Box Score

Gorham, Maine – The University of Southern Maine Huskies held off the Skidmore College Thoroughbreds for a 5-3 victory in ECAC Men's East action Saturday afternoon at the USM Ice Arena.           

The win evens the Huskies record at 1-1 overall and in league play.  The Thoroughbreds fall to 1-1 overall and in ECAC games.
 
Southern Maine built a 5-0 lead after two periods on the strength of a four-goal second period.  Skidmore climbed back into the game with three goals outshooting USM 16-5 in the final period.  USM goalie Josh Hillegas was steady under pressure making 13 saves in the period.

Angelo Vrachnas gave the Huskies the lead at 15:52 of the opening period tipping home a shot from freshman Alex Pompeo for the first of two power-play goals in the game for the Huskies.

Matt MacDonald doubled the Huskies advantage at 9:17 of the second period to spark a string of goals.  Jeremy Griffin converted a Thoroughbred turnover into his first collegiate goal at 10:39, and Ryan Connors made it 4-0 at 11:43.  Before the period ended, Stephen Gallo finished off a pretty passing play with his first goal of the season.

Skidmore, which won its season opener Friday night against the University of New England 9-4, came out strong in the third period.  Erik Nilsson tallied a power-play marker at 2:00, and Brendan Cottam added a second power-play goal at 9:33.  Sophomore T.J. Schneider made things interesting with his goal at 16:40 to cut the margin to 5-3.

The Thoroughbreds pulled goaltender Brad Cray in favor of the extra attacker with 1:10 top play, but Hillegas and the Huskies defense held the fort.

Cottam had an assist for the Thoroughbreds, and rookie Jack Even  collected two assists.  Cray, who came on in relief of starting goalie Spencer Sodokoff  in the second period, posted six saves in 27:07 of play beTfore being lifted.  Sodokoff recorded 13 saves and took the loss.

Skidmore will play its home opener next Friday (7:00 p.m.) hosting New England College.