University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Merrimack *
Merrimack Stops UMass In Its Tracks With 3-0 Win
December 05, 2006 | Hockey
Dec. 5, 2006
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - UMass ran into a hot goalie on Tuesday night at Merrimack and luck was not on its side, as hit posts didn't count and the sixteenth-ranked Minutemen (7-4-2, 4-3-1 Hockey East) dropped a 3-0 decision to the Warriors (2-12-1, 2-8-0 HEA). Massachusetts held a 37-19 shot advantage but could not find the back of the net.
Merrimack struck first with a power play goal at 8:22, scoring on their second power play of the game. Justin Bonitatibus was credited with the tally, batting in a loose puck in front of Jon Quick to make it a 1-0 contest. Brock Wilson, who took the initial shot from the blueline, and Matt Byrnes were credited with the assists. UMass would fall into penalty trouble in the stanza and were called for three total infractions, but the Minutemen allowed just the one to close out the first.
Despite back-to-back power plays in the second, the Minutemen failed to convert and gave up another goal at 10:38. Ryan Sullivan, coming out of the box for a tripping penalty, took a pass from Carmen Posteraro and walked in alone on Quick for the 2-0 score.
Another run at an extended 5x3 power play ceased to give UMass a goal and the team skated into the locker room down two goals. Shots through two were 31-15 in favor of the Minutemen.
Merrimack put the game from within reach with their third goal of the game at 18:19, scored just as the slashing penalty to Joe Loprieno expired. Mickey Rego tallied the goal, assisted by Derek Pallardy and Patrick Watson.
UMass returns to the ice this weekend with a home-and-home against Boston College. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will be collecting new and unwrapped toys for the Toys For Tots drive, and Friday also marks the fourth annual Mullet Night. Fans can receive a mullet wig with admission.
