After a disappointing loss at Cornell on Friday night, the
Clarkson University Hockey team responded with a solid effort on Saturday as the
Golden Knights pulled out a
2-1 victory over Colgate at Starr Rink in Hamilton, NY.
Ranked 8th in the country, Clarkson improved its overall record to 17-7-4 and stayed within striking distance of first place in the ECAC Hockey League, owning a third-place 9-4-3 mark, just two points behind league-leader St. Lawrence. The Knights, who lost 5-1 at Cornell on Friday, begin their longest home stand of the season next weekend when they host Brown and Yale at Cheel Arena.
Clarkson found itself behind early against Colgate when a miscue at the side of the Knights’ goal between junior goaltender David Leggio (Williamsville, NY) and a defender left the net wide open. Colgate’s Ethan Cox was able to benefit, tapping in the loose puck to give the Raiders the lead at 7:31.
Less than three minutes later, Clarkson responded to tie the game when senior Mike Sullivan (Stouffville, ONT) connected for a power-play marker at 9:13. Sullivan took a perfect behind-the-net pass from sophomore Shea Guthrie (Carleton Place, ONT) right on his stick in the slot and hammered home his fifth goal of the season.
The Knights gained their only lead of the weekend late in the second stanza with junior Steve Zalewski’s (New Hartford, NY) 14th goal of the season. Sophomore defenseman Philippe Paquet (Quebec City, QUE) made a strong rush into the Colgate zone and found Zalewski in front for the game-winner. Freshman Matt Beca (Mississauga, ONT) picked up his second assist of the game.
Colgate out shot Clarkson 34-31, but Leggio came through with a 33 save-effort, including 14 third-period stops to improve his record to 16-5-4.
The Knights were 1-of-5 on the power play and killed off all four Raider man-advantage opportunities.
