Knights routed by Union

SCHENECTADY — A patchwork Clarkson men's hockey team decimated by injuries and illnesses was routed 11-2 by Union College before 2,094 in an ECAC Hockey game at Messa Rink Friday night.

Clarkson (5-19-3 overall, 1-12-2 conference) had six players out for Friday's game and played with only three forward lines. The Golden Knights also had to play two forwards on defense.

"There's no excuse," Clarkson coach Roll said of being shorthanded. "It was a tough week of practice. A couple guys who played tonight weren't able to practice until Thursday. But when you are short of players you have to be much more in tune defensively, we were porous defensively."

Clarkson gave up 48 shots to Union (14-7-6, 8-3-4), while taking only 19. The Golden Knights also gave up two goals in a span of a minute or less three different times.

"A lot of it was that they have good players, who make plays, and us not being puck focused and not staying with our man," said Roll. They worked harder and were hungry around the net."

Clarkson actually struck quickly with a breakaway goal from Corey Tamblyn just 20 seconds into the game. But Union took away Clarkson's momentum fast, answering that goal with a goal from Luke Cain just 28 seconds later.

The rout was then on as the Dutchmen scored four more times to build a 5-1 lead after the first period.

Mario Valery-Trabucco led the charge for Union with three goals and one assist, scoring his 100th career point with a goal early in the second period. Adam Presizniuk, who has scored 16 career points against Clarkson, had another big night with one goal and three assists.

Matt Beca scored a power-play goal for Clarkson in the third period.