SHU closes out the regular season with 2 wins and an overtime loss heading into conference playoffs. They opened the three game weekend with a celebration of seniors Max Brown, Nick Milmore, Caden Delnickas, Charlie DiCarlo, James O'Toole, and Tyler Walles. The Pioneers welcomed Siena College to the Martire Family Arena on Friday in a battle for the #2 seed in the conference championship tournament. Senior Charlie DiCarlo got SHU on the board first with a goal in the first 4 minutes off an assist from freshman Dane Sciarabba. Junior Luke O'Sullivan scored less than a minute later to add to the lead. Siena attempted to stage a comeback in the second period, SHU held the lead on a goal from freshman Robert Sun. They added 2 more in the third before sealing the win 7-5 on an empty net goal from junior Thomas Franzosa.
The next day, the boys headed to Montclair State for their last regular season conference game. The Red Hawks scored first, but the Pioneers answered 45 seconds later with Franzosa's second goal of the weekend. Freshman Nick Drogan netted his 5th goal of the season to put SHU ahead. SHU scored 3 in the second while freshman goaltender Jake Rottwitt shut out Montclair. MSU was able to find the net on the power play in the third period, but SHU held on for the win 5-2.
The Pioneers held their final game of the season in the Martire Family Arena on Sunday, playing crosstown rivals Fairfield University. SHU were first on the board, with quick opening shift goals from junior Rob Moliterno and freshman Jackson Cantalupo. In the second period, junior Matt Cox netted his first goal at ACHA D2 since moving up this season from the ACHA D3 team. Moliterno and Cantalupo added their second goals of the game each to tie the game going into the final period. The Stags took their first lead of the game in the 14th minute but the Pioneers were able to tie it and force overtime. Franzosa has now scored in 10 of the last 11 games this season. Fairfield converted on the powerplay in overtime to hand the Pioneers their only loss of the weekend, 7-6.
SHU entered the SECHL conference tournament this weekend as the #2 seed behind top seeded Army. The tournament will be held Friday, February 6 – Sunday, February 8 at Siena College.
