NEW HAVEN, CT — The Manhattanville University men's ice hockey team delivered a composed and disciplined performance on Saturday afternoon, earning a 1–0 shutout victory over Albertus Magnus. The Valiants controlled play for long stretches, capitalizing on sustained offensive pressure behind a first-period goal from Corey Popowcer (Parkland, Fla./Vermont Lumberjacks (EHL)) and a flawless effort between the pipes from junior goaltender William Billequey (Montreal, Quebec/Vermont Lumberjacks (EHL)).
Manhattanville established its tempo early, generating a shot off the opening face off from Johno Hoins (Telluride, Colo./The Frederick Gunn School / Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL)) and maintaining possession in the offensive zone. Hoins and Justin Fernet (Sherbrooke, Quebec/Taft School) were active throughout the first frame, each creating multiple looks on net as the Valiants tested Albertus Magnus goaltender with consistent shot pressure.
The breakthrough came at 9:34 of the first period when Popowcer found the back of the net for his second goal of the season. After extended pressure in the offensive zone, Cameron Vassos (Caledon, Ontario/Navan Grads (CCHL)) and Brett LoGelfo (Long Island, N.Y./Westhampton Beach) set up Popowcer, who buried the opportunity to give Manhattanville a 1–0 lead. The goal capped off a dominant stretch that saw the Valiants control face offs and limit Albertus Magnus to low-quality chances, to carry the one-goal advantage into the first intermission.
The second period featured more of the same, as the Valiants maintained pressure. Lane Paddison (100 Mile House, Canada/Canmore Eagles (AJHL)) led the charge offensively with a shot attempt early on, while Ryan Mckenna and Jack Roberts (Middlefield, CT/Lyman Hall) continued to help generate chances off face offs and net-front scrambles. Despite multiple power-play opportunities, Manhattanville was unable to extend the lead, but the sustained offensive zone time kept momentum firmly on the home side.
In the third period, the Falcons pushed with urgency, pulling the goaltender late in an attempt to equalize, but the Valiants remained composed. Despite multiple shot attempts in the final minutes from Beau Depencier (Dresden, Ontario, Canada/LKCS), Brandon Paluszak (Powell, Ohio/Gilmour Academy), Zach Turner (Eagle, Colo./Powassan Voodoos (NOJHL)), and Vassos, the team sealed the victory 1-0 after a string of confident saves by Billequey to preserve the 1–0 victory.
Up Next:
Manhattanville returns to action at the Ice Casino on Friday February 6th as they host Chatham University at 7 PM.
