York Lions Take Bite Out of Stingers

Concordia Men’s Hockey Team Unable to Score Against Lions

SportsDavid S. Landsman — Published November 25, 2013 | Updated November 25, 2013 at 11:02pm

Coming off a big win versus Brock University the night before, the Stingers hoped to keep the forward momentum going. Unfortunately for head coach Kevin Figsby’s team, the Lions were too much to handle, and the Stingers were shutout 3-0.

“Their goaltender had an absolutely outstanding day today,” said Figsby. “The first time this season we’ve been shut out–and we did get 26, 27 shots on net and didn’t score a goal.”

York’s offence dominated the first period, their first goal coming when forward Evan Gravenor found a loose puck and put it past Stingers goaltender Antonio Mastropietro nearly seven minutes into the contest. Gravenor also had seven of his team’s 16 shots in the period.

Helping York was a strong penalty kill, with the Lions blocking shots and clearing the zone with ease as they killed three minors in the first period alone.

In the second period, with a delayed penalty facing Concordia, Lions winger Jesse Messier scored another, doubling York’s lead just four minutes into the frame.

A few minutes later the Stingers were at work on their penalty kill, with rookie Hugo Vincent in the box for roughing. As the penalty was about to expire, Michael Lombardi scored from the slot, making it a three-goal game.

Concordia looked rejuvenated from that point on, playing more aggressively and receiving a long extended power play. But they nonetheless were unable to score on York goaltender Andrew Perugini, who made 26 saves in the shutout.

“The guys had some quality chances, which last night would’ve gone in, but today they didn’t,” said Figsby. “It wasn’t for a lack of opportunities.”

“We may have taken them [Lions] a bit too lightly or maybe not even that,” added alternate captain Olivier Hinse. “We just didn’t come out the way we wanted to.”

Next up for the Stingers is their game against the McGill Redmen on Tuesday at McConnell Arena at 10:30 a.m. They will then round out the midpoint of the season with two games in Toronto next weekend, against Ryerson and the University of Toronto.