Brockport hockey's Saves for a Cure game against Morrisville saves playoff chances
By Andy Lipari Senior Writer
Brockport kept its playoff hopes alive Saturday, Dec. 3 with a wild 7-6 victory over Morrisville at the fourth annual Saves for a Cure game in the Tuttle North Ice Arena. Both teams came into the game desperately needing a win, which made for a playoff-type atmosphere in the mid-season game.
With the win, Brockport trails Fredonia by two points for a playoff spot. Brockport's next SUNYAC game will be at Fredonia, Jan. 20.
After the final horn, Brockport's jubilation from players and coaches showed how important this game was to them.
"We knew we couldn't come out from this game without two points," said Brockport head coach Brian Dickinson. "We're set up with all the home games next semester. We have a chance to move up the ladder. It was a huge sense of relief we were able to hold on and win."
Junior Ian Finnerty had four points for Brockport to help lead the way to victory. He started scoring points almost seven minutes in as he netted the game's first goal.
Sophomore Bobby Conner scored Brockport's second goal 28 seconds later. Curtis Renaud answered for Morrisville to cut the lead down to 2-1, but junior Mike Hayward found the back of the net at 15:57 in the first, as Brockport took a 3-1 lead into the first intermission.
The second period has given Brockport trouble this season, which was also the case Saturday. Todd Hosmer and Jonathan Cristini scored for Morrisville in the second period to tie the game 3-3.
The third period featured seven goals as both teams felt like its season was on the line. Morrisville took the lead 20 seconds in when Tom Longland found the back of the net.
Senior James Cody tipped a shot in at 2:28 to tie the game. Cristini scored his second of the game at 4:28, but Finnerty scored his second of the game as well at 8:08 on the power play.
All three seniors on the first line scored in the third period for Brockport. Dickinson said it shows how the veteran leadership is carrying the team.
"They get it," he said. "As we get into the second half of the season you can see the desperation from them, knowing they only have 13 or 12 games left. They don't want it to end."
Only 27 seconds later, senior forward Adam Shoff gave Brockport a 6-5 lead, but Hosmer found the back of the net for the second time and tied it back up.
Junior defenseman Colby Spooner was the hero for Brockport, scoring the game-winning goal with less than six minutes remaining.
Senior Oliver Wren had 31 saves in goal for Brockport. Colin Breen stopped 28 shots in net for Morrisville.
Saturday was Brockport's annual Saves For A Cure game. The Eagles wore Saves For A Cure jerseys that were auctioned off after the game. This year's jerseys were sold for anywhere between $50 and $125. The proceeds go to Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. The auction earned $1,855 this year.
New this year was a "teddy toss" in place of the typical puck toss. Participants could purchase teddy bears to throw on the ice with the goal of landing it in the center to win a prize. The bears were also donated to Golisano Children's Hospital.
Saves For A Cure is a non-profit organization founded by former Brockport goalie Todd Sheridan, who battled cancer in 2005 before attending Brockport. It aims to help children in the Rochester area cope with difficult cancer treatments.
Money is raised through the annual auction as well as saves made by Brockport goalies. Local businesses agree to donate money for every save made. Ticket sales from the game are also donated by the college's athletic department.
Since its founding in 2007, Saves for a Cure has raised more than $17,000.
Brockport will host Elmira Friday, Dec. 9 in a non-conference match-up before taking off for winter break.
By Andy Lipari Senior Writer
Brockport kept its playoff hopes alive Saturday, Dec. 3 with a wild 7-6 victory over Morrisville at the fourth annual Saves for a Cure game in the Tuttle North Ice Arena. Both teams came into the game desperately needing a win, which made for a playoff-type atmosphere in the mid-season game.
With the win, Brockport trails Fredonia by two points for a playoff spot. Brockport's next SUNYAC game will be at Fredonia, Jan. 20.
After the final horn, Brockport's jubilation from players and coaches showed how important this game was to them.
"We knew we couldn't come out from this game without two points," said Brockport head coach Brian Dickinson. "We're set up with all the home games next semester. We have a chance to move up the ladder. It was a huge sense of relief we were able to hold on and win."
Junior Ian Finnerty had four points for Brockport to help lead the way to victory. He started scoring points almost seven minutes in as he netted the game's first goal.
Sophomore Bobby Conner scored Brockport's second goal 28 seconds later. Curtis Renaud answered for Morrisville to cut the lead down to 2-1, but junior Mike Hayward found the back of the net at 15:57 in the first, as Brockport took a 3-1 lead into the first intermission.
The second period has given Brockport trouble this season, which was also the case Saturday. Todd Hosmer and Jonathan Cristini scored for Morrisville in the second period to tie the game 3-3.
The third period featured seven goals as both teams felt like its season was on the line. Morrisville took the lead 20 seconds in when Tom Longland found the back of the net.
Senior James Cody tipped a shot in at 2:28 to tie the game. Cristini scored his second of the game at 4:28, but Finnerty scored his second of the game as well at 8:08 on the power play.
All three seniors on the first line scored in the third period for Brockport. Dickinson said it shows how the veteran leadership is carrying the team.
"They get it," he said. "As we get into the second half of the season you can see the desperation from them, knowing they only have 13 or 12 games left. They don't want it to end."
Only 27 seconds later, senior forward Adam Shoff gave Brockport a 6-5 lead, but Hosmer found the back of the net for the second time and tied it back up.
Junior defenseman Colby Spooner was the hero for Brockport, scoring the game-winning goal with less than six minutes remaining.
Senior Oliver Wren had 31 saves in goal for Brockport. Colin Breen stopped 28 shots in net for Morrisville.
Saturday was Brockport's annual Saves For A Cure game. The Eagles wore Saves For A Cure jerseys that were auctioned off after the game. This year's jerseys were sold for anywhere between $50 and $125. The proceeds go to Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. The auction earned $1,855 this year.
New this year was a "teddy toss" in place of the typical puck toss. Participants could purchase teddy bears to throw on the ice with the goal of landing it in the center to win a prize. The bears were also donated to Golisano Children's Hospital.
Saves For A Cure is a non-profit organization founded by former Brockport goalie Todd Sheridan, who battled cancer in 2005 before attending Brockport. It aims to help children in the Rochester area cope with difficult cancer treatments.
Money is raised through the annual auction as well as saves made by Brockport goalies. Local businesses agree to donate money for every save made. Ticket sales from the game are also donated by the college's athletic department.
Since its founding in 2007, Saves for a Cure has raised more than $17,000.
Brockport will host Elmira Friday, Dec. 9 in a non-conference match-up before taking off for winter break.
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