Polar Bearcats Rip the Zips
In what may be a statement of bad news for opposing CHE teams, Saint Vincent commanded The University of Akron with a 12-0 opening season road victory. The game started evenly and each team had its share of fumbles and missed opportunities for the first few minutes. Then at 9:22 of the opening period, freshman Nino Dipietro took advantage of a set up from line mates Zach Motil and Chase Kushner and got nasty in front of the Zips goalie. SVC would need nothing more, but insurance goals came in bunches as the evening drew long with three in the first, four in the second and five in the third as the visitors ended with a 50 to 19 shot advantage. Akron had a few medium range shots on Vinny Amatucci, but he maintained control and thwarted what few quality chances were placed on him.
How did this happen? It took awhile for SVC to establish its bench rhythm and attack execution. But once able to get inside or behind Akron defenders the team turned into a swarm of snipers. Ten different players had goals, twelve had assists, and collectively Saint Vincent’s players placed 29 points on the score sheet. Every player had a least one plus, and only one was not credited with shot on goal. The slot, off the rush, back door, a scrum in front, defenders pinching into the deep slot for quick shots, all were part of the program. The defense held steady, closed gaps, moved pucks quickly and had solid hits to make plays without taking themselves out of position. The coolest play came at the start of the third period when an ill advised attempt to keep a puck in the SVC zone by a Zip defenseman ended in a classic 3:1. Motil, Dipietro and Kushner came with speed a quick passing befuddled the lone Akron blueliner and his goalie, 8-0 as Dipietro finished.
Who had the goals? Nate Loughner and Nino Dipietro had two each and single tallies went to Schall, Shigo, Motil, Williams, Traeger, Matis, Louie Amatucci, and Bedlli. And the assists? Spread the wealth. Two each from Shigo, Loughner, Motil, Dipietro, and solos from, Schall, Williams, Manolakos, Horton, Vecchio, Smith, and Costantino.
Next up for SVC, one of the top teams in College Hockey East, away at Kent State University. The schools have had some incredible battles the last few seasons. It’s early, but this match up already has the feel of playoff implications. It should be a dandy.