The Quakers came back from Fall Break ready to play, earning their first win in the “Scuffle on the Schuylkill” season series, defeating the Drexel Dragons 3-2!
With the teams sharing a rink, the Dragons were granted home-ice-advantage in the first game, but they didn’t shake the confidence of the Quakers.
“These games mean a lot to us.” Coach Artosky said. “With both teams calling the Class of 1923 home these games are about honor as much as they are about hockey.”
Both showed their defensive prowess out of the gate early, not allowing many scoring opportunities throughout most of the first period. After an almost scoreless 1st period, the Quakers struck first with a power-play goal scored by freshman defenseman Ryan Wempen off passes from Chris Buglosi and Christian Ford with four minutes left in the period. The Quakers kept the momentum rolling to close out the first frame 1-0.
Drexel wasn’t going to go away that easily. Early into the 2nd period, Drexel’s Zach Sprung was able to score an even-strength goal to tie the game at one goal a piece. But the Quakers did not settle and were ready for the challenge ahead.
With two minutes left in the period Penn did not disappoint, with Junior AJ Moshyedi tallying his first goal of the night, ripping it past Drexel goal minder Vincent Vassallo to earn a 2-1 lead for the visiting Quakers.
Penn came out strong and fast for the final frame, confident in their 2-1 lead against the Dragons.
Using the momentum from the second period the Quakers were able to strike again early in the 3rd. Just under 5 minutes in, AJ Moshyedi notched his second goal of the night giving the Quakers a hard fought two-goal lead with a score of 3-1. Both Moshyedi goals were assisted by Freshman Julian Mills.
Late into the period, Penn was called for holding, sending the Dragons to the power-play where they were able to capitalize and cut the lead down to one. But the Quakers did not give-up in their final minutes on the ice and kept the Dragons out of the zone to roll onto a 3-2 win!
Junior Jack Averill earned the win in net with 31 saves.
With this victory the Quakers improve to 3-0 in the Colonial States League, keeping them securely in first place in the league.
The “Scuffle on the Schuylkill” marked a huge win for the Penn Quakers, who look forward to seeing the Drexel Dragons again on November 1st. Go Quakers!