Rutland, Vt. – Senior Eric Czapka (Holland, Pa.) and freshman Tommy Evangelista (Methuen, Mass.) each scored goals for the Hawks, but the Saint Anselm College men's ice hockey team fell to Castleton State College, 4-2, Saturday afternoon at Spartan Arena.
The Hawks drop to 5-8-4 overall and 3-6-4 in ECAC Men's East play, while the Spartans improve to 10-9-1 on the season, and move to 6-6-1 in conference play.
After the first period, Saint Anselm held a 7-6 shot advantage and a 1-0 lead after Czapka struck on a Hawk power play. Seniors Joe Tebano (Glastonbury, Conn.) and Greg Merrill (Brighton, Mich.) were each assisting on the 1-0 tally for Saint Anselm.
The Spartans had the answer, however, at 7:36 of the second, scoring on their own power play opportunity. Kyle Pichler scored off of a pass from Ben Bauer to draw the Spartans even at 1-1. Ryan Frost then netted the go-ahead goal just under a minute later, to put Castleton ahead, 2-1, with 11 minutes remaining in the second.
Saint Anselm leveled the score at 2-2 when Evangelista scored the first goal of his career off a pass from junior Kody Grondin (Hampton, N.H.) with under five minutes remaining in the middle period.
In the final minute of the second, Castleton regained the lead at 3-2 with a goal from Corbin Marcotte. The freshman took advantage of the open ice during a 4-on-4 and beat Saint Anselm goaltender Nick Dries (Commerce Township, Mich.).
In the third period the Hawks dominated puck possession, outshooting the Spartans 10-5, but it was Castleton who took advantage of their chances. Colin Murray tallied an insurance goal late in the third period, putting Castleton up 4-2.
Saint Anselm finished 1-for-8 on the power play, while Castleton was 1-for-3 with the extra man. The Hawks held a 24-19 shot advantage over three periods.
The Hawks will return to action Tuesday, Jan. 28 as they play host to Salem State University for a 7 p.m. faceoff at Sullivan Arena. Stay up-to-date with the latest news, including game previews and recaps, directly from the Saint Anselm College athletic department by liking us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/STAHawks) and following us on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/STAHawks).
