Travis Russell posted 24 saves and Brady Leisenring provided all the scoring as the University of Vermont gained only its second shutout ever over Clarkson University blanking the Golden Knights 2-0 before 1,896 fans at Cheel Arena Friday night. Vermont (5-19-4, 3-13-1 ECAC) continued its success in Potsdam and in the process picked up its first win on the road this season. The Catamounts, who have won more games at Cheel Arena than any other visiting team with eight victories in the 13-year-old arena, have defeated Clarkson three straight times on the Knights’ home ice. Clarkson, which has lost a season-high four straight, falls to 11-13-5 and to 6-9-2 in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).
The Catamounts’ leading scorer, Leisenring tallied the only goal Vermont would need, scoring just eight seconds into Vermont’s second power play of the night off a quick wrist shot from the bottom of the left circle for his 10th goal of the season at 18:17.
The two teams battled in a tight defensive game for the remainder of the contest before Leisenring sealed the victory knocking in a rebound off the post by Jeff Miles into an empty net with 15 seconds remaining in the third. Russell, who recorded his first career shutout, also assisted on the goal.
The Knights’ sophomore goaltender Dustin Traylen (Kirkland, QUE), who was pulled for the extra skater with just under one minute to play, finished 22 saves.
Clarkson, continues to struggle on the power play, going scoreless in five attempts against Vermont, while the Catamounts were 1-of-6 with the man-advantage.
The Knights will look to get back on the winning track as they host Dartmouth on Saturday.
