The Quinnipiac men’s hockey team (6-7-1 overall, 3-4-0 ECAC Hockey) will welcome the Harvard Crimson (2-5-1 overall, 2-3-0 ECAC Hockey) for their first of two meetings this season.
The Bobcats enter the matchup coming off an impressive 6-2 road win against Princeton Tuesday. All six of the goals scored by Quinnipiac were by different players. Senior forward Tanner MacMaster netted his fourth goal of the season to get the scoring started five minutes into the game. Sophomore forward Alex Whelan also scored a goal, giving him six on the season, which currently leads the Bobcats. Logan Mick, Bo Pieper, Nick Jermain and Kevin McKernan also scored goals for Quinnipiac. Sophomore Goalie Andrew Shortridge continued his fine season, only allowing two goals and making 21 saves, including 14 in the third period. Twelve players accumulated assists for Quinnipiac. Odeen Tufto, Karlis Cuckste and Brogan Rafferty combined for six of the Bobcats assists, each accumulating two. The strong outing earned the Bobcats their sixth win of the season.
Harvard, who reached the Frozen Four last season, come into Hamden with an unexpectedly disappointing star. The Crimson have had one of the most difficult schedules in the country this season. Their last five games, in which Harvard has gone 0-4-1, have been against teams that are all currently ranked currently, including Colgate, Cornell, Minnesota and Boston College. All of those games were on the road for Harvard. The Crimson were down 4-3 against the Eagles last Friday with only three minutes remaining in the game when freshman Jack Badini scored to tie the game. No scoring occurred in overtime, so each team earned a draw. Badini is a local kid from Old Greenwich Connecticut.
Quinnipiac played Boston College on the road in the beginning of the season, in which they tied 1-1. Although Harvard has started out poor this season, the Bobcats must overlook that and play a strong game. Harvard has one of the hardest schedules in the country and were forced to play five straight games on the road against ranked teams. This game may be Quinnipiac’s most difficult test yet in conference play. Harvard is a talented team and well coached by Ted Donato in his 13th year at the helm. Coach Donato’s sons Jack and Ryan both currently play hockey for their father at Harvard. Ryan a Junior is Harvard’s best weapon offensively leading his team with four goals and six assists.
Tune into the matchup between Quinnipiac and Harvard tonight at 7 p.m. at the Frank Perrotti, Jr. Arena in Hamden, CT. Dan Bahl and Mike Reilly will be on the call for @QBSN.
