Hershey, Pa. - The Neumann University men's ice hockey team picked up a well-earned point in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) standings on Saturday evening, falling in a shootout at Lebanon Valley College.
Danny Cangelosi scored for Neumann on the evening, while
Kyle Pantalone was strong in goal with 22 saves.
Lebanon Valley was able to carry momentum from last night's win at Neumann into tonight's first frame, scoring the lone goal of the period at the 5:05 mark to take a 1-0 lead after one. Neumann outshot the Flying Dutchmen by a count of 9-5 in the stanza, but could not light the lamp despite two power play opportunities.
The Knights continued to generate chances in the second, but again were stymied by excellent Lebanon Valley goaltending and a tight checking and trapping defensive system employed by the Dutchmen. Neumann recorded eight more second period shots, but still had nothing to show for it as the game moved to the third.
The visitors would not have to wait long finally break through in the final frame. After Cangelosi was taken down on a breakaway, he took full advantage of the penalty shot he was given, beating the Lebanon Valley net-minder to level the contest at one goal apiece. Neumann threw everything it had at the hosts' net in the period with 14 shots in the final 20 minutes of play, but the game was destined for overtime still tied 1-1.
Using a power play midway through the extra session, the Knights dominated the five minute period with seven excellent shot opportunities. Neumann nearly scored twice on the man-advantage, but puck-luck was just not with them tonight as each chance skirted just wide of the cage. At the tail end of overtime, it was Pantalone's turn to shine. The junior goaltender made two outstanding late saves with the help of a few sprawling defenseman as the matchup remained deadlocked through the regulation period.
As the game moved to the shootout, Lebanon Valley took control of the contest. Neither teams' first shooter scored, but after a miss from Neumann and a make from the hosts, senior
Tommy Dougherty needed to score to keep the game alive. Despite a good move, the forward could not find the back of the net as the Dutchmen prevailed in the skills competition and took the extra point in the conference standings.
Neumann (1-1-2) returns to action next Friday, March 12th with a UCHC battle at Stevenson University. Puck-drop for the conference contest is slated for 5:00 PM.
