Nov. 25, 2007

Box Score

ASTON, Pa. -The Neumann College men's ice hockey team took home the 1st Annual Rutland Herald Invitational Championship, defeating tournament host Castleton State College, 3-2, in an action-packed afternoon at Rutland Regional Field House Sunday afternoon.

Both teams battled through 60 minutes of evenly played hockey, but in the end Neumann converted on a pair of power-play goals that proved to be the difference in the end.

Neumann controlled much of the first period, rifling 14 shots at Castleton goalie, Jeff Swanson. Swanson stopped all 14 to keep the Spartans knotted at zero with the visiting Knights. Castleton was not without chances however, as Neumann goalie, Mike Collichio stopped five shots in the opening frame. Both teams had a pair of power-play opportunities but could not convert as the penalty-killing for both teams was outstanding.

The Spartans evened the play in the second period and generated a much more focused attack, stealing the momentum 6:29 into the period when Ryan Bartlett sent home his second goal of the season. Assistant captain, Jared Lavender played the puck ahead to Matt Link who sent a centering pass directly in front of the net that was one-timed in by Bartlett. Neumann would not go away however, as junior Mike Hedden evened the score with 6:15 remaining on the power-play. The goal was Hedden's seventh of the season and came on assists from Mike Gooch and Neil Trimm.

In the third period the Spartans came out with a renewed energy and scored just 39 seconds into play as freshman Stuart Stefan beat Collichio for his second goal of the season. Lavender and Brandon Heck assisted on the power-play goal. The teams would continue to battle back-and-forth for nearly 10 minutes, with neither gaining a distinct advantage. With 9:59 remaining in the contest, and the Knights attacking on the power-play, Mark Van Vliet unleashed a rocket to the stick side of Swanson that was redirected into the net by Kyle Casey to tie the score at two. The Knights would record the game-winner just 1:39 later as Neil Trimm beat the defense, and wrapped a shot just past Swanson's glove side.

With both teams battling it out one man down for the remainder of the period, Castleton called a time-out with 1:23 remaining and pulled Swanson. With the extra skater, the Spartans had several chances to tie the score but were kept at bay by the Knights defense. With just 40 seconds remaining Mike Hedden stopped the puck from crossing the goal line just behind Collichio to help seal the win.

In the win Collichio stopped 21 shot for the 6-4-0 Knights while Swanson ended the game with 37 saves in the loss.  Neumann returns to conference action on November 30th when they travel to Lebanon Valley, face-off is 7:00 pm. Castleton is also back in action on November 30 when they travel to Bowdoin College for a 7:00 pm conference match-up.

Rutland Herald Invitational All-Tournament Team:

Castleton State College:
Jeff Swanson-Jr., G, Grand Haven, MI
Travis Martell-Sr., D, Kelowna, British Columbia

Morrisville State College:
Matt Damskov-Sr., F, Spokane, WA

Neumann College:
Kyle Casey-Jr., F, Stratford, Ontario
Mark Van Vliet-Sr., F, Dorchester, Ontario

Tufts University:
Doug Wilson-So., D, Saratoga, CA