the first intermission.
After no penalties in the first 20 minutes, each team was given multiple power play chances in the second period. Tufts could not convert on its three opportunities, while Southern Maine was 0 for 2. However, the Huskies potted a short-handed goal at 12:35 of the period after a mistake in net by Phillips left it wide open for Niles to score his second of the day.
Less than three minutes later at 15:01, senior Mike Carpenter (Minot, ME) made it 3-0 Huskies with a top shelf shot from the right point. Senior Paul Conter (Woodbridge, ON) and sophomore Dustin Rider (Farmington, CT) picked up the helpers on the third Husky goal.
Tufts did register 10 shots on net in the second period, but Torris was up to the task again, keeping the shutout alive through 40 minutes.
The Jumbos showed some life in the third period. After putting in hard work deep in the Southern Maine zone, senior Conor Pieri (Needham, MA) was able to deposit the puck into the back of the net with help of sophomore Dylan Plimmer (Phoenix, AZ) and classmate Tom Derosa (Charlestown, MA) at 4:55 of the period.
It stayed 3-1 Huskies until Southern Maine took advantage of their final two power-play opportunities. At 11:35, just 11 seconds into an interference minor on Tufts freshman Cody Armstrong (Medfield, MA), Conter earned his second point of the day, scoring on the power play from Joy and Niles.
Then later, right as a hooking minor to Jumbo sophomore Nick Metcalfe (Stoneham, MA) expired, Huskies senior Steve Wiedler (Farmingville, NY) made it 5-1. The fifth goal came at 15:00 of the third period, from junior Dan Rautenberg (Cape Elizabeth, ME) and senior Jon Rutt (Scarborough, ME).
Torris earned the victory for the Huskies as he stopped 22 Tufts shots. For the Jumbos, Phillips played the first 35:01 and made 17 saves, while junior Evin Koleini (Buffalo, NY) finished the final 24:59, registering 12 saves. Southern Maine out-shot Tufts, 34-23.
Three Huskies had multiple-point evenings. Niles finished with two goals and an assist, while Conter tallied a goal and an assist. Joy added two helpers for Southern Maine.
With the loss, Tufts now stands 5-15-1 overall and 4-13 in league play. They will be at St. Michael's on Friday night for a 7 pm face off. Southern Maine improves to 6-12-4 overall and 4-11-2 in conference. The Huskies will be at Wesleyan for a 7 pm face off on Friday night.
It was Senior Day for the Jumbos as they honored seven players: Pieri, Andy Davis (Woburn, MA), Mike Vitale (Brookfield, IL), Zach Diaco (Rumson, NJ), Dylan Cooper (Colorado Springs, CO), Derosa (Charlestown, MA) and Fredrik Mellgren (Shoreview, MN).
Game Box Score
#
