Box Score Scoring Summary

HARRISVILLE, R.I. - Third-seeded Johnson & Wales broke open a close game with four goals in the final nine minutes to earn a 7-1 victory over sixth-seeded Western New England in a first-round game of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Northeast Men's Hockey Tournament at the June Rockwell Levy Link Sunday night (Feb. 27).

JWU improves to 14-11-1 and advances to the semifinals against second-seeded Wentworth on Wednesday. Western New England ends its campaign with an 8-17-1 record after winning only three games a year ago.

Sophomore forward Jason Pietrasiak (Shrewsbury, MA) led the Wildcats with two goals and an assist. Junior forward Jeremiah Ketts (Foristell, MO) contributed three assists.

Johnson & Wales scored five of its goals on power play opportunities with three coming in the final period. The Wildcats led 1-0 after the opening stanza and 3-0 after two periods of play.

Western New England finally broke through when junior forward Kory Grahl (San Diego, CA) scored on a power play shot 37 seconds into the final period.

The Golden Bears were still in the contest until freshman forward Eddie Patterson (Ciniminson, NJ) scored a power play goal at 11:17 and Pietrasiak netted his second goal on another power play 1:32 later to open up a four-goal difference. Johnson & Wales tallied its final four goals in a 4:32 span.

Sophomore goalie Matt Copper (Perrysburg, ONT) compiled 25 saves for the Wildcats. Patterson and freshman forward Ryan Martin (Toronto, ONT) each finished with a goal and assist.

Freshman goalie Eric Sorenson (Fairport, NY) made 40 saves for the Golden Bears who were out-shot by a 47-26 margin.

It was another physical game between the teams with Western New England accumulating 50 minutes of penalties compared to 32 for Johnson & Wales.