Jan. 7, 2006

Box Score

The Neumann Knights, one of only two teams in Division-III with 11 wins this season, maintained the 2005-2006 series lead against ECAC West Rival Utica College after defeating the Pioneers 4-3 at the Utica Memorial Arena in Utica, New York. With the win the Knights avenged a 2-1 overtime loss to the Pioneers on Friday evening.  Tonight's 4-3 wins marks the first win for the Knights on Utica's home ice, in program history.

 

In the fourth meeting between these two teams this season the Knights took and early lead when Dayne Bihn took a pass from Jesse Cole at the 5:06 mark of the first period. Utica answered back with a power-play goal at 15:10 sending both teams into intermission knotted at one.

 

The Knights came out in the second period, again taking an early lead, when Erik Stoyanvich sent the puck through the five-hole for the 2-1 lead. Josh Jacobs and Mike Gooch were credited with the assist. However, Utica made the best of a 16-14 second period shot advantage, scoring two goals to close out the second period up 3-2.

 

In the third period Neumann's Mike Heddan took a slap shot off the face-off scoring the game tying goal at the 16:15 mark. Neil Trimm and Kyle Casey recorded the assist. However it was Knights' freshman defenseman Ryan Heickert, who was credited with the Knights play of the game. Heickert, made a game saving block causing Utica to turn over the puck which eventually led to the game winning goal, scored by the trio of Casey, Hedden and Trimm at the 16:05 mark. "This team never gave up," stated Assistant Coach Shawn Grant; they pushed hard and worked together. It was a tough fought battled and a great win."

 

The 11-5 Knights will return to action, hosting Lebanon Valley College, in a home and home series on Friday, January 20, and Saturday, January 21 at the Ice Works Quad Rinks in Aston, PA. Both games are set to face-off at 7:00 p.m.