RYE, N.Y. – The Manhattanville University men's hockey team dropped a hard-fought battle against No. 10/11 Utica 2-0 in Playland Ice Casino on Friday night to open UCHC play.
The Valiants drop to 0-4 (0-1 UCHC) while the Pioneers (3-4) remain untouched through the first three conference games.
The home team entered the ice in a defense-heavy start to conference play. William Billequey (Montreal, Quebec/Vermont Lumberjacks (EHL)) recorded six saves in the first four minutes before the Pioneers found its way to the scoreboard, grabbing an early 1-0 lead.
After the first goal, the Valiants controlled the puck, ripping off six shots. The away team grabbed its first power play of the night, converting to push the lead out 2-0 halfway through the first period.
The Valiants came out aggressively on defense, shutting down Utica's three power play shots to keep the game within two. On the Vals' only power play of the night, they recorded five shots for their best shot at the board and didn't allow Utica to fire off any. In the second period, Manhattanville ripped off 21 shots, and Billequey recorded 15 saves.
The final goal of the game was against the Valiants' empty net to secure the 3-0 victory for the Pioneers. Utica led the stat sheet in shots 25-19 and faceoffs 11-7 in the final 20 minutes of play.
The Valiants didn't allow the Pioneers to rip off any shots during its final power play of the night.
Game Notes
- Ryan McKenna (Spokane, Wash./Sheridan Hawks (NA3HL)) recorded nine faceoff victories, while Jack Roberts (Middlefield, CT/Lyman Hall) followed close behind with seven, contributing towards the team's 22 total.
- Tyler Rolston (Newport, Pa./P.A.L Jr. Islanders (NCDC)) and Zach Choueiri (Montreal, Quebec/Renfrew Wolves (CCHL)) recorded three blocks respectively.
- Manhattanville was outshot 60-74, 33-38 on target.
- Chatham grabbed four power plays, only firing off seven shots and recording one goal.
Up Next - The Valiants and Pioneers face off for game two tomorrow, Nov 22, at 2 PM.
