REISTERSTOWN, Md. - Stevenson Men's Hockey hosted Wilkes University for game one of their final series of the regular season. Following the historical theme of close matchups between the Mustangs and Colonels, the game was forced into overtime. Wilkes would come out on top just two minutes into the extra period.
Wilkes scored the lone goal of the first period, but it was Stevenson to score first in the second. Senior Frank Vitucci found the back of the net just over a minute into the period, citing assists from classmate Brendan Rylott and junior Graeme McCrory. The goal was Vitucci's eighth of the season while the assists were Rylott's 11th and McCrory's third.
Though the Colonels would score minutes later to regain their lead, senior Eric Olson would re-tie the game heading into the third period. Assisting Olson on his fourth goal of the season were classmate Evan Beers and junior Kyle Lightfoot for their eighth and 11th points of the season, respectively.
The third period saw each team score once, both on the power-play. Wilkes would score first, and first year Rhett Evjen would force overtime for his eighth goal of the season with under a minute to spare. Sophomroe Blake Benson and senior Zach Bannister each recorded their team-leading 15th assists of the season on the play.
The Mustangs would not get any scoring chances in overtime, though junior Ty Outen would record one save before the Colonels' golden goal. Outen finished the game with 25 saves.
In front of Outen, junior Nick Dineen recorded a game-high three blocks, followed by McCrory with two. Bannister and sophomores Aidan McDowell and Jack Karlsson each blocked one shot.
In the circle, McCrory, Benson, Olson, Bannister, and sophomore John Musella dominated, combining for 42-of-67 wins.
The loss puts Stevenson at 18-5-1 overall and 14-4-1 in the UCHC.
The Mustangs are back at Reisterstown Sportsplex tomorrow afternoon for their senior day celebration. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. as Stevenson looks to finish the regular season with a win.
