After nearly blowing their three-goal lead, the Carleton Ravens men’s hockey team was able to leave Kingston with a win, topping the Queen’s Gaels 3-2 on Jan. 19.
“I was really happy how we came out and played in the first two periods against a good, structured team like Queen’s,” said Ravens head coach Marty Johnston.
“We handled the puck well and obviously got a few pucks behind [Gaels goaltender Kevin] Bailie, which doesn’t happen often,” he said.
The Ravens opened the game by jumping out to an early lead when Mike McNamee was able to bury his team-leading 14th goal of the season.
Carleton converted on their only power play of the game when Ryan Van Stralen deflected a puck on goal and gave the Ravens a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes.
The Ravens maintained their lead through the second period, before Mitch Zion added to their lead just two minutes into the final frame.
The Gaels came roaring back however, first scoring on the power play midway through the period, then pulling themselves within one goal with just over two minutes left in regulation.
Ravens goaltender Patrick Killeen was able to hold the fort and secure the victory for the Ravens while improving their record to 15-5.
“In third we took a couple bad penalties and let them back in the game, but at the end of the day the guys had a great road victory against a very good team,” Johnston said.
Forward Connor McLaren made his Ravens debut in the game. He filled in for Ravens leading scorer Brett Welychka, who missed the game with an illness. Johnston said after the game he expects Welychka to be back in time for the Ravens’ next game on Jan. 22.
The Ravens will begin a home-and-home series at Concordia on Jan. 22, then conclude the series at the Ice House the following day.
