Men's Hockey opens 2009 Steel Blade Tournament with 4-2 victory over Guelph

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - The Brock University men's hockey team opened the 2009 Steel Blade Tournament with a 4-2 home victory over the Guelph Gryphons Sunday night at the Seymour-Hannah Centre.

The Badgers capitalized on their first powerplay opportunity on a goal by Josh Schram (Paris, ON), netting an open-net goal at 5:14 into the first period thanks to a precise cross crease pass from Steve Mullin (Guelph, ON).

Brock goaltender Mark Yetman (Mount Pearl, NL) played textbook hockey for the first half of the game, stopping all 17 shots faced, but was forced to leave the game after making an awkward stop. Yetman said he feels alright and hopes to play the next game. 

Vince Scott (Mississauga, ON) added an even strength goal near the end of the second period and Steve Mullin (Guelph, ON) put Brock ahead by three goals going into the third period, crashing the net and chipping the puck over the sprawling Guelph goaltender with under a second remaining in the second period.   

Guelph's Player of the Game, Thomas Kiriakou, scored two powerplay goals; however it was too little, too late for the Gryphons as Brock notched one more powerplay goal in the third period on a goal scored by Adam Schwark (Saskatoon, SK) to put the final score at 4-2 for the Brock Badgers. 

Penalties seemed to control the pace of the game, as Brock converted on 3/10 chances.  Guelph had 38 penalty minutes, contributing to their loss, however they recorded two powerplay goals and 13 shots on 10 powerplay opportunities.  

Vince Scott took Brock's Player of the Game award, tallying one goal and two assists. 

Guelph's Kris Belan was also a major contributor for the game.  Belan accounted for 20:00 minutes in penalties for the Gryphons, giving the Badgers plenty of occasions to play on the powerplay.

Brock will face the Western Mustangs on the second day of the Steel Blade Tournament; December 28, 2009, at 7:35 pm and the Seymour Hannah Complex. 

Brock's next regular season home game will take place on January 8, 2010 against the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, 7:35 pm at the Seymour-Hannah Centre

Scoring Summary

First Period

5:14 Brock - Schram (Schwark, Mullin) PP

Second Period

17:16 Brock - Scott (Brochu)

19:59 Brock - Mullin (Tolles, Scott) PP

Third Period

12:57 Guelph - Kiriakou (Martine) PP

18:05 Brock - Schwark (Schram, Scott) PP

19:02 Guelph - Kiriakou (Gale, Martine) PP