Four Goals By Jacob Rice Lifts NA To 5-4 Win Over Butler
In a game that saw multiple penalties for both sides, the North Allegheny Tigers held on for a 5-4 win over the Butler Golden Tornado.
The first period started off slow for both sides, but it was senior Jacob Rice who notched the first goal of the game. With intense defense and aggressive play, NA kept the score up 1-0 at the end of the first.
In the second period the aggressiveness continued. But it was Rice again for his second goal of the game from a quick pass by sophomore Matthew Noffsinger. The Golden Tornado were not backing down, scoring two goals of their own to end the frame with a score 2-2.
The start of the third period saw some 3-on-3 play with players in the box for each side. Scoring for the Tigers on the power play was senior Tristan Soose off a rebound from Matthew Noffsinger. The Golden Tornado responded with their own goal tying the score once again at 3-3. Butler kept the pressure on the Tigers while shorthanded, scoring another goal and taking the lead for the first time throughout the game at a score of 3-4. NA caught a spark while on the power play with Rice scoring his third of the game, assisted by junior Steven Cameron. Rice continued his scoring ways shortly after with his fourth of the game, assisted by senior Aiden Noffsinger. The Tigers kept the 5-4 lead and killed the puck for the remaining time in the game.
Senior goalie Mitchell Ludwick earns the win as the Tigers improve to 16-2. The Tigers will start playoffs with a date and time still to be determined.