Hockey Falls in Season Opener
Worcester State scores 29 seconds into overtime to defeat the Leopards, 2-1; Devin Smith scored for Wentworth and Joel Miller made 25 saves
FITCHBURG, Mass. – The Lancers of Worcester State University used an overtime marker from Cody Osburn (Sacramento, Calif.) to clinch a 2-1 victory of the Leopards of Wentworth Institute of Technology in opening round action of the 2013 IC Federal Credit Union Shootout hosted by Fitchburg State University.
With the win, Worcester State snapped a 17-game losing streak to the Leopards, who hadn't lost to the Lancers since falling, 4-3, on February 21, 1996.
After a scoreless first period of play, Worcester State finally broke the game's scoring silence midway through the second stanza as junior Nathan Stanley (Meridian, Idaho) connected for his first goal of the season on the power-play with helpers from Stephen Rock (Tulsa, Okla.) and Cody Brier (Marlboro, Mass.). Time of the goal was at the 10:01 mark.
Wentworth evened the score in the third period, netting the equalizer just 3:46 into the frame. Junior Devin Smith (Tewksbury, Mass.) found the back of the net for the Leopards, receiving feeds from Mick Bruce (Lafayette, Colo.) and Beau Burgau (New Ulm, Minn.) for the even strength marker.
With the score tied at 1-1, the game headed for a five minute overtime period. In the extra frame, Worcester State wasted no time as Osburn connected from the top of the point just 29 seconds in, securing the victory for the Lancers.
For the game, Wentworth held an advantage on the offensive end, posting a 33-27 advantage in targets, while also holding eight power plays throughout the contest. Despite its 8-4 disadvantage on power plays, Worcester State kept the Leopards silent with the man advantage as sophomore keeper Salvatore Tecci (Franklin, Mass.) totaled 32 stops for the Lancers. Sophomore Joel Miller (Calgary, Alta.) stopped 25 shots for Wentworth.
Wentworth (0-1) will be back in action tomorrow as it battles Fitchburg State University at 4 p.m. Worcester State (1-0) will meet Becker College at 1 p.m.
(Recap courtesy of Fitchburg State Sports Information)