SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Andrew Stefura played the part of the hero in Castleon men's hockey's matchup with Skidmore College Tuesday night, scoring the game-tying goal with under two minutes to go in regulation before sealing the come-from-behind win for the Spartans with one second to go in overtime.
 
The Spartans were outshot 53-33 in the contest and capitalized on just one of their five powerplay opportunities, but their offense converted when it mattered most, with earlier goals from Bryce Irwin and Zach Trempner setting up Stefura for his eventual game-tying and game-winning goals. Brandon Collett was incredible in net for Castleton as well, racking up 50 saves in the win.
 
Irwin and the Spartans (5-13-0, 3-8-0 NEHC) took just 38 seconds to score the game's opening goal, marking the fastest goal for Castleton on the season. Winning a faceoff in the attacking zone, Trempner sent the puck out to Justin Stairs at the blue line who rifled a shot toward net that was deflected by Irwin and in to give the Spartans an immediate lead.
 
The game was leveled six minutes later after Skidmore (11-5-2, 5-4-2 NEHC) scored on their first powerplay opportunity of the night, sending the two sides into the first intermission knotted at one.
 
Seven minutes into the second period it was the Thoroughbreds taking their first lead of the game on a goal from Zach Frisk. Despite each side having a pair of powerplay opportunities over the remainder of the period neither side was able to get a shot past the opposing netminder, meaning the Spartans would head into the final period down 2-1.
 
Just like in the first period, however, Castleton came out in the final frame and took just 17 seconds to tie the game once again at two on another deflection. This time it came from Trempner on a shot by Zack Whittaker, giving the sophomore his first score of the season to go along with his six assists. Skidmore responded once again though, taking the lead back at the nine-minute mark to give themselves a 3-2 lead.
 
Shortly after Skidmore's goal, Stefura found himself with a chance to tie the game at three with a penalty shot after a delay of game penalty against the Thoroughbreds, but has his shot denied by Skidmore's goalie.
 
Now down a score and finding themselves on the powerplay for the fifth time that game, Castleton pulled Collett to gain a two-man advantage with two minutes to go in regulation. After peppering the net, Stefura finally capitalized on a wraparound attempt to tie the game for the third time at 3-3 and force overtime.
 
Skidmore controlled the extra period, outshooting the Spartans 4-2, but all it took was one opportunity for Castleton to steal the game. With time winding down Zach Papapetros intercepted a puck at center ice. The sophomore sent it out to a streaking Stefura who took carried it toward the net before rifling a shot into the top corner as time expired to hand the Spartans their first win since December 6.
 
Castleton will look to ride this momentum into their next game when they take on Babson College Friday, January 27. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.