After a few non-conference games over the winter
break, Brockport Hockey is back at it again this weekend, entering the most
dramatic part of the season: The second semester SUNYAC slate.
Every game matters now. Games that should be won,
must be won. Games that shouldn’t be won, should be won.
It’s like the playoffs….even though it’s the
regular season.
Brockport’s conference record is 3-3-1, good for
fourth place, just 3 behind #3 Geneseo. By taking two games this weekend –
which is certainly in reach as the Golden Eagles host Morrisville TWICE –
Brockport could take over third place as Geneseo won’t have a conference affair
until next weekend.
Third place in the SUNYAC. Think about how awesome that sounds right now.
Third place in the SUNYAC. Think about how awesome that sounds right now.
After posting a team-record winning streak (which
ended last week against Nazareth), Brockport proves they have what it takes to
win this weekend and right through the semester. Goalie Aaron Green has become
a force field in the crease – in his last 8 games he has a stat line of a .951
save percentage and a 1.50 goals against average. Chase Nieuwendyk has been
nothing short of spectacular, third in the conference with 9 goals, 6 of them
power play goals which lead the nation. Chris Luker has been exceptional from
the blue line, as he ranks second in scoring amongst SUNYAC defensemen and in
the Top 20 nationally among blueliners.
This weekend’s opponent is 2-4-2 in league play
while 4-7-5 overall. They are 1-4-3 on the road, so they can prove to give fits
to their hosts.
Steve Dombrosky is their #1 in the net with a .887 save
percentage and 4.04 GAA.
Joe Santino is their best goal scorer, lighting the
lamp 8 times this year. Linemate Darren Young has 12 assists. Those guys are
sophomores – and talented -- so they will continue to be a thorn in Brockport’s
side for the next couple of years.
Senior Robert Molinaro is also someone to watch for
as he has 7 goals.
The team has a little more balance than Brockport
does offensively as they have 8 men with double-digit points (Brockport has just
4) and 9 guys with 4 or more goals (Brockport has just 3). So, Green and the
defenders will be busy trying to keep them in check.
Goal scoring at even strength may be Brockport’s
only weakness. Some of Brockport’s offensive threats who were a little quiet
last semester need to keep pace with a solid offense this weekend -- and every
weekend here on out. Brockport is certainly a playoff team (and a good one)…and
an extra goal here and there would go a long ways in cementing the Golden Eagles’
status (and taking a little pressure off Green, who has been a workhorse).
Both games start at 7:00 PM.
