Posted on Jan 29, 2003

Last weekend's sweep of Dartmouth and Vermont was particularly satisfying for the Dutchmen. Not only did the dual victories move Union into a fourth-place tie (with Yale) for the final first-round playoff bye position, it marked the first time in the Dutchmen's 12-year Division I history that they were able to post back-to-back road victories over the Big Green and Catamounts. Certainly worth noting is the fact that Union's first-ever ECAC Division I league game was played at Vermont's Gutterson Field House, were the Cats captured a hard-fought 3-1 decision on November 9, 1991. Union, which lost its first 10 Gutterson decisions, has now won two-straight in the Catamount's barn.

“It was a big weekend for us,” said head coach Kevin Sneddon. “Looking back at history I'd have to say it is more of a tribute to Dartmouth and Vermont as to how tough they are in their home rinks. For us to go up there and pull away with four points, certainly that is a great confidence boost to a young team.”

Sneddon, who, along with assistant coaches Andrew Will and Greg Klym, has the Dutchmen right in the middle of the playoff hunt with their 6-5-2 ECAC record (10-11-4 overall), feels that the two types of victories proved that his young team has learned some valuable lessons so far this year.

“It was a good weekend in that we had to play with the lead against Dartmouth (a 2-0 victory in which the Dutchmen scored a goal in each of the first two periods), and then had to come-from-behind against Vermont (a game in which Union trailed 2-0
before scoring the game's final four goals). Our success in these two different types of games will give us confidence for both situations as we head down the stretch.”

Not only did the team and its fans take notice of last weekend's accomplishments, the ECAC recognized freshman goaltender Kris Mayotte (Finleyville, PA) and sophomore forward Joel Beal (Brantford, Ont.) for their efforts in the sweep. Mayotte earned his second “Goalie of the Week” award while Beal was a member of the league's weekly “Honor Roll” for the second time this season.

Mayotte was in net for both Union wins, raising his record to 8-5-2 overall and 5-3-1 in conference. He finished with a .964 save percentage, stopping 31 shots against Dartmouth for his second shutout this year, and kicking out 23 shots against Vermont. Mayotte has allowed only three goals in the last 10 periods in net (0.90 GAA, .963 sv%) and has been in goal during the Dutchmen's recent three-game win streak. Heading into this weekend's games at Clarkson (Friday night) and St. Lawrence, Mayotte is fourth in the ECAC's overall statistics in both goals against average (2.50) and save percentage (.919). Against league competition, Mayotte is sixth with his 2.53 GAA and fifth with his .910 save percentage.

“Kris has done a great job for us, thoughout the entire year,” said Sneddon. ” He has really picked up his play since January. For a freshman Kris plays with a lot of maturity,” Sneddon continued. “He never rests on his successes and is always looks a head to see what he needs to do to prepare for the upcoming game. Kris has certainly demonstrated focus and mental toughness far beyond a typical freshman.”

Beal eclipsed last season's leading scorer for Union on Friday night, adding two assists to his 26 point total. He also assisted on Union's game-winner on Saturday, bringing his season total to 29 (6-23-29). Not only is he Union's leader with assists and points he leads the entire ECAC with his overall assist per game average of 0.92. Tied for first in the league's overall scoring race, Beal's 12 league points puts him in 21st position while his nine ECAC assists leaves him in the No. 16 spot. He has five assists in the last three games.