WHERE: @ Colgate
WHEN: Saturday February, 8 @ 1:00
Colgate and Bryant have created a nice little rivalry over the past few years. While this rivalry technically hasn’t been long at all, having lasted only two years, it has become a very exciting matchup. In the first matchup, Bryant beat Colgate 10-8 in 2012 and then Colgate got revenge the next season by beating Bryant 14-13 in overtime. Therefore, when the two match up for a third time this Saturday, there should be no shortage of dramatics.
Both teams don’t lose very much at all off of last year’s squads and it should therefore be expected that another close contest will occur at Colgate on Saturday.
Colgate Offense vs. Bryant Defense
Edge: Bryant
When Colgate has the ball on Saturday, it will mostly be in the hands of junior attackman Ryan Walsh. Last season, Walsh was the team’s Robin to Peter Baum’s Batman. Without Baum and his team leading 49 points last season, Walsh will be relied upon to carry a balanced offense. Walsh had 48 points last season and will be joined by senior Brendon McCann and his 28 points on attack this season.
On midfield, the team is deep on the first line with scoring threats all over. Last season Jimmy Ryan, Matt Clarkson and Eric Foote had 23, 22 and 13 points last season. Clarkson and Foote were young last season by the way as Clarkson and Foote were a sophomore and freshman respectively.
Look for Colgate to use Walsh as a go to creator for their team but the offense to have a lot of it be initiated from up top.
On the other end, Bryant brings back their entire unit and will look to build on a strong defensive performance from last season. Last season, Bryant ranked 18th in the nation in scoring defense by allowing 9.2 goal per game. They should only improve as they will be very experienced this year with senior defenseman Matt MacGrotty and juniors Kevin Maiorano and Connor Dent returning. Also returning, is junior goalie Gunnar Waldt who finished the season ranked 16th in the country in save percentage at .562.
Colgate Defense vs. Bryant Offense
Edge: Bryant
The biggest names on both sides will be Colgate’s Bobby Lawrence and Bryant Colin Dunster. Lawrence was named a third team preseason All-American this season while Dunster was an Honorable Mention preseason All-American.
It will be interesting to see if Coach Murphy decides to put Lawrence up top against Dunster or to keep him down low on to shut down junior attackman Shane Morrell, who had 47 points last season. Dunster led the team with 48 points so both can hurt Colgate. Colgate does bring back junior Matt Yeager but loses senior James Queeney down low.
In cage, Gordon Santry got the start last season but was replaced for the rest of the season by then-junior Connor Murphy after allowing eight goals against Cornell. Therefore, expect Murphy to man the pipes.
Bryant does lose Peter McMahon on attack but Dan Sipperly looks to replace him after compiling 24 pts last season. Alex Zomerfield and his 44 points will also give Bryant a great one-two punch from up top to go along with the dangerous Dunster.
Faceoffs
Edge: Bryant
This one is pretty easy. Kevin Massa returns for his junior season and expectations are high for him. Last season, he won 72.6 percent of his faceoffs. An incredible rate for anyone, especially a sophomore. His ability to both create and stop momentum for Bryant is rare. When Bryant scores, chances are the ball is coming right back down on the defense. If Colgate starts to make a run, he can prevent them from getting the ball back, he is that good.
Prediction
If the last two years are any indication, this one will come down to the wire. Neither team has won on its home turf with Colgate looking to become to buck the trend. While Colgate has some nice individual stars, they did rank 38 and 36 in the nation in scoring offense and defense respectively. Meanwhile, Bryant ranked 31 and 18. Give me the Bulldogs on the road and the trend in this rivalry to continue. Bryant 11, Colgate 8
