Utica University Athletics

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UTICA, NY - The #3 ranked Utica men's hockey team battled back to even the score after surrendering an early goal this evening to #2 Hobart, but the Statesmen would pull away in a big third period to take game one of the annual two-game set by a 4-1 final. In front of 3,816 fans, the Pioneers showed flashes of strong offensive play, generating a plethora of great chances, but the hosts couldn't draw net despite their veteran attack finding an array of openings.

The Pioneers found themselves trailing 1-0 after the opening period, as Hobart opened scoring by rattling the upper region of the net. However, even up against a stingy Hobart squad who traditionally locks down an early lead, Utica responded early in the second period, as veteran forward Gabriel Lundberg (Gothenburg, Sweden/Katrinelund) found the back of the net at 3:20 to even the contest at one. Lundberg finished off a play set up by Aydin Parekh (Nobleton, ON/Blyth Academy), who wheeled around the back of the net and found Lundberg free in the slot, with the Swede proceeding to fire the puck past the Statesman netminder. A senior trio was credited on the play, as Eric Vitale (Toronto, Ontario/St. Michael Christian) supplied the secondary assist. Both teams traded opportunities throughout the remainder of the period, but neither side could break the deadlock heading into the final 20 minutes, where a Hobart score broke the deadlock, and led to a few additional Statesman tallies, which brought the game to its final mark of 4-1.

The Pioneer offense was led by Lundberg, who recorded Utica's lone goal of the evening, while Parekh and Vitale each contributed an assist on the equalizing tally. Vitale was particularly active offensively, recording three shots on goal, while Drake Morse (Grand Rapids, MI/East Grand Rapids) led the Pioneers with five shots. Parekh also contributed defensively, helping the Pioneers compete against a talented Hobart attack. Andrew Della Rovere (Caledon East, Ontario/St. Michael's Catholic) was effective at the faceoff dot, winning 10 of his 20 draws. In net, Waylon Esche (Utica, NY/Westmoreland) made his first career start and played all 60 minutes, stopping 28 of the 32 shots he faced, including a couple big-time saves on breakaways in the second and third period.

Three Stars:

First Star - Gabriel Lundberg: Lundberg provided the offensive highlight of the evening for the Pioneers, scoring Utica's lone goal to bring the contest level at one in the second period. His pinpoint accuracy in the slot helped level the matchup at 1-1. The goal marked Lundberg's first of the season, and the forward also contributed at the faceoff dot, winning five draws.

Second Star - Aydin Parekh: Parekh played an important role in the Pioneer offense, recording an assist on Lundberg's second-period equalizer as he weaved through the Statesman defense and used his superior vision to set up the score. Parekh also contributed defensively, recording a blocked shot while playing against a high-powered Hobart offense.

Third Star - Eric Vitale: Vitale was a consistent presence in the Pioneer offensive attack, finishing the evening with an assist and three shots on goal. The forward helped facilitate Utica's lone goal of the contest, working alongside Parekh to set up Lundberg's second-period tally at 3:20. Vitale also generated several scoring opportunities of his own, recording three shots on goal as the Pioneers looked to find additional offense throughout the evening.

The Pioneers finished the contest with 28 shots on goal, compared to 32 for the Statesmen. Hobart goaltender Connor Shibley stopped 27 of the 28 shots he faced, while Esche recorded 28 saves for Utica. The Pioneers were unable to capitalize on their seven power-play opportunities, while Hobart also went scoreless on four chances with the man advantage, as both teams locked down their respective D-zone on special teams. Despite the final score, the game was an exciting bout throughout, and provided a matchup between two top programs, a rivalry that will continue on Saturday.

On Saturday, the Pioneers will head over to The Cooler with an opportunity to upend Hobart's NCAA Record 70-game home win streak. Opening puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 PM in Geneva.