While many may remember a Parker Foo goal early in the second period that was the eventual game-winner, what those who watched the title game of the 2018 Friendship Four likely will remember most is the play of Union goaltender Darion Hanson.
Hanson, who made 31 saves and two of three stops in a shootout on Friday just to advance his team to championship game, stopped 38 of the 39 shots he faced on Saturday against a storming Boston University offensive attack to propel the Dutchmen to the championship, 2-1, over the Terriers.
It is the second straight year an ECAC team has won the Belpot after Hockey East teams won the first two titles in the inter-league, international competition.
Union never trailed in the game. They jumped to a 1-0 lead when Brett Supinski had an Anthony Rinadli shot deflect off his waist and past BU netminder Jake Oettinger (36 saves).
The Terriers tied the game in the closing seconds of the first when Friday’s hero, Ty Amonte, tucked home a rebound.
Union had to survive an early onslaught in the second before Foo skated a loose puck and fired the go-ahead goal shortside on Oettinger.
Then it was Hanson’s turn to take over. He made a highlight-reel save with about four minutes remaining somehow getting a toe on a Bobo Carpenter bid. Then in the closing seconds, Hanson reached back with his glove to rob Amonte and preserve the victory.
Hanson has been named the @Friendship_Four MVP. With saves like this, there’s no doubt. ???? pic.twitter.com/nBFWcJwOiv
— Union Hockey (@Unionmhockey) November 24, 2018
Hanson was named the Man of the Tournament for his performance.
The win was the 500th in program history for Union.
Consolation: Yale 6, Connecticut 3
Yale rallied from a 1-0 deficit through one to score three goals in both the second and third periods skate past Connecticut, 6-3, in the tournament’s consolation game.
Joe Snively (goal, assist) and Kevin O’Neill (two goals) paced the offense for the Bulldogs, who leave Belfast with a tie and a win.
