Men’s hockey drops two goal lead to tie Union

Men’s hockey drops two goal lead to tie Union

By Angelique Fiske, QBSN Web-Editor 

After a much needed win against Massachusetts on Nov. 26, the Bobcats (8-6-3) ECAC matchup against the Union Dutchmen ended in a 2-2 draw, extending into one five minute overtime period.  The overall series matchup between the two schools remains at a deadlock of 9-9-2.   

The first period proved to be a scoreless endeavor, neither team making any moves to get them on the board.  It wasn’t until the second period that either team broke onto the scoring scene.  A tripping penalty against Union’s Charlie Vasaturo set the Bobcats up to draw first blood on the heels of sophomore Zach Tolkinen (Lino Lakes, Minn.) for his second of the year.  Four minutes and 23 seconds into the second period, Tolkinen shot a laser from the right side that hit the back of the net before Union keeper Colin Stevens could attempt a save.  Senior Yuri Bouharevich (Montreal, Quebec) and junior Loren Barron (Glendora, Calif.) were credited with the assists.

It did not take long for the Bobcats to capitalize on yet another Union penalty.  Junior Zach Davies (Smithers, British Columbia) knocked in his first of the season on the power play just over six minutes into the second period.  Senior captain Scott Zurevinski and junior Jeremy Langlois (Tempe, Ariz.) were responsible for the helper. 

“Special teams are pretty big,” said Zurevinski of the pair of power play goals.  “If they’re doing well, then you’re probably going to win a lot of games.”

The Dutchmen managed to get a goal of their own to cut the lead in half.  Ten minutes and 26 seconds into second period play, Brian Yanovitch got off a quick shot in front of the net past junior goaltender Eric Hartzell (White Bear Lake, Minn.).  Assists were given to Kevin Sullivan and Greg Coburn on the play.

Union eventually found enough momentum to land an equalizer in the early minutes of the third period.  Jeremy Welsh sent a Josh Jooris pass right between the legs of a sprawled Hartzel to tie the game up at 2-2, where it would stay.  

“You’ve got to give them credit.  They did a good job,” said Zurevinksi.  “They had a little bit more energy coming out of the gates.”

The rest of the third period displayed strong defense on both ends.  Both keepers made crucial saves to keep the score even, including a scuffle in front of the Bobcat net late in the game that nearly resulted in a Union goal.

“Things happen so fast, especially the closing minutes of the game,” said Hartzell. “You don’t really think about it, you just kind of do it.  We’re lucky it didn’t go in.”

Despite the two goal advantage early on, head coach Rand Pecknold knew it would not be enough to stop a strong road team, as Union is 6-1-1 on the visiting side of the ice.

“This is a pretty good team.  You got to get at least three if not four,” said Pecknold.  “We certainly had our chances.” 

With another ECAC game this weekend, the Bobcats must put the tie behind them and prepare for Rensselaer to come into Hamden.

“We’ll have our hands full tomorrow night, but right now we need to get some food in the boys, get them healthy, and get ready to roll again,” said Pecknold.

The Bobcats take on the Engineers at the High Point Solution Arena on Saturday at 7 p.m.