BOSTON, Mass. – Two goals from the line of Ryan Kangas, Tim Kielich and Chase Nieuwendyk in the first period was all the College at Brockport ice hockey team needed to claim the title at the 51st Codfish Bowl with a 5-1 win over Westfield State University Sunday afternoon.
The tremendous trio gave Brockport (6-5-2 overall, 3-4-2 SUNYAC) an early 2-0 lead after scoring twice in the first seven minutes of play. Less than three minutes into the game Kielich dropped the puck off to Nieuwendyk along the right boards. Kangas received a pass from Nieuwendyk while charging the lane and was able to beat the goaltender glove side to give Brockport a 1-0 lead.
Minutes later Kangas sent a pass to Kielich who circled around the net and towards the right face off circle. The rookie shot the puck towards the net and Nieuwendyk tipped it in for Brockport’s second goal of the game.
Penalties proved costly for Westfield as they committed 23 minutes of penalties in the second period alone. Midway through the second period defensemen Chris Luker took advantage of a power play opportunity to score his second goal of the season. Jake Taylor passed the puck to Nick Palumbo at the blue line who crossed it to Luker. The New Hartford, N.Y. native sent a rocket through the defense that found the back of the net.
Five minutes later Brockport earned another power play. Kangas left the puck for Kielich who circled around the right face off circle before passing to Chad Cummings. Cummings connected top shelf to give Brockport a commanding 4-0 lead entering the second intermission.
With seven minutes remaining in the game Brockport scored its final goal as Dylan Shapiro scored his fourth goal of the season. Jesse Facchini and Palumbo each picked up an assist on the play.
Cole Burack held the Owls scoreless for nearly 55 minutes of play as he picked up his second win of the season in goal. The rookie stopped 18 shots and held the Owls scoreless on five power play opportunities.
Kielich and Nieuwendyk were each named to the Codfish Bowl All-Tournament team. Kangas was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after scoring three goals and three assists on the weekend including the game winning goal in Saturday’s upset win.
The Golden Eagles return home this weekend to host Elmira College Friday at 7 p.m. before heading to Hobart College Saturday.
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