Nov. 5, 2011

Box Score

BOSTON, Mass. – Led by Corey Chakeen (Quincy, Mass.) and Anthony Fitti (Havertown, Pa.), men's hockey (0-2, 0-2 ECAC East) nearly pulled off a late third period comeback, but unfortunately the Pilgrims of New England College (2-0, 2-0 ECAC East) managed to hold onto their deteriorating lead as they pulled out the 4-3 ECAC East conference win Saturday afternoon in the Clark Athletic Center Ice Rink.

Chakeen, who had two goals in the contest, sparked the third period rally at the 4:49 mark on an even strength goal, which at the time made it 4-2 in favor of the Pilgrims.  Still looking for their third goal of the night, the Beacons were award a power-play opportunity with less than three minutes left to play in the contest.  Fitti came through for UMass in a big way as he and Travis Daniel (North Brunswick, N.J.) managed to blow by the Pilgrim's defense and drive the shot home to make it just a one goal game.

Still needing that crucial game-tying score, the Beacons pulled freshman goaltender Alex Scola (Exeter, N.H.), to gain the extra-forward.  UMass controlled a majority of the final minute, but just as time was counting down, New England was able to clear the puck and managed to keep it in the Beacons end.  However with less than five seconds to play, UMass was able to find some open ice and all six players flew up the ice, and just as time expired got off the final shot of the night, which unfortunately was stopped by Pilgrim goalie Shawn Sirman.

Despite not pulling off the comeback, the Beacons showed tremendous heart by battling back from a three-goal deficit.  Netting the first goal of the afternoon for UMass was Chakeen, who closed out his first weekend as a college player with a combined three goals. 

Scola who came in the third period also had a solid debut totaling 10 saves in the final 20 minutes of play to help build momentum for UMass.  Senior Kevin Bendel (Denville, N.J.) played the first two periods and was handed the loss.  He totaled 15 saves in his 40 minutes of action.

Proving to be the killer for UMass however was New England's special teams as they went 3-for-5 on the power-play, while only allowing one UMass power-play goal on six attempts.  The Beacons led all three periods in shots to end the game with a +9 advantage (38-29). 

New England drew first blood in Saturday's game, as Jesse Ostring scored an even-strength goal at the 11:30 mark in the first period.  Chakeen responded with his first goal of the day 43 seconds later. 

From there New England scored three consecutive power-play goals, one in the first and two in the second to jump out to a 4-2 lead.  Down but not out, the Beacons rallied behind an early goal from Chakeen, and with the goal from Fitti at 17:41, UMass knew they were still in it, but unfortunately time was not on their side as the final horn sounded just as the Beacons were building one last rally.

Men's hockey will now begin their very long road schedule, which is set to kick off on Saturday, November 12 at UMass Dartmouth.  That game will be the first of nine away games played by the Beacons over the next two months.  Start time for their game at UMass Dartmouth is set for 4:30 p.m.