On Saturday, Marist Hockey (7-13), who entered the game 2-8 in their last 10, got a much-needed win against Westfield State in a physical and thrilling shootout victory 4-3.
The sheer physicality headlined the game as both teams did not shy away from throwing bodies around, which escalated into post-whistle scrums and a few fights, with penalties galore. Both teams tallied 22 combined penalties, but the Red Foxes maintained a level head en route to victory.
“I was most pleased that we weren’t going into second or third-man battles, especially in the third period. We took the punches and ate it and tried to stay 5-on-5 to keep our momentum going,” said Coach Anthony LoBianco.
AJ Schauder played a vital role in the win. When the team surrendered a 3-1 lead to Westfield and couldn’t get anything past goaltender Matt Schoer, he matched Schoer’s play and kept Marist in it with big saves to allow his teammates to tie the game in the third period.
“When that third goal goes in, your guys are tired. I was just trying to get the guys riled up to go and score,” said Schauder.
“AJ’s been a backbone for us. If we want to make a run, it’s on him and Russo to do their thing in the net,” said LoBianco.
Before the game, Marist honored their senior players: forward John Heaney, forward Dan Donohue, and forward and captain Christian Wilde.
“[Marist Hockey] means the world to me. I’ve made friends that I’ll probably keep in touch with for the rest of my life. I can’t thank Marist Hockey enough for what it’s done for me,” said an emotional Christian Wilde.
The first period started with Westfield State generating chances on net, but their momentum slowed after Alex Armada forced a turnover and drew a tripping penalty on Westfield State forward Barry Page.
Forward Max Moriarty followed with a cross-checking penalty to give the Red Foxes a 5-on-3 powerplay, but they failed to convert. Page quickly committed another penalty after exiting the box putting Marist on another powerplay. Stout defense and great play from Schoer kept the Red Foxes off the board.
Marist took the lead with goals from Jonathan Hoang and Kyle Butcyhk to go up 2-0 in the first, and Schauder came up big too where on a 2-on-0 he left the net for a clutch poke check to disrupt Westfield’s opportunity.
The Owls finally scored with a snipe from Beck Avery-Dyjach that beat Schauder to make it a one-goal game. Seconds later, Bobby LaBonia responded with his first collegiate goal to push Marist’s lead back to two.
Westfield State did not go down without a fight, however. After Marist defenseman Richie Williams took a slashing penalty, Westfield forward Chris Ross scored at the tail end of the powerplay.
Another fight broke out after Marist forward Jake Dargento issued a hip-check, which resulted in him and Matt Sacco receiving penalties, alongside Barry Page of Westfield.
The third period offered much of the same with both teams at each other’s necks. Will Foley tied the game up for the Owls off a shot that just trickled past Schauder, silencing the crowd.
All signs pointed towards a big comeback win for the Owls; momentum on their side and Matt Schoer looking unbeatable, but AJ Schauder kept the Foxes in it to overtime and eventually a shootout.
Both goalies were locked in during the shootout, denying shooters one by one. Sacco then came up in the sixth round. With the game on his stick, he delivered and secured a crucial win for Marist.
The Red Foxes suffered a 4-1 loss to Westfield on Sunday at the Amelia Park Arena in Massachusetts in their final game of the regular season.
The playoffs are next and Marist will begin their quest for an SECHL title on February 14th in hopes of qualifying for the ACHA Northeast Regional Tournament.
Edited by Marley Pope
Graphic and Photo by Kira Crutcher
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