Gulls Tie Siena in OT

Oct. 1, 2006

The Gulls took to the ice for the start of 2006-2007 hockey season in a Saturday night game at Siena College in Loudonville, NY. This was the first meeting between the two teams and the game proved to be worth the long trip for the many Endicott fans that made the trip.

The Gulls started off to a slow start in the first period as the Siena Saints controlled the tempo and the puck. Penalties, which have plagued the Gulls in previous years proved to be the teams' nemesis again. Despite a valiant effort by junior goaltender Josh Provost the Gulls found themselves down a goal as they entered the locker room for the first intermission.

Seniors Ben Dodge and Mike Manfredi led the charge in the second as the Gulls found their stride. Freshmen Mark Gaudreau, Paul Manfredi, and Matt Guidotti made an impression as their hard hitting and hustle took the tempo away from the Saints. Unfortunately, the effort still fell short as the score had the Gulls down 2-1 when the buzzer rang.

The Third period showed a new Endicott team as the players hit the ice. The players seemed to have found their legs as they took the play to the Saints. However, our old friend, the penalty, crept up and the Gulls found themselves down 3-1. Back to five on five play, the gulls continued to pour on the pressure. With great play from junior Bryan Caccamo, sophomore Greg Dorman, and freshman Matt Nardone the Gulls slowly climbed the ladder. Finding themselves down one with less than a minute to go, Ben Dodge hit the ice as Josh Provost was pulled from the net. The pressure proved too much for the Saints as the Gulls pushed one in with thirty seconds remaining.

The overtime period was back and forth with a stellar performance from Provost. However, the buzzer sounded and the Gulls had salvaged a tie for their season opener. The Gulls next opponent will be Daniel Webster University on Saturday, October 7.