Bookmark and Share
inShare
PLAYERS MENTIONED
ITHACA, N.Y. – Union’s offensive came alive to spark a 7-0 win over Cornell, completing a weekend sweep of the ECAC Hockey First Round series held in Lynah Rink. Winners of four straight, Rick Bennett’s squad will travel to No. 1 seed Quinnipiac next week (March 13-15) for a best-of-three quarterfinal series.
Union stunned Cornell with three goals in the first period. The offensive fireworks started with Spencer Foo, who lifted a shot from along the goal line over the shoulder of goaltender Stewart Hayden. Michael Pontarelli followed with his first goal since Nov. 28, as Sam Coatta’s shot deflected off his skate. Union also took advantage of a 5-on-3 power play with Eli Lichtenwald redirecting a pass in the slot from Daniel Ciampini.
The Dutchmen added to their lead with a pair of second period goals. Mike Vecchione eluded three Cornell skaters and scored on a backhander at the 5:45 mark, which was followed by a long slapshot from Foo on the power play for his second goal of the night.
Matt Wilkins and Sam Coatta added third perid tallies to seal Union’s first-ever road playoff series win.
Goaltender Colin Stevens made 29 saves to record his 11th career shutout, tying Kris Mayotte for the school record. It was the second time Stevens has shutout Cornell.
Notes:
Wilkins finished with four points (goal, three assists) … Rick Bennett improved his postseason record to 21-2, and 14-0 in ECAC Hockey Tournament play.
