CHARLESTOWN, Mass. – Sophomore Connor Henry netted a pair of goals, including a shorthanded tally late in the second period, and added an assist for three points to lead the Suffolk men's hockey team to a 4-3 Commonwealth Coast Conference victory over the University of New England Saturday evening at Emmons Horrigan O'Neil Rink.
THE BASICS
SCORE: Suffolk 4, New England 3
RECORDS: Suffolk (6-11-4, 4-9-2 CCC) | New England (11-8-2, 7-6-2 CCC)
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Rams jumped out to a 2-0 advantage just 8:46 into the contest on markers by sophomore Connor Parent and Connor Henry, who extended that lead to 3-0 with 3:51 remaining in the middle period with his unassisted shorthanded goal. The visiting Nor'easters got on board just 36 seconds on a tally by junior Ian Rodden to trail by a 3-1 margin heading into the final frame.
Freshman Brian Brooks restored Suffolk's three-goal edge 4:20 into the third period on a feed from junior Jack Jenkins for what proved to be the game-winning goal.
Senior Chris Harlow's marker just 57 seconds after Brooks' tally sliced UNE's deficit back to two and sophomore Brady Fleurent's shorthanded goal with 9:35 to play made it a one-goal contest, but the hosts held on over that time span to notch their triumph and move into the eighth and final league playoff position.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
- Connor Henry's three points off two goals and one handout let the way with Parent and Jenkins also finding the back of the net.
- Senior Danyil Medvedev, sophomores Sean Henry and LJ Fellows notched assists as well in the win for the Rams.
- UNE outshot the Rams by a 32-29 margin, including a 21-16 edge over the final two periods.
KEEPING UP WITH THE KEEPERS
- Sophomore Michael Levine picked up the win with a 29-save effort in goal for Suffolk.
- Sophomore Joe Noonan suffered the setback with nine saves over the final 23-plus minutes of play for the Nor'Easters, which received 16 stops over the final 36-plus minutes from freshman Tate Sproxton.
NOTEABLES
- Suffolk's win over UNE is the first for the Rams in the all-time series with the Nor'Easters.
- Connor Henry's three points mark a career-high for the sophomore.
POST-GAME PIC
WHAT'S NEXT?
Suffolk is back in action tomorrow night for a non-conference contest versus Franklin Pierce. Game time in Charlestown is scheduled for 8 p.m.