RYE, N.Y. — The Manhattanville University men's hockey team was locked in a tightly contested conference match up against SUNY Brockport on Saturday afternoon at the Playland Ice Casino. Despite the final score, Manhattanville was anchored by an outstanding performance between the pipes from junior goaltender William Billequey (Montreal, Quebec/Vermont Lumberjacks (EHL)), who turned aside 42 shots in a standout effort that marked a new season high.
The opening period featured fast-paced, physical play from both sides, as Brockport applied heavy offensive pressure early. Billequey was immediately tested, making a series of key saves to keep the game scoreless through extended stretches in the Valiants' defensive zone. Manhattanville generated chances of its own, highlighted by several strong early shots from Ryan McKenna (Spokane, Wash./Sheridan Hawks (NA3HL)).
Manhattanville broke through late in the first period after earning a power-play opportunity at the 16:14 mark. Following a barrage of shots and sustained offensive pressure, Lucas Baskay capitalized on the man advantage, burying his fifth goal of the season off feeds from Mitchell Watson (Calgary, Alberta, Canada/Canmore Eagles (AJHL)) and Lane Paddison (100 Mile House, Canada/Canmore Eagles (AJHL)) to give the Valiants a 1–0 lead heading into the first intermission.
Brockport responded early in the second period, finding the equalizer just under two minutes in. The Golden Eagles continued to generate offense throughout the frame, but Billequey remained composed, making several point-blank stops and tracking pucks through traffic to keep the game within reach. Manhattanville countered with scoring chances from Johno Hoins (Telluride, Colo./The Frederick Gunn School / Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL)), Cameron Vassos (Caledon, Ontario/Navan Grads (CCHL)), and McKenna, though the contest remained tied for much of the period.
With just under two minutes remaining, Brockport capitalized on a power-play opportunity to take its first lead of the night, then added an even-strength goal moments later to carry a 3–1 advantage into the second intermission.
The third period saw Manhattanville push to close the gap, firing multiple shots early and earning another power-play chance. However, Brockport extended its lead midway through the frame. Despite the scoreline, Billequey continued to battle, denying quality chances and making several highlight-reel saves to keep the Valiants competitive. Brockport added a late empty-net goal with just over four minutes remaining to seal the 5–1 result.
Up Next:
The Valiants return to action on Friday, January 30, as they travel to New Haven, Connecticut, to face Albertus Magnus College at 5 p.m.