Rob Brennan

Not only did the Plattsburgh State men's hockey team set its sights on Trinity College, but they demonstrated why they are one of the top teams in NCAA Men's Division III Ice Hockey. Plattsburgh State asserted its presence with a seventy (70) shots on goal offensive against Trinity College in the championship game of this year's Cardinal Classic.
Plattsburgh squares off against Trinity in the 2010 Cardinal Classic

Similar to last night's game, the Cardinals were on the board fairly early with an even-strength goal from Tom Breslin (assisted by Dan Sliasis Vick Schlueter) at 2:19. Despite a formidable presence on the ice by Trinity, Kyle Taylor would find his way past goaltender Wesley Vesprini to put Plattsburgh up 2-0 at the 10:58 mark. Trinity was rocked back on their heels - completely bewildered by the twenty-one (21) shots the Cardinals fired toward the net. 

As both teams took the ice in the second period, it was evident Trinity was going to ramp up their aggressive style of play. This ultimately led to the Bantams drawing eight (8) penalties in the second period alone. Plattsburgh would capitalize on this by scoring one (1) even strength goal, three (3) power play goals, and one (1) short handed goal to take a 7-0 lead into the second intermission. Cardinal goalie Josh Leis made an incredible save against a Trinity breakaway - further infuriating the Bantams.

Similar to last night, Plattsburgh's power play unit was primed for action. Trinity opted to give Joseph Hanson some time in net, but it only took one minute into the third before Dan Sliasis would fire in the sixth goal of the night on the power play.  Cody Adams would also score on the power play; firing the Cardinals ninth (and final) goal of the night at the 17:12 mark.

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Admittedly I was not thrilled to see Josh Leis starting in net for Plattsburgh State.  However, he truly earned tonight's shutout victory and came up with huge saves when called upon. The Cardinals have done an amazing job during the winter break. Not only has goaltending improved significantly, but they have kicked things up a notch offensively. Kudos to Coach Emery and the team.