University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Vermont *
Vermont Earns Split With 3-0 Win Over UMass
February 17, 2007 | Hockey
Feb. 17, 2007
BURLINGTON, Vt. - The University of Vermont (16-12-4, 11-8-4 Hockey East), led by Joe Fallon's 32 saves, gained a split of the weekend series at Gutterson Fieldhouse with a 3-0 shutout victory over the University of Massachusetts (14-11-5, 11-9-3 HEA). With the win Vermont moves back ahead of UMass for fourth place in Hockey East, while the Minutemen are tied for fifth with Maine.
Both teams' goaltenders looked sharp in the first period as neither side was able to find the back of the net. Vermont's penalty kill, ranked third in the country, stymied two UMass power plays in the period, while the Minutemen killed off one penalty of their own. The Minutemen applied the most pressure offensively, outshooting the Catamounts 16-4.
Penalties would be the story of the second period, with 13 minutes worth of penalties and one game misconduct being handed out. Vermont's Reese Wisnowski was whistled for a five minute major and got the gate for checking Topher Bevis into the boards from behind 2:46 into the period. Vermont's Torrey Mitchell would get called for interference 1:50 later. The Minutemen were unable to capitalize on the two man advantage as the Catamount penalty kill rose to the occasion again.
After a UMass penalty, Vermont took advantage of its first power play of the period. Brayden Irwin, who was serving the major penalty for Wisnowski, went straight from the penalty box to the goal where Mark Lutz found him. Irwin let a shot go from the right circle that beat Jon Quick.
Vermont took a 1-0 lead to the locker room and would keep the momentum to begin the third when Torrey Mitchell scored on a backhand just in front of the crease at the 2:19 mark. The Catamounts would strike again at 8:39 when Dean Strong scored from the right face-off circle off a cross-ice pass from Peter Lenes to close out the scoring.
UMass outshot Vermont 32-24. The Minutemen were 0-6 on the power play while Vermont was 1-4.
