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Blue Devils bounce back from overtime loss with inspiring winMen's hockey team faces Utica College in home openers, adds points to overall record
The Blue Devils were heading into back-to-back games against the Utica Pioneers with a stable 1-0-1 record, looking for an impressive two-game winning sweep. During Friday's game, Utica scored the first goal but their goaltender was later caught out of position. The Blue Devils were given nine power play chances but only succeeded once as senior forward Neal Sheehan netted his first goal of the season at 9:45 in the second period. Sheehan scored off of a missed shot from junior defender Colin Sarfeh. Junior forward Bryan Goudy was also credited with the assist. The Blue Devils and Pioneers headed into a nail biting overtime where the score stood at 1-1. Utica came out victorious as they scored by way of a Blue Devil turnover with 8.2 seconds remaining. Junior goalkeeper Kevin Amborski still ended Friday's game with an impressive 28 saves. "The problem that led to Friday night's loss was turning the puck over in the neutral zone," said Head Coach Jeffrey Meredith. We know we did not play up to our potential." Though the overtime loss of 2-1 was disheartening to both the team and its fans, preparations for a comeback during Saturday's game were already in mind. The following night, Fredonia was given a second chance to produce a win against Utica. They were searching for a boost of morale coming off a tough loss from the night before. Before the face-off, last year's seniors from the men's hockey team gathered on the ice in Steele Hall to unravel the 2006-07 SUNYAC Championship banner. The Blue Devils claimed the championship last season on March 3 as they defeated Plattsburgh 6-4. It was the first SUNYAC hockey championship for Fredonia in 12 years. Following the ceremony, the Blue Devils came out strong in their second game of the home opening weekend. Fredonia managed an early goal as freshman forward Jordan Oye scored only 26 seconds into the first period. Meredith recognized the team's boosted confidence immediately following Fredonia's early lead. "Our true ability was not shown in the first game," Meredith said. "We had something to prove and we did that with the quick start on Saturday." Oye was not done yet as he registered the second goal of the game, his third of the season. Utica trounced on Fredonia's lead with a goal at 4:35, thus allowing the score to read at 2-1 after the first period. He gave credit for his drive and success to his welcoming upperclassmen. "They have truly embraced us all," said Oye. "The upperclassmen have realized early on in the season the importance of a healthy team atmosphere. The team's attitude is shown through our playing." Fredonia later took an impressive 4-1 lead as Sheehan and sophomore forward Matt McKeown each took turns recording one goal and one assist. Despite Utica's perseverance, the Blue Devils maintained the lead into the final minutes of regulation. Fredonia's 4-3 victory transpired after the Pioneers netted two third period goals. Sophomore goalkeeper Pat Street was injured and taken out of goal in the final minute. "I'm fine now and cannot wait until our next pair of home games," said Street. "My entire left leg just cramped up from dehydration." Street ended the game with a remarkable 38 saves. Earlier in the week, he was named goaltender of the week by the SUNYAC for his outstanding playing against Cortland and Manhattanville in the previous weekend. The Blue Devils will take on Potsdam at 7 p.m. on Friday Nov. 9 and Saturday Nov. 10 at home. |
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