Men’s Ice Hockey Falls Short Against Tufts

CANTON, N.Y. – The Rivier men's ice hockey team came up short against non-conference opponent Tufts in the North Country Tournament Championship game on Sunday evening at Roos House in Canton, N.Y.

The loss dropped the Raiders to 3-4-1 on the season, while the Jumbos improved to 4-2-1.

Both teams exchanged scoring chances early in the first period. Tufts capitalized midway through the frame when Bazianos converted a deflected pass in the neutral zone, sliding the puck through the five-hole to open the scoring. Rivier outshot Tufts 10-5 for the remainder of the period but headed into the intermission trailing 1-0.

The Jumbos continued to control the pace of the game in the second period, having primary control of the puck for over six minutes before extending their lead at the 8:11 mark. Seven minutes later, Tufts struck again, taking a commanding 3-0 lead into the final period.

Rivier found momentum late in the third period after a successful penalty kill. The Raiders forced a turnover in Tufts' defensive zone, leading to a goal at 12:41. Sophomore forward Damon Kiyawasew set up the play, working behind the net to connect with junior defenseman Carter Poulin, who fed a wide-open senior forward Jon Tavella for Rivier's lone tally.

In the closing minutes, Rivier pulled senior goaltender Luke Newell for an extra attacker, but Tufts' defense held firm to secure the 3-1 victory.

Newell finished with 28 saves in the game.

Senior forward Nicolas Paolucci and sophomore defender Devon Jolley earned spots on the All-Tournament Team. Paolucci's game-winner against SUNY Potsdam on Saturday propelled the Raiders to the championship, while Jolley contributed with an assist in that victory.

Rivier returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 7, to take on Mass. Liberal Arts in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) play. The game will take place at Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Rink, with puck drop set for 8:00 p.m.