Prep Team Splits with Rice in Family Weekend Showdown

Coming off of two strong wins in Byfield Massachusetts, the prep team could have been  the only undefeated hockey team at Northwood. The team didn’t have to do as much traveling this weekend as they were just up the street at the Lake Placid Olympic center. They played their two games against Rice prep during parents weekend on October 6th and 7th. With their families in the stands, the Huskies sure put on a show, splitting the weekend and winning  the first game by a nail biting score of 2-1. The second game was lost in a 3-4 shootout.

Alex Ray ’18 has a scoring chance vs. Rice. Photo: provided

In game one, the Huskies started out with a rough and shaky first period, ending the period with a 1-1 tie. The game was physical and fast paced. The Huskies came out for the second period flying from the start. The game ended with a 2-1 score in favor of the Huskies. Rico DiMatteo ‘20 was in net for the victory. Goals from John Biechler (2019, Forward) and Finlay Ulrick (2019, Forward) sealed the Huskies’ third win of the season.

“I thought in the first game we could have done a lot better. Especially in our defensive zone,” said junior forward Finlay Ulrick. “Having said that, it’s always nice to win at home and it was great to score a goal as well. The second game was a tough one. We showed great character to come back and tie the game late in the third. When it comes to a shootout, it’s anyone’s game. Unfortunately, we came out on the losing end. I think the boys can learn that we need to work hard 100% of the time and give the other team no opportunities.”

In game two, the Huskies came out of the locker room, led by starting goalie Wyatt Friedlander ‘19, looking like they were ready to go back and battle the physical Knights of Rice prep. The game was teeter-tottering back and forth with the scoring. After the first period of play, the score was tied 1-1.

After the second period of play, there was no scoring. Finally, by the end of a thrilling third period, The Huskies and the Knights were tied.

Overtime came to an end without resolution, and it was time for a shootout. It didn’t work out in the end for the Huskies who they lost 1-0 in the shootout, with a final score of 3-4.

Coach Dave Vitale gave a recap on what the team could have done better and what they need to do as a team moving forward. “We got off to a slow start, but I think we played well overall against Rice,” said Vitale. “Our goalies were great, and we were able to capitalize off a couple Rice turnovers. I thought we showed a lot, coming back from down two goals to tie the game on Saturday. Moving forward, we know we have to improve our defensive zone coverage and our breakouts, but we have a lot of reason to be optimistic for this season.”