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Navy Sweeps West Virginia in Opening Weekend

09/18/2016, 2:15pm EDT
By Navy Hockey Staff

Navy Beat WVU 5-2 and 3-1 on Friday and Saturday in their first two season games.

The Men's Division 1 Team took care of business this weekend in Morgantown, sweeping the Mountaineers in both away games. 

Game 1: Friday night's game was kicked off by a quick goal by forward Matthew Harrigan 2:25 into the first period. Harrigan netted his second goal, unassisted, near halfway through the period at 11:19.  After a scoreless second period, Navy dominated the third, outscoring the Mountaineers 3-1, controlling the offensive zone and establishing a powerful physical presence, lead by a crushing hit in the neutral zone by defenseman Tyler Haigh. Forward Jack O'Hear netted his first goal of the season at 7:21, with assists from Harrigan and Haigh. Anthony Capuano, the sophmore defenseman from Bangor, Maine, scored his first Navy career goal off tip from a backhand rebound from forward Alex Vandenberg. Also, freshman forward Derek Golembrosky scored his first Navy career goal unassisted! James "Patches"  O'Halloran saved 21 out of 23 shots, and provided some outstanding, diving saves to keep the momentum in Navy's favor. 

 

Game 2: West Virginia came out in the first period with a chip on their shoulder from last night's game. However, the strength and conditioning of the Navy team eventually took over.  Matt Harrigan scored two beautiful powerplay goals from the top of the circle, and Matt Stamler netted his first Navy career goal off an assist from Alex Vandenberg. After a scoreless third, the clock showed 3-1 in Navy's favor. Sophmore Luke Markus got his first start for Navy, and provided an incredible goaltending display for fans. Saving 24 out of 25 shots, Markus weathered the Mountaineer's offensive zone attacks with the confidence and poise of a seasoned goaltender, leading Navy to victory.

 

After a great start to the season, Navy looks forward to a high-energy week of practice to prepare for their games in Minnesota next weekend, where they will take on the University of St. Thomas on Friday at the Xcel Energy Center, and the University of Minnesota at Mariucci Arena on Saturday. 

Tag(s): Men's D1