Auburn, ME - The Central Maine Mustangs defeated the Bentley College Falcons in a thriller of a game at the Norway Savings Bank Arena in a 6-5 shoot out win.
The game was fast and physical right from the start just as the Mustangs expected. They were up to the challenge, kept grinding on every shift, and were eventually rewarded with a goal from Charles Campagna at 10:02 of the first period. Matthew Henderson scored again for Central Maine at 15:02 of the first and the Mustangs carried a 2-0 lead into the dressing room for the first intermission.
The Mustangs continued the scoring just 4:42 into the second period with a goal from Evan Sullivan. Matthew Henderson struck again for Central Maine at 11:39 of the second period giving the Mustangs a 4-0 lead. The Falcons kept fighting and put 22 shots on net scoring 3 goals within 4 minutes, cutting the lead to just one goal for the Mustangs heading into the third period.
With a momentum swing by the Falcons at end of the second period Cam Wolbach netted his second of the night at 3:10 of the third period, tying the game up at 4-4. The game became very gritty in the latter part of the third period. Matthew Henderson lit the lamp again at 14:52 of the third period, putting Central Maine back on top 5-4. It looked as if the Mustangs would roll on to another win, however, Bentley notched a late goal tying the game up at 5-5 with just 3:05 left in the third.
The game continued in overtime with a 3 round shootout. The Mustangs tallied the first goal from Evan Sullivan. Kenny Miller came up big stopping two out of three Bentley shots. CM's Matthew Henderson scored the game winner in the shootout on the last shot for the second win in two nights and a Mustangs rally to earn 11 wins and only 5 losses on the year.
Kenny Miller stopped 45 out of 50 shots earning a big win for Central Maine. Shawn Ray, of Bentley, stopped 21 out of 27 shots.
"This was a true test of heart and determination for this Mustang team, especially after playing Harvard the night before. I'm beyond proud of every single person on this team. We've overcome so many obstacles this season, it really is amazing for a first year program to pull together and have the bond we do as a team." Kenny Miller.
The Mustangs return to action on February 4th when they host the United States Coast Guard Academy at the Norway Savings Bank Arena at 3:30 pm for game one of their doubleheader weekend.
