Men's Hockey Wins First Game of Season Against Colby

Waterville, Maine- In their season opener, the Williams men's hockey team (1-0-0, 1-0-0 NESCAC) dominated the Colby Mules (0-1-0, 0-1-0 NESCAC) in a 1-0 shutout. The first goal of the season was scored by sophomore forward Jacob Monroe.
 
The game started slow with no goals or penalties. Both goalies brought their A-game in the first period. There was good back and forth with both teams hitting double digits in shots on goal. Fourteen went William's way, but neither Ephs or Mules were unable to connect puck to net and went into the second period on even ground.
 
Coming into the second period trailing the Eph's 14-10 in shots on goals, the Mules came back with some heat posting 17 shots on goal. However, none of these made it past junior standout goalie Evan Ruschil.
 
The game winning goal came from Jacob Monroe, assisted by Henry Muller and Ben Lawrick,11 minutes and 39 second into the period. Following a quick turnover, the Ephs managed to carry the puck through neutral ice and into the Ephs offensive zone. It was here that Muller was able to snatch the puck and send it to Monroe, who slapped it past Colby goaltender Andy Beran's right shoulder.
 
Not long after, the Ephs were given an opportunity to increase their lead, when Colby's Jake MacDonald penalty for charging sent him to the bench. Senior forward Jack Forrest and freshman defenseman Peter Frates made an offensive surge, but both were blocked before reaching the goal.
 
The penalties continued into the third period, where the Ephs gave the Mules three power play opportunities to score an equalizer. However, Ruschil and the Eph defense team put on a phenomenal show holding the Mules at bay throughout the third period.
 
With three minutes remaining and a power play opportunity after sophomore forward Henry Muller's slashing penalty, the Mules pulled their goalie and put six men on the ice. The Ephs were not deterred making crucial save after save. At the end of the game beep, Evan Ruschil walked away with his first season shutout and the Ephs with their first team victory.
 
"It's been great finally being able to be on the road traveling with the team. The teamwork and time we spend together helps on the ice," comment head coach Bill Kangas. "Tonight was a great team win. Everyone contributed to it and Evan was very strong in the goal".  
 
The Ephs will take this momentum into tomorrow's 7pm game hosted by Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME.