Schenectady, NY – Union (16-13-6, 9-8-4 ECACHL) remained in sixth place in the ECACHL standings following a 2-0 loss against #20 Colgate (17-10-6, 13-6-2 ECACHL) at Messa Rink. The Raiders scored both goals within a span of 1:52 in the second period to hand the Dutchmen just their second loss at home this season. It was also the second time this season they held Union scoreless. Senior goaltender Kris Mayotte (Pittsburgh, PA) made 20 saves in the loss.

 

The two teams came out and fought an even battle through the first period to keep the game scoreless. Union held an 11-5 advantage in first period shots but neither Mayotte nor Colgate netminder Mark Dekanich faced anything they could not handle.

 

In the second period the Raiders used a two-minute breakdown by the Dutchmen midway through to score two goals. Jon Smyth scored the first goal for his ninth of the season at 9:12 on a one-timer from the weak side. Jesse Winchester sent a pass across the front of the goal from the left side over to Smyth who was sitting at the top of the crease to the right of Mayotte to split the goaltender's pads.

 

Less than two minutes later Marc Fulton registered his 11^th goal of the season from the same spot, this time roofing his shot to make it 2-0 at 11:04. Mayotte made a chest save on the initial shot by Kyle Wilson but the defense was not there to clear the puck and prevent the Fulton put back.

 

Union had a chance to break the scoreless tie early in the second period but could not convert on a two-on-one at 4:38. Senior Jason Visser (Mississauga, ONT) kept the puck on the left wing and had his shot stopped by Dekanich with Brendan Milnamow (Wilton, CT) accompanying Visser on the right side.

 

Senior Jonathan Poirier (St. Jerome, QUE) had a chance in front at 15:01 but Dekanich made a pad save to keep Colgate's lead at two. He finished with 29 saves on the night.

 

Freshman Chris Potts (Phillipsburg, NJ) had his blast from the left face-off circle kicked away at 16:41 of the third period. Union turned the pressure up late in the third when they pulled Mayotte in favor of an extra attacker for 2:45. The Colgate defense stepped up and blocked several shots during the rush to aid their goaltender.

 

Union limited the top power play team in the league to just three opportunities, holding them scoreless but the Dutchmen also came up empty, finishing 0-for-6 with the man advantage. They outshot Colgate 29-22.