Providence, RI – In a penalty-filled contest at Schneider Arena in Rhode Island on Friday night, the Clarkson University Hockey team came up short in its season-opener falling to Providence College, 4-2. A total of 25 penalties were called in the game, with the Golden Knights being whistled for 24 minutes. The parade to the penalty box started almost immediately with a Providence penalty just eight seconds after the opening face off. The Knights failed to capitalize on two early power-play opportunities, but the Friars made the most of their man-advantage chances, scoring back-to-back power plays goals. Bill McCreary scored at 5:45 and 7:19 to give the home team the early lead.
“We played well at times tonight, but we needed a more consistent effort from top-to-bottom for the whole 60 minutes,” stated Clarkson head coach George Roll. “We need to adjust to the way they are calling penalties. We took too many penalties, which were warranted.”
Clarkson’s top line from last season, the 10, 11, 12 Line, produced the first goal for the Knights. Sophomore Mike Sullivan (Stoufville, ONT) tapped in a shot from the top of the crease after taking a behind-the-net pass from senior, captain Mac Faulkner (King City, ONT). Senior Chris Blight (Cambridge, ONT) also assisted on the goal, which came during a delayed penalty at 17:37 to make the score 2-1 after the first.
The Friars went on top 3-1 early in the second with a four-on-four goal by Chase Watson at 3:41. Freshman Nick Dodge (Oakville, ONT) made it a one-goal game with his first collegiate point, a power-play marker at 7:11 with senior assistant captain Jay Latulippe (Saratoga Springs, NY) and sophomore Brodie Rutherglen (Trail, BC) assisting. The Friars went back on top by two at 14:39 with their second goal in a four-on-four situation of the period with Colin McDonald picking up the tally.
Providence out shot Clarkson, 34-27. Junior Dustin Traylen (Kirkland, QUE) made 30 saves, including 15 in the first period. David Cacciola posted 25 stops for the Friars. The Knights went 1-of-12 on the power play, while Providence was 2-12 with the man-advantage.
Clarkson plays at UMass-Amherst on Saturday night
