Links: Box Score
Video: Kobryn Postgame Comments
PROVIDENCE, R.I. –
Troy Kobryn was unbeatable on the 30 shots he saw and
Chase Gresock's second period power play goal proved to be the difference in the Merrimack College men's hockey team's 2-0 win over #15 Providence Friday night at Schneider Arena.
Kobryn made 15 of his 30 saves in the closing period, as Merrimack held off a late charge from the Friars to secure the upset win.
Declan Carlile netted an empty net goal late in the third to seal the decision.
The Basics
Score: Merrimack 2, 15/RV Providence 0
Records: Merrimack (8-21-3, 6-13-3 HEAM) | Providence (15-10-6, 9-9-3 HEAM)
Game Duration: 2:16
Attendance: 2,905
How It Happened
- A slow-starting first period eventually picked up in the latter stages, as Providence eventually fired 11 shots on goal, but Kobryn was up to the task to keep the game deadlocked after 20 minutes.
- After they didn't receive a power play in the first period, the Warriors got one just 50 seconds into the second and they didn't let it slip away. While breaking into the zone, Zach Vinnell fed Mac Welsher at the blue line, who dished it to Gresock as he entered the zone. Gresock closed in from the right faceoff dot and slipped a quick shot home through the five-hole for the icebreaker.
- Kobryn continued his stellar evening between the pipes during the second stanza, as he kicked out all five shots that he faced to up his game total to 16.
- The Warriors got another excellent period between the pipes from Kobryn in the third period. He made myriad saves late during the Friars' push to tie the game and did not break.
- Carlile put the dagger in the Providence heart when he cleared the puck from deep in the defensive zone and ended up sliding into a vacated cage. It was the Warriors' second empty net goal of the year.
Notes & Numbers
- The shutout was the first of Kobryn's career.
- Providence had not been shut out in its previous 69 games, which dates back to Oct. 13, 2018.
- It was Merrimack's first shutout since it beat Northeastern, 1-0, on Jan. 5, 2019.
- Gresock had four shots on goal to lead the Warriors.
- Gresock's goal was his 11th of the season, which ties his career-high from last season.
- With his 20th point of the season, Carlile is now five points shy of tying the Division I record for points by a rookie defenseman in Merrimack history. Darrel Scoville set the record during the 1995-96 season.
Up Next
The Warriors and Friars complete the home-and-home Saturday night when it moves to Lawler Rink for a 7 pm puck drop. It is also Senior Night for Merrimack.
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For continuing coverage of Merrimack College Athletics, visit MerrimackAthletics.com and follow the Warriors on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook.
