It was tough but worth it. Nik Manolakos playing in traffic at Kent State.
Saint Vincent Bests Kent State 3-1 In Road Victory
In a close game that could have gone either way, SVC had a goal in each period while KSU managed a single score in the the first on an unfortunate blue line mistake. Each team cautiously played the opening minutes as coaches and players tried to find out what the other was bringing to the contest. A dump and chase game settled both squads until Alex Schall opened the scoring from the deep slot on some nifty passing from Tyler Shigo and Dom Constantino. The game returned to a chess match until standout first year defenseman Louie Amatucci made a rare mistake and left a puck at the SVC blue line that was converted on a short break away against his brother Vinnie Amatucci. The second period was much the same until Zach Motil was set up in the deep slot by Captain Jacob Holtzman. The third 20 minutes saw SVC run a 1:2:2 pattern to perfection. Kent consistently could not get the puck cleanly into the Saint Vincent zone. A huge factor in the win occurred when a questionable 5 minute penalty against Holtzman was called. The Polarbearcat penalty killers were outstanding. Rendulich blocked several shots and when Kent State was able to break through the neutral zone and establish possession, SVC was able to get timely clears. Anything that got through was taken care of by Amatucci in the net. With time running down, the Golden Eagles put an extra attacker on the ice. In short order, Shigo won a draw back to Louie Amatucci who laced a 200 foot shot into the open net to seal the deal. Kent kept the goalie pulled but never properly challenged SVC in the waning moments.
Game Notes: It was a good experience for the incoming freshman to get a real taste of CHE top level competition from what has become a nice rivalry over the last few seasons. Though not appearing on the scoresheets, Luca Rosato, Hunter Bergman, and Aaron Varrati deserve credit for solid blue line work. The same can be said for Nik Manolakos and Zack Ridilla, especially on the PK. The 4’th line of Nik Guidos, Rocco Marino and Mike Radilla were solid, executing their roles to perfection. SVC has not allowed a power play goal in 21 straight man disadvantages, totaling 39 minutes, including two 5:3 disadvantages and one 5 minute penalty. Kent State outshot SVC 29 to 23. Vinnie Amatucci got the win in goal as he continued his pursuit of all the SVC goaltender records. It was his 32’nd career win, two shy of the all-time record held by Andrew Tully since 2004. Next up Robert Morris in an away game on Saturday,October 19 at 7:30 PM.
Big Tom’s Night – Banners Raised – Huge SVC Win
Saturday’s Homecoming game against Case had multiple stories and headlines. The team recognized Tom Holowaty, retiring GM after 25 years at the helm, raised its CHE Championship banner, and made a statement with a 14-0 win over the Case Western Spartans.
The Polar Bearcats wasted little time against the visiting Spartans, who had numerous scratches from their line up, as Tyler Shigo took a pass from Hunter Bergman and made some slick moves to slip a puck behind the Case goalie at 18:53 of the first period. At the end of 20 minutes, SVC 8 Case 0. Zach Motil, Dom Costantino, Nik Manolakos, an in period hat trick, Louie Amatucci and Shigo (again), essentially put the game out of each. Saint Vincent eased up in the second but still has a short handed goal by Captain Jacob Holtzman, a 4’th score by Manolakos, and single tally by Nik Guidos. With an 11 goal lead going to the third, the new CHE running clock rule went into affect. During that accelerated time, Zach Motil popped in his second, Dom Costantino added his second and Nik Manolakos capped off an incredible 5 goal performance.
Game Notes: Goals and assists were well distributed throughout the line up. Manolakos (+7) had one of the best games in SVC history with 8 points, adding three assist to his 5 goals, Zach Ridilla had three assists, and each blue liner recorded points, including LouieAmatucci’s first goal. Also getting their first career goals were freshman Nik Guidos and Dom Costantino. Hunter Bergman lead all defenders with a +6. Vinny Amatucci broke a school record with his 5’th career shutout. That broke the mark that was held since 1976 by Ken Glinka. The team travels to Kent State for a Friday evening game as it heads into fall break.
It was fitting that the raised banners and a dominate win were connected to the recognition of “Big” Tom Holowaty and his retirement as the GM of the ice hockey program. Over 25 years, 494 games, three ACHA National Tournament appearances, one NCHA National appearance, and the CHE Championship in his final year, Tom’s dedication to the program will remain forever etched in the minds and hearts of all the players, parents and associates he interacted with. He holds the record for most pizza’s ordered on road trips, number too big to count. His night saw an appreciation plaque given to him by league Commissioner Dave Fryer with the honor of dropping the puck for a ceremonial face off to start the game. Cheers to Tom. We hope to keep seeing you around the rink!
Defense of CHE Title Begins. SVC Wins 7-1 on the Road at WVU
Can 16 minutes win a game? For now, yes. Once Saint Vincent established is rhythm in the opening 20 minutes, it looked like the CHE champions from last season in a dominate first period that saw 6 goals scored against the Mountaineers. Team speed, coordinated attacks, point shot tip-ins, two power play scores and a shorthanded marker contributed to one of the best 16 minutes in SVC hockey history. The score could have been worse for WVU as two back door opportunities were missed by SVC. But the rest of the game dropped Saint Vincent to mediocre status. Lack of discipline, committing lazy penalties, engaging West Virginia in tit-for tat chicanery, and two bench minors from bad line changes forced the Polar Bearcats to kill 25 minutes of penalty time throughout most of the second and third periods, including two extended overlapping 5:3 man disadvantages. The great bench rhythm established in the first period was destroyed by these self-inflicted wounds. Two bright sides. The PK was dominate, refusing to let WVU score and a 4:4 breakaway score by Zach Ridilla with a slap shot that exploded by the WVU goaltender.
What we learned about the team? The PK will be stellar. The power play can be deadly. The new freshman added great depth to a solid roster. The blue line is significantly better. Speed now has some balance with size. If a commitment can be made to remove poor personal decisions from the team concept put in place by Coach Martz, this team can go far. How far is the choice of the players.
Game Notes: Scoring was well distributed. Holtzman had the season opening goal and Motil’s powerplay tally ended as the game winner. Manolakos had two really nifty tip-ins and Zach Ridilla popped in two. Schall had a two point game with a power play score and an assist. Shigo led all scorers with 3 assists, and additional helpers were added by Rendulich (2) and Constantino, Louie Amatucci, Porco, Taylor, and Varrati. Louie Amatucci, Rendulich, and Varrati lead all players with a +3 rating.
Raisin the Banner
Come join in the homecoming game against Case Western this Saturday at 7:00 PM as SVC raises its 2023-2024 CHE Championship Banner! Get a chance to see the Championship belt and be part of a recognition ceremony you won’t want to miss!
Three significant road trips are in the process of being finalized, a multi-team tournament in Wilkes Barre, PA (Nov 1-3), Hope College in Michigan (Dec 6&7) and an exciting voyage to play Florida Gulf Coast (Jan 10 & 11) at the Hertz Arena!
Be prepared to cheer our Polar Bearcats as they get ready to defend their CHE title and position themselves to another trip to Nationals!