Endicott Handles Engineers

Jan. 31, 2006

The Endicott hockey team returned from the winter break and welcomed the Engineers of Worcester Polytechnic Institute for the second meeting of the season. It was clear from the start that the long break precluded the Gulls from establishing any kind of consistent play throughout the game, but miraculously were able to record an 11-1 win.

The penalty filled contest began when junior Mike Manfredi capitalized on a brilliant pass from Mark Vaughan at 11:40 of the first period. Fifteen seconds later Manfredi would strike again on a power-play goal gathering a rebound after freshman Anthony Chedid blasted a shot from the point. The onslaught continued when junior Ben Dodge tallied his first of the three goals that night. The final goal of the period occurred when WPI's Jay Brindell was whistled off for slashing when Endicott's Manfredi completed his natural hat trick by redirecting a Jeff Lallier shot from the point.

The scoring continued for Endicott in the second when Chris Garofalo positioned behind the WPI' s goal, spotted freshman Chris Linnehan moving through the slot for a quick one timer making the lead 5-1. Thirteen seconds later as Endicott continued to pressure goaltender Nate Birmingham; sophomore Brian Sullivan backhanded a shot high from the slot when Mark Vaughan collected the rebound for the easy second chance.

WPI finally got on the board at 12:18 of the second period when Endicott's Mike Ripley was whistled off for high sticking; when Jay Brindell was left wide open in the slot leaving Jeff Pardue defenseless. The second period rounded out when Kenny Dargon drove down the left wing and fired a 20 foot shot making it 7-1.

The third period showcased both teams taking more undisciplined penalty after penalty. Despite the inconsistent play, Endicott's Dodge recorded his second goal of the night on a wrist shot that beat Birmingham to the far side and who was ultimately pulled for goalie Pat Renduid. Seven minutes later on an Endicott power play, Brad Butcher, who played perhaps his best game of the season, fired a shot form the point that was deflected by senior Adam Partaledis. Endicott's power play success continued two minutes later when Dodge on a two man advantage scored his third goal of the night. Not to be outdone, sophomore Mike Ripley got on the board after he let go of a blast form the point completing the 11-1 contest.

Endicott goalies Jeff Pardue and sophomore Josh Provost kept what was a much closer game than the score would show, out of reach for WPI by turning away 32 saves collectively. Endicott will travel on Friday to first place UNH, and then host University of Connecticut Saturday in what will be a very important weekend match up for the Gulls.