Minutemen open with strong first

Hockey
Joe Meloni

Although the first period ended in a scoreless tie, UMass coach Don Cahoon’s boys proved that Clarkson’s No. 1 seed means nothing. The Minutemen out-shot the Golden Knights and displayed more energy in the game’s first frame.

The best chance for UMass came on a rebound. Clarkson net minder Dave Leggio kicked a Mike Kostka slap shot from the point to his right. Matt Anderson corralled the bouncing puck before lifting it just over the crossbar with a frantic backhand.

The senior center played very well in the period with line mates Chris Davis and Scott Crowder. Ranking as the fourth line on the depth chart, the trio logged a solid amount of time on the ice and did a good job maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities for the Maroon and White.

UMass goaltender Jon Quick played well in the first period. Although he wasn’t really tested, he held the Golden Knights scoreless on their only power-play opportunity thus far.