Knights Fall to 12th-Ranked UNH 4-1 in Ice Breaker Opener

Joe Zarbo follows a shot in front of UNH's Jeff Wyer - photo by Mike Tansey

Box Score

Nationally-ranked University of New Hampshire, benefitting from a couple of fortunate bounces and a strong goaltending effort, handed the Clarkson University Hockey team its first loss of the season, a 4-1 setback in the first round of the Ice Breaker Tournament at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis on Friday afternoon.

Clarkson, which owns a 2-1 overall record, will play Mercyhurst College, in the consolation contest on Saturday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Audio Head Coach Casey Jones postgame

The Golden Knights outshot UNH 34-33 on the Olympic Ice sheet at Mariucci Arena and went 1-of-5 on the power play while killing off all four of the Wildcats' man-advantage opportunities, allowing only three power-pay shots.

The Knights generated offensive opportunities in the first period, but it was UNH that made the most its chances to take a 2-1 lead through the opening 20 minutes. Eric Knodel started the scoring for the Wildcats at 14:27 with a goal that bounced in off a leg in front. Clarkson came right back, however, with its third power-play goal of the season.

Freshman defenseman James de Hass (Mississauga, ONT) tied the game with his first collegiate point as his shot from the point deflected off a UNH defender in front at 15:50. Sophomore Pat Megannety (Oakville, ONT) and junior Joe Zarbo (Grand Island, NY) assisted.

Audio de Haas goal

Just 38 seconds later, however, UNH went back on top as Tyler Kelleher capitalized on a Clarkson turnover and knocked in a rebound off the right post at 16:29. Matt Willows made in 3-1 in UNH's favor early in the middle frame with a tip-in off a Clarkson stick. The Wildcats got a another break to start the third period when Dan Correale's shot ricocheted off a Clarkson defender's stick and under the crossbar at 1:54 for a 4-1 UNH lead.

Clarkson outshot UNH 34-33. Sophomore Greg Lewis (Mars, PA) posted 29 saves, including 15 stops in the second period. Jeff Wyer finished with 33 saves, including 13 third-period stops.

Audio Lewis save

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