New London, CT- The Saint Joseph's College Monks would ride an offensive outburst, including a nine goal second period, to down the United States Coast Guard Academy Bears 13-4.
The Monks got off to a slow start with their second game in as many days on the Connecticut road swing. Saint Joseph's found themselves shorthanded four times in the opening frame, however a strong penalty kill and timely saves from senior goalie Jimmy Riley (Deham, Mass.) kept the Bears off the scoreboard. The Monks managed to get on the board first in the opening frame as senior Ryan Berard (Millville, Mass.) opened the scoring with an assist from freshman Marshall Berninghausen (Brasher Falls, N.Y.). Junior Sean Costa (Burlington, Mass.) added to the Monks lead before the period expired, with assists from Berard and Jason Riley (Dedham, Mass.).
It didn't take long for the Monks to add to the 2-0 lead in the second period, Zach Graham (Marlborough, Mass.) would score his first of two goals in the second frame 5:27 into the period. After the Bears responded with a goal of their own, Mario Lemieux (Biddeford, Maine) tucked a shot around the Coast Guard net minder for his first of the season. That would open the flood gates for the Monks offense, as they scored five more times before the Bears could answer. Jack Gordon (Hingham, Mass.), Dan Donovan (Lynn, Mass.), Jeff Comeau (Watertown, Mass.), Graham, Jason Riley, and Costa would all get in on the late second period scoring. The offensive outburst was also highlighted by the first career goal for freshman Dylan Murphy (Charlestown, Mass.), who picked up a loose puck in front of the net and buried it for the goal. Saint Joseph's held a 11-3 lead heading into the third period.
Saint Joseph's added a pair of goals in the third frame. Lemieux and Berard each added their second goal of the game, while Coast Guard would strike one more time. Jimmy Riley stopped 30 of 34 shots for the Monks to pick up his second win of the weekend.
The Monks improved to 2-0 (2-0) on the season, while the Bears fell to 0-1 (0-1). Saint Joseph's is next in action on the road against in-state rival Thomas College Friday, November 6, 8 P.M. at Sukee Arena in Winslow, Maine.
