Late goal lifts Tigers' hockey to tie with Timon

Junior Matt Allwes scored with 29 seconds remaining in the game and freshman Sean Smith made 28 saves as the Tigers tied Bishop Timon-St. Jude, 1-1, on Saturday on the Amherst Pepsi Center's Olympic Rink, earning a much-needed point in league play.

"This was a tremendous comeback for our team," said Amherst coach Rich Crozier. "I am extremely proud of the way our team played. It goes without question that we played our best game of the season to date."

It was mainly a defensive battle throughout the first two periods of the hockey game. The game continued to remain scoreless until the Tigers fell behind late in the second period when Timon was able to capitalize on the power play to make it 1-0 after two periods.

"That's such a tough goal to give up late in the period," said Crozier. "We got pinned in the defensive zone and couldn't get our players off the ice. It is so tough to get changes on that big Olympic ice surface."

Halfway through the third period, the Tigers dealt with a very scary moment when junior Mike Gruttaduria crashed into the boards, suffering a season-ending leg injury.

"We as a team are a very close knit group," said Crozier. "To witness an injury like that to one of our players was extremely difficult for me and my players."

The injury caused a 30-minute delay in the game. Both teams returned to the locker room while medical staff assisted Gruttaduria.

"The message in the locker room became very simple at that point," said Crozier. "Let's go back out there and win the game for Mike."

When the teams returned, the defensive battle continued. Both teams had chances in an extremely exciting hockey game. With 1:13 remaining, Timon took a tripping penalty allowing the fate of the game to be in the hands of the Tigers' power play. With 45 seconds remaining, the Tigers pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. As Timon attempted to clear the puck, senior Thom Bergman stopped it at the blue line and let a quick wrist shot go. The Timon goalie made the initial save but left the rebound in front. Allwes picked up the puck and riffled a wrist shot top corner to tie up the hockey game with 29 seconds remaining.

"What a nice goal," said Crozier. "We've been focusing in practice on finishing our chances and Matty did just that. What a way to end the hockey game."

Crozier was also very complementary towards the play of his Smith in net. "Sean was the number one star," said Crozier. "He played the best game of his season. I am very impressed with the way this kid is developing. He has a tremendous amount of potential."

"This game was a roller coaster of emotions," said Crozier. "We felt the lowest of the lows and the highest of highs. As far as the hockey game is concerned, the late goal feels like a win and we'll use this to help our team build on more performances similar to this one. I told the boys that the biggest difference was that we played a complete game, a full 45 minutes. When we put in a full effort, we can compete with the Timon's of this league."

"I also realize that there were many people concerned at the Pepsi Center and I am happy to report that Mike is doing as well as to be expected," he added. "It is a setback for him and our team. He's a major contributor on and off the ice and his everyday presence certainly will be missed. No one is tougher than Mikey and he'll be back in that Tigers uniform scoring big goals and dishing out huge hits for us again real soon."