Posted by Skidmore Athletics
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Skidmore College hockey team opened its season with a tough 5-4 loss to the University of Southern Maine, Friday night at the Saratoga Springs City Rink.
Huskie goalie Braely Torris made 14 of his 28 saves in the third period to preserve the win.
Southern Maine got on the board early when Brad McGovern scored from Troy Thibodeau at 1:37 of the first. Alex Essaris '12 tied it when he intercepted a clearing pass and beat Torris for a power-play goal at 4:01. The Huskies went back in front at 10:02 on Dan Rautenberg's first goal of the game, a power-play tally from David Nies.
Skating four-on-four, Southern Maine opened a 3-1 lead at 9:42 of the second period on a goal by Angelo Vrachnas with assists from Chris LaCount and Kevin Smith. The Thoroughbreds hung in with consecutive markers to tie it 3-3. Aaron Beck '14 scored on a breakaway from Nick Dupuis '12 at 14:17 and Zach Menard '13 tied it with a power-play goal from Tony Giacin '14 and Brendan Cottam '13 at 15:30.
The Huskies got another quick start in the third when Rautenberg scored an unassisted goal 32 seconds in for a 4-3 lead. Ryan Seward made it 5-3 at 15:26, setting-up a wild final four minutes. The Thoroughbreds fought to within one, as Erik Nilsson '15 scored his first collegiate goal on a rebound from Essaris and Jack Walsh '12 at 16:48. Skidmore continued to put pressure on the Huskies, but Torris turned back the final shots to preserve the win.
Colin Bessey '12 had 22 saves for the Thoroughbreds.