Dec. 15, 2007
BIDDEFORD, Maine - Sophomore forward Brett Erickson (Leominster, Mass./St. Bernards) scored two of his three goals in the second period to lead Endicott College to a 6-0 win over the University of New England on Saturday night at the Biddeford Ice Arena in Biddeford, Maine.
The shutout victory is the Gulls' second in the month of December against NECHA newcomer, UNE. With the win, Endicott evens its record to 8-8-1, while improving to 5-2 in the NECHA.
The opening period was marred with penalties as neither team could generate any flow or momentum in the first 20 minutes. A total of 17 penalties were accumulated between the Gulls and the Nor'easters in the first frame. Despite the choppy play, Endicott was able to strike first on an even-strength goal as Erickson buried a shot past Mike Roper (Trenton, Nova Scotia) with 4:40 remaining to send the Gulls into the intermission with a one goal lead.
The Gulls flew from the dressing room to net four goals in the second period to break the game open. Senior Bryan Caccamo (Milton, Mass./Milton) took a feed from classmate Brian Sullivan (Peabody, Mass./Bishop Fenwick) and slipped the puck into the UNE net to put the Gulls up, 2-0. Erickson netted his second of the game 11:51 into the second on assists from Chris Garofalo (Peabody, Mass./Bishop Fenwick) and Dan Greel (Rockport, Mass./Rockport). Less than two minutes later, Gabe Carreiro (Chatham, Mass./North Field Mt. Hermon) notched a tally to give EC the 4-0 lead. Erickson completed his hat-trick to close out the second with Endicott holding a 5-0 advantage.
Carreiro scored his second goal of the evening at 10:10 of the third to complete the scoring. Josh Provost (West Rutland, Vt./Mount St. Joseph) made nine saves to record the shutout for the Gulls. Mike Roper turned away 43 shots in the 6-0 loss. Endicott outshot UNE, 49-9.
The Blue and Green have over a month off as they enter the semester break. The Gulls don't return to action until January 26, 2008, as they will host Bridgewater State at 7:00 p.m. Endicott defeated BSC, 10-1, on November 28th.
