Justin Martin
(#2 in your programs, #1 in your hearts)
Crusaders Play to Draw with UNH
Friday night, Holy Cross faced-off against long time rivals UNH. Both teams started their club hockey days as independent ACHA teams, moved to the NECHA and last year both teams were granted entry into one of the elite D2 leagues in the nation, the Supereast. Since their inception into club hockey both teams have developed a unique rivalry due to proximity, playing each other 3 times a year, and the fact that both teams have a strong varsity program while still fielding a nationally competitive club team. It is safe to say that spectators will always get what they paid for. Last year the teams played into overtime, while UNH was able to capitalize and take an extra point. This year’s first contest would prove to be just as exciting as the last year.
The play went back and forth for the first period and the teams entered the locker room knotted in a tie game, 0-0. Both teams had ample opportunities each killing four power-plays. The second period proved to be very much the same, until Kevin “Rocket Shot” Connolly scored with one of his patent “beautiful” wrap around goals. Michael “Banks” Falvey and Andrew “Robert” Doherty picked up apples on the play. On the ensuing face-off their seemed to be some confusion on the Crusader’s side and the Wildcats quickly tied the game back at 1 goal a piece.
The third period did not see any goals and the epic match between UNH and Holy Cross was again sent into extra periods. This time, neither team could score in OT and each left with one point from the contest. Both goalies stood on their heads, making 42 and 40 saves respectively. Game in and game out, Denis “Dos Nueve” Wirth continues to prove himself as one of the upper echelon goal tenders in the league. The region anxiously awaits the second game between these two teams in early December at the Whitmore Center in New Hampshire.
