The MCLA Trailblazers broke their losing streak with their second non-conference win of the season at home against the Western New England Golden Bears by a score of 5-1. For only the second time this season, the Trailblazers scored more than 2 goals, lead by multi-point nights from Sean Schifferl, Luke Rhoss, and Addam Brunner. We’ll dive into the highlights from the game.

              After grinding out a great two-way game all season, Quinn Murphy got his first goal of the season with helpers from Rhoss and Nagy, both who’ve been sparkplugs in the offensive zone since opening night. Double D Brunner would score early in the second period to give MCLA their first 2-goal lead of the season. On the power play, WNE’s Owen Schmidt was able to pull the Golden Bears within one goal with a great release against Landry Laird. Early in the 3^rd period, Cade Herrera kept his scoring touch going with a goal with apples from Schifferl and Nathan Walerowicz. This goal was rapidly followed by Rhoss following some crafty passing by Easton Moore and Double D. On a late game power play, Schifferl picked up his 2^nd goal in as many games, with helpers from Shane Green and Charlie Addesa (his 2^nd in as many games as well), effectively putting the game out of reach. Overall, the Trailblazers were outshot 33-28 (With Laird stopping 32), this victory can be attested to fantastic finishing from their forwards and phenomenal team defense.

              The biggest difference between tonight’s contest and the last 4 for MCLA was a combination of playing with discipline (taking 3 penalties versus the 10 from Saturday) and improved play in the defensive and neutral zones. The group surrendered far less odd-man and breakaway opportunities (See the game tying and winning goals against Westfield State, as well as the entire Salem State game) than they have so far in any game this season. Also, watching the game, the defense did a stellar job clearing up rebounds and leading them to successful zone exits, which was problematic in the games against Plymouth State and Salem State.

              Overall, this is a step in the right direction for the team, and with Castleton set for Friday evening, this group will look to ride this momentum into that game. Castleton has been up-and-down since the start of the season, so depending on which version of the Spartans that MCLA sees will determine the pace and flow of that game.