January 9, 2007

Castleton continues to shake up ECAC East, defeat nationally ranked Skidmore

Rutland, VT-Castleton came back from being down 1-0 to Skidmore with 3 unanswered goals to beat ECAC East foe and the 12th ranked team in the nation 3-1. The Spartans shut down the Thoroughbreds offensive attack with their defensive effort led by goalie Jeff Swanson. It was the second time this season that the Spartans defeated a ranked opponent at home.

Skidmore got on the board in the first period when Steve Keady knocked home a centering pass from Matt Czerkowicz past Swanson to take the early 1-0 lead. Castleton was turned away each of their first period chances by freshman netminder D.J. Delbuono. The Spartans evened the contest in the second period with Jeff Alexander scoring off a rebound in front of the net. Both defenses continued to play strong and ended the period tied 1-1. The Spartans took advantage of an early 3rd period chance with Brandon Heck putting in a rebound to take the lead 2-1. Jeff Beecher netted the insurance goal for the Spartans off a centering pass from Brent Swanson to put the game away 3-1.

Swanson finished with 31 saves on 32 shots by the Thoroughbreds. Delbuono finished with 31 saves on 34 Spartan shots.

The Spartans improve to 6-3-3 overall and 2-2-3 in ECAC East play. Skidmore falls to 7-3-2 overall and 3-2-2 in conference. The Spartans play again on Friday night hosting Tufts at 7:00 pm in the first of two home games this weekend. The Thoroughbreds return to play Friday when they host Connecticut College in Lake Placid at 7:00 pm. [Box Score]

###Spartans###