Senior goaltender Chance Thede posted his second career shutout to help lead American International College to its first win of the season, a 3-0 decision over Fairfield University in MAAC Hockey League action at the Olympia Ice Center.
Thede recorded 41 saves as the Yellow Jackets were outshot by Fairfield, 41-25, in the game. Thede’s only other career shutout also came against the Stags nearly two years ago to the day, on October 31, 1998.
Junior Olivier Gagnon netted two goals, including the gamewinner, to lead the AIC offense, while freshman Anthony Rufrano added a goal and an assist.
Gagnon got the Yellow Jackets on the board with a power-play goal with 3:57 remaining in the first period, assisted by Rufrano and freshman Guilluame Caron.
Gagnon closed out the scoring in the game with an empty net tally with 1:08-remaining in regulation.
Rufrano’s goal came at the 12:46-mark of the second period, off assists from junior Mike Liebro and sophomore Andy Luhovy.
Fairfield freshman goalkeeper Bill Whitfield recorded 22 saves in goal to take the loss.
AIC (1-3-0, 1-0-0 MAAC) returns to the ice tomorrow Saturday afternoon, when it travels to Northford, Conn., to face two-time defending MAAC Hockey League regular season champion Quinnipiac University at 5 p.m.
Fairfield (1-2-0, 0-1-0 MAAC) returns to action on Thursday, November 2, when it faces the USA Hockey Development team for an exhibition game in Ann Arbor, Mich., at 7 p.m.
