Liberty Men’s Ice Hockey opened ESCHL conference play this past weekend with a pair of resounding victories. The Flames (3-1, 2-0 ESCHL) pounded the West Chester University Golden Rams 6-1 on Friday night’s Midnight Madness game, and followed it up with a 14-2 thrashing Saturday evening.
Sophomore Brock Thompson logged hist first career Hat Trick Friday night. (Photo courtesy of Liberty Hockey)
Friday night’s (technically Saturday morning) midnight start featured a raucous sellout crowd, and that certainly helped power the Flames’ effort. Liberty was able to outshoot West Chester 45-15 on the night, led by Brock Thompson’s first career hat trick. The sellout crowd of 3,100 was also treated to numerous fisticuffs, as 3 LU players received Game Misconducts for fighting. Liberty netted 2 goals in the first, and led 2-1 at the first intermission. However, the much anticipated LU offense took control in the final two stanzas, scoring twice in each, leading the Flames to the 6-1 victory. Transfer Goaltender Cole Burack had another excellent game in the crease, finishing with 14 saves, and improving to 2-0 on the season.
Saturday’s rematch was even more of a rout. The Flames dropped 3 pucks in West Chester’s goal during the first period, and never looked back en route to a jaw dropping 14-2 victory at the LaHaye Ice Center. 10 Liberty players scored goals on the night, including multiple goals by Jordan Bochinski, Quinn Ryan, Zechariah Roberts, and Zane Schartz. Senior Goaltender Josh Halpenny logged his first win of the season, improving to 1-1, and finishing with 19 saves.
LU’s 14 goals is a LaHaye Ice Center record for the men’s Division 1 program. Liberty will look to build on a strong conference play start this weekend on the road against Rutgers, before returning home to Lynchburg against Syracuse Homecoming weekend October 13 and 14.
