The Sacred Heart University men's ice hockey team rallied to tie fifth-ranked Providence, 2-2, Saturday evening at Webster Bank Arena. The Pioneers improve to 0-2-1 on the year, while the Frairs are now 3-1-1 on the season.

Providence scored twice in the first period, at 4:07 and 11:56, and controlled play for most of the opening stanza. The Pioneers cut their deficit in half, midway through the second as Jason Cotton tipped a shot by Mike Lee into the net.

Austin McIlmurray, who almost tied the score early in the third period, provided the equalizer with 2:46 to play. Marc Johnstone wrapped the puck around the back of the net for Matt Tugnutt who passed it across the crease to McIlmurray who knocked it home to the glove side.

Brett Magnus made 31 saves on the evening for SHU, with 16 coming in the third period alone. Gabe Mollot-Hill stopped 25 shots for Providence.

The Pioneers return to action on November 2-3, 2018, as they travel to Bentley for a pair of Atlantic Hockey games. 

First Period 

• Providence outshot SHU 11-7 in the opening period, as it opened a 2-0 advantage
• Bryan Lemos scored first at the 4:07 mark, with an assist from Ryan Tait
• Josh Wilkins put the Frairs in front 2-0 with an even strength goal, from Lemos and Michael Callahan

Second Period

• SHU controlled play in the second period, outshooting the Friars 9-4
• Cotton scored his goal on the power play, tipping home a shot from the top from Lee

Third Period

• The Pioneers drew even with 2:46 remaining as McIlmurray netted a pass from Matt Tugnutt
• McIlmurray had a chance early in the third to knot the score, but was robbed by a pad save from Gabe Mollot-Hill
• Magnus made 16 saves in the third period

The Numbers

• SHU scored the lone power play goal of the game
• Providence outshot the Pioneers 33-27, with a 2-1 edge in overtime and a 16-10 adantage in the third period
• McIlmurray took five shots on the night, to lead SHU
• SHU was whistled for just four penalties, while the Friars were called for seven
• Providence held a 41-30 advantage in face-off wins