Box Score 
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – Thanks to a Cam Newton (pictured) game-winning goal in overtime, the Tufts University hockey team earned a NESCAC victory over the Wesleyan University Cardinals on Friday night by a score of 3-2 at Spurrier-Snyder Rink.
No goals were scored in the first period, but Wesleyan controlled the possession game, and fired 13 shots on goal compared to the Jumbos' seven. Defense and goaltending were the strengths for Tufts in the first period, blocking eight of Wesleyan's shots along with senior goaltender Josh Sarlo saving 13 shots. The Jumbos did have the first great scoring opportunity of the game just under seven minutes in when freshman Marek Pechr had a breakaway shot that went just wide. Wesleyan also had a chance on a three-on-two, but could not get a clean shot off.
Wesleyan scored the first goal of the game just under five minutes into the second period. Junior defenseman Mike Dunderdale received a pass from sophomore forward DJ Dixon at the blue line and fired a wrist shot that was deflected and found its way into the back of the net for the 1-0 Cardinals lead. Tufts responded to that goal with 10:32 left in the period when senior forward Brendan Skarda collected a loose puck from a faceoff circle on the right side of the goal and wrapped around the back of the net and snuck the puck by Wesleyan goalie Marc Smith to tie the game at one goal apiece. Wesleyan would create more opportunities to score for the remainder of the period and outshot the Jumbos 15-7 for the second period.
Both teams would score again in the third period and it was Tufts that got the first, as senior forward Justin Brandt sent a nifty back-handed pass to senior defenseman Tom Tresca in front of the net where he finished it for the goal. Under two minutes later, Wesleyan responded on the power play when graduate defenseman Matt Zandi sent a shot towards the net from deep out and the puck was loose in front. It eventually trickled out on the left side of the net where senior forward Tyler Levine collected it and scored the tying goal with 10 minutes left in regulation. After these two goals, neither team could capitalize on their opportunities, sending the game to a three-on-three overtime period.
The overtime period did not last long, as Newton scored the game-winner just over one minute into the period. Sophomore forward Andrew Maynard passed to Newton in front of the net and Newton possessed the puck towards the left side of the goal, made a move, and sent a shot around a defender and into the right side of the net to give the Jumbos the 3-2 victory.
Wesleyan led in shots on goal 38-20, but Sarlo helped Tufts get the win with his 36 saves compared to Smith's 17. Wesleyan also led 39-29 in faceoff victories and both teams had one power play goal.
Next, the Jumbos travel to Trinity College for another NESCAC matchup on Saturday at 4 pm.
Written by Tim O'Brien, Athletic Communications Intern
