Middlebury, VT – In the reverse fixture between Williams College (7-14-1, 5-10-1) and Middlebury College (5-17-0, 4-12-0), the two teams entered the game virtually level on points. At 14:58 in the second period,
Sean Clarke would slip Nick Rashkovsky into the zone on a breakaway, which he calmly dispatched to lead the Ephs to a victory with massive playoff implications.
The Ephs would open the scoring midway through the opening period after solid control over the game.
David Vieten and
Ethan Prout would set up
Connor Berg open in the slot, and the first-year would make no mistake as he wired home the first of his career. The game began to level out as the period progressed, but the Ephs managed to keep their defensive shape as they skated into the locker room up one.
The Panthers came out in the second with something to prove and were rewarded with a quick goal just four minutes into the frame. Just over ten minutes later, however, the Ephs would regain their lead off the stick of Rashkovksy who found the top corner on his breakaway. The Panthers would not roll over after the goal and challenged goaltender
Evan Ruschil several times in the remaining minutes; a few key saves and blocked shots would ensure the Ephs maintained their lead into the final period.
After leading for much of this weekend series, Williams made sure not to squander the opportunity today on the road. A sweet pass from
Jared Lambright to Jake Monroe would spring the junior on a breakaway where he slotted home the chance to double the lead. Minutes later, a colossal blocked shot by
Jacob Eckerle led to a 2-on-0 for himself and
Jack Sabre. A deft pass back door would be hammered home by Sabre to extend the lead to three. Just twenty seconds after the Sabre tally,
Sean Clarke would walk his opposing center and cap off the night with a bang as the Ephs went home victorious 5-1.
Coach
Bill Kangas commented on the win saying, "Tonight we played a complete hockey game. The boys competed across the entire length of the ice and were rewarded for their effort. From Ruschil in goal to Eckerle up front, the team deserved the win, and it was great to see them score some insurance goals in the third period."
The Ephs will end the regular season at home this weekend, beginning with Amherst on Friday at 7 PM.
