JV Icers win despite mix-up

By MICHAEL PALM
Collegian Sports Writer

After the first goal of the game was scored by the Penn State West squad, it looked like things might be going their way.

On that goal, a mix-up occurred when the Penn State JV's goalie, Jeremy Starr, dashed to his bench on what he thought was a delayed penalty. The referee had raised his arm, and then quickly lowered it.

Aaron Bell of West scored the goal into the empty net, although he was doggedly pursued by his opponent. With 4 minutes, 12 seconds remaining in the first period, the West squad held a 1-0 lead, which did not last too long.

Just 25 seconds later, Geoff Shiley evened the game at 1-1. After that, the game just went downhill for the West team, as they allowed 15 straight goals over the course of the Saturday night game in the ice pavilion.

"There's no way you lose the game 15-1 and think you did well," West general manager Ed Bittner said. "We just had a bad night, and it happens."

With the victory, the University Park JV team improved its season record to 12-0 in West Penn College Hockey Association action. The loss dropped the West team (comprised of students at Penn State branch campuses) to 3-8 in the WPCHA and 9-9 overall.

Brian Martin, a freshman forward from Succasunna, N.J., led the way for the JVs with four goals. He was followed by Geoff Shiley, George Golliday, Steve Carrel, and John Baraldi with two goals apiece.

Tom Shine recorded four assists while Jason Zelesnick and Scott Hammerstedt added three assists each to the cause.

The West team was bombarded with shots by the JVs. West goaltender Jim McKee faced 61 shots, saving 46 of them. On the other end of the ice, Starr saved 17 of 18 shots he faced.

The first meeting on Nov. 4 between the two teams was a different story. Held at the Kirk S. Nevin Arena in Greensburg, the game was much closer. In a tight battle, the JVs emerged with a 4-3 victory.

"It was a real tough game down at their home rink," JV coach Vincent Scalamogna said. "They played a great game down there. This time it was our turn."

The difference was noticed by Bittner, who said his team has been bothered by a lack of consistency.

"The Penn State JV team got a helluva lot better," he said. "We pretty much stayed the same."