Holy Cross 1, Bryant College 4

NECHA Associate game

Thursday, October 30, 2003 at the Hart Center

Recap:

The HC Club hockey team played hard against a very good Bryant Bulldogs team, but came out with its first loss of the season, 4-1.  A perennial strong, well-coached program, Bryant is ranked #3 in the Northeast in ACHA hockey’s latest poll.  Inspired by the biggest crowd to date, the Crusaders played its best first period to date putting pressure on the Bulldogs early.  The first period was fast-paced, up and down, hockey with chances at both ends.  Bryant got on the board first as one of their defensemen intercepted an errant pass in the slot and beat HC net minder Peter Bartline ‘06.  The first period ended 1-0 with Bryant out shooting HC 14-7.  Holy Cross got right back in the game 1:24 into the second period as Rob Clifford ‘05 won a battle in front of the net and one-timed a great pass from Frank Powers ’07 to tie the game 1-1.  Both goalies made great saves in the second period on breakaways and great scoring opportunities from the slot.  Bryant re-took the lead mid way through the second capitalizing on a defensive zone turnover by the Crusaders.  Holy Cross never got going in the third period as the Bryant team continued to control neutral ice and seal the win by adding two more goals for a 4-1 final.  Goalie Peter Bartline ’06 played a solid game making many key stops, but the Bryant team was too much for the Crusaders on this night.  Holy Cross will try to rebound this Saturday night as UNH comes to the Hart Center for a 7pm start.