Ephs drop opener 3-2 to Tufts
MEDFORD, Mass - The Williams men’ hockey team battled back
from a two goal deficit in their season-opener, only to surrender a
late goal and fall to Tufts 3-2, Friday.
The Jumbos recorded two goals in a six minute span to jump to a
2-0 lead. First with four minutes left in the first period when
junior forward Joe Milo converted freshman forward Mike
Vitale’s pass, and again only 1:37 into the second period
when senor defender Matt Tosto found another Mike Vitale pass
and was able to put it in.
However, the Ephs refused to break and recorded to consecutive
goals of their own to even the game at 2-2. First at the 16:06 mark
in the second period, when sophomore forward Alex Smigelski
took a pass from senior forward Steven Bruch and slipped it past
the jumbo goaltender. The second coming 7:44 into the final period,
when senior forward Greg Schutz redirected freshman defender Brian
Malchoff’s pass.
The game became a dogfight in the final half of the third period.
With each team creating opportunities as both squads gave it their
all to earn the seasons first victory. However, the Jumbos
ultimately landed on top when junior forward Mitch Herzog smashed
home the game winner with only 32 seconds left in the game.
“It was a tough loss, but we can take a lot of positives
away from it.” remarked Eph coach Bill Kangas, “We
really improved as the game went on and started to move the puck
really well, and we had a lot of guys playing their first
collegiate game. We just have to get passed this and get ready for
tomorrow.”
The Ephs next play tomorrow at 3:00 PM against Connecticut
College.
