Golden Bears Edge Castleton in Rutland Herald Invitational Opener, 1-0

O'Dea nets game-winning goal, while Gollmer registers first career shutout

RUTLAND, Vt. (November 25, 2016) – Sophomore forward Matt O'Dea (Orland Park, Ill.) snapped a scoreless tie late in the third period as the Western New England University ice hockey team earned a 1-0 victory over Castleton University this evening in the opening round of the Rutland Herald Invitational at Spartan Arena.  

Top Performers
• O'Dea scored the goal that would stand as the game-winner with 5:42 remaining in regulation, while junior Matt Smethurst (Rexford, N.Y.) and freshman Andrew Green (Plainview, N.Y.) were credited with assists.
• Sophomore goaltender Kevin Gollmer (Flourtown, Pa.) registered his first career shutout with a 33-save performance.

• Castleton sophomore netminder Wyatt Pickrell (Newmarket, Ont.) stopped 27 of the 28 shots that he faced.

Game Review
• The Spartans outshot the Golden Bears 12-3 in the opening period, but Gollmer stood tall to keep the game scoreless.
• Western New England's offense generated 18 shots in the second period and had a pair of power play opportunities. The game would head to the second intermission still knotted at 0-0, however.
• Castleton was whistled for a holding penalty at the 12:38 mark of the third period, giving the Golden Bears another chance with a man advantage. After Pickrell made three saves in the early part of the power play, Western New England broke through for the game's only goal. Following a save by Pickrell on a shot by Green from the left side, O'Dea found his way to the far post and knocked the puck out of a scrum and into the net. Castleton pulled its goalie in the final minute in favor of an extra attacker, but the Spartans were unable to secure an equalizer.

Notes
• With this evening's victory, Western New England has eclipsed its win total from the 2015-16 campaign.
• O'Dea ranks second on the team with three goals through eight games.
• Western New England's shutout is the team's first since February 7, 2015, when the Golden Bears blanked Wentworth 2-0.
• Castleton outshot Western New England 43-34 and held a 33-28 edge in the faceoff circle.
• Gollmer topped the 30-save mark for the sixth time this season.

Up Next
Western New England (3-4-1) advances to tomorrow's championship game to take on Tufts at 7 p.m. Castleton (3-5-1) will face Brockport in the consolation contest at 3:45 p.m.