2008 Woodie Awards
MIH gets uplift from goalies
Mike Barrett
Issue date: 2/15/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
This past weekend, Sacred Heart faced a familiar foe. And much like last year when Mercyhurst came into town with the Pioneer's reeling after consecutive losses, Sacred Heart came out on top. So can fans expect this weekend's victories two mirror the success that resulted from a Mercyhurst sweep last season? All signs point to yes as the men enter the final weeks of the season.
With the Pioneers needing a victory last year against Mercyhurst, then junior goalie Jason Smith came up huge both nights, including a record breaking 54 save performance. This year was no different. However, Smith wasn't alone this time.
After stopping 31 shots on Friday night, Smith was given a break and sophomore Stefan Drew was given the start on Saturday. Drew didn't disappoint as he also turned away 31 shots.
Not only does Drew's performance mean big things for the Pioneers this year, it is huge for them next year when they lose Smith to graduation. In arguably the biggest game of his career, Drew proved he is ready to takeover where Smith left off.
Entering last season when former goaltender Kevin LaPointe was a memory and Smith was forced to step into his skates, there were many questions revolving around the team, despite the talent they had. Yet much like Drew did this past weekend, Smith stepped up and made the loss of LaPointe one the team could handle.
Aside from the Pioneers net minders having a big weekend, the offense had a big weekend. Highlighting the victories was Pierre-Luc O'Brien The senior standout set a new Sacred Heart record hen he scored his 66th career goal on Saturday night.
Aside from the accomplishments and what the two wins mean for the team in the standings, defeating Mercyhurst means much more.
It gives an emotional lift to a team that needed one.
It shows that even when the Pioneers seem down, they can be counted on to turn it around in a moments notice. Last year's victories set the Pioneers on a tear all the way up to the Atlantic Hockey playoffs where they were beaten by UConn.
Hopefully this victory does the same, but the ending goes a little different for the Pioneers.
With the Pioneers needing a victory last year against Mercyhurst, then junior goalie Jason Smith came up huge both nights, including a record breaking 54 save performance. This year was no different. However, Smith wasn't alone this time.
After stopping 31 shots on Friday night, Smith was given a break and sophomore Stefan Drew was given the start on Saturday. Drew didn't disappoint as he also turned away 31 shots.
Not only does Drew's performance mean big things for the Pioneers this year, it is huge for them next year when they lose Smith to graduation. In arguably the biggest game of his career, Drew proved he is ready to takeover where Smith left off.
Entering last season when former goaltender Kevin LaPointe was a memory and Smith was forced to step into his skates, there were many questions revolving around the team, despite the talent they had. Yet much like Drew did this past weekend, Smith stepped up and made the loss of LaPointe one the team could handle.
Aside from the Pioneers net minders having a big weekend, the offense had a big weekend. Highlighting the victories was Pierre-Luc O'Brien The senior standout set a new Sacred Heart record hen he scored his 66th career goal on Saturday night.
Aside from the accomplishments and what the two wins mean for the team in the standings, defeating Mercyhurst means much more.
It gives an emotional lift to a team that needed one.
It shows that even when the Pioneers seem down, they can be counted on to turn it around in a moments notice. Last year's victories set the Pioneers on a tear all the way up to the Atlantic Hockey playoffs where they were beaten by UConn.
Hopefully this victory does the same, but the ending goes a little different for the Pioneers.
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