Brunswick, ME – The Williams College Ephs (1-0-0, 1-0-0) headed up to Bowdoin College (0-1-0, 0-1-0) in an important revenge game for the Ephs. The last time these teams met was the ultimate game of the 2022-2023 season in a hard fought NESCAC Championship which saw the Polar Bears come out on top 3-2 in overtime. Tonight, it would be the Ephs who make the statement, flipping the script with a 3-2 OT win of their own off the stick of
Jonah Gold.
Emotions were high in a packed Bowdoin arena as the reigning NESCAC champions looked to prove a point against a hungry Eph team. Williams would set the tone early with fluid passing and hard pressure to put Bowdoin on their toes. Despite out shooting the Polar Bears 8-2 in the first 10 minutes, Bowdoin would find the momentum in their favor with the games' first power play. They would only register one shot on the man-advantage, but it did the trick. As the penalty expired, a blocked shot would land in the slot and be swatted home by Bowdoin to open the scoring. The Ephs were on their heels after the goal but escaped the first down 1-0.
The Polar Bears would keep coming early in the second period and benefited off a fortunate bounce to extend the lead to 2-0. A different Williams team emerged from the break after the goal and went to work. Seven minutes later, the answer would come in the form of a
Jack Sabre goal off a shot from
Jared Lambright and pass from
Sean Clarke. With the pendulum swinging in the direction of the visitors, the 900 strong fan-base in Brunswick fell silent. The Ephs would step on the gas even more as the period wound down and were rewarded for their efforts. After a broken play, Connor Fitzpatrick found himself in on goal and a quick shot was rebounded to
Owen Stadheim who buried the rebound to tie the game.
The third period was hotly contested, reminiscent of last year's final. Back-and-forth action ensued for the duration of the period with each team having grade-A chances to seal the deal. Ultimately, the drama continued as the game headed into overtime.
The Ephs would win the face off and refused to give up the puck. Patiently, the Ephs began to pile on the pressure. It proved to be too much for the Polar Bears as they would concede a late penalty to send the Ephs up a man in a 4 on 3 situation. After incredible effort plays from
Jonah Gold and
David Vieten to keep the puck in the offensive zone,
Connor Berg ended up with puck on his stick in the slot. A quick pump fake and pass down to Gold gave the senior a clear look at the goal, and he took it. Beating the goalie on the short side, the Ephs skated away victorious in a huge statement win on the road.
The Ephs will look to continue their winning ways as they head to Colby College tomorrow for a 3pm game.
