(Photo courtesy of UML Athletics) “River Hawks celebrate Adirondack Winter Invitational Victory”
Jake Messer
Connector Editor
On Saturday, Nov. 30, the No. 16 ranked River Hawks defeated No. 20 ranked Clarkson in the eighth round of the shootout, to capture the Adirondack Winter Invitational Championship in Lake Placid, New York.
“I am proud of our players today,” said Head Coach Norm Bazin. “Winning in-season tournaments is difficult and the guys were very resilient throughout the game. We battled throughout multiple momentum swings against a good opponent.”
The championship-clinching game was a thriller, as the action was fast and the goals were plentiful.
The scoring was opened by junior Conor Eddy, who netted the team’s first goal of the game with just 18 seconds remaining in the first period. The lead wouldn’t last long as Clarkson would respond 10 seconds later with a goal of their own, leaving the game tied at one apiece as both teams went to the locker room.
Midway through the second period, Clarkson netted a goal, giving them the lead. Deja vu struck like the first quarter, as freshman Mirko Buttazzoni returned the favor by snapping the puck into the back of the net just 17 seconds later on a breakaway.
With the moment going the way of the River Hawks, senior Matt Crasa blew the puck by Clarkson’s goalie to give the River Hawks a 3-2 lead.
The lead wouldn’t last long as Clarkson was able to find the back of the net with four minutes left in the second period. Once again, both teams would head back to the locker room. This time, at three a piece.
The third period was filled with enthralling action as both sides had numerous chances, especially at the start of the period. The deadlock would be broken mid-way through the period as senior Stefan Owens would bury the puck in the back of the net, giving the River Hawks a 4-3 lead.
Then, just as it seemed the River Hawks were going to pull away with the win, Clarkson responded with a goal of their own. Both of these teams fought to the bitter end of regulation, showcasing their competitive spirit and their resilience. However, just like the previous two periods, the third ended with both teams tied at 4 a piece into overtime.
In overtime, the 3 on 3 action was methodical and tense, as both teams only registered three shots on goal. Neither team wanted to make the mistake that would cost them the game and their chance at hardware. After five minutes, the game remained deadlocked. The only way to determine a winner would be a shootout.
After a quite lengthy shootout that saw spectacular and clutch saves by both goaltenders, in round eight Owens would slip the puck into the back of the net, giving the River Hawks the hard-fought win and the championship.
In a game of the year candidate, we saw composure and education from the River Hawks, as they never lost sight of the prize and stuck together for a much-deserved in-season championship.
As exciting as the result may be, Head Coach Norm Bazin is focused on what’s next for his squad as the team gears up for a Hockey East gauntlet over the coming months.
“We’ll enjoy this tonight and turn our attention to our next opponent tomorrow,” said Bazin. “We got Boston College next weekend.”
