Williams and Skidmore skate to 1-1 draw
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- The Williams College men's ice hockey team was on the road this evening to take on the Skidmore Thoroughbreds. The Ephs entered tonight's contest against the Thoroughbreds undefeated after the holiday vacation; and with hopes to continue their four game win streak, fought to a 1-1 tie.
The Ephs took the lead late in the second period as sophomore defenseman Paul Steinig broke the 0-0 tie. Just over two minutes later the Thoroughbreds responded scoring their first and final goal to bring the score back to even at 1-1. Even with an overtime period, the two teams would finsh knotted at 1.
As neither team was able to generate much offence in the first period, the Ephs work in their defensive zone made sure the puck only reached their freshman goalie Sean Dougherty five times. Dougherty's last start was the Ephs 5-2 victory against Babson College.
Ephs head coach Bill Kangas confirmed his confidence in the freshman net-minder as he said, "Dougherty stepped up and played very well all game tonight."
After the scoreless first period, each team had their chances early in the second period. The Thoroughbreds then committed four consecutive penalties, including two by senior defenseman Nick Dupuis. Despite a man advantage for just about half of the second period, the Ephs powerplay was not able to take advantage of their opportunities.
The first Williams College goal did come shortly after their fourth man advantage. Due to the heavy pressure and persistence of the Ephs power play, Steinig was able to put one passed Skidmore goalie Spencer Sodokoff who was making his collegiate debut. Steinig was set up by fellow sophomore Tucker Dayton and senior defenseman Patrick Morrissey.
Skidmore made sure not to let the second period end while they remained down a goal. In the remaining minutes of the period the Thoroughbreds responded as freshman forward David Limoges tied the score at one with help from T.J. Schneider and Zach Menard.
The Thoroughbreds carried the momentum of their last minute goal in the previous period into the third as they controlled the puck for much of the final period.
Skidmore out shot the Ephs 15-1 in the third period, but outstanding play by Ephs goalie Sean Dougherty kept the puck out of the net and brought the game to overtime.
The Williams College men's ice hockey team will face off again tomorrow night, Saturday the 14th against Plattsburgh State at 7pm at home in Lansing Chapman Rink.
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