WORCESTER, MA. – For the fifth time in 12 games this season, the Purple Eagles ice hockey team needed an overtime period to decide a contest. Niagara came within 90 seconds of earning a tie with Holy Cross, but the Crusaders’ Spencer Trapp sent a slap shot in the net late in the extra period and the Purple Eagles fell 3-2 at the Hart Center Saturday night.
Kevin Patterson picked up a goal and an assist to lead Purple Eagles scorers on the evening, and Tanner Lomsnes also scored in the overtime loss. Stephen Pietrobon assisted on Patterson’s goal, and the junior now has points in four of the last five games, totaling one goal and five assists. Nick Farmer and TJ Sarcona each recorded one assist as well, while Joe O’Brien made 28 saves in the loss, his fourth start of the season.
“This was another night where the effort was there for us through 60-plus minutes,” head coach Dave Burkholder said. “Another strong game from Joe O’Brien, who deserved better for his efforts.”
The Purple Eagles (1-9-2, 1-4-1 Atlantic Hockey) jumped out to a 2-0 start for the second consecutive evening. Patterson opened the scoring 5:57 into the game, as Pietrobon corralled a loose puck to the side of the net and fed the defenseman for a strong shot from the blue line. Just 2:22 later, Farmer found Lomsnes alone up ice for a breakaway, and the freshman took a wrist shot that blistered past the blocker of Holy Cross netminder Paul Berrafato.
Just as they did Friday night, the Crusaders (7-6-0, 6-3-0 Atlantic Hockey) ended the Purple Eagles’ scoring at two goals. Scott Pooley scored in the first period to half the lead, and in the second a shot from Holy Cross’ Castan Sommer appeared to deflect high off a Niagara stick and over the reach of O’Brien to tie the game with 6:26 left in the second.
The two teams played to a scoreless third period, with both teams putting their maximum effort on the line to try and find the decisive goal. O’Brien made 12 third-period saves, and Niagara had a few chances to win with the last three shots on goal of regulation, but they could not find the back of the net. Holy Cross was able to convert on their first shot on goal as Trapp’s long shot blistered past O’Brien.
“We will band together and do more with our two series left in the first semester,” Burkholder added. “This loss stings, but it will make us better.”
With this weekend’s series in the books, the Purple Eagles have a home stand to look forward to next weekend. Niagara will host the Bentley Falcons in the friendly confines of Dwyer Arena on Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5, with opening faceoff set for 7:05 p.m. each night.
