Coach Kyle Richards and the Castleton men's hockey program used a 3-1 victory over Franklin Pierce to claim the 2021 Terry Moran Invitational Tournament Championship Saturday afternoon at Spartan Arena. Calvin Moïse netted the game-winner at the 12 minute mark of the third period and the Spartans wouldn't look back, eventually hoisting the cup in front of the home crowd.
Moïse's goal broke a 1-1 tie, answering a Raven tally that came in the early minutes of the second period. Moïse forced a timely turnover and skated into the slot, burying a backhander to put the Spartans up 2-1.
After a scoreless first period, Castleton (3-6-1, 0-3-1 NEHC) struck first only 61 seconds into the second period. Justin Stairs, who netted one of Castleton's seven goals in the semifinal, received a pass from Moïse before hammering a wrister past Ravens' netminder Ian Wallace.
Franklin Pierce had the answer, however, less than a minute later. Conor Foley, netting his second of the weekend, evened the game at 1-1.
The third period would belong to Castleton as Moïse provided the game-winner and Anton Tarvainen tacked on an empty netter in the final seconds.
Kyle Alaverdy earned his second win of the season with 27 saves, including double digit stops in the busy second period. Alaverdy even tallied an assist on Tarvainen's insurance goal.
Prior to the championship tilt, Arcadia claimed an overtime victory over Rivier in the consolation game.
Following the thrilling tournament victory, Castleton returns to NEHC play Friday, December 3 when it hosts Elmira for a 7 p.m. puck drop at Spartan Arena.
2021 Terry Moran Invitational All-Tournament Honorees
Sam Rennert - Castleton (MVP)
Andrew Barber - Castleton
Conor Foley - Franklin Pierce
Paul Antkowiak - Franklin Pierce
Milan Breczko - Rivier
Haralds Jirgens - Arcadia
