Saints, Knights prevail

HANOVER, N.H. — A standout performance from sophomore goalie Paul Karpowich helped the Clarkson University men's hockey team snap a nine-game losing streak on the road dating back to last season with a 3-2 victory over Dartmouth before 3,308 in an ECAC Hockey game Friday at Thompson Arena.

Karpowich stopped 35 of 37 shots, for a .946 save percentage, including a big save on a shot from Dartmouth's Kyle Reeds with 8 minutes, 12 seconds left in the third period that preserved Clarkson's one-goal lead.

"He was the difference tonight," Clarkson coach George Roll said of Karpowich. "He was challenging. He was aggressive. I give (volunteer coach) Shawn Grant a lot of credit. He's worked with him the last two weeks. I thought it was one of his best games that he's played here. Our team defense was good in front of him."

The only downside for Clarkson (4-8 overall, 1-4 conference) was losing sophomore Louke Oakley, who scored the team's first goal, to aknee injury late in the first period. Roll estimated after the game that he may not return until after the December break.

Clarkson trailed 2-1 heading into the third period. Prior to Friday's game Clarkson had been 0-7 in that situation this season.

But junior Brandon DeFazio tied the game at 4:17 of the third.

Defenseman Mark Borowiecki scored the game-winner for Clarkson with a shot over Mello's shoulder at 7:15 of the third period.

"People on the outside look at the (won-loss) record and everything, but these kids have battled," Roll said. "Other than the Union game (last Saturday), I think they've worked extremely hard and deserved a better fate."

Dartmouth (0-6) had one last chance to salvage at least a tie when Clarkson's Bryan Rufenach was called for holding with 58 seconds left. With Mello out of the net, the Big Green played the final minute with a two-man advantage.

"It seemed liked forever, the way it's going after losing that many in a row," Roll said of the final minute. "Obviously we haven't been in that position, protecting a lead, and it looked like it. I give our guys credit."