WPU Starts Second Semester Strong, Gomez breaks WPU record

WPU opens up the semester with two wins over Temple at home and CCSU on the road. 

Prior to the Temple game, the Pioneers honored Assistant Captain John Gomez for his goal scoring accomplishment.  John Gomez on December 4, 2009 vs. CCSU became the leading goal scorer in franchise history with goal #113.  Coach Scarpa who presented Gomez with the award said, “John Gomez’s accomplishment as the WPU all time goal scorer is impressive in that he has continued to improve each year as a player.  I am honored that I have had the privilege in being his coach for what amounts to 12 years since his Pee Wee days in travel hockey and have watched him grow as a player and a person. His accomplishments on the ice are now legend but equally important are his contributions as President of the WPU Hockey club. His leadership should be noted as I’m sure he will be successful after his graduation. He is an outstanding example of the kind of student athlete we are proud of at WPU Hockey.”   

Gomez commented, “The goal scoring record is something I will remember for a long time, I think that it is a special accomplishment because it shows that I have been consistent throughout my career here at WPU.  I thank my teammates over the years for assisting me in this feat and I am fortunate to celebrate this with my teammates this year.” 

The senior has been a key contributor to WPU this season with 23 goals and is now recognized in the history books.  Gomez added, “The ceremony before the game vs. Temple was special because Coach Scarpa presented me with the plaque and aside from sharing this with my parents, he has been one of my coaches since I was thirteen years old.  This being my senior year, I have seen this team grow in great strides from my freshman year being the last seed in regionals to last year receiving an auto-bid to nationals.  I feel that we have a better team now then we did last year and I look forward to the tough road ahead.”

After the ceremony and a three-week semester break, the Pioneers downed #7 Southeast opponent Temple.  While leading 2-1 after one, with goals from Jason Fortino and Albert Campbell, the Pioneers used that period to shake off the rust and get the legs back.  Mid-way through the second period, the Pioneers took control of the game and took a commanding 5-2 lead.  The Pioneers got goals from Albert Campbell, Steve Orozco, and Craig Junda. 

The Pioneers finished the game with a 7-3 victory over Temple, with John Gomez and Ryan Mara adding third period goals.  For Ryan Mara, this was his first collegiate goal in his first game.  John Gomez added to his franchise lead total with goal #117.

The following weekend saw the Pioneers take on a SECHL opponent in #10 ranked CCSU.  After falling 1-0 early on the road, the Pioneers regained control and a 3-1 lead after the first period with goals coming off the sticks of Shaun McTigue, Albert Campbell, and Steve Orozco.  The Pioneers needed some big saves from Chris Bauer, who finished with 37 on the night to get going, and then the Pioneers got goals from Justin Liscio, Shaun McTigue, and John Gomez.  The Pioneers would add two more goals from Gomez and Orozco and earn two points on the road with an 8-3 victory.  “Our effort was there, the results were there, but we can be sharper in some areas.  We earned two important points and look forward to our upcoming league games this weekend”, commented Coach Ballance.

WPU takes on rival #7 Montclair State Friday night at 8:00PM.  Come support the Pioneers at the Ice Vault.  

Notes:

·         Shaun McTigue has been very strong since coming home from Europe adding 2 goals and 2 assists in the last two games

·         Ryan Mara recorded his first collegiate goal vs. Temple and has continued to play strong

·         John Gomez increased his scoring record to 119 goals