Box Score Recap courtesy of Castleton University
RUTLAND, Vt. – The College of Brockport withstood a late rally by Tufts University, as the Golden Eagles defeated the Jumbos, 5-3, Friday afternoon in the first game of the 2017 WSYB/Catamount Radio Invitational, hosted by Castleton University at Spartan Arena.
Brockport opened a two-goal advantage with a pair of goals less than a minute apart. Connor Hutchins buried a slap shot from the top of the far circle on the power play with assists by Zac Sikich and Chris Pollini at 10:44 of the opening period. Sikich came right back and chipped in a goal in front to double the visitors' lead just 29 seconds later.
The Golden Eagles stretched their lead to 3-0 early in the second. Connor Bass blasted a low slap shot that snuck through traffic and skipped by a screened Tufts goaltender 6:31 into the frame.
The Jumbos responded as Andrew Hadley hammered a rebound from the doorstep off an initial shot by Blake McIntyre at the 10:25 mark to close within 3-1. Brockport quickly answered once more as Ethan Solat one-timed a pass in front from Danny Rock just 52 seconds later to extend its lead back to three at 4-1.
The Jumbos got the final goal in the second to cut the deficit back to two when Peter Hatton slipped a low shot inside the left post after Mason Babbidge's backhander was saved. Tufts had an opportunity to come even closer at the start of the third period with a power play, but Brockport goalie Matt Schneider turned away both Jumbo shots.
Late in the third period, Tufts pulled its goalie for an extra attacker, and it immediately paid off, as Machlan Sawden found Brian Brown in front of the net, and Brown converted to bring the Jumbos within one at 4-3 with 2:11 left in regulation. After play resumed and the puck went into the Brockport zone, Tufts once again brought on an extra skater, but after three previous attempts by his teammates, Brockport's Hunter Laslo was able to score an empty net goal for the final tally of the game.
Schneider finished with 30 saves in the game, while Tufts goalie Drew Hotte turned away 24 Brockport shots. Brockport won more faceoffs than Tufts, 42-35.
Brockport (5-2-1) will face the winner of the Castleton-King's College game in the championship of the WSYB/Catamount Radio Invitational Saturday at 4 p.m. Tufts (0-3-1) will take on the loser of the tournament's second game in the third place contest Saturday at 1 p.m. at Spartan Arena.
#
