Battle of Goalies Ends in a Nail Biter
Nov. 4, 2005
Endicott looked to continue their season opening win streak against Western Connecticut Saturday. The Gulls' fifth game of the season came down to the final minutes of the match, ending in a devastating 5-4 loss.
The showdown at Johnson Rink witnessed two potent offenses face off and two marquee goalies perform at their best. From the first drop of the puck, senior Endicott goalie Jeff Pardue began making save after save. But despite a series of outstanding blocks at the start of the first period, the Western Connecticut team simply overpowered the Endicott defense by sending rebound after rebound back towards the net, finally punching one over the goal line for the first goal of the game.
The Gulls wasted no time in returning the favor, though. Throughout the game, Endicott's line of senior Mark Vaughan, freshman Rob Fruggiero, and junior Mike Manfredi really took control of the game. This line brought the game back to a tie in the first period via hard work, fierce hitting, and fine puck work. As a result of a powerful shot by sophomore Mike Ripley, Fruggiero was able to control the rebound and take a shot from the middle of the slot. Despite Western Connecticut goalie Steve Grota getting a piece of the shot with his glove, the puck trickled over the goal line to make the game 1-1.
As well as the superb play by the Vaughan, Fruggiero, and Manfredi line, the entire Endicott hockey team relentlessly pressured their opponents, creating opportunity after opportunity. This level of play carried into the second period, leading to the Gulls taking the lead.
Western Connecticut was still able to strike first in the middle period. Good moves by Western Connecticut's Jeff Lafrancis allowed him to get through the Gull defense and teammate Adam Gooley to put home the rebound for the lead. But characteristically of Endicott team, the Gulls responded swiftly and forcefully. After gaining the WestConn blue line, Manfredi fired the puck at the net and went straight to the side of the net, perfect for a front row seat to Captain Adam Partaledis putting the biscuit in the basket and continue his season long scoring streak.
The 2-2 tie was eventually broken single-handedly by skilled forward sophomore Chris Garofalo. Garofalo showed off his moves in the WestConn zone, burning about every opponent on the ice but losing control of the puck just before reaching the net. Not done yet though, Garofalo regained control of the puck at about the hashmarks on the boards and walked to the front of the net to nail the shot and gain the lead.
However, Western Connecticut wasn't finished either though. The Colonials layed the pressure on during a 2 man power play and hit just about everything with their shots except the back of the net. Pardue stopped everything WestConn threw at him, dazzling fans with beautiful glove saves and some help from his friend, the post.
Colonial's Dan Corini did manage to squeak one past Pardue before the end of the second period with a tremendous individual effort. This left Endicott with a 4-3 lead going into the final period.
The 3rd period came down to the very end despite the great play early on by Endicott's Dennis Uhlman, Bryan Caccamo and Kenny Dargon, but was not enough for the determined Colonials. The period continued with Endicott attacking Western Connecticut with no avail. Grota played spectacularly, robbing the Gulls of several point-blank opportunities.
In the final minutes of the game with Endicott having taken many ill-advised penalties, the Colonials Corini again hit back with a back-breaking goal giving them the lead for good. With West Conn taking the lead 5-4 in the final minutes of the 3rd, the Endicott Gulls just didn't have enough time to get the tie. Despite the extraordinary play of the Vaughan, Fruggiero, and Manfredi line and Assistant Captain, Pardue between the pipes, Western Connecticut won the game behind the excellent play of their goalie.
Endicott's next game will be played Saturday October 29th against Holy Cross.