Men’s Ice Hockey:
USM won its first ECAC East playoff game in six years, defeating the Thoroughbreds of Skidmore College 6-1 last Saturday, February 26, in Gorham. Junoir forward Matt Mendoza (Rockland, MA) scored two goals for the Huskies while adding a pair of assists. It was the fourth straight win for the third-seeded Huskies, while the sixth-seeded Thoroughbreds finished their season at 6-19-1. The Huskies were held scoreless in the first 18 minutes of play until a two-goal explosion put them on top 2-0 heading into the second. Sophomore Brian Collins (Reading, MA) and freshman Brett Kapteina (Stamford, CT) opened the scoring for the Huskies. The Huskies led 6-0 before Skidmore sophomore Steve Martorana (Lakeland, FL) scored to put the Thoroughbreds on the board. USM senior captain Jon Lounsbury was credited with four assists on the game and freshman Dan Snyder (Portland, ME) had three.
Women’s Ice Hockey:
The sixth-seeded Huskies took a one-goal first period lead, but were unable to fend off the third-seeded Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers, bowing 3-2 in a first-round ECAC East opening round tournament game played at Rochester, NY. Freshman defenseman Meg Hansen (Westford, MA) opened the scoring for the Huskies off assists from junior Meaghan Barnaby (Hampton, NH) and freshman Lindsay Herzog (Hightstown, NJ). R.I.T. took the lead in less than two minutes midway through the second period off goals by Stacey McConnell (Millgrove, Ont.) and Isabelle Richard (Malartic, PQ). Allison Bernstein (Dobbs Ferry, NY) finalized scoring for the Tigers, making it 3-1 with just under two minutes remaining in the second. The Huskies would draw within one once again, making it 3-2 off a goal from senior captain Molly Zogby (New Hartford, NY). USM sophomore goalie Jen Arno was credited with an astounding 51 saves, a career best. The Huskies end their season with an overall record of 5-18-2.