Feb. 28, 2004

Final Stats

WEST POINT, NY - The Sacred Heart University men's ice hockey team improved to 12-15-4 on the season after a 3-2 win at Army on Saturday night. Sophomore Rocco Molinaro (Dearborn, MI) scored two goals, including the game-winner while junior Kevin LaPointe (Quebec, QC) made 20 saves in net.

The Pioneers took the lead in the closing minute of the first period when sophomore Bernie Chmiel (Pittsburgh, PA) scored his second goal of the season. Senior Mike Reagan (Flin Flon, MB) fed Chmiel the puck as he came off the bench and then fire the puck past Army goaltender Billy Moss on the power play.

The Black Knights tied the game shortly after the intermission on Matt Fields' first goal of the season just 1:34 into the second period.

Army took the lead moments later as Chad Fifield took a shot that was saved by LaPointe, who was then knocked into the goal. The referee ruled that the puck, along with LaPointe, crossed the goal line before the net was dislodged, giving the Black Knights a 2-1 lead at 3:06.

SHU tied the game at 7:49 of the middle frame as Molinaro took a pass from junior Garrett Larson (Rycroft, AB) and ripped a shot that beat Moss high to the glove side. Larson had the lone assist on Molinaro's 10th goal of the season.

Army made a late rush towards the end of the period, but LaPointe stood tall as the teams headed into the locker rooms tied at 2-2.

The Pioneers caught a break as they turned the puck over in their defensive zone, but Chris Garceau lost the handle of the puck as he tried to move around LaPointe and the puck trickled into the far corner.

Sacred Heart then went right down the ice and Molinaro beat Moss for his second goal of the contest, his 11th of the season, with an assist from senior Konn Hawkes (Watrous, SK) giving the Pioneers a 3-2 lead at 3:38 of the third period.

That proved to be the final score as Army took two penalties in the last two minutes of the game, costing them a chance to tie the game in the closing minutes of play.

LaPointe made 20 saves in recording his 11th win of the season while Moss made 33 saves in taking the loss.

The Pioneers will return to action on Tuesday, March 2nd, for Senior Night against Quinnipiac. The opening face-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm from the Milford Ice Pavilion.