Brady Welsch scores overtime game-winner in 4-3 victory over Tufts

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Junior forward Brady Welsch of the Williams College men's ice hockey team scored the game-winning goal 34 seconds into overtime, as the Ephs secured their second consecutive NESCAC win at Lansing Chapman Rink Saturday afternoon with a 4-3 triumph against Tufts.

The Ephs (2-2-0, 2-2-0 NESCAC) defeated Connecticut College, 5-3, on Friday evening, as Williams secured five out a possible six points this weekend. On Saturday, first-year Jackson Krill (3 assists), first-year Gates Omicioli (1 goal, 1 assist), sophomore Jake McManus (1 goal, 1 assist) and Welsch (2 goals) recorded multi-point efforts. Sophomore goaltender Kael DePape earned his second straight victory, turning aside 28 shots, including making 17 saves in the third period.

Williams was phenomenal on the power play, going 3 for 5, and the Ephs killed off all three Jumbos' power-play opportunities.

"Tufts is a very well coached and talented team and it took all of us to earn the win today," said head coach Bill Kangas. "I liked our puck pursuit and puck movement, and I appreciated the way we positively responded to situations throughout the game. While it is still early in the year, we are excited about building off the group's effort today."

The Jumbos (2-2-0, 2-2-0 NESCAC) opened the scoring on a goal by Jonathan Horn 7:53 into the first period. McManus evened the score at 1-1 on the power play with 18:03 remaining in the second, as he buried a wrap-around goal. Williams took a 2-1 lead on the power play at the 5:46 mark of the second, as sophomore Grant Fuchsen's shot from the point was saved by Tufts' goaltender Gustave Bylin. Omicioli established position on the edge of the crease and buried the rebound into the back of the net for his first collegiate goal.

Tufts evened the game at 2-2 with 1:26 remaining in the second on a goal by Bryceon Lago. With 6:10 remaining in the third period, Welsch one-timed a pass by senior captain David Vieten into the back of the net, giving the hosts a 3-2 advantage. The visitors forced overtime on a goal by Sylas Oberting with 2:46 on the clock in regulation.

During a 4-on-3 power play in overtime, senior Connor Berg found Welsch in the left faceoff circle, as the junior standout one-timed a shot into the back of the net to end the game. Welsch scored five goals this weekend.

The Ephs will compete at Babson on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 3 p.m.