On Saturday afternoon, the Jumbos met with UMass. Boston in the finals of the 47th annual Codfish Bowl, and defeated the host Beacons in their second overtime scenario in as many days. On Friday, Tufts defeated Johnson & Wales University 3-3, also in shootouts, after three regulation periods and an extra time period proved indecisive.
Saturday, the Jumbos topped the Beacons, who as hosts came into the matchup highly favored on the heels of their 9-0 hammering of Southern New Hampshire in the opening round. Although the Beacons led the Jumbos 43 to 17 in shots on the afternoon, Tufts senior goalkeeper Scott Barchard posted a sensational 42 saves to preserve the Jumbos’ chances.
After a scoreless first period, freshman defender Blake Edwards put the Jumbos up 1-0 with a power play goal less than a minute into the second stanza. The score, which came at the 42-second mark, was assisted by classmate Tyler Voigt and junior Jared Barker.
Eight minutes later, however, the Beacons captured an equalizer off the stick of junior defender Rob Florentino, who bested Tufts senior goalkeeper Scott Barchard for his fifth goal of the season and UMass. Boston’s first of the contest.
The Jumbos were called for nine penalties in the contest, including five in the second period and three in the third. The Beacons were unable to capitalize on four power play opportunities, however, and the score remained tied for the rest of the second and third periods. At the end of regulation, the 1-1 draw forced the Jumbos to play in their second overtime in just two days.
In a dominant but short-lived overtime, however, it took the Jumbos just 28 seconds to score. After junior forward Dylan Plimmer won the face-off for the Jumbos, Plimmer and Voigt assisted Barker to his first goal of the season, which locked in the crucial win for Tufts, and awarded the Jumbos the 47th annual Codfish Bowl title.
In post-game ceremonies, tournament officials recognized Barker and Edwards, as well as tri-captains Matt Amico, Nick Metcalfe, and Barchard, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
The Jumbos now prepare for a four-game home stretch which features two NESCAC doubleheaders. In the next two weeks, the Jumbos will face Amherst, Hamilton, Trinity, and Wesleyan at their home rink in Malden, Mass. Their first two victories of the season came on the road against Trinity and Wesleyan in 4-1 and 3-2 decisions, respectively.
- by Kate Klots