Story Created:
Oct 29, 2010 at 9:08 AM EDT
Story Updated:
Oct 29, 2010 at 11:43 PM EDT
UTICA, N.Y. - The Utica College men’s hockey team put on an impressive showing, netting four goals in the final period, on its way to a convincing 8-0 victory over Franklin Pierce University in front of 3,520 fans at the Utica Memorial Auditorium Friday night. Junior captain Tim Coffman tallied a career-high five assists, while freshman Trever Hertz added five points on two goals and three assists to pace the Pioneers (2-0).
“It was a great evening all around,” says tenth year Head Coach Gary Heenan. “We got progressively better as the game went on and that is what I am looking for at this point in the season. We’re getting better with each period and each game.”
The evening was part of the third annual AmeriCU “Pink the Rink’ event in support of breast cancer awareness and the Pioneers dawned special edition pink uniforms. The jersey’s were auctioned off in the concourse with all proceeds benefiting the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
“It was another great night here at the Aud. The building was energized and we have been spoiled by the fan support once again,” says Heenan. “Not only did we get a big win tonight but we also were able to support a great cause.”
Utica, which out shot the visitors 17-4 in the first period, took control early with several scoring opportunities but the Pioneers could only muster one goal in the first 20 minutes of play from the stick sophomore defender Josh Schmitt. Coffman and Hertz assisted on the Pioneers’ first tally of the contest at the 13:19 mark.
Freshman forward Adam Graff gave Utica a 2-0 lead on the power-play 6:34 into the second period when he netted his first collegiate goal. Sophomore forward Evan Chlanda and Hertz teamed up on the assist which gave Utica a two goal advantage over the Ravens (0-1).
“We moved the puck extremely well tonight especially late in the game,” said Heenan. “Franklin Pierce worked hard the entire game and I expect them to do well this season. This was their first game of the year and we cannot get over confident. They will come out and play us tough tomorrow night.”
UC went on to score six unanswered goals in the final 23:09 of the contest. Freshman Nick Geraci helped open the flood gates with his first collegiate goal with just over three minutes to go in the second period. Hertz and freshman goalie Nick Therrien assisted on the Pioneers third goal of the evening. Chlanda gave Utica a commanding 4-0 lead with his second tally of the season, on the power-play, with 1:40 to go in the second period.
UC poured in four goals in the final 20 minutes of the contest to seal the victory in front of the elated Pioneer fan base. Hertz got his first and second goals of the season, while Clinton’s Jordan Hobaica and freshman classmate George Lotito each added their first collegiate goals. Coffman’s five assists came on the final five goals of the contest and senior Kregg Guestin, freshman Chris Santiago and Schmitt all added helpers in the third.
UC goalie Nick Therrain stopped all 19 shots he faced in his first collegiate shutout. Franklin Pierce net minder Ben Siok finished the day with 43 saves. Utica earned a 51-19 shot advantage and went 3-for-7 on power-play opportunities.
Utica returns to the ice tomorrow night for game two of the weekend double header against Franklin Pierce. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7 p.m.
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