THE BASICS

-Score: Assumption University 4, Franklin Pierce University 3 (OT)

-Records: Assumption University (14-12-2) Franklin Pierce University (8-16-2)

-Location: Worcester, Mass.  (Worcester Ice Arena)

-The Lead: The number three seeded Assumption University men's ice hockey team started their playoff run on Saturday evening with a thrilling matchup versus the sixth seeded Franklin Pierce University Ravens. The Hounds took a 3-0 early in the game with the Ravens storming back thanks to two powerplay goals sending the game into overtime where the Hounds found the winner halfway through the sudden death period to send them into the semifinals of the NE10 playoffs. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

-The Hounds opened the scoring early in the first when Colin Philippon (Salem, N.H. / Vermont Lumberjacks) fired a wrister past Ian Wallace's glove side to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage. 

-Ronny Paragallo (Huntington, N.Y. / New Hampton School) doubled the Assumption lead halfway through the first period firing a wrister this time past the blocker side of Wallace on an assist from Robert Holyoke (Middleboro, Mass. / South Shore Kings) and send the Hounds into the locker room after the first up 2-0. 

-The Hounds continued their hot start and scored quickly to open the second when Michael Zampanti (Winthrop, Mass. / Islanders Hockey Club) got on the score sheet on an assist from Dante Maribito (Georgetown, Mass. / Phillips Academy)

-The Ravens got on the board via the powerplay halfway through the second when Chris Stevenson scored on an assist from Conor Foley. 

-Foley got the Hounds within one scoring with seven seconds left in the second period to send the teams into the final frame with the score at 3-2. 

-Foley scored on the powerplay for the Ravens halfway through the third when he fired a wrister through traffic to even the game at 3-3. 

-Both teams pushed for a winner in the final half of the third with Wallace and David Altman (Bristol, R.I. / Northern Cyclones) making big saves at both ends to send the game to a sudden death overtime. 

-Holyoke buried the winner with just about half to go in the first overtime on an assist from Devan Sheth (Ashland, Mass. / Islanders Hockey Club) and Altman to send the Hounds and the crowd into a frenzy and advance to the NE10 Semifinals. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

-The Hounds outshot the Ravens 44-31

-Assumption won the faceoff battle 43-33. 

UP NEXT  

-The Hounds host the semi final round of the NE10 playoffs versus seventh seeded Stonehill on Tuesday, March 1. Puck drop is set for 7:30pm.   

STAY CONNECTED

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