Feb. 9, 2007
Aston, Pa. - On Friday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m., nationally ranked No. 6 Neumann College (16-3-5, 8-2-4) tied No. 1 Manhattanville College (17-0-3, 8-0-3) in a very physical ECAC West match up that ended 3-3 in overtime.
In the first period of play the Knights and the Valiants were hitting hard setting the tempo of the game early. Both teams showed outstanding puck movement and patience with their shots. However, 35 seconds into the first period Manhattanville drew first blood in this battle scoring the only goal of period.
As the game went on, each period got more exciting with more physical contact and good goaltending by both net minders. Mike Collichio played excellent between the pipes making athletic saves.
With the Knights down 1-0 Neumann started putting pressure on the Valiants goal tender, with good scoring chances, but they couldn't get the puck in the back of the net. They also had an advantage in the period with three power play opportunities.
At 8:39 into the period the Knights' Mike Hedden tied the game at one. Mike Gooch and Kyle Casey were credited with the assists. The Valiants answered with a power play goal 17:36 into the period, giving Manhattanville the lead 2-1 at the end of the second period.
The third period was the most exciting of them all with both teams playing hard and the Knights showing no signs of letting up. The Knights opened the third period with 3 penalties giving the Valiants a chance to extend their lead, but Mike Collichio stopped every chance taken by the visitors, giving the Knights life. As Manhattanville's power play ended the Valiants scored their 3rd and final goal of the night 8:13 into the period.
Halfway through the period Neumann started to put pressure on the Valiants goaltender and scored their second goal on a power play by Neil Trimm, who was assisted by Mike Hedden and Mark Van Vliet.
With 1:40 left on the clock Knights' Head Coach Dennis Williams called a time out, pulling starting goaltender Mike Collichio and giving the Knights an extra man advantage. That decision proved to be just what the Knights needed.
With an extra attacker Neumann was able to set the stage for over time. After controlling consecutive rebound shots, Neumann's' Neil Trimm handled the puck and passed it to Matt Ward who back-doored it to Kyle Casey. Casey scored the game tying goal with 32 seconds left sending the Knights into their 5th overtime, second against Manhattanville, this season.
In overtime the Knights' defense prevented the Valiants from recording a shot on net. Moreover, Neumann's offense had multiple opportunities to score, but the Valiants goaltender and defense stopped several rebounded shots. The Knights' best chance came with 2:11 on the clock, when Kyle Casey sent a shot through the five-hole but was denied when an alert Manhattinville defender stopped the puck from crossing the line stuffing it under goaltender Andrew Gallant who smothered the puck recording another Manhattanville save.
The Knights will be back on the ice for a rematch against the Manhattanville Valiants tomorrow, Saturday, February 10 at 7:00pm at Ice Works Quad Rinks in Aston, Pa.
Note: The Knights and the Valiants first 3-3 tie of the season came on Novemebr 18, 2006 3-3
