HENNIKER, N.H. – With their season on the line, the New England College men's ice hockey team won 2-1 against visiting Albertus Magnus College on Friday evening at Lee Clement Arena in Henniker, New Hampshire in New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) action. With the victory, the Pilgrims guarantee themselves a spot in the upcoming NEHC Championship Tournament.
THE BASICS
Score: Albertus Magnus 1, New England College 2
Records: Pilgrims 10-13-1, 9-9-1 NEHC | Falcons 11-12-1, 8-10-1 NEHC
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After a scoreless first period, the 'Grims got on the board off back-to-back short-handed goals in the second scored just twelve seconds apart. First, with 12:06 to go in the frame, NEC senior forward David Novotny (Boca Raton, Fla.) stormed down the ice and – surrounded by Albertus defenders – found a streaking sophomore forward Gunnar Sibley (Monticello, Minn.) with a pass that gave the second-year standout his eighth goal of the season as the hosts went up 1-0. Just twelve seconds later and on the same power play, Novotny won the puck in a scrum on the Falcons' end, then circled the goal like a shark. The senior found his shot for his team-leading eleventh goal of the season, putting the Pilgrims up 2-0 with 11:54 left in the second period.
- The Falcons would answer with 1:08 to go in the second period, as Albertus sophomore forward Charles Lavoie (Chicoutimi, Quebec) scored his first goal of the season with an assist to senior forward Sam Anderson (Calgary, Alberta) as the visitors went into the second intermission down just one with one period to go.
- The third period saw the Falcons desperately throw everything they could at the Pilgrims' defense, finally pulling the goalie with 1:01 left in the game. The NEC defense held firm against the flurry, however, stopping Albertus cold as the Pilgrim faithful celebrated a return to the playoffs.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- NEC freshman goaltender Anthony Beaulieu (Lawrence, Mass.) tallied 38 saves on the evening for the 'Grims, posting an impressive .974 save percentage.
- Albertus Magnus freshman goaltender Chace Hale (Pittsburgh, Penn.) finished with 26 stops for the night for the Falcons.
- Shots on goal were 39-28 in favor of Albertus Magnus.
- With the win, the 'Grims extend their home winning streak to six games.
- NEC sophomore defenseman Christophe Petit (Chelsea, Quebec) recorded three blocks on the night.
UP NEXT
- NEC and Albertus Magnus are back on the ice tomorrow when they meet in a 4:00 p.m. game to conclude the regular seasons for both teams. The Pilgrims will be honoring their seniors as part of Senior Day festivities.
