SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Senior Michael Darrar (Monroe Township, N.J.) and classmate Joe Budnick (Newington, Conn.) each scored goals, senior Brandon Stroud (Clarksville, Ind.) had two assists, and senior Tim Carr (Pine Bush, N.Y.) made 33 saves as the Western New England hockey team shutout Wentworth Institute of Technology, 2-0, in ECACECAC Northeast action at Smead Rink.
With the win the Golden Bears up their win streak to three, improving to 4-12-3 overall and 4-5-0 in league play while the Leopards fall to 9-9-2 (4-4-1).
The Leopards held a 10-3 shot advantage through the first period – including three on a late-period power play, however were unable to get past Carr.
Early in the second period Western New England would score the only goal it would need as Stroud set up Darrar on the power play for the 1-0 advantage. Wentworth had a pair of chances late in the period, however could not get the equalizer.
The third period saw the Leopards hold a 12-5 shot advantage with numerous chances to tie the contest. With 1:13 remaining junior Joel Miller (Calgary, Alta.) was pulled for an extra attacker and with 12 seconds left a penalty made it 6-on-4. Wentworth won the ensuing face off, however Stroud poked away the puck and fed Budnick who sealed the game with an empty-net goal just before the final buzzer sounded.
Miller made 16 saves as Wentworth held a 33-18 shot advantage for the contest.
Western New England is at Suffolk on Tuesday evening. Wentworth travels to league-leading Nichols on Wednesday.
