The William Paterson Pioneers opened up postseason play on Friday, March 6, 2020.  The team qualified for the 2020 ECHA playoffs after finishing 9-6-1 in league play.  After losing in the semifinals last year, the Pioneers were eager to get going in this year's tournament at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

WPU 6 LEHIGH 2

The Pioneers and Mountain Hawks laced up for a Friday night matchup at McMullen Arena in Annapolis.  Nick King gave the Pioneers a 1-0 lead off a pass from Scott Huber.  The Mountain Hawks would find the equalizer to tie the game 1-1.  The goal would give Lehigh momentum that carried into the second period until Braden Ploehn’s goal gave WPU a 2-1 lead.  Nick Brown and Cole Skelly would score early in the 3rd period to make it 4-1 Pioneers.  Lehigh would tack on another goal, but markers from Adam Marvin and Scott Huber would seal the playoff victory for the Pioneers.  Jeremy Hamerquist held down the fort in goal as the Pioneers found their footing later in the game.  “I think we found our identity in the 3rd period today.  We played hard and fast and that is how we have to play moving forward this weekend.  Overall team effort from the backend up front,” said Assistant Coach Kyle Garlasco.

With the win, the Pioneers advance to the semifinals to take on top seeded Drexel on Saturday night at 5:30pm at McMullen Arena.

The game will be streamed live with a link on @wpuhockey on twitter or Instagram.  Go Pioneers!

Photo Credit: Marissa Vandenberg