PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Providence College men's hockey team rallied from a pair of two-goal deficits to tie Vermont, 3-3, Saturday night in a Hockey East game played at Schneider Arena. Sophomore Chris Rooney (Canton, Mass.) scored his first two collegiate goals to lead the Friars.
The Catamounts jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead as they scored twice on the power play in a span of 29 seconds. Wahsontiio Stacey netted his first goal of the season on a delayed penalty at 10:25, while Anthony DeCenzo capitalized on a loose puck in front to give his team a two-goal lead at 10:54.
Providence needed 37 seconds into the second period to cut Vermont's lead to 2-1. Senior Eric Baier (North Kingstown, R.I.) ripped a slap shot from the point that was re-directed on net by sophomore Tim Schaller (Merrimack, N.H.). Rob Madore made the initial save, but Rooney was on the door step to score his first career goal. However, Vermont regained its two goal advantage (3-1) at 17:49 when Kyle Medvec skated behind the Providence net and slid a pass in front to Connor Brickley whose one timer from the slot eluded PC junior goalie Alex Beaudry (Cumberland, Ont.).
Providence pulled to within 3-2 early in the third period as freshman Derek Army (North Kingstown, R.I.) scored his second goal of the season. Army collected the puck behind the Friar net and skated down the left wing before firing a back hander into the back of the net at 2:39. At 13:26, freshman Kevin Hart (Cumberland, Maine) fired a shot from the point that was saved, but the rebound came back to Rooney who put home his second goal of night to tie the game at 2-2.
The Friars had two chances to go ahead. Junior Andy Balysky (Randolph, Mass.) was set up right in front but Balysky's shot was stopped by Madore. Senior Ian O'Connor (Londonderry, N.H.) had a partial breakaway but Madore came up with another stop to keep the game tied. The PC penalty was strong in the third period as it thwarted three power plays, including a two-man advantage.
Providence had a 41-34 shot advantage as Madore made 38 stops. Beaudry finished with 31 saves. PC is back in action on Friday, November 12 when it plays the first of two games against Alabama-Huntsville, while Vermont hosts Boston College.