BEVERLY, Mass. – The first-seeded Endicott men's ice hockey team is set to host fifth-seeded Wentworth this Wednesday in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Northeast Tournament semifinal round at Raymond J. Bourque Arena at 7 p.m.
THE MATCHUP: Wednesday's playoff contest will mark the third meeting this season between both programs. Endicott earned a 5-3 victory in the first-ever matchup against Wentworth on November 14 at home, while the Leopards claimed a 4-3 win in Boston on February 3.
ENDICOTT (15-8-2 | ROSTER | SCHEDULE | STATS): The Gulls enter play on a four-game winning streak after falling to Wentworth in early February. During that four-game span (Feb. 6-20), Endicott has outscored its opponents 23-4 and recorded two shutouts. The Gulls also closed out the season by winning six out of their final eight outings to take the top spot away from Nichols, earn an automatic bye into the semis and the right to host throughout the playoffs.
WENTWORTH (10-14-2 | ROSTER | SCHEDULE | STATS): The Leopards have won seven out of their last eight contests, which includes a 4-3 overtime victory over Suffolk in the ECAC Northeast Tournament first round, to reach the semis against Endicott. Wentworth has fared much better away from home this season as the Leopards are 7-9-1, combined, between road and neutral site games.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Wednesday's matchup will feature two of the top goaltenders in the conference in Endicott's Kevin Aldridge (Beverly Hills, Mich.) and Wentworth's Joel Miller (Calgary, Alta.). Last week, Aldridge claimed ECAC Northeast Goaltender and Rookie of the Year accolades, while Miller was named to the ECAC Northeast Honorable Mention Team.
2016 ECAC NORTHEAST TOURNAMENT For the latest on Endicott Athletics, follow the Gulls on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
FIRST ROUND | Feb. 27-28
Saturday, February 27
No. 2 Nichols 5, No. 7 Becker 0
No. 3 Salve Regina 2, No. 6 Johnson & Wales 0
Sunday, February 28
No. 5 Wentworth 4, No. 4 Suffolk 3 (OT)
SEMIFINALS | Wednesday, March 2
No. 5 Wentworth (10-14-2) at No. 1 Endicott (15-8-2), 7:00 p.m.
No. 3 Salve Regina (15-10-1) at No. 2 Nichols (17-9-0), 8:10 p.m.
FINALS | Saturday, March 6
Lowest Remaining Seed at Highest Remaining Seed, TBA
