Feb. 10, 2007
Aston, Pa. - On Saturday, February 10 at Ice Works Quad Rinks in Aston, Pa Neumann College (16-4-5, 0-0-0) lost in a hard win for Manhattanville College (18-0-4, 0-0-0) 3-2 in another battle of the ECAC West.
The beginning of the first period started out just like last night with a lot of physical play coming from both teams. But the Valiants took control by scoring their first goal 2:03 into the period. Manhattanville scored their second goal, 10:02 into the period, on a power play catching Mike Collichio out of position. The Valiants controlled the ice in the first period out shooting the Knights 13 to 6 and taking the early lead 2-0.
At the conclusion of the first period the Knights honored senior goaltender Brett Leonhardt. A transfer from Oswego State, Leonhardt appeared in 21 games as a collegiate athlete recording a 13-2-2 record. Brett is the sole senior on the Knights' team and is on track to graduate with a degree in Communication and Media Arts.
Early in the second period the Knights had chances but couldn't get the puck past the Valiants goaltender. However, Neumann once again put up a fight showing no signs of giving up when Neil Trimm was credited with an unassisted goal 6:07 into the period, cutting down Manhattanville's lead.
After that goal the Knights started heating up the second period, adding more pressure to the Valiants goaltender. The Knights did a good job of controlling the puck and keeping it in Manhattanville's zone. 8:43 into the second period the Knights' Mike Hedden scored, tying the game, 2-2. Matt Ward and Neil Trimm were credited with assists.
It seemed that everything was going in the Knights' favor in the second period. Given a chance with a power play opportunity 9:32 into the period the Knights seemed to have an advantage to take the lead for the first time in the game. However, a power play goal was taken away from Neumann after there was collision in front of the goalie which disrupted the net off its moorings before the puck crossed the goal line. The Knights had a two man advantage with 2:52 remaining in the period but Manhattanville did a great job on the penalty kill ending the second period in a tie 2-2.
Third period play was just as exciting as the first two with a lot of physical play. 5:02 into the third period Manhattanville scored their third goal, which ended the scoring for both teams. The Valiants defense took control of the period not letting the Knights capitalize on any of their chances. The Knights fell short 3-2 in game 2 in another battle not making it an easy win for the Valiants.
Even with the loss Neumann College clinched the second seed in the ECAC West Conference, making it their first appearance ever in playoffs. The Knights will host the third seed on February 24 at a time to be determined at a late date.
