Although eliminated from possible contention in the national tournament at the end of this season following a loss to division rival West Virginia last Saturday, the John Carroll University Blue Streaks hockey team wasn’t ready to quit just yet.
With the season nearing its end and playoff contention no longer possible, the Blue Streaks recorded consecutive wins this past weekend over the Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers.
The weekend began on Friday night at the Gilmour Academy Arena when John Carroll played host to the visiting RIT Tigers. After RIT jumped out to a narrow 1-0 lead early in the second period, the Blue Streaks responded by scoring four unanswered goals as they pushed their own lead to 4-1. However, the Tigers would respond by netting back-to-back goals, with the first coming at the 9:32 mark in the third period and the second coming at the 3:22 mark.
With JCU clinging to a late 4-3 lead, sophomore Dan Potter proved to be a big time player as he put the icing on the cake by scoring a goal with 15 seconds remaining in the game, thus securing the 5-3 win for the Blue Streaks.
The following night, the Blue Streaks were set to host the visiting divisional rival University of Pittsburgh Panthers in a clash between two talented teams. The Panthers were coming into the game with an overall record of 18-5 and were in first place in the CHMA division. The Blue Streaks, on the other hand, came into the game with an overall record of 19-12 on the season and were looking to upset the Panthers.
The Blue Streaks were the first to strike, as junior Jesse Dietrick was assisted by sophomore Sean McHugh and senior Geoff Abrahams to give JCU the early 1-0 lead. However, Pitt would respond with a power play goal early in the second period with 19:10 left, tying the game at one goal each.
Minutes later, freshman Joe McAuliffe found the back of the net as sophomores Louie Morici and Dan Potter assisted the goal. The Blue Streaks then held that narrow 2-1 advantage until the end of the second period and for much of the third period. Unfortunately, Pitt found a way to score with only 7:49 remaining in the third period, tying the game once again at two goals each.
Heading to overtime tied at two goals with Pitt, the Blue Streaks were in search of a game-winning goal. Senior Dan Geiger was up for the challenge, connecting on his opportunity as he scored an unassisted, game-winning goal with only 1:14 remaining in the extra period to give JCU the 3-2 OT win over the first- place Panthers.
“Overall, the weekend was definitely a huge step towards becoming the best team we can be,” said Morici. “Heading into a big weekend against two divisional rivals, it gives us that extra drive to keep working hard.”
The Blue Streaks (20-12 overall) now will look to end the season on a positive note as they have four more regular season contests remaining. Action will begin again this Friday, Feb. 10 when JCU plays host to Slippery Rock University before traveling to Pittsburgh, Pa. on Saturday to take on Duquesne University.
