MCC WINS OT THRILLER 7-6 AGAINST SUFFOLK
11/14/09
(Chelmsford, MA) - Following last night's tough loss to the Eastern Kodiaks, the Cougars looked to bounce back in league play at home against the Suffolk University Rams. Injuries over the last couple weeks to key players left the team struggling to fill a lineup. The team played with just its 10 players against a fully stacked Suffolk team looking for revenge from last year.
Suffolk scored the first goal of the game on a shot that trickled past the pads of Evan Walsh but MCC was able to catch up quickly with a trio of goals in a short span by leading scorer Eric McNeil as well as Mike Wisniewski and Lucas Villandry.
The two teams played a solid second period with each team scoring once to send them into the third period with MCC still leading 4-2. The Cougars were able to put in a pair in the third with shots coming from Chris Etter and another by Lucas Villandry. Suffolk's rhythm increased as the game went on however as the Rams put four third period goals past Walsh, the last coming with just 1:34 left in the game to send it to overtime.
Through two full seasons of NECCHL play, the Cougars have never had a game go to overtime. This first test of OT was a nail biter as both teams had excellent scoring chances on breakaways and big plays in front of the net. It was Eric McNeill who put the game away with only 1:22 left on the clock to seal the 7-6 victory for MCC and salvage the weekend for the Cougars.
The Cougars return to the ice on Saturday Nov. 21st against long-time rival Bentley University. It features a rematch of last year's NECCHL Championship game that saw the Falcons take the game 5-1. The game is at 10pm at Veteran's Memorial Arena in Waltham, MA and admission and parking are both free.
EASTERN KODIAKS BLOW PAST MCC 9-1 IN EXETER
11/13/09
(Exeter, NH) - The MCC Cougars traveled the familiar road to Exeter, NH on Friday night for a matchup with the Eastern Kodiaks junior team. Coming in to the game, the Kodiaks were 14-6-3 in overall play and in the midst of a six game winning streak. MCC was coming off a weekend that left the team decimated with injuries to several players but hoping to regroup in this matchup.
The Kodiaks jumped to a quick lead in the game and never looked back. Four goals were put past MCC goaltender Evan Walsh in the first period and it wasn't until the 12:13 mark of the second period when MCC scored its first and ultimately only goal on the night, a rocket by defenseman Chris Etter with the assist going to Derek Dion and Trevor Hogan.
MCC played a solid second period, only allowing one goal to bring the score to 5-1 going into the third. During second period play, forward Rich Koczan was injured as a skate seered into the back of his leg. Doctors say he will be out for at least 8-10 days as he needed 14 stitches to seal it back up.
The defense was kept busy all night and exhaustion wore in as the Kodiaks exploded for four more goals in the third to grab the 9-1 win. MCC goalie Evan Walsh kept very busy with 62 shots on the night compared to MCC's 23.
The Cougars return to the ice tomorrow night to battle Suffolk University in NECCHL league play. The Cougars are 1-0 in league play with their win back in October against Emerson while the Suffolk Rams are 1-1 with a win over Emerson and a 5-3 loss against Berklee College of Music. Game time is set for 10pm at the Chelmsford Forum in Billerica.
MCC HANGS TOUGH IN 6-4 WIN OVER NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE JV
11/8/09
(Henniker, NH) - Less than 24 hours after a loss to Nichols College that saw a record 13 goals allowed on net, the injury-plagued MCC Cougars made the almost two hour trek to Henniker, home of the New England College Pilgrims to take on the school's JV program. With a lineup of only nine players and one goalie to use, Coach Moriconi had to be creative in adjusting lines and making sure players weren't burning themselves out, all while trying to get out with a win. The Pilgrims on the other hand, were stacked with a roster of 18 skaters and 3 goaltenders at its disposal.
Fortunately the players that were able to make it for Middlesex came up in a big way early on. PJ Fulton got the offense started early with a goal on a Marcus Moran pass that sailed past the glove of New England College's goaltender. Derek Dion put one in less than a minute later and Brian Feener added another for good measure and with an injured wrist to bring MCC up 3-0. The Pilgrims did squeak one past Evan Walsh to bring it to 3-1 at the end of the first.
The offense continued for MCC with goals in the second by Mike Melanson and linemate Derek Dion as well as a blast from the point by defenseman Lucas Villandry. The Pilgrims added just one more goal and the Cougars headed into the third period with a somewhat comfortable 6-2 lead. The exhaustion of playing with few subs and few breaks caught up to MCC in the third as a pair of early goals by the Pilgrims brought it to 6-4. The Cougars were able to do their best version of "keep away" for the remainder of the period to hold on for the win. MCC goalie Evan Walsh kept busy in the winning effort, facing 42 shots and only allowing four goals.
MCC returns to the ice on Friday night at the Rinks in Exeter to battle the Eastern Kodiaks. Game time is 8:30 and please note that admission to the game is $5.
MCC KNOCKED 13-10 BY NICHOLS COLLEGE
11/7/09
(Chelmsford, MA)
After a six game road stretch to begin the season, the MCC hockey team finally had a chance to play in front of a home crowd as the program returned to the Chelmsford Forum (formerly Tully Forum) for the first time since its beginnings in 2005. The move to Chelmsford allows the program to have better scheduling for its games and is closer to both the Bedford and Lowell campuses of MCC. In addition, the Chelmsford Forum seats 3,200 fans as the former home of the UMass Lowell River Hawks Division 1 program (currently ranked # 5 in the nation!). The increased capacity will allow a greater number of fans to gain admittance for the highly anticipated game against NECCHL champion Bentley University on January 30th as well as other key matchups slated for the 2009-2010 season. The team will continue to use the O'Brien Rink in Woburn as a practice facility but all future games will be played at the Chelmsford Forum in Billerica.
Things did not start off well on Saturday for the Cougars as only minutes into the game, starting goaltender Josh Silberberg sprained his ankle on a play in front of the net. Early reports from doctors indicate he may be out for a couple weeks. Evan Walsh was brought in to play the remaining 53 minutes of the game. Fans looking to see goals scored certainly got their money's worth in Chelmsford (really, the games are free though) as both teams had offensive explosions. Neither defense was able to contain the play.
The Cougars started the night with a blast from Brian Feener less than two minutes into the game. From there it was back and forth between the two teams leading to a 4-3 Nichols lead going into the second. First period goals for MCC were also scored by Mike Melanson and team captain Derek Dion.
The second period was much better for MCC as they outscored Nichols 4-2 with a pair of pucks put in by Mike Melanson for a hat trick, and notches by Chris Etter and Rich Koczan. Going into the third period, MCC led 7-6 but it was anyone's game still. The Cougars battled injuries throughout the game as it was a physical game to say the least. Team trainer Colin MacMillan was kept busy during all three periods.
The defense unraveled further for MCC in the third as Nichols lit the lamp seven times in the period on an overworked Walsh. The Cougars did put some points on the board with Marcus Moran, Chris Etter, and Derek Dion tallying goals but it was too little too late as Nichols held on for the 13-10 win. The 13 goals allowed stands as an unfortunate new record but the Cougars look to bounce back tomorrow afternoon as they face off against the New England College Pilgrims JV team. The game will be at 2pm at Lee Clement Arena in Heniker, NH.
MCC LEAVE THE CRIMSON FEELING BLUE
10-24-09
(Cambridge, MA)
With an all around team effort, the Cougars came away with a thrilling 3-2 win over Harvard University last night at the Bright Hockey Center on the campus of one of the world's most prolific institutions.
The Crimson quickly came out of the gate and scored on the game's first shift. The Crimson tally seemed to ignite the Cougars who responded moments later thanks to Cougar Gunslinger Scott Capraro who went top shelf with a 35-foot cannon over the left shoulder of the hapless Crimson netminder.
With the scored tied 1-1 midway through the first period, the Crimson had a flurry of chances in tight. Cougar Goalie Josh Silberberg was tested on several goal mouth scrambles, but was up to the challenge and made several game saving stops.
At the 8:02 mark, the Cougars went on top when Cougar Captain Joe Ronan drilled home a rebound to put the Cougars on top 2-1 heading into the first intermission.
The second period saw both teams battle tooth and nail in a tightly contested stanza. Both teams had two power play opportunities each, but the penalty killing squads prevailed.
At the 10:00 mark, Cougar Netminder Evan Walsh took over the responsibilities between the pipes and picked up where Silberberg left off by holding the fort down with several key saves to preserve the 2-1 lead.
The Cougars came out of flying in the third and final period. Both teams had several good scoring chances. Eight minutes into the period Crimson Senior Mark Rinaldi tied the game with a redirection of a shot from the point that just eluded the outstretched right pad of Walsh to tie the game at two apiece.
It didn't take long for the Cougars to regain the lead and sieze momentum. On the ensuing face off, the Cougars gained possession of the puck deep in the Crimson zone. That's when Arlington Native Joe O'Hare jumped all over a loose puck and jammed it home. The 6'1' 200 pound forward planted himself at the left post and made the most of the opportunity to cash in with his fourth goal of the young season.
Both teams exchanged glistening opportunities the rest of the way, but each goaltender was up to the challenge. The Cougar defense was lead by the intense play of Ronan and Lucas Villandry. Both Shawn Toomey and Marcus Moran delivered physical blows to anyone in a Crimson colored jersey and slick skating Trevor Hogan helped neutralize the Crimson offensive.
With 1:22 remaining, and down by one, the Crimson elected to pull their goalie in favor for an extra attacker. Forward Captain and two year standout Derek Dion, O'Hare, Ronan, Toomey and Reading, MA sniper Eric McNeill were up to the task fending off the Crimson attack.
The game was the biggest and arguably most important win in MCC history. The heavily favored Crimson were impressed with the Cougar lineup, "They (MCC), played really well and were a great team to set the level of intesity for the year," stated Crimson Captain, Rinaldi.
The Cougars are off until November 8, when they take on New England College in Henniker, NH. The Crimson will be looking to rebound in next week's Club Beanpot Tourney where they take on the likes of Boston University, Boston College and Northeastern.
MCC TAKES 8-2 WIN OVER MASS MARINERS
10/17/09
(Dedham, MA) - The MCC hockey team traveled to Dedham's Boch Ice Arena on Saturday night for their second meeting with the Mass Mariners of the IJHL's Super Elite Division. MCC goalie Evan Walsh played the full 50 minutes for the Cougars, stopping 29 of 31 shots to lead the Cougars to an 8-2 victory.
The game remained scoreless for much of the first half of the game before top goal scorer Eric McNeil blasted one past Mariner goalie Ethan LaPointe. The Mariners bounced right back with a goal less than a minute later on a breakaway that slipped in past Walsh. The Cougars were able to finish the half with an unassisted goal by Eric Lake to put them ahead 2-1.
After the half, MCC came out roaring with a trio of goals in the first five minutes scored by Eric Lake, Mike Bertrand, and Brian Feener respectively. Eric Lake would later add his third and fourth goal of the game followed by one last goal by Joe O'Hare to seal the 8-2 win.
The Cougars are off until Saturday when they will face Harvard University's club team at Bright Arena. The game begins Saturday at 7pm. Admission is free, best of luck to you finding parking.
MCC RIGHTS THE SHIP WITH 20-2 WIN OVER EMERSON COLLEGE
(Cambridge, MA) Middlesex opened its NECCHL schedule last night with a 20-2 demolishing of the Emerson College Lions at Simoni Arena. The Cougars scored early and often, pummeling veteran Emerson goalie Lance Ning with 58 total shots compared to the 11 that Emerson was able to put on net. It would probably be easier to list who didn't put the puck in the net for Middlesex but we'll give credit where credit is due. The 20 goals scored in last night's game set an MCC single-game record, breaking the mark of 19 set in a game last season against Emerson.
No hat tricks for any Cougar players but scoring two goals each were Mike Bertrand, Brian Feener, Eric Lake, Mike Melanson, Lucas Villandry, and Marcus Moran. That accounted for 12 goals. The other 8 goals were scored by Trevor Hogan, Joe Ronan, Paul Tosto, PJ Fulton, Scott Capraro, Joe O'Hare, Pat Crowley, and Eric McNeil. Assists, seriously? Check the stats page.
Josh Silberberg stopped all five shots he faced while Evan Walsh allowed two goals on six shots. Emerson goals were scored by Misha Spivak and team captain Peter Keeling.
Middlesex returns to the ice this Saturday night at Boch Ice Arena in Dedham at 9pm to play the Mass Mariners. Admission and parking are free.
MCC FALLS IN 4-3 HEARTBREAKER TO BOSTON JR. BLACKHAWKS
(Exeter, NH) Playing in their third game in two days, Middlesex fell to the Boston Jr. Blackhawks 4-3 in its final game of the IJHL Columbus Day Weekend Showcase. This was the first ever meeting between the two clubs but was the first of three to be held this season. The Blackhawks scored early on their fourth shot of the game past starter Josh Silberberg. Leading MCC goal scorer Eric McNeil was able to quickly bring the Cougars back to a 1-1 tie and that's how the first half of the game would end.
The second half of the game was close as well as both teams scored a pair of goals to make it 3-3 going into the final minutes. The second half goals were scored by Scott Capraro and Joe Ronan. The game ended in heartbreaking fashion for MCC as a breakaway was scored on goalie Evan Walsh with only 8 seconds left on the clock to put the Blackhawks ahead 4-3 for the final.
MCC opens its NECCHL season against Emerson College this Tuesday night at 8pm. The game will be at the Simoni Rink in Cambridge, admission and parking are free.
MCC FALLS 7-4 TO MAINE MOOSE IN 2ND GAME OF SHOWCASE
10/10/09
(Exeter, NH) - Only a little over an hour after the team's first victory of the season, the MCC Cougars were back on the ice for its second game of the IJHL Columbus Day Weekend showcase against the Maine Moose. This was the first ever meeting between the two programs. The Moose were 4-8-1 overall coming into the game with a busy IJHL and non-conference schedule while MCC came in "fresh" off its 6-5 victory over the Mass Mariners.
The game started off well for Middlesex with two early goals scored by veteran Mike Melanson and Rich Koczan. The Moose jumped back in quickly though, getting two in by returning Middlesex goaltender and team MVP Josh Silberberg. The score was locked at 2-2 until the final seconds of the first half before a fluke goal by Chris Etter over the head of the Moose goaltender to put MCC up 3-2 going into the half.
The second half didn't fare well for the Cougars as the Moose put in a string of three goals within a one minute span and added two more. MCC was able to put one more in with a rocket shot by Eric McNeil but the damage was already done as the Cougars fell to the Moose by a final score of 7-4.
The Cougars return to the showcase tournament tomorrow afternoon to play the Boston Jr. Blackhawks in their first of three meetings this year. Admission to tomorrow's showcase is $10 and allows access to all games in both rinks. If you cannot make it to the game, be sure to check back here for an updated score and summary at the end of the day.
MCC HANGS ON 6-5 IN SEASON OPENER AGAINST MASS. MARINERS
10/10/09
(Exeter, NH) - MCC opened the 2009-2010 campaign with a 6-5 nail biter against the Massachusetts Mariners at the IJHL Columbus Day Weekend showcase in Exeter, NH. In last year's only meeting between the two teams, the Mariners dominated with a 7-1 win over Middlesex, it's worst loss all season. The game started off strong for the MCC Cougars with early goals scored in the first half by Mike Bertrand (2 goals), Eric McNeil, P.J. Fulton, and Joe Ronan. Going into the half, MCC led by a commanding 5-1 score.
The second half of the game was a different story for MCC as it became a struggle to hold on to the lead set in the impressive first half. Three unanswered goals by the Mariners brought the game to a 5-4 MCC lead before Cougar captain Derek Dion scored to bring it to 6-4. The Mariners put one more in past MCC goaltender Evan Walsh to make it 6-5. Walsh faced all 20 shots in his first collegiate victory.
We wanted to thank each student athlete for putting forth such a great effort during tryouts over the last few weeks. We were astounded with the turn out this year and grateful to all candidates who did their best to make the squad.
The decision making process was long and difficult, but we are happy with the selections this year and look forward to a challenging season. If your name is listed on the roster below, please email Coach Moriconi at mike_moriconi@harvard.edu immediately to confirm your email address. Coach will be emailing the team as a whole on Wednesday evening.
The 09-10 Squad will kick off the season this weekend in the Exeter Showcase in Exeter, NH. Saturday�s game against the Mass Mariners will be at 7:40am, followed by another against the Maine Moose at 10:30. Sunday�s game versus the Boston Jr. Blackhawks will be at noon. There will not be a practice this Sunday night.
Again, we want to thank each and every one of the candidates for their hard work during this tryout.
The player selections are below:
|
Mike Bertrand |
|
Scott Capraro |
|
Pat Crowley |
|
Derek Dion |
|
Bryan Feener |
|
P.J. Fulton |
|
Trevor Hogan |
|
Eric Lake |
|
Sean Martin |
|
Eric McNeill |
|
Mike Melanson |
|
Marcus Moran |
|
Joe O'Hare |
|
Joe Ronan |
|
Josh Silberberg |
|
Paul Tosto |
|
Shawn Twomey |
|
Lucas Villandry |
|
Evan Walsh |
|
Mike Wisniewski |
|
|
|
Alternates |
|
|
|
Chris Etter |
|
Rich Koczan |
|
Ethan LaPointe |
|
Edward Troy |
|
Willy Weygint |
2009-2010 Tryout Information An informational meeting for prospective players for this year's team will be held on Friday September 18th, 1pm at the Trustee's House on MCC's Bedford Campus. It is expected to last one hour and members of the coaching staff will brief you on their expectations of tryouts and the season. It is also an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the program in general.
Tryouts for this year's team will be held at the O'Brien Rink in Woburn on Sunday Sept. 20th and Sunday Sept. 27th at 10pm. Each prospective player will be required to sign a waiver beforehand and pay a $20 non-refundable tryout fee. All candidates are expected to arrive at the rink one hour prior to taking the ice. If you have any questions regarding the meeting or tryouts, e-mail Asst. Coach Robichaud at
middlesexcchockey@gmail.com.
MCC Falls 5-1 in NECCHL Championship Against Bentley
WOBURN -- In Saturday's first ever New England College Club Hockey Championship, Bentley and Middlesex squared off as the top two teams in the league. Bentley jumped off to an early lead in the 1st period with goals by senior captain Chris Corso and Tyler Dolan. The second period saw more of the same with Tyler Dolan adding his second of the game and Charles Lizita sneaking one in. It wasn't until the 3rd period that MCC was able to score its first and only goal, a blast from Mike Workman assisted by Mike Melanson and Dave Huoppi. It was too little, too late as Bentley took the title with the 5-1 victory. MCC goaltender Josh Silberberg stopped 42 shots in the game. With the loss, MCC finishes the 2008-2009 season with an overall record of 11-4.
From the coaching staff and everyone involved in Middlesex hockey, we thank you for your support this past season and are looking forward to a great 2009-2010 season. Tryouts for next year's team will occur in early September, check back in August for more information as it comes available.
Have a great summer, we'll see you at the O'Brien this fall.
MCC Playing for Championship
(Reprinted from the Billerica Minuteman newspaper, Thursday April 2nd)On Saturday night at Woburn's O'Brien Rink, the Middlesex Community College hockey team will play Bentley University for the New England Collegiate Club Hockey League championship.
Face off is at 8pm and admission to the game is free.
"I knew we were going to be good," said MCC head coach Mike Moriconi, "but I was very surprised with the amount of talent we had during tryouts."
That talent led MCC to a second-place finish (behind Bentley) during the regular season and a first-round playoff win against Suffolk University.
Billerica residents Mike Workman and Pat Crowley have led Middlesex in scoring with 30 and 24 points, respectively, while Mike Melanson of Woburn has 14 goals and 9 assists for 23 points. Derek Dion of Reading (19) and Mike Bertrand of Billerica (13) are the team's other top point producers.
Steve Ozoins is the other Billerica resident on the team while other locals include goaltender Josh Silberberg of Tewksbury, Pat Cavanaugh of Burlington, PJ Fulton of Concord-Carlisle, Willy Weygint of Lexington, and Matt Kelly of Stow. Dion is one of the team captains.
Moriconi and assistant coach Jeremy Robichaud are also from Billerica as is equipment manager Colin MacMillan. Brian Nikonchuk of Tewksbury is also an assistant coach for MCC.
In two games against Bentley this season, Middlesex is 0-2, but the two games were quite different.
Bentley won the first battle by a 7-2 margin, but MCC led the rematch by a 4-2 score before a dramatic comeback by Bentley resulted in a 6-5 loss for Middlesex.
2008-2009 Middlesex Community College Hockey
Front Row: Vinny Arsenault, Steve Ozolins, Mike Wisniewski, Josh Silberberg, Ryan Harris, Pat Cavanaugh, Chris Doyle
Back Row: Head Coach Mike Moriconi, Asst. Coach Jeremy Robichaud, Matt Wisniewski, Mike Workman, Pat Crowley, Mike Bertrand, Jim Griffin, Mike Melanson, Derek Dion, Willy Weygint, Dave Huoppi, Matt Kelly, Asst. Coach Brian Nikonchuk, Asst. Coach Matt Katz, Equipment Mgr Colin MacMillan
Welcome to the online home of the Middlesex Community College ice hockey program. We are a school-sponsored club team and are a member the New England College Club Hockey League (NECCHL) that consists of Bentley University (club team), Berklee College of Music, Emerson College, Nichols College, and Suffolk University (club team). MCC practices and plays the home games of its 14 game regular season at the O'Brien Rink in Woburn, MA. For additional information or if you have any questions on the program, please e-mail Asst. Coach Jeremy Robichaud at middlesexcchockey@gmail.com. 
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