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David Coyle
3
Vermont State Castleton VERMONT 0-2, 0-0
3
New England Col. NEW ENGL 1-0, 0-0
Vermont State Castleton VERMONT
0-2, 0-0
3
Final
3
New England Col. NEW ENGL
1-0, 0-0
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 OT 1 SO F
Vermont State Castleton VERMONT 0 1 2 0 3
New England Col. NEW ENGL 3 0 0 0 3

Game Recap: Men's Ice Hockey |

Castleton Rallies From Three-Goal Deficit to Force Shootout at New England College

HENNIKER, N.H. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's ice hockey team rallied from a three-goal deficit to force overtime against New England College on Friday night before the Pilgrims prevailed in a shootout.
 
The Basics
• Final Score: VTSU Castleton 3, New England College 3
• Location: Henniker, N.H. | Lee Clement Arena
• Records: VTSU Castleton 0-2-1 | New England College 1-0-1
 
How It Happened
New England College struck first about five minutes into the opening period after both teams traded chances early. Castleton quickly responded with a series of shots, including an attempt from Owen Arnold that rang off the post, but the Spartans couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. Despite outshooting the Pilgrims, 20-18, in the first, Castleton found itself trailing 3-0 heading into the second period.

The Spartans began chipping away at the deficit in the second, with David Coyle getting Castleton on the board off assists from Emmett McHardy and Jacob Bernardo. New England College continued to generate chances as well, but Castleton kept them contained and stayed within reach looking to complete the comeback going into the third.

Castleton found its momentum in the third period, earning a 5-on-3 power-play opportunity after two Pilgrim penalties. Cole Bowditch took advantage, scoring with an assist from Aiden Robson to pull the Spartans within one. With time winding down, Castleton found itself shorthanded after a slashing penalty. The disadvantage didn't stop the Spartans, as Coyle scored his second of the game to tie the contest at three and complete the comeback from three goals down.

The Spartans nearly took the lead in the final minute when New England College made a line change, giving Castleton a numbers advantage. Trevor Castino hit the post, and the Pilgrims quickly turned the puck back the other way, forcing Josh Scully to make a save and send the game into overtime.

New England College threatened immediately in the extra period with a breakaway, but Scully came up with the save to keep the game going. Both teams traded chances throughout overtime, neither getting an opening, sending the game to a shootout. The first six attempts for both teams were stopped before New England College converted on its seventh attempt to secure the shootout victory.

By the Numbers
  • Coyle scored twice, including the game-tying shorthanded goal.
  • McHardy and Robson each recorded two assists.
  • Scully made 40 saves for the Spartans, a career high.
  • Castleton scored twice on special teams, with a power-play and a shorthanded tally to fuel the comeback.
Up Next
The Spartans return to the ice tomorrow, as they travel to Plymouth, N.H., to take on Plymouth State University at 3 p.m. The Panthers are currently receiving votes in the national rankings.  
 
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