Box Score Scoring Summary

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - It was one of the biggest games in school history and the Western New England men's hockey was again ready for the challenge.

Freshman forward Dan Monahan (Monroe, NY) scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime, as the Golden Bears defeated Suffolk 3-2 in an action-packed ECAC Northeast contest Saturday (Feb. 19) at Smead Arena.

The victory capped an exciting week for Western New England who qualified for the ECAC playoffs for the first time since 2000.

This past Wednesday (Feb. 16), coach Greg Heffernan's team beat Nichols (also 3-2)  to put his squad in contention for the playoffs.

Western New England (8-16-1, 5-9 ECAC) competed in last year's tournament when all eight teams automatically moved to post-season play. This year only six squads will participate in the conference championship that begins next Saturday (Feb. 26). With Nichols posting a 6-3 upset over second-place Johnson & Wales this afternoon, WNEC earned the sixth seed and will meet either JWU or Wentworth in the opening round.

Suffolk and Western New England entered the contest tied in the league and each needing a win to qualify for post-season action. A tie also would have advanced the Golden Bears who won an earlier meeting against the Rams 6-5 back on January 20 in Boston.

Suffolk (8-16, 4-10 ECAC) took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by sophomore forward Andrew Monesi (Simi Valley, CA) just 5:25 into the game. Junior defenseman Nate Linard (Brighton, MI) and freshman forward James Chamness (Collegeville, PA) had the assists.

Western New England tied the game when freshman forward Chris Connors (Albany, NY) fired in a shot at the 11:05 mark as junior forwards Kory Grahl (San Diego, CA) and Rory Hansen (Noblesville, IN) earned the assists.

After a scoreless second period, Monahan gave the Golden Bears the lead at 9:18 of the final period with freshman forward Alan Martin (Monson, MA) gaining the assist.

Suffolk rallied when sophomore forward Robbie Donahue (West Bridgewater, MA) netted the equalizer with 1:33 left in regulation following assists from senior defenseman Tom Coulstring (Whitman, MA) and senior forward Zach Barron (St. Louis, MO).

The Rams almost won the game with a shot with one second left that was stopped by freshman goalie Eric Sorenson (Fairport, NY).

That set the stage for Monahan who sent Western New England into post-season play with a shot from in front of the net 2:09 into the extra session. Martin and junior forward Mike Kaselouskas (East Longmeadow, MA) received the assists. The Golden Bears are 3-0-1 in overtime games this season.

Sorenson finished with 22 saves in a solid performance, with eight coming in the final period.

Senior Jeff Rose (Collinsville, CT) was impressive as well, stopping 33 shots in his final college appearance with 14 coming in the final stanza.

This was Western New England's Play-for-a-Cause game for breast cancer awareness.

Forward Chris Beaudoin (Enfield, CT) also was honored before the game during Senior Day ceremonies.