LaBreck scores for Ravens

Box Score

WINCHENDON, Mass. (January 23, 2010) – Senior forward Phil LaBreck (Thornton, N.H.) scored a goal on Saturday night, but the Franklin Pierce University ice hockey team was defeated, 2-1, by Plymouth State in non-conference play at The Winchendon School Ice Arena. Junior forward Sean Buckley scored the game-winning goal for Plymouth State with 8:53 to play in regulation.

With the loss, Franklin Pierce falls to 4-13-2 (1-5-1 Northeast-10), while Plymouth State improves to 10-6-0 (6-3-0 Massachusetts State) with the victory.

After a scoreless first period, Franklin Pierce opened the scoring 4:49 into the second period. The Plymouth State defense was attempting to clear its own zone, but their breakout pass found the stick of LaBreck at the top of the slot. LaBreck snapped a shot just inside the left post for his eighth goal of the season to give Franklin Pierce a 1-0 lead.

Plymouth State would even the score at 1-1 just over five minutes later. Freshman forward Alex Cottle sent the puck to sophomore forward Chris Zaremba at the top of the left-wing circle. Zaremba wired a shot to the top corner for his fifth goal of the season, while senior forward Chris Chambers also picked up an assist on the play.

Just minutes later, Franklin Pierce had an opportunity to reclaim the lead, as LaBreck was awarded a penalty shot after being hauled down from behind on a breakaway. However, Plymouth State freshman goaltender Jack Astedt came up with the save to keep the score even.

Plymouth State would later find the game-winner at the 11:07 mark of the third period. Junior defenseman Tommy Woods sent the puck to sophomore forward Bryan Kriner at the right point. Kriner found junior forward Sean Buckley streaking down the slot and Buckley redirected the puck into the net to tally his sixth goal of the season.

Sophomore goaltender Ben Siok (Holden, Mass.) made 25 saves and took the loss (1-7-2) in net for Franklin Pierce. Astedt stopped 28 shots to earn the win (3-3-0) between the pipes for Plymouth State.

Franklin Pierce posted a 29-27 advantage in shots on goal in the game and went 0-for-7 on the power play. Plymouth State finished 0-for-4 with the man-advantage.

The Ravens return to the ice on Saturday, Jan. 30, when they travel to Stonehill for a Northeast-10 Conference contest. Faceoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Foxboro Sports Center in Foxboro, Mass. Franklin Pierce next plays at home on Saturday, Feb. 6 against Southern New Hampshire at 7 p.m.