This past weekend the Seawolves flew out to Oklahoma to face #7 ranked, University of Central Oklahoma Broncos (UCO). This is the first meeting between the two teams since last year where Stony Brook split the weekend series at home. During Friday night’s game, Stony Brook and the Broncos were scoreless mid-way through the game until Seawolves Freshman; Chris Molnar scored his first of the season to put Stony Brook up 1-0. However shortly after, the sloppy, undisciplined play the Seawolves allowed the Broncos to take a 2-1 lead going into the third period. With Stony Brook’s backs against the wall late in the game they were forced to take chances they wouldn’t normally take and gave up a breakaway where the Broncos tallied their third goal making the final score 3-1, UCO.
Going into Saturday’s game Stony Brook was without junior forward Matt Crockett, who suffered an upper body injury the night before. The Seawolves knew what to do but they just needed to execute better, especially their power-play which has been struggling recently. Early in the first period the Stony Brook gave up a goal after a breakdown in the defensive zone. A few minutes later it was again Molnar who found the back of the net to tie the game at one. Heading into the second period the Seawolves hoped for better puck luck as they dominated the first but could not quite capitalize. Unfortunately the second period was all Broncos as they scored three goals to pull away 4-1. Heading into the third period Stony Brook had a greater sense of urgency than the previous two periods and were able to cut the Broncos lead, 4-3, goals coming from freshman Kevin Murphy and Sophomore Frank Coscia. UCO was able to hold on to the lead despite the heavy offensive onslaught coming from the Seawolves.
Next weekend the Seawolves face off against divisional opponent, Rutgers University on Friday February 3rd at 9pm and Saturday February 4th at 8:30pm. Friday night’s game is Stony Brook Alumni Night as well as the Chris Panatier/Anthony Fronzoni fundraiser. The Seawolves alumni will play at 7:00pm on Friday night before the game against Rutgers. So, make sure you come down early and see your favorite players from previous years and current in addition to supporting the Panatier and Fronzoni family! Saturday night is rock the red night so come down in your Seawolf red! Reminder all home games are played at the Rinx in Hauppauge, NY 660 terry road.
