ANNAPOLIS, Maryland – On a night that saw five seniors, along with their fallen brother, Jason Jablonski honored in a pregame ceremony, it was sophomore Anthony Capuano’s overtime goal with 11.2 seconds left that saved senior night for the Midshipmen. The pre-game ceremony included the senior players being announced and shaking hands with the coaching staff as well as greeting the families of the players at center ice with flowers. The family of Jason Jablonski, who passed away in November, 2016, was also on hand. Jason’s sisters dropped the ceremonial puck to start the game.
The visiting West Chester University Golden Rams got on the board first with 17:02 remaining in the first period on a goal by Steve Mcelroy with the assist going to Jake Hornacek. Three minutes and 13 seconds later, Navy tied the game with a goal by senior Steven Sabatini, with assists from Josiah Tolvo and Andrew Douglas. The first period would end in a 1-1 tie with Navy taking the shots on goal lead 15-5.
Navy got on the board at 15:02 of the second period on a goal by Hyo Jun Baek. John Linenger and Luke Turk contributed with assists. The Midshipmen took a two goal lead on a power play goal less than a minute later. The goal was scored by Matthew Stamler with assists to Capuano and Matthew Harrigan. West Chester was able to cut into the Navy lead with 7:52 remaining on a goal by John Mango, with the assists going to Joseph Opdenaker and Manny Billones. The period ended with Navy leading 3-2 on the score sheet and 28-17 for shots on goal.
At 14:26 of the third, it was Billones tying the game with an unassisted goal. Mickey McShane then scored to regain the lead for West Chester with 11:01 remaining. ColbyYaller was credited with the assist. Senior Midshipmen Matthew Harrigan scored with 6:36 remaining in the third to tie the game. Jack O’Hear and Matthew Stamler had the assists.West Chester’s goalie Michael Rice was kept busy as Navy fired 19 shots on goal in the third period, while Navy’s James O’Halloran faced nine shots.
In the five minute 4 on 4 overtime period, Navy was able to kill off a two minute penalty before Capuano’s game winning goal.
Navy plays Lehigh on Saturday night before preparing for the 40th annual Crab Pot Tournament. The tournament pits in state rivals Towson University vs UMBC in the first game and Maryland vs Navy in the second game. On Saturday there will be a consolation game as well as the championship game. Navy is the defending champion.
Contact the photographer at Don.Haas@prohockeynews.com
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