Diamond’s Late Game Goal Clinches Playoff Spot for Men’s Ice Hockey

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (February 17, 2023) – The Western New England men's ice hockey team needed to scratch and claw their way to an extra session on Friday night before grabbing a point and clinching a playoff spot in the upcoming CCC tournament, though fell short to the Leopards of Wentworth Institute of Technology in overtime by a final score of 2-1.

Records:

• Western New England: 7-16-1, 5-14-1 CCC
• Wentworth Institute: 5-18-1, 3-16-1 CCC

How it Happened:

Wentworth came out firing in the open 10 minutes, producing the first ten of 11 shots on goal in the game. Western New England senior goalkeeper Colten Lancaster came up with a strong opening 20 minutes of play to keep the Leopards off the scoreboard and the Golden Bears in the game. The Leopards outshot the Golden Bears 15-9 in the opening 20 minutes of play.

Just 6:52 into the second period, Wentworth would get the all-important first goal of the game when WIT's Kasey O'Brien notched his first goal of the season to give the Leopards a 1-0 lead. George Weiner came away with an assist in the period to add to his total of eight on the year. Wentworth would take 11 shots on goal in the period with the Golden Bears coming away with eight. WNE would not find the back of the net as Jack McGovern would come away with 17 saves after two periods of play.

Western New England would press for a goal, needing one point in the CCC standings to clinch a playoff spot. WNE saw chances hit the post after Shane Miller, John D'Aniello and the Golden Bears came out firing in the third period. Justin Sullivan had the best chance in the period after a breakaway attempt would be denied by the Wentworth trailing defense. Eventually, Western New England would break the ice as Jason Diamond would jam home a rebound to even the score at one. After a shot was taken at the blueline from Jorgan Giacomin, WNE saw Billy Hefferle deflect the puck down in front of the net and was squirt loose to Diamond who jammed the back into the goal to give the Golden Bears their first goal of the game. Wentworth would come close to putting a dagger into the Golden Bears when Josh Faussett came streaking in alone on a breakaway with the clock under five seconds to play, though his shot would sail wide, saving WNE and earning a point to clinch a playoff berth in the upcoming playoffs.

Western New England would see a powerplay chance come to light in overtime, though no goal would be had. Shortly after the PP would expire, Wentworth would win a faceoff and find the back of the net to win the game by a final score of 2-1.

Inside the Lines:

• Jason Diamond scored the game tying goal that helped WNE grab one point in the game to clinch a spot in the CCC playoffs.
• Colten Lancaster made 33 saves in the loss.
• Wentworth outshot WNE 35-30.
• Neither team could score on the powerplay as WIT went 0/2 while WNE was 0/4.

Up Next on the Schedule:

• WNE sees their regular season end on Saturday, February 18 at No. 9 University of New England at 7:00 PM.