The Brown Bears continued their roll with three more power-play goals in a 4-0 shutout of visiting Iona. Linemates Les Haggett and Brent Robinson were the offensive providers for Brown, as they chipped in two in the first and two in the second to cruise to the win.
Sophomore Scott Rowan made his first NCAA start in net for Brown and stopped the few scoring chances the Gaels could muster. Opportunities are few and far between for Rowan in the backup role behind All-America Yann Danis. But Tuesday he impressed with steady play and good stops.
“I feel like I have a lot to prove behind Yann,” Rowan said. “Watching him has really made me a much better goalie. But today was really a team shutout.”
The Bears controlled the puck and kept it in the Iona zone for most of the game, but it took power-play chances to net the first three goals. Brown’s entire team moved the puck well and took advantage of slower Gael defenders to create plenty of scoring chances.
The power play has been key to a recent scoring surge from a Brown team which is more known for tight defensive play and good goaltending. Last Saturday against Holy Cross, the Bears scored all four goals on the power play. Tonight, the veteran power-play group tallied three more times.
“I think we have never really had a problem moving the puck well,” Haggett said, referring to his team’s power play. “Earlier this season we had trouble burying. It’s important for us to match their intensity when we’re up a man.”
Sophomore Haggett scored twice and assisted on another one for Robinson. Both Robinson and linemate Kirley also had two assists. This line, which stays together in odd-man situations, has tremendous chemistry and talent. They have meshed lately, leading the Bears on this recent four-game winning streak. Robinson has 14 points in the last four games and has already surpassed his team-leading total from last year.
Brown has been on an incredible streak of success at home, dating back to last season’s late run at the playoffs. The Bears are 14-1-2 since last January in Meehan Auditorium.
“We’ve had a lot of success here and the idea is to keep it up so we can host a playoff weekend at home,” said head coach Roger Grillo.
This weekend Brown travels to Merrimack for another nonconference matchup. Iona will look to rebound from a tough string of losses against Sacred Heart this weekend.
