Schenectady, NY (Nov. 6, 2004) Union closed out a six-game homestand on a positive note as they handily defeated Clarkson 4-1 for their second straight ECACHL win and third victory in four games.  The Dutchmen took an early lead, scoring the game-opening goal for the first time this season at 7:09 of the first period and a solid effort by goaltender Justin Mrazek (Regina, SASK) made sure that his team never fell behind, making 28 saves on the night.

Union got on the board first with a goal from sophomore Olivier Bouchard (Quebec City, QUE), his second in as many games.   Bouchard stole the puck in the neutral zone and made a great move to fake a Clarkson defender right off his feet.  He then raced in on a breakaway and made another move to the left that froze Golden Knights goalie Dustin Traylen as Bouchard came back to his right and finally tucked the puck in the back of the net.

Clarkson answered with a quick goal to start the second period as Chris Blight scored just 39 seconds in.  Blight fired a shot from the point past Mrazek who was screened by traffic in front and never saw the puck. 

Some good defensive work by Union's Scott Brady (Sutton, MA) helped set up the team's second goal and eventual game-winner.  Brady battled for possession of the puck and was able to work it into the Clarkson zone.  Once inside a hard shot from the point by Phil McDavitt (Duxbury, MA) rebounded off of Traylen on the right side and A.J. Palkovich (North Bellmore, NY) was right there to pick up the loose puck and his first goal of the season.

Mrazek and the Dutchmen held strong the rest of the way despite some quality scoring chances by Clarkson throughout the second period.  About midway through the second the Golden Knights peppered Mrazek with three consecutive point-blank shots that the netminder was able to fend off and eventually cover up the puck.

Union added two insurance goals in the third period with tallies from Jonathan Poirier (St. Jerome, QUE) on the power play and an empty net score by Jordan Webb (Nepean, ONT).  Poirier struck at 16:04 of the third period with a wrap around goal to the left side as he moved in from behind the net after taking a pass from Jason Ortolano (Carteret, NJ).

Clarkson pulled Traylen with just over two minutes in regulation and put some pressure on the Union net late, but Mrazek came through as he did all game to seal the win.

Clarkson held a slight advantage in shots by a 29-24 count.    

Union extracted some revenge on Clarkson, who knocked the Dutchmen out of last season's ECACHL playoffs by sweeping them in the first round.  The pair of weekend wins were much needed for Union as they improve to 3-5-0 overall and 2-0-0 in the conference and begin a tough road schedule that has them playing 10 of their next 11 games away from Messa Rink.