BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — C.J. Smith’s two goals helped led Massachusetts-Lowell’s offense, which scored three third-period goals, as the River Hawks defeated Sacred Heart 5-1 in the opening round of the Frozen Holiday Classic at the Webster Bank Arena.
Smith credited the team’s success in the third to the team playing their game.
“We got back to our game, kept it simple, and just tried to outcompete the opponent,” the freshman said.
Dylan Zink received a pass from A.J. White, broke in on the right side and beat Sacred Heart goalie Alex Vazzano to give the River Hawks a 1-0 lead 19:21 into the first period.
Lowell had a chance to make it 2-0 three minutes into the second, but Vazzano robbed Michael Louria on a three-on-one chance.
Vazzano, who made 41 saves on the night, kept Sacred Heart in the game.
“I thought their goalie played very well, special teams played a part of this game and their goalie stood tall,” UML coach Norm Bazin said. “He was a big difference-maker early on.”
The Pioneers tied the score at 6:38 of the second on a goal from Zach Sabatini before the River Hawks regained the lead with 30 seconds left in the second on a goal from Smith.
Smith credited line mate Joe Gambardella for his work on the boards that set up the game-winner.
“That one has to go to Gambardella [as] he worked his tail off in the corner,” said Smith. “He was able to find me in the slot and I was able to get a good shot off.”
Sacred Heart coach C.J. Marottolo thought both goals in the final minutes of the first two periods hurt his club.
“I didn’t like how we finished periods,” Marottolo said. “I think we gave up two goals one at the end of the first and I think we gave one up with 30 seconds to go into second period. It’s hard to overcome and creates momentum for the other team. I was proud with the way they worked, but think we could have worked a lot smarter at time.”
The Smith goal in the second period sparked the River Hawks’ offense, which found its game in the final period.
Michael Fallon made it 3-1 when he took a pass from Michael Kapla, who kept the puck in at the blue line, and beat Vazzano.
Smith then scored his second goal of the game to make it 4-1 and Zack Kamrass added another to make it 5-1 at the 17:10 mark of the third.
Bazin saw his team improve as the game progressed.
“I do think we got better as the game went on,” Bazin said. “The third was our best effort, mostly from our coordination standpoint. We weren’t losing guys on the offensive side of the puck and that’s why I thought we had success offensively.”
The UMass Lowell victory was the 89th career for senior class – Terrence Wallin, Zach Kamrass, Jake Suter – which set the program record.
Bazin said the record is a credit to the type of players those three are.
“It’s such a great accomplishment,” Bazin said. “I am very proud of those three seniors who broke that record tonight. That’s a big deal. It’s a testament to their character and how they’ve gone about their business since they have been here.”
Lowell will compete in the championship game of the Frozen Holiday Classic against the winner of the Union-Connecticut game Saturday at 6 p.m. EDT. Sacred Heart will play the loser in the consolation game at 3 p.m.
