For the second straight game, the Franklin Pierce University men’s ice hockey team saw a 2-1, third-period lead go up in smoke and turn into a 3-2, overtime defeat on Tuesday night at Saint Anselm. The Hawks got a tying goal from sophomore forward Brian Cameron 8:45 into the third and the winning goal from sophomore forward Bryan Green 1:57 into overtime to pull out a 3-2 win in Northeast-10 Conference play at Sullivan Arena.
With the loss, Franklin Pierce falls to 7-11-1 (2-5-0 NE10), while Saint Anselm improves to 8-7-2 (3-1-0 NE10).
This time around, the late rally had less the feel of a lead slipping away and more of that of a levee finally bursting, as Saint Anselm, which posted a 59-14 advantage in shots on the night, peppered Franklin Pierce junior goaltender Tom McGuckin with pucks throughout the night. McGuckin piled up a career-best 56 saves — just one off the program record — but it would not be enough for the Ravens, who would get within 12:15 of the road win, but no closer.
With winter storm Jupiter brewing outside and a referee named — naturally — Michael Frost on the ice, the blizzard of shots from Saint Anselm finally drew the Hawks even at 2-2 at the 8:45 mark of the third period. Franklin Pierce killed off a pair of penalties early in the frame, but Saint Anselm got an even-strength marker to level the game. Cameron tallied his second goal of the season, with Green providing the assist.
After the final 12:15 of the third period went without further scoring — or further penalties — Cameron returned the favor in the extra session. At the 1:57 mark, he set up the third goal of the campaign for Green, who scored his second of the night to send Saint Anselm away winners.
The Ravens return to the ice on Saturday, Jan. 21, when they return home to host Hamilton in a non-conference contest. Opening faceoff is set for 7 p.m. at Jason Ritchie Ice Arena.