The Quinnipiac University Bobcats (16-15-0, 7-12-0 ECACHL) took a hard fought 3-1 decision over the Union Dutchmen (15-12-6, 8-7-4 ECACHL) in front of a sellout crowd at the Northford Ice Pavilion Friday night.
“It’s a good win and we needed it,” said Quinnipiac head coach Rand Pecknold. “It was a good boost for the confidence.”
The Bobcats got on the board early in the first just 17 second in on a Matt Sorteberg slap shot goal. On a three-on-two, Sorteberg ripped the shot off of a Union defenseman’s back and into the net right below the crossbar. Ben Nelson and Brian Leitch assisted on the goal.
Union managed to tie the game up at one on a rebound goal when the Union players crashed the net. Augie DiMarzo was credited with the goal. Jason Visser had the initial shot when he received the puck from Chris Konnick.
The Bobcats took the lead for good at 14:51 on a crucial turnover by Union goaltender Kris Mayotte. Mayotte went to clear the puck from behind the net on a dump in by Peter Alden, and Walsh picked the puck off the boards. He shot on a wide-open net and twinkled the twine for the lead.
“The second goal was huge. Walsh and Alden did a nice job on the goal and capitalized on the mistake,” said Pecknold.
There was no scoring in the second period. Union had a few good chances on the power play but couldn’t solve Quinnipiac’s Bud Fisher.
“Our penalty kill played well tonight, and we blocked a lot of shots,” said Pecknold.
In the third period the Bobcats added an empty-net goal by Joe Dumais, his third in two games to solidify the victory.
Fisher made 19 saves in the win to improve his record 14-11, while Mayotte made 21 in the loss.
“Fisher did a nice job, made saves when we needed them, and was really solid tonight,” said Pecknold.
The Bobcats play in the final regular season home game tomorrow against RPI at Ingalls Rink on senior night, while Union travels Princeton.
