This marks the fifth meeting between the two teams with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø leading the series 4-0. The last time these two teams met in Hamilton, the Raiders won 16-2 in January 23, 1982.
The Raiders (6-7-1, 2-4 ECAC) are coming off a 2-1 non-conference win over Niagara University Thursday night. Sophomore defenseman Joey Mormina scored the game winning goal while classmate Adam Mitchell added a goal and an assist in the win. Junior goaltender David Cann picked up the win in net with 25 saves.
Junior Kyle Doyle is currently riding a four game point scoring streak and has scored a point in 11 of 14 games this season. He started off the season before it was snapped at Findlay. In addition, Doyle has scored a career-high three power play goals this season. He scored two power play goals in his first two years in Hamilton.51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s penalty killing unit which is 74-88 for 84.1 percent is ranked 17th in the country.
Holy Cross enters the game with a 8-5 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the MAAC. After winning seven straight, the Crusaders have lost the last three to Connecticut (L, 3-2), and two to Findlay (L, 5-2; L, 4-1).
Senior forward Brandon Doria leads the team in scoring with 10 goals and seven assists. He has also scored five of the team’s 14 power play goals this season. Junior defenseman R.J. Irving is the top assist man with 14 helpers. Freshman forward Pierre Napert-Frenette has three power play goals and two game winners to his credit.
Freshman goaltender Tony Quesada is 7-3 on the season with a 2.39 goals against average and a .909 save percentage.
Holy Cross’s power play is 14-65 for 21.5 percent and its penalty kill is 55-70 for 78.6 percent.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø and Holy Cross have both faced Connecticut and Findlay this season as the Raiders lost 5-4 in overtime to the Huskies in their home opener October 19. The Raiders defeated the Oilers 2-1 in Findlay, Ohio on November 1.
Holy Cross split with Connecticut, winning the first game 3-2 in Storrs, Conn. before dropping a 3-2 decision at home. The Crusaders dropped two games to Findlay last weekend 5-2 and 4-1 in Findlay, Ohio.