Box Score ANGOLA, Ind. – Junior
Frank Vitucci netted his first goal of the season as Stevenson men's ice hockey team (5-7, 2-4 UCHC) fell by a score of 5-3 as the Trine Thunder (9-5-1, 4-4 NCHA) added two goals in the waning moments of the game to secure the victory Tuesday evening at Thunder Ice Arena.
The Mustangs struck first in the late stages of the opening period. Defensemen
Aidan McDowell forced a neutral zone turnover before
Frank Vitucci picked up the loose puck. Vitucci sent the puck to
Liam McCanney as he crossed the blue line and past the Thunder. McCanney ripped his shot past the goaltender's stick for the game's first goal at 18:50 in the opening period. Stevenson goaltender
Marko Sturma stopped all 11 shots he faced in the first period.
Trine knotted the game at one goal a-piece at 2:19 of the second period when Garrett Hallford skated past the Stevenson defender and sent the puck past the Sturma's glove. Stevenson regained its lead when
Anthony Starzi sent home a goal at 6:54 of the second period, assisted by Eric Olsen.
Stevenson earned a power play opportunity early in the third period but were unable to convert a goal to extend its lead. Trine tied the game at two goal a-piece at the 4:12 mark of the third period when Josh Wright found the back of the net, assisted by Beau Binnie.
The Mustangs regained the lead at the 11:37 mark.
Liam McCanney chipped a pass to
Austin Master who quickly found an open
Frank Vitucci in the crease set up the goal. With time and space Vitucci ripped a shot past the glove of the Trine goalie for his first goal of the season and to give the Mustangs a 3-2 advantage. The Thunder tied the game once more with a goal off a rebound from Drew Welsch at 15:29 in the third. The Thunder took a 4-3 lead at 18:48 when Brendan Pappas sent a loose puck to the back of the net. Frank Trazzera added an empty net goal at 19:47 to give Trine the 5-3 victory.
Numbers and Notes
- Frank Vitucci added a goal and assist, hist first goal of the season and first multi-point performance of the season.
- Liam McCanney added a goal and an assist and has recorded a point in five straight games.
- Marko Sturma recorded 32 saves in his first start of the season.
- Austin Master added an assist for his 13th point of the season, tying McCanney for the team lead.
- Anthony Starzi added his fourth goal of the season and now totals seven points on the season.
- Eric Olsen added his third assist of the year bringing his season points total to five.
What's Next
- The Mustangs travel to Adrian, Michigan to face third ranked Adrian, tomorrow January 4 at 7pm.
