Pioneers End Semester Strong

After earning the #1 ranking spot, the Pioneers focused on finishing their final three games of the semester strong. They did just that. The Pioneers defeated three SECHL opponents in the third ranking period. 

The Pioneers defeated #9 CCSU 11-2 with a very solid team effort. John Gomez and Dan Galella both recorded hat tricks. Gomez’s hat trick represented a WPU feat as Gomez broke the WPU scoring record. 

The Pioneers traveled to arch-rival #6 Montclair State the next night and defeated their rivals 5-4. The Pioneers like they did the night before jumped on their opponent early. The Pioneers took an early 3-0 lead and held the lead until the final buzzer. Coach Joe Ballance noted that “we came out hard and demonstrated the willingness to compete and control the play early, but we tailed off and lost focused. We accomplished our goal and obtained 2 points and that is what is important.” Coach Carnathan added, “

Coming off a strong weekend, the Pioneers closed the semester on the road against a tough Super East opponent in #4 UNH. Traveling over five hours to New Hampshire, the Pioneers wanted to get off to a good start. The Pioneers jumped out to an early lead with two goals from John Gomez and two more added by Craig Junda and Nick Hodgman. The Pioneers would take a 4-0 lead after the first. Coach Ballance commented, “We wanted to get out to a good start, but our guys made it a great start.” A scary sight for WPU saw #29 Rob Prezioso get cut with a skate across the forearm and rushed to the hospital. Fortunately, the injury was not as bad as it looked as Prezioso would go on to receive stitches and appears that no ligaments or tendons were damaged. 

The Pioneers finished the game strong with goals from Albert Campbell and Nick Hodgman who recorded his second of the game. The Pioneers would hand UNH their second SECHL loss 6-0. 

The Pioneers head into the break winning their last 10 games. The third ranking period ends December 20 as the Pioneers await their position after the 3^rd ranking period.

The Pioneers will return to action on Sunday, January 10^th vs. Temple at the Ice Vault Arena 11:15AM.

Notes:

·         Assistant Captain John Gomez breaks the school scoring record

·         Chris Bauer earned his first collegiate shutout vs. UNH by making 26 saves

·         Dan Galella continues his strong play

·         Shaun McTigue will head to Europe as part of the ACHA D2 Select Team