(Phoenix, AZ) The Park University Gilbert Hockey team picked up the first win in program history with a 3-2 win over Grand Canyon University at AZ Ice Arcadia this evening. The Buccaneers move to 1-3 in its inaugural season in the ACHA.
In hockey, a goaltender can carry you a long way. This was the case tonight as Blaise Becker stood on his head in making 45 saves to keep the Bucs in the game.
Park Gilbert found itself down 2-0 in the second period when Matt Gagliano scored his six goal of the season in just his fourth game to cut the lead to 2-1 going into the second intermission.
The third period saw the Bucs rally as they tied the score on a goal by Ozzy Mason, his first collegiate goal.
Then with 34 seconds left in regulation time, Tanner Heltz Ellis scored his first collegiate goal to give the Bucs the lead and ultimately the win.
“I’m very proud of the effort tonight,” said Bucs coach Jeff Zimmel. “Blaise was amazing, he kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win.
Gagliano continues to set the pace for the Bucs as he added an assist to go with his sixth goal tonight.
The Buccaneers and Antelopes meet again tomorrow in a rematch at AZ Ice Arcadia at 8:45 p.m.
