Tigers scare Crusaders, lose 2-1

The Amherst Tigers' Federation hockey team learned a tough lesson when they took on undefeated Canisius last Thursday on the Amherst Pepsi Center NHL No. 1 rink.

They learned that the difference in the game of hockey can be only a matter of inches.

"We played the first-place large-school division team to an even hockey game," said Tigers' coach Rich Crozier. "I hate to say it, but the crossbar was the difference in the game. We hit it and it stayed out. They hit it and it went in."

Canisius got on the board early in the game when Paul Steining shot the puck into an open net that slid past Tigers' goaltender Sean Smith. Smith, a sophomore, played very well after that, stopping 27 of 29 shots.

"It's no secret that our team needs Sean to be the difference most nights," said Crozier. "He's been working with a goaltending coach and it really seems to be paying off. We've been working on him playing consistently for 45 minutes and we got that performance. Sean played his best game of the season."

The game remained 1-0 until the Tigers answered back with five minutes remaining in the second period. On the power play, senior Steve Rubach scored his second goal in as many games. Senior Dan Hubbard passed the puck to senior Matt Allwes in the slot, Allwes put a nice low shot on net and Rubach, who had parked himself in front of the net, was able to bang home the rebound into the open net, tying the game at 1-1.

Two minutes later, the Tigers came within inches of taking the lead. Senior Al McQuiggan carried the puck over the line and riffled a shot that beat the Canisius goalie. Unfortunately for McQuiggan and the Tigers, the shot hit the crossbar and deflected out of play.

"It's a game of inches," said Crozier. "We thought we had taken the lead."

The game remained tied throughout most of the third. With two minutes left in the game, Canisius' Ryan Wagner shot the puck that hit the same crossbar as McQuiggan's shot earlier, but this time the puck went down into the net instead of up. The Crusaders hung on for dear life and were able to beat the Tigers 2-1.

The Tigers outshot Canisius, 7-6, in the final period.

"It's disappointing," said Crozier. "We had our chances to win, but it just wasn't to be. I am extremely happy with the way our team played. This could turn around our season. If we play the way we played against Canisius, we will win many hockey games."

Crozier was especially proud of the way his defensive unit played.

"I want to applaud the play of my defense," he said. "Four of our six defenseman are new back. To hold a team like Canisius to only two goal speaks volumes about their development over the past six weeks."

Seniors A.J. DiLorenzo and Josh Larwood, juniors Kevin Denny and Alex Dennis, sophomore Chris Farmelo and freshman Mike Thompson all played well for the Tigers.

"Coming into the season, our coaching staff had some concerns about our defensive unit and their inexperience," said Crozier.

"I'd venture to say that after this performance, those concerns have been put to rest."