Oct. 20, 2007

Gulls Shut-out Western Connecticut State in Homecoming Win

After a difficult game against Bryant University earlier in the week, the Endicott hockey team took redemption over the team that ended the Gulls run in the playoffs last year.

Just twenty seconds into the first period, Western Connecticut's Jeff LaFrancis was whistled off for a game misconduct after a wicked hit from behind. Thirty-four seconds later Endicott capitalized on a pretty power-play goal from Brett Erickson (Leominster, MA/St. Bernards) set up by freshman Eddie O'Brien (Mansfield, MA/Mansfield) making it 1-0. The goals continued for the Gulls when Erickson struck again with help from junior Greg Dorman (Merrimack, NH/Merrimack) and defenseman Mike Vacca (North Reading, MA/North Reading).

Half way through the second period, sophomore defenseman Patrick Bourque (Stratford, CT/Fairfield Prep) recorded the third goal for the Gulls on the second power play goal of the evening. Five minutes later, with the Gulls still controlling play, captain Mike Ripley (Easton, CT/Fairfield Prep) made the lead to four on a blast from the point.

The third period was identical to the first two, with Endicott pressuring Western Connecticut and goalie Steve Grota. Three minutes into the third period with Endicott shorthanded, Brad Butcher (Orleans, MA/ Nauset) made a beautiful pass sending sophomore Mark Gaudreau (Pittsford, VT/Kents Hill) in alone on Grota making it 5-0. Erickson completed his hat-trick of the night on another shorthanded opportunity, capping off the Homecoming weekend contest.

Western Connecticut attempted to mount an attack at various times throughout the game, but each time senior goaltender Josh Provost (Rutland, VT/Mount St. Joseph Aca.) was there for the save, to record his first shut-out of the season. The Gulls will welcome Central Connecticut State Saturday, October 27 for the 7:00pm drop in Hamilton