RUTLAND, VT. – For the second straight year the Brockport ice hockey team advances to the championship of the Rutland Herald Invitational. Brockport (4-4-0 overall, 3-4 SUNYAC) defeated host Castleton State (0-7-1, 0-5-1) Friday night 3-2 behind a two-point performance from Ryan Kangas and a strong game in net from Jared Lockhurst.
The Golden Eagle offense wasted no time getting on the board as Zac Sikich scored less than five minutes into the game. Connar Bass fed a pass to Chase Nieuwendyk who sent the puck to Sikich along the boards. Sikich skated through the crease and tucked the puck in to give Brockport an early 1-0 lead.
After nearly 10 minutes of scoreless play, Castleton tied the game at one. Brockport answered back with a goal less than 90 seconds later. Strong defense from Kangas forced a Spartan turnover. A backhand shot from Kangas found the back of the net under the goaltenders pads to give Brockport a 2-1 lead going into the first intermission.
Castleton netted the equalizer just over two minutes into the second period. The Golden Eagles reclaimed the lead just over seven minutes later. From the right face off circle Kangas took a shot that the Castleton goaltender initially saved with a diving stop. Jesse Facchini gathered the loose puck and was able to send the rebound to the back of the net to give Brockport a 3-2 lead.
Strong defense from the Golden Eagles held the Spartans scoreless in the third frame. Three penalties from Castleton gave Brockport six minutes of man advantage but the Golden Eagles were unable to extend its lead.
Jared Lockhurst earned his second win of the season in goal. Lockhurst stopped 20 shots including 11 in the second frame.
Brockport outshot Castleton 27-22 and won 33 face offs to Castleton's 27. Dylan Shapiro was a force to reckon with in the face off circle, winning 14 draws and only losing five. Facchini also was a strong contributor winning 10 faceoffs. Kangas, Nieuwendyk and Aidan Verbeke led the offense with three shots each.
The Golden Eagles will take on Tufts at 7 p.m. Saturday night in the Championship. Be sure to stay up to date on all of your Golden Eagles scores and awards by following @BportAthletics on Twitter and by liking "Brockport Golden Eagles" on Facebook.
