The University of Massachusetts Boston men’s hockey team finally had the opportunity to write a new chapter after over seven months of adulation, celebration, and preparation following what was their finest season in school history last year. Saturday’s season opener had a familiar ring to it, the Colonels of Curry College were their first opponent, as it was the case to open last season. That would be the only similarity, highlighted with two major differences. This year’s opener was at Curry’s home ice, the Ulin Memorial Rink in Milton, while last year got started at the Ice Arena on the Clark Athletic Center complex. The second difference would be in the scoreline, while the Colonels gave a valiant effort good enough for a third period lead before the Beacons came back for a 4-3 win last year, Saturday’s game hardly made the Beacons sweat, as the outcome would prove to be.
Zach Lindsay would open the goal scoring account for the Beacons season just 5:16 into the first period, a power-play tally set up from Gabe Chuckran. Lindsay would set up two other goals as he led a balanced scoring effort that saw five different Beacon players score as many goals the team would put up on the board. Senior captain Albee Daley would knock home the second Beacon goal on another power-play later in the period for a 2-0 first intermission advantage, assisted by Tyler Bishop and Colin Larkin. David MacGregor would score the first goal of the second period, pounding a rebound past Colonels goaltender Brett Sinclair for the 3-0 lead, with Bishop being given the other assist. Shane Tracy made certain the Colonels wouldn’t be shut out though, tipping home an attempt from the blue line past freshman goaltender Jordan Bustard on their second power-play opportunity, with help from Adam Valadao. It would be the only blemish in a very solid first start for Bustard, who had 25 saves and great shot-blocking from the veteran-laden Beacon defensive corps. The third period was all Beacons, with goals from Garrett Gallagher and freshman Tyler Sifferlen on the Beacons third successful power-play try, assisted respectively from Ryan Cusin and Lindsay. All told, it made for an impressive opening night for the reigning New England Hockey Conference champions, who finished with a strong three for six display on the power-play in the 5-1 win.
“It was a great win, excellent team win.” Daley said on the performance Saturday. “Having five different guys score, and our freshman goalie come up big in his first game was huge for our team,” he added regarding the most intriguing aspects from the game.
“Individually, I thought my play was solid, but even so, there is always room for improvement. The same can apply for our team too. We have to continue and work to develop in all aspects of our game,” Daley would finish. If there was any aspect he could point out that could use the highest priority in practice, the Beacons penalty-killing unit made for top candidate. Despite facing only three Colonel power-play chances, the Beacons allowed a goal on the second opportunity in the second period. But in only allowing three power-play chances, the Beacons showed discipline in avoiding silly penalties, which can help them in a big way if they maintain this kind of poise throughout the year. The next contest against the Beacons satellite rival Dartmouth to open the home slate of the schedule will offer them more opportunity on further refining their game.
Coverage of the Beacons men’s ice hockey team can be found through beaconsathletics.com, with game schedules and results, statistics, roster and broadcast information, and more.