No. 15 Vermont downed Miami, 4-1, in the first round of the Ledyard National Bank Auld Lang Syne Classic on Friday afternoon.
In a physical first period of play, Vermont converted one of its two power play opportunities to claim a 1-0 lead. Miami controlled much of the early play, but the Catamount’s Patrick Sharp chipped in a shot from in front of the net at the 17:17 mark to draw first blood and swing the momentum.
Vermont, which entered the afternoon as the nation’s highest-scoring team, used its speed to seize the momentum in the second period, scoring two rapid-fire goals and advancing its lead to 3-0. The Catamounts once again used the power play to net their second goal, cashing in on anAndreas Moborg score at 9:19. Less than a minute later, Vermont struck again with Graham Mink beating David Burleigh for a breakaway score.
After surrendering the contest’s fourth goal to Vermont’s J.F. Caudron, Nick Jardine broke up a potential shutout at 14:19, driving a slapshot from the left circle into the back of the net.
Despite outshooting the Catamounts 16-5 in the final period, Miami could pull no closer.
Miami (10-7-2) faces New Hampshire in the consolation game, while Vermont (8-4-0) faces Dartmouth in the championship game on Saturday.
