Second Period Update

Hockey
Michael King

It was an eventful first period, but no score for either squad. Maine took four penalties in the frame, while UMass committed three infractions.

But before the rash of penalties began, Maine’s Keith Johnson nearly drew first blood within the first two minutes. The forward intercepted a pass in front of Jon Quick, but the goaltender made the save with his left blocker.

Several seconds later, Mike Hamilton went off the ice for the Black Bears for charging. In the ensuing power play, UM managed only one quality rush with a Mark Matheson slap-shot from the point as its best opportunity.

In the 12th minute, David Leaderer committed a cross-check and put Hockey East’s best power play unit on the ice for the first time. Brent Shepheard almost tapped the puck past Quick, on a rebound from Mike Lundin’s shot from the point.

Will Ortiz was called for a tripping penalty, which was followed by a slashing penalty by Matt Anderson less than a minute later. Although they had several excellent scoring chances on the 5-on-3 opportunity, the Black Bears did not score. However, Quick stopped a shot with an outstretched stick from Teddy Purcell at the left face-off circle.

Immediately after UMass successfully killed off both penalties, Mike Hamilton committed his second penalty – this time a slashing call. The Mass Attack will open the second period with a 1:13 power play.

Several players stood out for the Minutemen besides Quick. Cory Quirk won seven face-offs, including several in the defensive zone. Defenseman Mike Kostka blocked four shots, as the team blocked 10 all together.

An update after the second period to follow.