Owls Gain Point in OT Loss

Worcester, MA --- The Westfield State Owls suffered their second straight heart breaking loss of the season with a 4-3 OT loss to Holy Cross on Friday night. The Crusaders got on the board first when Eric Sherman finished a two on one break as the puck slid into the net after a few bodies went sliding towards Owls netminder Ryan DiMare. DiMare would end up saving 38 out of 42 of the shots he faced. The Owls would tie the game when David Russo found a loose puck in a scramble for his first goal of the season. However, the lead wouldn't last long and Holy Cross would take a 2-1 lead with three minutes remaining in the first period. With a large cheering section for him, Colin Pierce would tie the game at two with 2:15 left in the period.

Nick Rose would give the Owls their first lead of the season at the 14:55 mark of the second period. Greg Rice and Colin Arnold would pick up assists on the goal.

Unfortunately the Owls could not hold on to the lead and the two teams would each pick up a point as they headed to overtime. With 18 seconds remaining in regulation, Sean Parsons would deliver a hit in the corner that would spark fireworks. On the way to the penalty box, two Crusaders attacked him and there was a big scrum in front of the Owls net. Parsons would pick up a five minute boarding major and a game disqualification. Meanwhile, both Crusaders were given two minutes for hitting after the whistle. Parsons will have to sit out the next game because of the DQ.

Overtime started with three on three hockey and the visibility was bad as the fog rolled in. With a lot of open ice the teams traded scoring chances but Eric Sherman would get the game-winner with 1:08 remaining in overtime. The Owls pick up a point for losing in overtime but are now 0-1-0-1 in division play.

The Owls host Roger Williams University on Saturday at 5 PM. We are hoping for a big crowd on homecoming weekend and we hope to see everyone there. If you cannot make it to the game, you can get game updates by following the team on twitter @wsuclub.

Goals: Russo (1), Rose (1), Pierce (1)
Saves: DiMare (38)
Power Play: 0 for 5 (0%)
Penalty Kill: 5 for 6 (83%)