Men's Varsity Hockey Sweeps Wildcats
The Sault College Cougars Men’s Hockey team hosted the Northern Michigan Wildcats for a 2-game set. The action kicked off Friday night in front of an energized crowd. Ethan Esposito got the show started just under 5 minutes into the opening period on a highlight reel goal off the rush, turning the defenceman inside out before going upstairs for the opening tally. Esposito was only just getting started on his memorable night as he added his second goal of the game on a power play late in the 1st period. An early goal in the second by Nick Jameus extended the lead to 3-0 before Northern Michigan was able to find the back of the net, cutting the lead to 2 goals before the end of the second frame. The Wildcats cut the lead to 3-2 early in the 3rd period, as discipline became an issue for the Cougars, taking 22 minutes of penalties in the period, including a pair of 5-minute majors. Esposito notched his 3rd goal of the game with just over 5 minutes remaining, but the Wildcats would respond just over a minute later cutting the lead back to 1 to set up a dramatic finish. Ethan Esposito would have none of it, as linemate Micheal Chaffey (0G, 4A) would set him up for his 4th goal of the game and the insurance marker in the 5-3 victory for the Cougars. Zach Tarantini made 13 saves in the victory for the home side.
The Saturday afternoon rematch picked up where the physicality left off the night prior with a huge hit by Ethan Esposito on the opening shift. Chase Johnson got the scoring party started on the power play in the first period. Ethan Biggs would record his first ACHA goal before Ethan Novello added another powerplay goal late int eh first to give Sault College a 3-1 lead heading into the intermission. Penalties remained a problem for the Wildcats on this night as the Cougars cashed in on 2 more powerplays in the second, before adding a few more goals late to finish the second period off with an 8-1 lead. The 3rd period continued with the rough stuff as 6 penalties were called in the opening 30 seconds on a night where almost 100 PIM were called. The Cougars would skate to a 13-1 victory, lead by Caleb Wood’s 5 points (1G, 4A) & another 4-point performance from Ethan Esposito (2G, 2A) & Nick Jameus (0G, 4A). Trennis Riley & Kaylan Campbell combined for the victory making 16 saves.
Men’s Varsity Hockey plays host to Davenport University in their regular season finale & Seniors Night on Sunday February 11th at 12:00PM. Stop by the Northern Community Centre for a special pre-game ceremony honouring our graduating players and National Championship coach Mike Hall!