#15 Endicott Edges Men's Ice Hockey in CNE Tournament-Opening Overtime Thriller

BEVERLY, Mass. – A goal by Cam Baker just over halfway through the overtime frame helped lift the third-seeded No.15-ranked Endicott Gulls to a 3-2 win over sixth-seeded Wentworth Institute of Technology in the first round of the Conference of New England Tournament Wednesday night.

Despite the loss, Jack McGovern stood tall between the pipes for the Leopards, making a career-high 67 saves. Tonight's contest marked the Black & Gold's sixth postseason appearance in the last seven seasons (missed 2020-2021 due to COVID pandemic).

The Gulls move on to the semifinal round donning an 18-7-1 overall record. The Leopards' campaign concludes with a 7-17-2 overall mark.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Gulls broke the scoreless tie just 31 seconds into the night as Ryan Willett tucked home a loose puck atop the Wentworth's crease. Later on in the frame, the Leopards knotted the score at one aside on the powerplay as Alex Walicki rippled twine on a shot off a set-up pass from Cade Penney at the 15:48 mark.
• The two teams traded multiple chances in the second period, resulting in a 18-7 edge in shots on goal for the Gulls who hit iron multiple times in the frame as well.
• A strong defensive third period for the Black & Gold paid off as, with the goalie pulled for a delayed penalty for the Gulls, a blocked shot by George Kolovos ricochetted back and found the back of the Gulls' net, giving Wentworth a 2-1 edge with just over four minutes to play in the third.
• On the ensuing powerplay for the Gulls, Michael Casey ripped a shot on goal that deflected and found twine, tying the score at 2-all with 1:24 left to play.
• The Gulls carried much of play in the extra frame (10-5 shots on goal advantage) and were rewarded as a streaking Baker squeaked the puck past McGovern at the 10:07 mark of overtime, lifting the Gulls to the semifinal round of the CNE Tournament. In goal for the Gulls, Atticus Kelly made 22 saves.
• Tonight marked the 4^th longest overtime game the Leopards have competed in during the postseason, spanning 70:07. Prior to tonight, the two teams last met in the playoffs in 2022.

SERIES NOTES:

• Tonight marked the 27^th all-time meeting between the two teams and fourth of the season.

For the latest on Wentworth Athletics, follow the Leopards via social media on "X," Facebook and Instagram.