The MVCC ice hockey team is on the cusps of surpassing the 500-mark on the season following the Hawks 8-5 victory over Community College of Morris on Sunday (November 24) at the Utica Aud.

Following a scoreless first period, the Hawks struck in the opening minute of the second period as sophomore defenseman Ryan Rielley scored a penalty-play goal. This goal was assisted by freshman Michael Rich.

Unfortunately, Morris was looking to avenge Saturday evening's loss to the Hawks by coming back with a flurry of goals. By the time the horn sounded on the second 20-minute period, MVCC was trailing 4-1. Nick Zanoni was Morris' driving force with two goals that were sandwiched by goals from Austin DeMetro and Matthew Pilanski.

Whatever was said in the locker room between periods had a profound effect on the Hawks as the entire came out reenergized for the third period. MVCC, 3-4-1 overall, rattled off seven unanswered goals.

Starting off this barrage was a power-play goal by Rich off a double assist from Matt Thompson and Rielley. Conor Eisenbeck put an unassisted shot between the pipes and Kevin Kennedy tied the game with the assists going to Rich and Cameron Terrenzetti.

Thompson scored the go-ahead goal, assisted by Eisenbeck and Rielley. What proved to be the game-winning goal was scored by Kennedy off another assist combination of Eisenbeck and Rielley.

Two insurance goals were tallied by Nic Decrisci and Eisenbeck.

CC of Morris tallied a late-game goal but it was too little, too late.

In goal for the Hawks was Marcus Fortin, who made 13 saves. This victory raises MVCC's season total of goals to 31 for an average of 4.43 goals per game.