October 20, 2007

Helfrich, Alford Lift RPI

Boxscore

TROY, N.Y. - Freshman Tyler Helfrich (Calgary, AB) scored the only goal of the game 1:56 into overtime and senior Jordan Alford (Red Deer, AB) made 26 saves as Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) defeated Sacred Heart University at the Houston Field House in front of a crowd of 5049.

The Engineers scored the game-winner when sophomore defenseman Peter Merth (New Westminster, AB) had his shot blocked. The puck came right to senior captain Jake Morissette (Fruitvale, BC) and he took a shot that was saved by Sacred Heart junior goaltender Stefan Drew (Dugald, MB). Drew let out a rebound which was batted into the net by Helfrich.

Both teams had a few chances throughout regulation, but both goaltenders were up to the task as Alford stopped 26 shots and Drew stopped 28 each.

With the win Alford improves to 2-1-0 on the season and scored his second consecutive shutout at the Houston Field House this season. He opened the season with a 4-0 shutout over Bentley. This shutout was the third of his career. Drew is still winless on the season dropping to 0-2-0.

The Engineers had six power-play chances while the Pioneers had two.

Rensselaer is back in action on Friday night when they battle area-rival Union College in the first round of the Citizens Bank Governor's Cup at the Times Union Center in Albany. That game is set to begin at 7pm. Sacred Heart hosts Atlantic Hockey League foe Canisius for a weekend set next Friday and Saturday nights. Both games begin at 7:05pm.