Sophomore Ryan Morton scored the game-winning goal and added two assists, lifting Quinnipiac to a 4-2 MAAC hockey win over American International on Saturday.
The Braves (9-10-1, 7-4-1 MAAC) first scored with 48 seconds left in the first period when Neil Breen’s shot tipped off Frank Novello’s glove and into the net.
AIC (6-10, 5-9) tied the game on a power-play goal by Anthony Rufrano as he put home a rebound off an Olivier Gagnon shot. It was the Yellow Jackets’ first goal in 134 minutes, four seconds, a span of over six periods.
Ryan Olson netted his 14th goal of the year to give the Braves a 2-1 lead 9:02. The goal came on the power play. AIC responded quickly again to tie the game as Kevin Fournier blasted a shot from the blue line, beating Jamie Holden on another Yellow Jacket power play.
Quinnipiac would take the lead for good when Ron Hammel found Morton in front of the net with a wrap-around pass setting up the game-winner with 11:03 to play in the second period. Hammel would add the final Braves goal at 15:00.
Holden made 25 saves picking up the win, while Novello turned away 10 shots in the loss.
