MILTON, Mass.- In an ECAC Northeast Conference match-up, Curry College defeated Johnson & Wales University, 5-4, in men's ice hockey action on Saturday evening in Milton, Mass,. Eleven seniors were recognized prior to the start of the game. The Colonels improved to 13-10-2 overall and 11-3-0 record in the ECAC Northeast, while the Wildcats fell to 13-9-3 overall and 7-5-2 in the ECAC Northeast.
The Colonels took an early lead in the first period at the 5:39 mark. Junior Connor Hendry (Calgary, Alberta) took a shot from right outside the net that slid past the Wildcat’s junior netminder Matt Cooper (Perrysburg, Ohio). The Wildcats tied it up midway through the frame on a power-play goal. Hendry was called for a hook and Johnson & Wales took advantage of the man-up situation. Senior Domenic Recchia (Sterling Hights, Mich.) took a slap shot past Curry’s freshman goaltender Derek Mohney (Amherst, N.Y.). Recchi was assisted by junior Trevor Jewelo (Muskegon, Mich.) and sophomore Ian Depasquale (Buffalo, N.Y.). Curry took back the lead with just under three minutes to play when senior Payden Benning scored off assists from senior Steven Mohler (Yorba Linda, Calif.) and sophomore Joshua Pineiro (Huntington, Calif.). The Colonels outscored the Wildcats 14-9.
Barlock scored to give the Colonels a two goal lead late in the second period. Barlock’s goal was on a man-up situation. Johnson & Wales had a five minute major called for roughing and were able to get their third goal of the night. On the assists were senior John Williams (Flourtown, Pa.) who earned his 100th career-point and Mohler for his second assist on the evening. Just under two minutes later, the Wildcats cut the lead to one on their second power-play goal of the game. Barlock was only in the penalty box for four seconds before the Wildcats scored. On the goal was Recchi, his second of the night. Senior Jeremiah Ketts (Foristell, Mo.) was the lone assist. Shots after the second were 21-5, Curry.
Four goals were scored in the final period. Each team scored two apiece. Curry was the first to get on the board just 4:19 into the frame. Mohler had the goal and finished the night with three points on one goal and two assists. Williams earned his second assist and Benning had the secondary. The last three goals were all scored on power-plays and with 2:13 left to play. Johnson & Wales responded back after the Curry goal to once again cut the Colonels lead to just one. Junior Erick Vos (Kalamazoo, Mich.) had the goal with assists from Jewelo, his second assist for the game and Recchi for his first assist and third point. The Colonels game-winning goal came with just 1:32 remaining. Junior Casey Brugman (Winthrop, Mass.) scored with assist from juniors George Isham (Chicago, Ill.) and Ian DeLong (Kutztown, Pa.). Curry had two penalties called, the first at 1:06 and the second with 47 seconds left. The Wildcats pulled Cooper for the 6-3 man-up. Johnson & Wales were able to capitalize on the advantage at the 19:50 mark but it wasn’t enough as Curry held off for the 5-4 victory. The final goal was scored by Vos, his second. Depasquale earned the only assist which was his second of the night.
The Colonels finished with 50 shots, while the Wildcats had 31. Curry went 1 for 5 on power-plays and Johnson and Wales, 4-8.
Curry's Mohney earned the win in net making 27saves. Cooper earned the loss making 45 saves in net.
Both teams will await playoff pairings, which begin on Saturday, February 25.
