Utica University’s men’s hockey team battled in overtime against Curry College in the Nexus Center on March 28. With a 2-1 win, Utica advanced to the Division III National Championship game against Hobart.

As the score stayed at zero a piece, it was a physical game and that’s exactly how the first period started. With both teams under 10 shots on goal, goalies were standing their ground and shots were limited. Utica had their defensive efforts create goal scoring opportunities, but could not capitalize.

Utica’s defense continued to fuel their offense as they would put up 19 shots on goal in the second period. One of the shots ended in a goal. Freshman Anthony Bax provided the game with its first goal and was assisted by captain Brian Scoville and Jakob Breault. Pioneers would end the period up 1-0 going into the third.

With a little under 9 minutes left, Curry College found a way to score to tie the game. The game was a defensive chess match as both goalies guarding the net did their best to not give up a goal. Pioneers only took 7 shots on goal and all were potential game winning strikes.

Both teams found themselves in penalty trouble in a match where it felt like the refs were letting them play. Each team could not use their advantages in power play and the period concluded with a tie going into overtime.

Freshman goalie Ryan Piros made a tremendous save, stopping the only shot on goal Curry put up in overtime. Pioneers countered, Sophomore Eric Vitale hawked down the puck in their offensive zone, Jakob Breault maintained possession and fired a pass to Brian Scoville. Scoville fired a shot on goal and Eric Vitale managed a shot off the rebound and “They Score, They Score, They Score. See you on Sunday.” Announcer Call.