Owls Atop American Conference In 3-2 Victory

Westfield, MA --- The Owl's hosted Bates College on Saturday night in a battle for first place in NECHA's American Conference. After a scoreless first period, the Owl's would get on the board when Tommy Bruso scored his 9th goal of the season when he stick handled around a defender and beat Bates netminder Matt Mosca. Midway through the second period, Anthony Hardy would get a short-handed goal to make it a 2 goal lead for the Owls. Hardy, who was on a 2 on 1, decided to take the shot and beat Moseca stick side. The Owls would take a 2-0 lead into the final period.

With 13:47 remaining in the game, Bates would finally get on the board to cut the Owls lead in half when Matt Silvermen beat Chase Thornton. Thornton ended up making 30 saves in the game and improved his record to 3-2-0. The Owls would regain their 2 goal lead when Tommy Bruso scored his second goal of the night only 2 minutes later. With the goalie pulled, Bates managed to score a power play goal with 1: 28 remaining in the game. However, the Owls would hold on for a 3-2 victory.

With the victory, the Owls are alone atop the American Conference with a record of 4-1-0. They are currently on a 4 game winning streak and were perfect in November going 4-0-0. The Owls will have Thanksgiving weekend off before playing two conference games on the road at Harvard and Sacred Heart.

Key Stats:
Goals: Bruso (9,10), Hardy (5)
Goalie: Thornton (3-2-0)
Power Play: 0 for 2 (0%)
Penatly Kill: 5 for 6 (83%)