New York, NY -- The NYU ice hockey team continued to produce a stellar offensive attack this season as they defeated William Paterson University last Friday wit the whopping score of 9-1. The fact that the Violets outshot their opponents 64-33 was as impressive as the score.
From the outset, it was clear that the Paterson Pioneers were going to have a lot of trouble getting past NYU. Violet defenseman Sean Mahoney got the scoring spree underway at the 12:36 mark of the first period, making it difficult for Paterson to stop the offensive barrage. Mahoney finished the game with four points. NYU displayed a unique kind of teamwork and aggression that involved major contributions from almost everyone on the bench
The Pioneers seemed to play weak hockey, unable to get off the clean shots and passes that their counterpart accomplished with ease. They were almost reminiscent of the unstable Columbia team that the Violets crushed earlier in the season three straight times. In this contest, though, several NYU stars shone with confidence and finesse.
At just a little over two minutes into the game, after Mahoney's goal, forward Kirk Shimizuishi lit the lamp for NYUI's second tally. The goal came off a magnificent assist from linemate Tom Capotosta. Shimizuishi went on to score two more for a hat trick with assists from Mahoney and Jon Hsia, respectively. Shimizuishi finished the game with four points.
Team captain Paul Leakas kicked off the second period of NYU dominance at 13:32 by showing the puck into the net in the midst of chaos in front. His bulldog goal was assisted by sophomore forward Prentiss Noyes and Sara Smith. The Pioneers' effort was a disaster despite the third period goal that they left their fans with.
Solid defense was once again forcefully applied, and the effort was consistent among Hsia, Jeremy Steinhaus, Mahioney and Noyes. Hsia led his unit by keeping the puck in Paterson's zone on the attack while using his body to impede the progress of all the challenging Pioneers. With one second left in the game, right wing and assistant captain Capotosta added insult to injury when he hit the open ice on a breakaway and easily beat the opposing goaltender. He finished with two goals and an assist. This capped off a spectacular night of NYU hockey.
The Violets victory can, in large part, be credited to Fershman netminder Fred Kaufmann. Kaufmann played an aggressive style and stopped 33 shots to notch yet another win.
With the win, the Violets are just a couple of points from a playoff spot, contingent upon a Fordham University loss. This is quite an accomplishment for the team, as they have had to overcome many injuries and several frustrations to reach this point. They have come a long way since October and are constantly proving that anything is possible.