CASTLETON, Vt. – Matt Schneider picked up the win in his first collegiate start and Aidan Verbeke scored two goals, helping The College at Brockport ice hockey team take down Castleton University 5-3 Saturday afternoon in the consolation round of the Rutland Herald Invitational hosted by Castleton.
The Golden Eagles improve to 3-4-1 on the season while the Spartans fall to 3-6-1.
Brockport jumped out to a quick lead, scoring less than two minutes into the game. Jake Taylor netted his second goal in as many games, taking advantage of a Castleton penalty. Connor Hutchins picked up an assist on the play. The Spartans scored at the 15:20 mark, but the Golden Eagles responded just over three minutes later. Aidan Verbeke lit the lamp with help from Brandon McMartin and Hutchins, giving Brockport a 2-1 lead after the first period of play.
The Green and Gold came out firing to start the second period, notching a pair of goals in the opening two minutes. Verbeke scored his second of the game with an assist from Hutchins. The duo switched roles for the next goal, giving Brockport a 4-2 lead. Castleton scored late in the period to cut Brockport’s lead to 4-2 entering the final period.
Connar Bass scored his first of the season at the 5:30 mark of the third. Back and forth play kept the game scoreless until the final 30 seconds when Castleton netted one but it wasn’t enough as Brockport held on for the 5-3 win.
The Spartans held the advantage in shots, 24 to 21. Four of Brockport’s five goals were scored on the power play.
Schneider picked up his first collegiate win in his first collegiate start. The rookie stopped 21 shots for a 87.5 save percentage in 59:50 minutes of action.
Verbeke led all skaters with six shots on goal. The junior captain tallied three points off of two goals and one assist. Hutchins recorded one goal and three assists for a season high four points.
The Golden Eagles will return home on Dec. 2 to host Buffalo State College in a SUNYAC matchup set for 7 p.m.
Be sure to stay up to date on all of your Golden Eagle scores and awards by following @BportAthletics on Twitter and by liking the “Brockport Golden Eagles” Facebook page.
