Black Division Quarterfinals: Sacred Heart Outlasts Hofstra in Marathon Overtime Game

In the final quarterfinal game of the Black Division tournament, #2 Sacred Heart took on #7 Hofstra. William Hayes got Sacred Heart going in the first, winning a battle for a loose puck in front of the net and scoring the game’s opening goal. The Pioneers doubled their advantage in the second when Noah O’Neil utilized a strong wrister to score short handed. 

At the 2:18 mark of the period, Hofstra got themselves back into the game. Matthew Materazo got a clear lane and ripped one into the back of the net to bring the Pride within one. In the third period, Robert Criscuolo unleashed a slap shot from the point to tie the game and send it to overtime. 

What followed was the longest game in Empire Conference history, as the game went through a whopping four overtime periods. It also featured an outstanding 95-save performance from Spyridon Markoulis. However, it was not enough for the win, as Luke Botti got to the left circle and buried the overtime winner in the fourth overtime period. Sacred Heart punched their tickets to the semi-finals with a 3-2 overtime victory. They’ll be playing against Farmingdale in their semi-final matchup on Saturday. 

3 Stars of the Game

1. Hofstra, Spyridon Markoulis: 95 saves on 98 shots

2. Sacred Heart, Luke Botti: GWG, assist 

3. Sacred Heart, James Burtch: 45 saves on 47 shots