Box Score
NORTHFIELD, VT - Three goals in the first period would be all the nationally-ranked Norwich Cadets (13-5-3) needed to defeat the Williams College men's hockey team (11-6-2) 3-0 Saturday afternoon.
Today's game was the first time all season that Williams has been shut out, and only the second time they have been held to less than two goals. The Ephs are averaging more than 3.5 goals per game on the season.
Norwich managed a whopping 47 shots on net during the game, and goaltender Ryan Purdy '12 gave a great effort by making 44 saves in 60 minutes of play. After giving up three goals in the first period, Purdy stopped the remaining 30 shots he faced to try to keep the Ephs in the game. Freshman goaltender Parker Carroll was up to the challenge for Norwich, however, as he made 18 saves in 60 minutes of play to earn the shutout and the victory.
Coming into the game, the Cadets were tied with Castleton State College atop the ECAC East, while the Ephs looked to improve on their 2nd place standing in the NESCAC.
Norwich stormed out of the gates in the first period, getting a flurry of shots on Purdy and creating many offensive chances. While the Eph defense held strong, the Cadets managed to get on the board first at the five-minute mark with a goal by forward Colin Mulvey.
Norwich would add to their lead just two minutes later, as forward Scott Schroeder scored his 13th goal of the year to give the Cadets a 2-0 advantage.
The Cadets would score again near the end of the period to make the score 3-0, getting a goal from forward Travis Janke in what would be the last points of the afternoon for either team.
While the Williams offense was held to only four shots in the first period, it picked up the tempo in the second frame. Aided by a strong defensive effort, the Ephs were able to move the puck into the offensive zone and muster 11 shots on net during the period. Williams could not convert these scoring chances into goals, however, as Carroll made several nice saves to keep the Ephs off the board.
The final period was more of the same for the Ephs. Even with two power plays late in the frame, Williams just could not find the back of the net. Their best chance came on the second of these power plays, when Connor Olvany '11 fired a shot from the left side that ricocheted off the goalie's pad and settled just outside the net for several seconds before Carroll was able to cover it up.
Added Coach Bill Kangas, "[Norwich] came out with more energy in the first period; we made some mistakes early on and they were able to capitalize. We have to start better on Tuesday if want to come away with a win."
Tuesday night will feature a battle between Williams and NESCAC foe Middlebury College (9-6-4), as the Ephs travel to Middlebury, VT seeking to end their five-game road trip on a positive note. Both teams are in a tight race at the top of the conference and are currently tied for 2nd place behind Bowdoin College. The puck drops at 7 PM on Tuesday.
