UVM edges Boston College
Toolbox
Staff Report - Published: November 16, 2009
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Senior Mike Spillane made 30 saves to lead No. 15 Vermont to Sunday's 3-2 men's college hockey victory over No. 16 Boston College.
The feat marked the Catamounts' first road victory over the Eagles in 15 years. The Catamounts ended a streak of 10 consecutive losses to the Eagles at Kelley Rink, a slump that dated back to Nov. 11, 1994.
Freshman Chris McCarthy scored at even strength, junior Kevan Miller notched a shorthanded goal and junior Justin Milo had a power-play goal for the Catamounts. Vermont went 4-for-4 on the penalty kill after giving up three power-play goals in Saturday's 7-1 loss to BC.
"I'm really proud of our team," Vermont coach Kevin Sneddon said. "We didn't feel very good leaving this building last night, so I was real pleased with out leadership – real pleased with everyone on our team. It was a character game for us."
Vermont took a 1-0 lead 2:44 into the opening period on McCarthy's third goal of the season. Junior Wahsontiio Stacey set up McCarthy, who was streaking down the seam. Junior Brett Leonard of South Burlington also assisted.
Sophomore Cam Atkinson tied the game for the Eagles at 3:42 of the second period with a wrist shot in transition from the right circle.
Minutes later Boston College (4-3-1 overall, 3-3-1 Hockey East) enjoyed a 5-on-3 power play opportunity and clearly had the momentum. But senior Carl Sneep fanned on a shot attempt from the slot and Miller went the other way on a breakaway for the Catamounts. Miller beat junior goalie John Muse (25 saves) with a high wrist shot for the shorthanded goal, giving Vermont a 2-1 lead.
Milo extended the advantage to 3-1 with a power-play goal at 9:47 of the third period. With the Catamounts on a five-minute power play after a hit-from-behind call on Paul Carey, Milo sent a one-timer from the high slot past Muse. Junior Kyle Medvec and senior Brayden Irwin both assisted on Milo's fourth goal of the season.
Senior Ben Smith notched his team-leading seventh goal of the season for Eagles at 13:45 of final period, cutting the deficit to 3-2. The Eagles pulled Muse with 1:57 left in search of the equalizer. Senior Brian Gibbons, BC's leading scorer, had the best chance to tie the game when he walked in alone on Spillane with 53 seconds left. Spillane turned away the shot to preserve the win.
"I thought Spillane was fantastic when we had breakdowns," Sneddon said. "When they did create good scoring chances, he was there to answer. I'm very, very excited about what we've seen from Michael and he was a big part of the win tonight."
Vermont improves to 4-4-1 overall and 3-3-1 in Hockey East action. The Catamounts will host No. 10 Massachusetts at 7:05 p.m. on Nov. 24.
"We still need to get better," Sneddon said. "It's going to be nice to have an extended period of time to practice and prepare for a great UMass team. We've got a lot to work on and will use this time wisely."
38