Coming off a four-game win streak, the Princeton Tigers Men’s Ice Hockey team sought to keep the energy going through the home stand before heading off to upstate New York next weekend. Instead, the Tigers fell to a stronger Clarkson Golden Knights team and ended the weekend in a tie with the St. Lawrence Saints.
February 8 vs Clarkson
Feeding off the winning energy, Kevin Anderson netted an early goal just 2:12 into the first period. Luc Pelletier and Joshua Karnish earned the assists on Anderson’s rebound goal.
The early steam and puck luck remained with the Tigers when a late deflection into the net by Clarkson’s Talon Sigurdson—off a shot from Jack Sparkes—was successfully challenged for a high stick.
That, however, is where the luck for the Tigers ended. Clarkson managed to net two in the second and third, tallying four unanswered goals. The Golden Knights had four unique goal scorers: Tate Taylor, Sigurdson, Garrett Dahm, and Ryan Richardson.
The Tigers spark late in the third proved unsuccessful and Princeton would lose the game 4-1.
February 9 vs St. Lawrence
Looking to bounce back, the Tigers had a good thing going in the first half of the game, earning a two-goal lead. A late first period power play goal from Jaxson Ezman had the team and fans fired up. Following an aggressive board battle, Kai Greaves was able to center it for Anderson, who scored his second of the weekend on another power play early in the second frame with a slick one-timer.
An unfortunate giveaway allowed St. Lawrence’s Isaac Tremblay to reduce his team’s deficit to one goal.
Heading into the third with a one goal lead, the Tigers looked poised to stay on top. However, a chaotic scene eventually led to Tyler Cristall scoring for the Saints and tying the game at two goals each. Brendan Gorman had a great read just over a minute later and gave the Tigers the advantage once again. Another goal by Jake Manfre with eight minutes left had the Tigers looking strong and powerful.
Two unassisted goals in quick succession from Jan Olenginski and Cristall tied the game for St. Lawrence.
Both teams had a few good looks in overtime but the game ultimately ended in favor of St. Lawrence in the shootout.
The Princeton Tigers will look for a better weekend in upstate New York against RPI and Union on February 14 and 15, respectively.
