MORRISVILLE, NY- The nationally ranked No. 10/12 Utica College men’s hockey team outshot host Morrisville State 54-28 but it was not enough as the Pioneers fell 5-2 in non-conference action Friday evening.
After a scoreless first period, the Pioneers got on the board just 1:12 into the second stanza as freshman Jarrod Fitzpatrick (Wakefield, MA/Northern Cyclones (EHL)) netted his fifth goal of the season, off assists from Anthony McVeigh (Kemptville, Ontario/Carleton Place (CCHL)) and Shawn Lynch (Syracuse, NY/Ottawa Jr. Senators (CCHL)).
The Mustangs evened the score at 1-1 just over halfway through the second as Joe Santino registered his seventh of the season, off an assist from David Landau. Morrisville added another tally, this time on the power play, at 17:05 as John Lauer scored his third of the year, assisted by Santino and Jordan Carvalho.
Morrisville extended the lead just three minutes into the third period as Layne Martin scored an unassisted goal on the penalty kill.
The Pioneers came within one at 11:47 when Kevin Valenti (Queensbury, NY/Northern Cyclones (EHL)) found the back of the net for his sixth of the year, assisted by Justin Derlago (Winnipeg, Manitoba/Selkirk (MJHL)) and Kevin Kirisits (Buffalo, NY/Brockville (CCHL)).
Morrisville once again took a two-goal lead with 4:40 remaining as Santino netted his second of the day, off an assist by CJ Stubbs. Stubbs then capped off the scoring with four seconds remaining on an empty netter to seal the victory.
Jared Young made a career-high 52 saves in the win, while Utica’s Henry Dill (Columbus, OH/UMASS (Hockey East)) turned aside 23 shots in the loss. The Pioneers were also held scoreless on seven power play chances, while the home team was 1-for-4 with the man advantage.
The Pioneers (8-4) look to rebound next Saturday as they return home for a rematch against the Mustangs in the 12th annual New York Sash Teddy Bear Toss. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
