McQ Outpaces Auburn

The Knights earned their first victory of the season by beating the Auburn Maroons 7-3 on November 25 at Casey Park Arena in Auburn, New York. Making his first appearance in net for McQuaid was freshman Brian Burns, who turned in a credible performance, stopping 25 of 27 shots. Early first period action found the Knights controlling the play in the Maroons' end, but coming up with few quality scoring chances. McQ drew first blood at 5:31, with senior forward Brent Sanderson converted a pass from junior forward Woody Hudson on a two on one rush.

Later, at 11:45, while sophomore forward Sam Arazoza was serving a charging penalty, the penalty killing team bottled up the Auburn offense in their zone. Junior defenseman Andy Lang moved the puck from the point to the top of the circle and beat Maroons' goalie Steve Komanecky to the far post.

McQuaid put up another point at 13:14, when senior defenseman Nick Lisena scored a power play goal with an assist form senior forward Sean Knightly. Although the scoring in the first period was all for the black and gold, Auburn managed to outshoot the Knights two to one. McQuaid goalie Brian Burns made several strong saves to keep Auburn off the scoreboard.

A combination of lackluster play by the Knights and an invigorated Maroon offense, titled the ice in favor of Auburn in the second period. A bad line change by the Knights led to a defensive break down and a Maroon point at 10:14. Auburn continued to press, but it was a miscue by the referee that led to the second Auburn goal of the period at 11:29. While McQuaid was breaking out of their end, during a power play, the goal line referee raised his arm, appearing to be signaling a delayed penalty. It was only after Brian Burns had been substituted for an additional attacker, that the referee dropped his arm and yelled over to the bench that he was signaling a delayed offside. Alert to the situation Maroons' defenseman Justin Corcoran rifled the puck into the empty net.

The third period found the Knights reverting to their more sustained first period attack. A power play opportunity gave them an additional goal by Sean Knightly at 8:14, with assists by senior forward Pat Gerrie and Nick Lisena. Auburn refused to quit and scored their third goal of the game at 10:21, when Brad Morgan beat Brian Burns high blocker while standing in the slot. Senior Nick Parilli gave the Knights back their two point edge when he scored an even strength goal at 11:22, with an assist by Pat Gerrie.

The Knights tallied two additional goals in the last minute of play. The first when the Maroons pulled their goalie in favor of an extra skater. Pat Gerrie picked up the puck at center ice and wound his way past several defenders before tucking the puck in the net at 14:12. Then, at 14:42, with the Maroon goalie back in net, junior James Sturnick scored on an assist from senior Adam Reask.