RUTLAND, Vt. – Junior Nate Chase (Plainfield, Ill.) evened the score with a shorthanded goal with 3:27 left in the second period as the Wentworth Institute of Technology hockey team opened the 2018-2019 campaign with a 2-2 tie at Castleton on Friday night.
Wentworth went on the power play just 27 seconds into the contest, however, despite putting a shot on goal and having another one blocked, was not able to capitalize on the man advantage. At the 4:04 mark, the hosts struck first on a goal from freshman Connor Rider (Whitby, Ont.), a goal which would be the lone marker of the opening frame. Wentworth dominated the first 20 minutes statistically, outshooting Castleton by an 18-4 margin, however trailed, 1-0.
The Leopards evened the score at the 5:30 mark of the second period, thanks to a goal from junior CJ Grinnell (Burlington, Mass.). Nearly 10 minutes later, the Spartans took a 2-1 lead as freshman Anton Tarvainen (Sipoo, Finland) scored on the power play from classmates Asa Palker (Bedford, N.H.) and Jahwara Rennals (Ottawa, Ont.). However, the lead did not last long, thanks to Chase, who scored a shorthanded from senior Angus Johnston (Calgary, Alta.) and junior Connor Busch (Lake in the Hills, Ill.) just 66 seconds later. Wentworth had a 10-7 shot advantage in the second period.
While the third period saw no scoring, Wentworth had a slim, 7-6 edge on shots. With 37 seconds remaining, the Leopards went on the power play, however, Castleton had a shot saved by freshman Thomas Draper (Binghamton, N.Y.) just before time expired.
The Leopards began overtime on the power play and carried play in the offensive zone for most of the extra-man opportunity, including putting one of their three overtime shots on goal during this span. With 1.3 seconds remaining, sophomore Brenden Lloyd (Merrick, N.Y.) nearly won the game for the Black & Gold, however, sophomore Sakke Tiitinen (Kemi, Finland) came up with a save.
Draper made 17 saves in his collegiate Debut, while Tiitinen stopped 36 shots on the night. Wentworth had a 38-19 advantage on shots.
Wentworth has its home opener tomorrow (Saturday, October 27) night against UMass Boston.
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