Box Score

BURRILLVILLE, R.I. – Senior Harry Radovich (Rumson, N.J.) scored the game-winning goal in the second period as No. 3 Hobart defeated host Nichols, 2-1, late Sunday afternoon in a non-conference showdown at Levy Rink. With the win, the Statesmen move to 13-1-2 on the season while the Bison dip to 10-6-0.
 
“It was a good effort tonight,” commented head coach Kevin Swallow.”It's one of the best teams in the country. I thought we gave them a run for their money. A bounce here or there and it could have been a win for us.”
 
Nichols took the early lead on first-year Frank Butler's (East Haven, Conn.) eighth goal of the season at 6:54. Butler deposited a rebound after sophomore Mike Schwartz (Long Beach, N.Y.) fed rookie Steve Lecey (Cedarburg, Wis.) for the initial shot.  At the 8:19 mark, the Statesmen were awarded a penalty shot on a tripping infraction. Bison rookie goaltender Alex Larson (Madison, Ala.) made the stop for the Bison as senior Dave Stevens (Toronto, Ontario) looked to even the game. Just over four minutes later, Stevens broke the plane when he tipped in a pass following a rebound to knot the game at 1-1. Sophomores Ian Coleman (Northport, N.Y.) and Bronson Kovacs (Sault Ste Marie, Ontario) each earned an assist on the tally. For the period, Nichols had a trio of power play chances as the visitors enjoyed a 19-11 advantage on shots.
 
Radovich scored on the first of two extra man opportunities of the middle frame. His goal at 2:37 was setup by freshman Mac Olson (Grosse Point, Mich.) and senior Frank Salituro (Vaughan, Ontario). The guests had a great chance to add to their lead when junior Tommy Fiorentino (New Hartford, N.Y.) had a one-on-one look but the puck caromed off the post. The shot margin was closer in the period as the Statesmen led 12-10.
 
The third period saw Hobart lead 11-8 in shots and have a pair of power play chances while the Bison had one.
 
Hobart senior Nick Broadwater (Portland, Maine) collected his 10th victory of the season (10-1-2) as he stopped 28 shots. Larson evened out at 4-4 as he made 40 saves for the Bison. In a pair of games against top-10 teams this season, the Bison backstop has averaged 41 saves – including a career-best 42 at then-#9/10 Utica in December.
 
“[It's a] great way to end non-conference play,” added Swallow. “I'm pretty excited about the stretch run.”
 
Nichols resumes ECAC Northeast play when the team heads to Johnson & Wales on Saturday for a 7:45 p.m. showdown. Hobart entertains ECAC West foe Nazareth at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.