New London, Connecticut- The Mules Men's Hockey team travelled down to play the Connecticut College Camels in a NESCAC matchup this past Tuesday night. The Mules finally found themselves being ranked nationally this week, taking the 15th spot in the nation. The Mules would eventually end the game in a 3-3 tie, still maintaining their #1 spot in the NESCAC.
The first period was quite uneventful in comparison to the final 40 minutes of play. Both teams had equal opportunities to score, and both gave up a penalty within the final minute of play of the period.
Andy Beran following his strong play against Bowdoin last Friday night, would start off the game making twelve saves in the first period.
NESCAC points leader
Jack Sullivan would start the scoring for the Mules just 2:32 into the period after collecting a rebound from the Camels' goaltender to put the Mules up 1-0. The Camels would find the back of the net on a shorthanded goal just over five minutes later to tie the game at 1. Connecticut College would keep the momentum going for the remainder of the period and were able to find once again find the back of the net to go up one goal over the Mules.
Heading into the final regulation period down 2-1, Beran and the Mules defense would come up with big plays to prevent the Camels from gaining a bigger lead. Senior captain
Justin Grillo would tie the game for the Mules on the power play, scoring off a feed from
Alex Bourhas on the goal line. Connecticut College would be able to capitalize on a power play opportunity with eleven minutes left in the game, giving them a 3-2 lead over the Mules. About a minute and a half later,
Brian Sanzone would tie the game after collecting his own rebound to tie the game at 3. Regulation play would end for the Mules and Camels tied at 3 and would head to a five minute 3-on-3 overtime period.
The Mules would maintain most of possession during the overtime period but would not be able to convert on any of their opportunities. The game would end in a 3-3 tie, with Beran making 29 saves.
The Mules next play on Friday, February 4, at 7:00 PM against Amherst College in Waterville, Maine.
