Chase Nieuwendyk netted two goals but a two-goal deficit in the third period proved too much for the College at Brockport ice hockey team as it fell 4-3 to Tufts University in the title game of the Rutland Herald Invitational Saturday night at Castleton State. Chris Luker and Ryan Kangas each earned a spot on the All-Tournament team.
Brockport (4-5-0 overall, 3-4 SUNYAC) had a strong start to the game, outshooting Tufts (1-2-2, 0-1-1) 13-7 in the first frame. Tufts took a 1-0 lead midway through the first and would extend it to 2-0 with a shorthanded goal 6:49 into the second period.
Three minutes later Brockport would earn itself a man advantage after Tufts committed a slashing penalty. Kangas took a shot from the left circle that deflected off of Nieuwendyk and found the back of the net to cut Brockport's deficit to one.
Entering the third period, Brockport was down 2-1 and quickly swung the momentum into their favor after scoring a goal on the first shift of the period. Nieuwendyk took a pass from Kangas and beat the goalie glove side for his second goal of the game a mere 26 seconds into the third period.
Tufts scored less than one minute later and again midway through the period to take a 4-2 lead with 9:10 remaining. With less than six minutes remaining, James Ryan won a battle in the corner and cleared the puck to Zac Sikich at the point. Sikich crossed a pass to Luker who ripped a one-timer top-shelf to make the score 4-3. With less than one minute remaining, Jared Lockhurst was pulled from the goal to give the Golden Eagles an extra attacker but they were unable to net the equalizer.
Lockhurst stopped 21 shots in his fourth loss of the season. Brockport converted on one of its three power plays. The Golden Eagles outshot the Jumbos 42-25 and also held the advantage in the face off circle, 41-30.
"We worked hard for long periods of play but just couldn't score the big goal when we needed to," remarked head coach Brian Dickinson. "We made a few mistakes that led directly to a Tufts goal. We felt we would take control after we tied it early in the third but a costly turnover one minute later took away our momentum."
Kangas tallied four points on the weekend to earn a spot on the All-Tournament team while Luker also earned a spot after netting one goal in the title game.
Brockport will return home this weekend for two crucial State University of New York Athletic Conference contests. The Golden Eagles will host Plattsburgh State Friday night and SUNY Potsdam Saturday night with face off scheduled for 7 p.m. both nights.
"Heading into this weekend we need to continue to get better every day in practice," noted Dickinson. "We can compete with anyone but we need to be sure to limit our mistakes and work together within our systems."
