UMass Lowell Connector Logo

River Hawks soar high over Providence

(Photo courtesy of UML Athletics) “The Riverhawks prevailed over Providence.”

Jake Messer
Connector Editor

In the dying seconds of the third period, graduate student Pierson Brandon netted the game-winning goal against the #6 Providence Friars to win 1-0. The goal not only earned the team a tough road win, but it also completed a weekend sweep of the Friars.  

“Tonight felt like a playoff game,” said Head Coach Norm Bazin. “We improved on our start from yesterday. The team showed great resilience and intensity this weekend.” 

The night before, the River Hawks, who are currently ranked eighth in the nation, went toe to toe with the Friars in an exhilarating, back and forth game. The River Hawks started out on the wrong foot, giving up two goals in the first period.  

In response, Brandon zipped the puck past the goaltender and into the back of the net to make it 2-1. Then, 12 seconds later, freshman Lee Parks redirected a shot from the blueline right past the goalie to even it up at two goals apiece, which is how the first period would come to a close. 

In the second period, the Friars regained the lead just three minutes into the period. Exactly three minutes later, freshman Chris Delaney found the back of the net on the power play to even the score once more. The second would come to a close at three goals apiece.  

The third period would come and go, but by the end the score remained the same. The River Hawks were able to hold the Friars at three goals thanks in part to a stellar penalty kill and timely goalkeeping from junior Beni Halasz.  

In overtime, the River Hawks were once again able to kill off yet another penalty. Both sides had their chances, but none were able to find the back of the net. After five minutes, the game was still tied and all that was left was the shootout.  

Junior Dillan Bentley would score in the first round for the River Hawks, and that would be all they needed as Halasz would stop all three of the Friars attempts to score, securing the team the extra point in the Hockey East standings.   

“I thought both teams competed hard,” Bazin said. “It was not the start we were looking for, getting down 2-0, but we clawed back on two different occasions in the game and obviously were able to kill an important penalty in overtime and get the extra point in the shootout, so we’ll take that to the bank and then we’ll get ready for tomorrow.” 

The next game in Providence would definitely not be as exciting as the first game back in Lowell, but it still showed how this team doesn’t give up until the game is over.  

It was a grind throughout the entire game, as both teams fought hard but were unable to find the back of the net until Brandon’s game winner with 10 seconds left on the clock in the third period. Halasz, who received his second consecutive start in between the pipes, recorded his third shutout this season with 24 saves on the night.  

This weekend’s sweep gives the River Hawks momentum, as well as a nice climb in the national rankings. This Friday they will face off against #1 ranked Boston College. A win on their home ice, against the best team in the country, would surely propel the team into the top five rankings.  

Following their big matchup against BC, the River Hawks will host one of their in-state rivals in Merrimack College on Saturday. Their play in these two matchups will be a good indication to see how the rest of the season will play out of the red and blue.  

One thing is for sure, The River Hawks are soaring, and just at the right time.  

Related posts