Quinnipiac Ends Impressive Run By Holy Cross
Weather Forces Rescheduling of Two League Games
Weekly Release (PDF)

The Blizzard that pounded the East Coast over the weekend was the primary reason behind the postponement of two Atlantic Hockey league games scheduled for Saturday to early February. Quinnipiac, however, was the culprit when it came to ending the Crusaders streak in league play, taking down the league-leaders 4-2 Saturday afternoon. The unbeaten stretch for Holy Cross in Atlantic Hockey action ran to nine games, with the Crusaders posting a 7-0-2 mark during that span.

Tyler McGregor extended his scoring streak with the game’s first goal Saturday afternoon, but the Bobcats took over after that point, scoring three straight including a penalty shot marker from Matt Craig seconds into the third period. Holy Cross brought it back within one, but the comeback kids could not make it five straight, falling 4-2. Atlantic Hockey Goaltender of the Week Jamie Holden turned aside 38 shots in the win for the Bobcats, as they were outshot on their home ice 40-29.

Two home-home series that started Friday night got put on hold Saturday, after a mound of snow arrived on the doorsteps and driveways of many in New York and New England. Sacred Heart showed Army why the Pioneers were first in the league in scoring, providing a flurry of goals in a 5-1 win over the visiting Black Knights. William Billinghurst scored the first two goals of the game, while teammate Pierre-Luc O’Brien added three assists. Saturday’s contest at Army was moved to Tuesday, February 8.

Bentley also started off a planned home-home series against American International Friday night, battling past the Yellow Jackets 4-1. Knotted at one after two periods of play, Carmen Posteraro broke the contest open for the Falcons with his second goal of the game midway through the third. Bentley added to its advantage over a minute later, sealing the victory with an empty-netter before time expired. Saturday’s contest at Bentley was postponed, and is also slated for Tuesday, February 8.

Earlier in the week, Connecticut met intrastate foe Sacred Heart for a Tuesday night showdown in Storrs. The Huskies scored first, however the Pioneers kept pace, as UConn wasn’t able to pull away until the third period, collecting two important points in a 5-3 win over Sacred Heart. Atlantic Hockey Player of the Week Bill Magnuson scored twice, including the game-winner, and added an assist. The Huskies continued intrastate play on Saturday at Yale, but came up on the short end of a 6-2 score.

Canisius made the shortest journey of the season in conference play to Mercyhurst Tuesday evening, facing off against the Lakers for the final time this season. Two quick goals early put the Golden Griffins on top, however Mercyhurst weathered the storm, tying the contest at two apiece early in the third period. The Griffs still had an ace up their sleeve, once again coming away with the win late in the third period after James LeCuyer netted his second goal of the game with seconds remaining. For his efforts for the home team, Ben Cottreau of Mercyhurst received Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Week honors.

Canisius closed off the week with a pair of exhibition contests against the US Under-18 Team. A gritty weekend of competition went the way of the visitors, as the Under-18 Team came away with 7-1 and 4-2 wins.

The week in Atlantic Hockey features a pair of non-conference matches early on, giving way to a solid weekend of league action. Tuesday night Connecticut heads to Providence, while Bentley hits the road for Ivy League member Princeton.

Friday features a full slate of action in Atlantic Hockey, with eight teams facing off. Canisius and Mercyhurst head East to begin weekend series on Friday, as the Griffs battle league-leading Holy Cross twice in Worcester, while Mercyhurst takes on Bentley in Boston. Army clashes with Quinnipiac in a home-home series, beginning Friday night at Quinnipiac, while American International takes on Connecticut in the other home-home series on the weekend, with the first meeting in Storrs Friday.

Sacred Heart hits the road for non-conference action this weekend. The Pioneers will take on St. Cloud State of the WCHA for a two-game set starting Friday night.