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Game Info |
Suffolk at Tufts |
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BOSTON – The Suffolk hockey team remains on the road Tuesday as the Rams trek to Tufts for a non-conference match-up with the Jumbos at 7 p.m.
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LAST TIME OUT
Trailing by one heading into the third period, the Suffolk hockey team netted three goals, including two in the final 4:50 of the period, to top Franklin Pierce, 5-3, Saturday at Jason Ritchie Ice Arena.
MORE READING: Third Period Flurry Sends Hockey Past Franklin Pierce, 5-3
RUN DOWN ON THE RAMS
- Following nearly a month off, the Rams shook off their rust with a 5-3 win at Franklin Pierce Saturday. After edging out Franklin Pierce, Suffolk moves to 8-3-2 overall.
- On the offensive side of the ice, Suffolk has the third-best skaters in the league, putting in 3.62 goals per game led by Justin Selep's nine, it top amongst ECAC Northeast skaters. The junior forward is tied for the top of the league in points with 18 thanks to nine assists to go along with his scorers. Danyil Medvedev has also dished out nine assists and scored seven goals to sit second on Suffolk in points with 16.
- Brandon Smolarek and Kevin Venturoso have split time at goaltender throughout the year. In 12 starts, Smolarek owns a 7-2-2 record, 345 saves (.913) and allowed 33 goals (2.82 GAA) in. Venturuso boasts a 1-1-0 record, 39 saves and four goals allowed (2.85 GAA).
FLYING WITH THE RAVENS
- Entering the midweek tussle with a 4-4-3 overall record, Tufts is currently on three-game unbeaten streak, winning three of those contests, including two straight. In their last outing, the Jumbos defeated Endicott, 6-1.
- Sophomore forwards Brian Brown and Nick Flanagan represent the top-two point earns for Tufts through 11 games this season with 10 and seven points, respectively. Brown is top with the most scores and assists (4-6-10), with Flanagan (3-4-7) chipping in multiple goals and handouts.
- Tufts has a penchant for rotating three netminders this season, between Mason Pulde, Nik Nugnes and Ryan McConnell. Pulde and Nugnes have each started five games, with PUlde seeing more time, stopping 156 shots, while letting through 10 goals. Nugnes, on the other hand, who is coming off a 40 save performance in the 6-1 win at Endicott Saturday, has 212 saves on the year, allowing 10 goals.
RIGHT ON, ROOKIES
The freshman class has made a significant impact for Suffolk this season. Rookie forward Justin Holliday's 10 points off four goals and three assists, sit third on the team. Tommy Bishop's nine points (4-5-8) rank fourth on the team, while his forward counterparts of Nick Mosher (2-4-6) and Connor Parent (4-2-6) each have six points. Brendan Heinze has scored three goals and handed out one helper while Mikhail Bryan rounds out the rookies with points as the defenseman has dished out two assists.
As a whole, the Class of 2019 accounts for 33.3 percent of the Rams' offense with 17 goals and 23 assists.
SHOW STOPPER
Brandon Smolarek has stood tall for Suffolk between the pipes and is a major reason why the Rams are 8-3-2 this season. The senior netminder has turned away 345 attempts, the sixth most among ECAC Northeast goalies. Smoalrek boasts a .285 goals-against average and .907 save percentage, which sit seventh and sixth in the league, respectively.
Smolarek brought his career total to2,005 saves Saturday, a milestone that was reached by just one other Ram since 1999-00, Jeff Rose '11 who owns Suffolk's all-time saves record with 2,799.
The Chesterfield, Michigan native steered away 46 shots against Salve Regina November 4, the most by a Suffolk keeper since junior Kevin Venturoso stopped 52 attempts against Tufts January 8, 2014.
A HEAPIN' HELPIN' OF HELPERS
The Rams have done well to spread the puck around with 11 scorers registering multiple goals, led by Justin Selep's nine and Danyil Medvedev's seven. On 47 total goals this season, Suffolk has racked up 73 assists, led by Medvedev's and Selep's nine each.
GAME-WINNING GANG
Five of Suffolk's eight game-winning goals this season have been scored by upperclassmen with the remaining three coming off the sticks of first-years. Junior Justin Selep leads the way with three, while freshman Justin Holliday put in two. Senior Zack Capozza, junior Stanton Turner and freshman Nick Mosher all have game-winning scores to their credit.
UP NEXT
Remaining on the road, Suffolk will open the second semester of ECAC Northeast action Saturday, Jan. 16 when it visits Nichols at 7:40 p.m.