Black Division Quarterfinals: Stony Brook Routs New Haven

In the second game of the Black Division tournament, #1 Stony Brook  took on #8 New Haven. Goaltending was the story in the early going of this game, as both Gene Castro and Thomas Fernandes were exceptional. The game’s first goal was scored with just seconds remaining in the first period. Lucas Puccia tipped in a pass from Steven Richardson with six seconds remaining to put the Seawolves up by one. 

Puccia got right back to work in the second period, deking out Fernandes and netting his second goal of the game within the first minute of play. At the 11:13 mark of the period, Nikita Vorotnikov scored the Seawolves’ third straight goal off a perfect feed from Nikita Vorotnikov. In the third period, a major penalty was assessed to Michael Pilato, giving Stony Brook a five-minute power play opportunity. James Heinssen capitalized on that chance, scoring a deflection goal to put Stony Brook up by four. 

The Chargers finally got on the board at the 12:35 mark of the period, sniping a shot by Castro. Trying to come back from a three-goal deficit, New Haven cleared their net on a late power play opportunity. Despite the six-on-four advantage, Stony Brook staved off the attack, with Brandon Gerstein launching a puck across the ice to score an empty netter. That sealed the deal for a 5-1 Stony Brook win in the opening round. They’ll take on the lowest remaining seed in their semifinal matchup on Saturday. 

3 Stars of the Game

1. Stony Brook, Lucas Puccia: 2 goals, assist

2. Stony Brook, Gene Castro: 41 saves on 42 shots

3. Stony Brook, Nikita Vorotnikov: Goal, 2 assists