Strong Power-Play Performance Sparks Elmira to 7-1 Victory in NEHC Quarterfinals

ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira College Men’s Ice Hockey cruised to a 7-1 victory in the Quarterfinal round of the NEHC tournament on Saturday evening over the visiting Pilgrims from New England College. A familiar foe that the Soaring Eagles faced to conclude the regular season, the Pilgrims were held to just one goal on 33 saves from Chris Janzen ’21. 

Janis Vizeblis ’24 and Bailey Krawczyk ’24 paved the way for Elmira with two goals apiece, while Amedeo Mastrangeli ’24 and Daniel Dimon ’24 each recorded three assists. 

With the win, the Soaring Eagles will move on to play No. 4 seeded Babson College in the semifinal round of the NEHC tournament. 

JUST THE BASICS:
SCORE: No. 6 Elmira 7, New England College 1
LOCATION: Elmira, New York | Murray Athletic Center
TEAM RECORDS: Elmira (18-5-2, 11-4-2 NEHC), New England (13-11-1, 7-10-1 NEHC)

HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Soaring Eagles scored just under five minutes into play after Vizbelis scored on assists from Mastrangeli and Dimon at the 4:38 mark after Wyatt Andres was sent to the box on a high sticking penalty. The goal was the first of four for the evening that the Soaring Eagles scored on the power-play. 

From there, it would be Jake Russo ’23 who would be credited with the game-winner after scoring with 1:01 remaining in the opening period as Mastrangeli recorded his second assist of the contest, as well as an assist from Shawn Kennedy ’24.

In the second period, Elmira would score three goals compared to the lone goal for the Pilgrims, as Kennedy (power-play), Ryan Reifler ’24, and Vizbelis scored the goals. 

Headed into the third leading 5-1, the Soaring Eagles played through physical play from NEC to score two goals, both of which came on the power-play following a game misconduct from the Pilgrims. It would be the Elmira native Krawczyk who would score at both the 12:57 and 16:37 mark to seal the deal. 

UP NEXT:
Elmira will take on No. 4 seed Babson in the semifinal round of the NEHC Tournament on Saturday, February 26. No. 6 Skidmore will travel to No. 1 Hobart on Saturday where the winners will meet at the highest remaining seed the following Saturday.