The 2020-2021 “COVID” Ice Hockey Team
Kneeling (L-R) George Reich, Mitch Fuchs, Mitchell Knecht, Logan Connelly, Alex Ferraro, Chris Miller, Alex Ulery, Taylor Hall, Shane Stone.
Standing (L-R) Coach Bob Martz, Head Coach Brett Martz, Joe Moyer, Tristan Moyer, Anthony Rendulich, Colten McCutcheon, Trent Stead, Zack Zapata, Clark Josephson, Devin Barrett, Isaac Pesicka, Reese Capo, Coach Cam Roth, Joshua Hoffman, Coach Mike Ziemianski.
Exciting One Game Season Rewards SVC with 4-2 Win Over Robert Morris University
After months of practice and uncertainty because of the COVID Pandemic, the Saint Vincent Polar Bearcats were rewarded with a game against the RMU Colonials and skated to an exciting 4-2 victory. The contest started with each team trading occasional chances and miscues to end the first period with 8 shots each and a 0-0 score. The tempo quickened in the second period with RMU working a 5 on 3 power play to an opening score. Four minutes later Chris Miller moved in from the blue line for SVC, took a pass from Mitchel Fuchs and knotted the game at one. As the period progressed SVC started to tilt the ice with speed, aggressive forechecking and physical play holding a 15 to 9 shot advantage for the frame. Missed shots on two breakaways and a wrister that hit the RMU netminder’s goal shaft kept the score even while Alex Ferraro held steady with solid pipe play, robbing the Colonials of two scores.
Two minutes into the third, Saint Vincent freshman Colton McCutcheon moved the Green and Gold into the lead. Clark Josephson clogged the boards and Logan Connelly fished the puck from the wall and made the set up for the McCutcheon goal. In spite of a decided zone time advantage, RMU would not go away scoring 5 minutes later. Joe Moyer came close to giving Saint Vincent the lead but was thwarted by the Colonial goalie. On his line’s next shift Josh Hoffman ripped a shot that was deflected by Tristan Moyer into the net for what would end up being the game winner. But before the final buzzer could sound, SVC took a tripping penalty that gave RMU a chance to tie the game late into the third period. But with two extra attackers, strong SVC defense enabled Josh Hoffman to advance the puck to Logan Connelly who laced a shot from the wing into the Robert Morris empty net. With an altercation at center ice after the score, an RMU player was assessed a 5 minute penalty. That enabled SVC to play 4:4 and eventually take a man advantage into the final 90 seconds to seal the win. Final shots SVC 39 RMU 24.
Missing from the score sheet was solid overall defense from the blue line. Quick ups, regroups, good gap management and support from back checking forwards went a long way to minimize attacks from the visiting team.
GAME ON!
SUNDAY – APRIL 11, 2021 – SVC VS RMU – CENTER ICE ARENA, DELMONT PA – FACE OFF AT 1:20 PM!
NOTE – The ORIGINAL FACE WAS SCHEDULED FOR 2:20 PM. THIS IS A NEW TIME!
After a long wait the Polar Bearcats take the ice against the Robert Morris Colonials. Let’s Go Green & Gold!
The Saint Vincent College Ice Hockey Team has received clearance to play games for the 2021 Spring Semester. Although College Hockey East has officially cancelled the 2020-2021 season as a result of COVID, the Polar Bearcats are available for exhibition matches and has reinstated spring practices.
If you represent a team that has an interest in scheduling a game please contact Mike Ziemianski at mikeziemianski@me.com.