SCHENECTADY, NY – Despite out-shooting Vermont, 33-21, the Union College men’s hockey team dropped its fifth-straight contest, a 3-2 decision on Sunday evening at Messa Rink.
After slow starts in the first four games, the Dutchmen came out flying in the first period against Vermont. However, the Catamounts opened the scoring midway through the first behind a goal from Craig Puffer.
Continuing off their stronger start, the Dutchmen scored on the power play to tie the game before the first intermission. Parker Foo started the play with a shot on net and the rebound was picked up by Josh Kosack to the right of the net. Kosack then made a pass across the front of the crease to Ryan Scarfo who finished the play with a quick tap-in goal at the backdoor.
In the second period, Union continued to pressure Vermont, but the Catamounts capitalized again to extend their lead to 2-0. Vermont then scored their third and final goal midway through the third period.
While playing four-on-four in the final 1:30, Union went with an empty net to gain the extra attacker. Brett Supinski scored his second extra-attacker goal in as many games to cut Vermont’s lead to 3-2 with 13 seconds remaining.
Even with the late push, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit and Vermont went on to claim the 3-2 win.
Despite the loss, the game marked the first time this season that Union was perfect on the penalty kill. The Dutchmen successfully killed off all five of Vermont’s power plays in the game, including a five-on-three chance in the third period.
Union will hit the road next weekend, taking on RIT on Friday, Oct. 20, before playing against Niagara on Saturday, Oct. 21.
