PROVIDENCE, R.I. - With a 4-2 win against the University of Alabama-Huntsville on Saturday, November 12, the Providence College men's hockey team extended its win streak to four games. The Friars improved their record to 6-3-1 overall with the sweep against the Chargers (0-11-1).
Just 1:43 into the first period, the Friars grabbed an early lead on a goal from sophomore Steven Shamanski (Carberry, Man.). Freshman Matt Montesano (West Bridgewater, Mass.) assisted on the goal, the first of his collegiate career. Junior Tim Schaller (Merrimack, N.H.) also tallied an assist, extending his point streak to four games.
The Friars success on the power play continued as Schaller scored to put PC up by two goals at the 13:00 mark of the second period. The goal was the eighth on the power play for the Friars in the last four games. Sophomore Kevin Hart (Cumberland, Maine) and junior Myles Harvey (Orlando, Fla.) assisted. UAH rallied to cut the lead in half (2-1) with a power play goal scored by Kyle Lysaght. Less than 20 seconds later, Providence responded with a goal from sophomore Derek Army (North Kingston, R.I.) to regain the Friars' two-goal lead. Senior Andy Balysky (Randolph, N.J.) and junior Chris Rooney (Canton, Mass.) assisted on the eventual game winner.
Schaller scored his second goal of the game just 51 seconds into the third period to increase PC's lead to 4-1. The unassisted goal would prove to be enough for the Friars to seal the victory. UAH scored one more goal to put the final score at 4-2.
In his first start in net this season, senior goaltender Justin Gates (Cranston, R.I.) earned his first win of the season. Gates stopped 16 shots, while Chargers goaltender Clarke Saunders made 31 saves in the loss.
PC will return to the ice on Friday, November 18 against Hockey East opponent Northeastern. The game will be held at Schneider Arena with a 7:00 p.m. puck drop. The Chargers will play their next game on Wednesday, November 23 against Merrimack.