Villanova played two tough league games this past weekend. Friday night’s game was at home against Lehigh University, and Saturday was away at the Class of 23 Arena against Drexel University.

Friday night’s versus Lehigh was a nail-biting game. Lehigh scored the first goal almost halfway through the period. About 13 minutes into the period, Timothy Arena scored a goal for Villanova and tied up the game. David Troiano and Richie Halevy assisted on the goal.

Villanova took the lead about 7 minutes into the second period, thanks to a goal by Richie Halevy with assists from David Troiano and Timothy Arena. Lehigh was able to catch back up just a few minutes later. The second period ended with a tie score of 2-2, and there was no scoring in the third period.

A 3-on-3 OT period began and just 25 seconds in, Captain David Troiano created a turnover off the forecheck and made a great passing play with Eddie Klein and Timothy Arena. The puck ramped off Troiano’s stick netting the game-winning goal for the IceCats! A huge league game victory!

Villanova outshot Lehigh 40 to 27. John Persichilli goaltended the game for Villanova.

On Saturday night, the boys traveled to an away game against Drexel. The scoring kicked off quickly with a Drexel goal about a minute and a half into game play. Halfway through the period, Villanova got on the scoreboard with a goal by Joseph Pacifico assisted by George Clark. This goal was Joseph’s first college goal! There was no more scoring in the first.

Drexel played a strong period, scoring the only 2 goals of the second. During the third, Drexel increased their lead 4-1 with a goal just a couple minutes in. With 10 minutes left in the game, Villanova’s Timothy Arena scored the final goal of the game assisted by Joey Duffy.

The final score was a 4-2 loss for Villanova, who were outhot 64-24. John Persichilli was in net again.

Next week, Villanova will again play two league games. The IceCats will host Temple University on Friday night at 7:20 p.m. before heading down to play an away game against Towson University at Ice World on Sunday at 9:50 a.m. Come support the team as they chase a playoff spot!

By Amanda Trusky