Keller picks right time to light up lamp

POTSDAM — St. Lawrence University's Jared Keller had scored just one goal all season entering this weekend's nonconference men's hockey games against Clarkson.

Keller, a sophomore, scored the game-winning goal Sunday afternoon at Cheel Arena as the Saints (10-9-1 overall) completed a weekend sweep of their rivals with a 2-1 victory. He also picked up a goal in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Golden Knights (3-13-4) in Appleton Arena.

"He's really played well lately," said SLU coach Joe Marsh. "He's a good, honest player. He gives you everything he's got everyday. He's just a great kid with heart and soul."

Keller's game-winning goal Sunday was a play Marsh said he didn't have a good view of, but it's one the coach will appreciate when he sees a replay from the ESPNU national broadcast.

With the game tied 1-1 in the second period, Clarkson goalie Paul Karpowich was behind his net trying to send the puck around the corner to clear the zone.

But Keller moved in and deflected Karpowich's pass attempt, forcing the Clarkson goaltender to scurry back into position. He managed to make a save on the initial shot by Brock McBride. But Keller, who had moved back in front of the net, put in the rebound before Karpowich could react, giving SLU the lead for good at the seven-minute mark.

"I just went to get the puck down low and McBride got it and took it to the net," Keller said.

Not only did Keller get to enjoy two straight games with goals, and two wins over his rival, he also got the thrill of making a big play in front of a national television audience.

"That's pretty cool," Keller said. "You don't really think about things like that during the game, but after the game it's pretty cool."

WE'LL NEED A BIGGER BOX

SLU's McBride ran into Clarkson's Karpowich after a play in front of the net at 12 minutes, 58 seconds of the second period, sparking one of the biggest post-play tussles in recent Clarkson/SLU history.

Clarkson defenseman Phil Paquet, who was trailing McBride on the play, immediately defended his goalie and got into a shoving match with McBride. Then the rest of the players on the ice all joined in, which ultimately led to four players from SLU and three players from Clarkson being sent to the box, leaving the area packed for a few minutes.

"It's not something you want to see," said Marsh. "We're doing this to help each other out, these nonconference games."

Said Clarkson coach George Roll, "It's going to happen in those types of situations. It calmed right down, and there were no problems after that."

A PLOY TO BE ON TV?

Twice during Sunday's game SLU goalie Alex Petizian had to stop play and work on a problem with the straps on one of his leg pads.

He was asked after the game if it was just a clever way to get a TV closeup with his mask off and immediately laughed.

"No, definitely not," Petizian said. "My strap was coming out."

GUTHRIE, RUFENACH SIT

Two of Clarkson's eight NHL draft picks did not suit up for Sunday's game after Roll was disappointed with their play in Saturday's 5-1 loss.

Senior forward Shea Guthrie, an assistant captain, and sophomore defenseman Bryan Rufenach, each watched the game from the stands wearing street clothes.

"We have to play hard game in and game out," Roll said. "Each guy has to be held accountable."