Feb. 9, 2008

Middlebury, CT - Box Score

Head Coach Matt Kennedy has always been a big believer in challenges. Playing hockey his entire life he made himself into one of the best D3 goaltenders for the Neumann College men's ice hockey team. As he has blossomed into one of the better D3 women's coaches he continues to look for challenges and this weekend is no exception.

The Knights began a two-game road trip tonight as the took on Middlebury College. It is a challenge to play one of the best teams in country in their own rink. And it is a different challenge to play one of the best teams in the country in their own rink duirng that team's homecoming weekend. The Knights were able to experience the second of those two challenges.

Neumann got off to a great start in the first period. The Knights kept Middlebury scoreless for the first period and almost shotless. A total of 11 shots were taken in the first frame. Seven of those shots came from Middlebury and four were from Neumann.

In the second period Middlebury relied on their sure fire backdoor play and captialized on the Knights' inexperience. The Panthers scored five unanswered goals using the same play to take a commanding lead over the Knights and take all of the momentum away from the visiting team.

Kennedy was most impressed with the Panthers ability to execute consistently time and time again. Kennedy stated, "That is what makes them a very good team - the ability to execute under pressure. That capability is something we are striving form. We knew they were going to run that play. We prepared to stop it and we did not. Not because we did not try but because they executed it perfectly. We will use this game as learning experience and we will begin to get ready for Amherst immediately."

Sr. forward, Leah Eyerman led the Knights with her efforts against the Panthers. Eyerman's energy was a positive for Kennedy tonight as he spoke about the game. "Leah and Jess McAllister really played well. Both of them showed great energy and effort tonight." McAllister a senior forward kept as much pressure on Middlebury in spite of the goal differential.

Neumann goes to 9-8-3 overall while Middlebury 16-1-2. The Knights head to Amherst for a Sunday afternoon game. This will be a huge non-conference game for the Knights as it will challenge this young team for the second night in the row, on the road. Kennedy finished his post-game comments by saying, "You know when I was a kid I was always hungrier for a win when I felt I had to prove something. Tomorrow night we have an opportunity to prove to people that we can play this game very well. I believe the team is looking forward to that opportunity."