Box Score Recap Courtesy of Wesleyan University
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. - Two goals from sophomore Vincent Lima helped lead the Wesleyan University men's ice hockey team to a 4-1 victory over Tufts University on Saturday afternoon.
The Jumbos are now 7-6-3 overall and 5-4-1 in the NESCAC while Wesleyan advances to 9-4-2 overall, 5-3-2 NESCAC.
The Cardinals got on the board first at 9:55 in the first period as freshman Walker Harris passed the puck to sophomore Chad Malinowski who rifled a shot wide, however, the shot took a Wesleyan bounce and found the stick of the waiting sophomore Andy Espinoza who deposited the put into the net for the 1-0 lead.
The Cardinals would extend their lead to two goals in the second period as Lima picked up the puck and laced a shot over the glove hand of Jumbos goaltender Mason Pulde at the 3:45 mark.
Lima's second goal of the year was assisted by senior Rob Harbison and freshman Tyler Kobryn. Junior Cam McCusker would bring the lead to 3-0 in favor of the home team as he intercepted a pass in the Tufts zone and went top shelf for his fifth goal of the season at 19:37.
Tufts would break through in the third period on a goal by senior Patrick Lackey at 11:28 in the third period. His fourth goal of the season was assisted by junior Trevor Davis and brought the Wesleyan lead to two goals at 3-1.
The Jumbos would pull their goaltender, and Lima would take advantage as he took the junior Mike Yablong pass and deposited the puck into the vacant net at 18:41 to seal the 4-1 victory.
Sophomore goaltender George Blinick made 26 saves in net to earn his third victory on the season. The Cardinals out shot Tufts 35-27. Tufts' Pulde had 21 saves in the loss with his teammate Nik Nugnes recorded five.
The Cardinals are back in action on Tuesday, January 24th as they will host Assumption College at 7 p.m. The Jumbos next play on Friday, January 27th against Williams College. Face-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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