WPU Hockey Wins Third Straight Game

Coming of an 11-2 thrashing of the University of Maine and a 5-3 win over Kennesaw State University, the William Paterson University hockey team shut out Penn State 5-0 on Nov. 8, notching their third consecutive win.

The Pioneers stormed out of the gates, finding the back of the net off Robert Prezioso's stick, only 27 seconds into the game. From there they did not let up, scoring three more goals alone in the first period.

The second goal of the period came at the hands of Craig Junda, his first of the season. Just over a minute later the Pioneers scored their third goal, and John Gomez's first on his way to a hat trick. The final goal of the period came with only 21 seconds left, and was also scored by Gomez. The first period was dominated by the Pioneers, but was also a rough one, seeing a combined six penalties issued, which set the tone for the rest of the game.

"Our goal is to always play as hard as we can. I know we can always out skate our opponent," said co-head coach Ken Scarpa. "I told my guys not to be over confident heading into the second period, to take it period by period."

The second period began very slowly compared to how the first started and finished. The Pioneers scored four goals on eight shots in the first, but failed to score in the second despite having more shots on goal. The second period was much more of a defensive battle, with both teams seeing a fair share of scoring opportunities. But it seemed like Penn State started playing with more veracity going into the second period, as they needed to dig themselves out of a 4-0 deficit.

"I told the team to keep the pressure on them, to not let them breathe," said team captain Jason Fortino. "We needed to keep the puck deep and keep up the same pace the entire game."

The third period began much like the second, with Penn State seeming to take more control of the tempo of the game, despite being down by four goals. The Pioneers soon responded to the added pressure applied by the Nittany Lions, with yet another goal scored by Gomez, completing his hat trick.

"It felt pretty good to get the hat trick," said Gomez. "I noticed the Penn State goalie didn't move well side to side, so it left the five hole open."

Going into the third period both teams combined for a total of 22 penalty minutes, with WPU seeing more time in the box than their opponent. There was a total of 24 penalty minutes handed out in the third period alone. As the skirmishes began to take their toll, two players were ejected from the game, one from each side. Bill Connelly from Penn State and Prezioso, who scored the first goal for the Pioneers, were ejected from the game.

After a Pioneers' shot on goal that was covered up by Penn State goalie Andrew Golin, a tussle ensued in front of the net which spilled into the right corner. Both Prezioso and Connelly wrestled to the ice, with Prezioso losing he helmet in the process. Since fighting is not allowed in the American Collegiate Hockey Association, both players were disqualified from the game, earning themselves a trip to the locker room. Both players exchange their unpleasantries as they left the ice, and Prezioso had to be escorted to the locker room.

Despite the bitter finish to the game, WPU goalie Kyle Finnerty managed to keep the clean sheet, earning his first shutout as a Pioneer. The transfer from Wagner College played an extraordinary game, racking up 17 saves.

"It felt good to get the shutout," said Finnerty. "I wish I could have played a bigger part (in the win) but the defense played great."

WPU is currently ranked second in northeast division of division two in the ACHA, and after a convincing win against eighth ranked Penn State, they should solidify their position as one of the top teams in the ACHL. The Pioneers' next home game is against fourth ranked Central Connecticut State University on Nov. 13, followed by another game against the College of the Holy Cross on Nov. 15.