CASTLETON, Vt. – Jake Taylor scored his first goal of the season and Matt Schneider made his collegiate debut, posting a third period shutout, but it wasn’t enough as The College at Brockport ice hockey team fell to Tufts University, 4-1, Friday night in the opening round of the Rutland Herald Invitational hosted by Castleton University.
The Golden Eagles move to 2-4-1 overall while the Jumbos remain undefeated at 4-0 overall.
The Green and Gold found themselves in a hole early when Tufts scored in the first seven minutes of play, and again late in the period to take a 2-0 lead to the first break. The Jumbos netted a pair of goals in the second to take a 4-0 lead to the final frame.
Brockport’s defense stepped up to hold the Jumbos scoreless in the final 20 minutes of play. With less than three minutes remaining, the Golden Eagles found themselves on the penalty kill, but Jake Taylor had other plans as the senior netted his first goal of the season.
The Jumbos held the slight edge in shots, 26-25. Brockport earned five power play opportunities but was unable to take advantage of them.
Jake Moore suffered his second loss of the season in between the pipes, allowing four goals and turning away 13 shots in 40 minutes of action. Rookie Matt Schneider made his collegiate debut in the final period, stopping nine shots and not allowing any goals in 20 minutes of play.
Connor Hutchins led all skaters with five shots on goal. Taylor and Zac Sikich tallied four shots each while Dylan Shapiro recorded three.
The Golden Eagles will play at 3:45 p.m. Saturday in the consolation round. Brockport awaits the outcome of the Castleton vs. Western New England University nightcap.
Following this weekend, the Green and Gold will return home on Dec. 2 to host Buffalo State College in a SUNYAC matchup set for 7 p.m.
