Monks Defeat Beavers in 2011 Hockey Opener, 3-1

The Monks posted many opportunities to score early in the first period, but were unable to capitalize on the possession advantage until junior winger Sean Drake buried a rebound off a Rich Covell shot.

The Beavers gained their best scoring opportunity of the first period when a Beavers forward picked off a pass in the neutral zone and went in on a two on none breakaway. The UMF player made a move and attempted a wrist shot, but Driscoll managed to get a pad on the puck to preserve the Monks’ 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

The Beavers tied the game in the early stage of the second period when a UMF defenseman steered a wrist shot from inside the blue line that made its way past Driscoll’s glove.

However, the Monks would answer with a goal from junior Chris Quattrucci, his first of the season. Colby Main put the first shot on net from the point and the SJC forwards sent several shots on target before Quattrucci scored a five-hole goal that proved to be the game-winner.

Maine-Farmington had few legitimate scoring opportunities in the third period as the Monks seemed to control the puck from the beginning, despite playing short-handed as a result of a 10 minute misconduct penalty late in the second period. The defense held the Beavers to seven shots in the later stages of the game.

UMF would continue to fight, pulling its goaltender with 42 seconds remaining. Drake would pick off a pass in the neutral zone and dished off to Covell, who tallied an empty net goal to seal the victory for Saint Joseph’s.

St. Joe’s will return to action on Saturday, November 19th when they take on University of Maine-Farmington in the team’s 2011 home opener at USM Ice Arena. Opening faceoff is slated for 8:00 PM.