Feb. 9, 2006
The Endicott hockey team took to the ice last night to take on the high powered Crusaders of Holy Cross in their first match-up of the season. Endicott looked to continue its winning ways after a convincing win over the University of Connecticut on Saturday, but it was apparent early on that the Gulls would have their work cut out for them.
Holy Cross answered early on a power play after Endicott's Patrick Kennedy was whistled off for cross checking, when Will Buxton streaked down the left hand side and let go a shot that beat Endicott goalie Jeff Pardue short side. Endicott continued to take penalties, resulting in another power play goal when Paul Riley of Holy Cross took advantage of failed clearing attempt by Endicott at 2:56 of the first period.
With little more than 2:00 minutes left in the first period Endicott's Chris Linnehan provided some life to the Gulls after he one-timed a pretty pass from Sophomore Chris Garofalo behind Peter Bartline for Endicott's first strike. The one goal deficit would not last long as the Crusaders Andy Doherty crossed up Anthony Chedid on the Gulls blue line leaving him all alone with little chance for Pardue.
Five minutes into the second period Holy Cross would continue its offensive pressure by adding their fourth goal of the night after a defensive turn over at Endicott's blue line, allowing three Crusader players to walk in untouched for an easy three goal lead.
Endicott would answer back by an outstanding defensive play from senior Scott Vaughan transitioning the puck up into the Holy Cross zone when junior Mike Manfredi gave the Gulls their second goal of the night. Thirty five seconds later Endicott's Chris Linnehan let go of a slap shot from the high slot eluding Bartline making it a one goal deficit. Endicott would continue to outplay Holy Cross for much of the period despite allowing Holy Cross one more goal of the period. Endicott quickly answered when Kenny Dargon made a spectacular individual effort through center ice that eventually ended up behind Bartline.
Going into the third period trailing by one, Endicott continued to apply pressure on Holy Cross, but frequent penalties would not allow Endicott the momentum they needed. Holy Cross would answer two more times before the final buzzer sounded, but not before Endicott mounted one final push in the remaining five minutes. Bartline was called on to stop many point blank opportunities and was able to keep the Gulls off the board.
Endicott will travel to MIT on Thursday, February 9 for their second rematch of the season, and then host Bryant University for the final regular season home game at 7:00pm Saturday, February 11.
