VCU Ice Hockey Drops Conference Opponent #14 Northern VA Community College

It was a big night as VCU Ice Hockey [Overall: 9-5; Conf. 8-1-1 (13pts)] took on Atlantic Division leader in Blue Ridge Hockey Conference (BRHC), #14 Northern VA Community College Ice Dogs (NVCC) [Conf. 10-1 (20pts)]. Coming into the game, VCU was ranked 3rd in the Atlantic Division, while NVCC was leading as the top seed. VCU was able to claim NVCC’s first conference loss of the ’15-’16 season!

Starters:

VCU:

G: Colin Catherman

C: Nate Ross

W: Paul Forest

W: Joe Halligan

D: Chris Allen

D: Patrick Dillon

Background:

VCU looking to return some blood to NVCC after losing 12-3 in their last confrontation on November 14, 2015. The Rams knew it was going to be a tough matchup with NVCC being ranked #14 in the South Division for ACHA M3.

How It Happened:

Puck drop began at 11:10pm January 29, 2016. VCU came out flying the first period getting on the board first with a shorthanded goal from defensemen Chris Allen around the 10-minute mark into the game. With a few minutes remaining, defensemen Patrick Dillon scores shorthanded, the second for VCU to put them ahead by two at the end of the 1st period.

Shortly starting the 2nd period Phill Williams puts one home (assists: Robbie Aylor, Sam Klausner) giving the Rams a 3-0 lead. NVCC responded quickly with a goal at 9:19 into the second period making it 3-1 Rams. Meanwhile Joe Halligan retaliated with a goal of his own (assist Paul Forest) 13 minutes into the 2nd period giving VCU a 3-goal lead again. With 1:42 left, NVCC scores forcing it to be 4-2 after 40 minutes of play.

Short ice-resurface later, third period started quickly with Robbie Aylor scoring (assist: Sam Klausner) 3 minutes into the final period. After rallying, NVCC fought back scoring to make it 5-3 Rams. Late in the period with a minute left, NVCC puts another one home to make it a nail-biting 5-4 game. VCU was able to hold off the last minute surge with NVCC receiving a penalty for delay of game. FINAL SCORE: VCU: 5; NVCC: 4.

Robbie Aylor received the game puck for the VCU Rams for his hard effort and intensity he brought to the game.

What They Are Saying:

Both coaches Michael Fisher and Dallas Woods are very pleased with the effort the team put forth tonight. After a slow ending the second period, they are glad for the team to rebound and come out hard for the third. They are looking to continue this into the two more games this weekend.

Upcoming Games:

The Rams will be taking on another conference opponent tonight, Catholic University on January 30, 2016. The puck is set to drop for the home game at 9pm. VCU will host another home game when they will be taking on their rival from across the river, University of Richmond on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 11:20 am.

Both of these games will be held at the Richmond Ice Zone (636 Johnston Willis Drive, Richmond, VA 23236).

*Note: conference and overall records provided above are stated as the resultant of this game.