November 8, 2002

HAMILTON, N.Y.—Sophomore Darryl McKinnon’s second goal of the game midway through the third period proved to be the game winner, as the Colgate men’s hockey team defeated Princeton 4-3 Friday night at Starr Rink.

Head coach Don Vaughan praised the efforts of McKinnon.

“He’s not the strongest guy in the locker room, but he’s got the biggest heart. He’s such a competitor, and he’s capable of getting after the puck. He was the MVP of the night.”

The Tigers played catch-up for most of the game, as the Raiders never fell behind for the entire 60 minutes. In the end, Princeton (0-3-0, 0-1-0 ECAC) failed to muster a final comeback, and Colgate (4-3-1, 1-0-0) captured its first league victory.

McKinnon and Scooter Smith scored in the first period to give the Raiders their first two goal lead of the season. But the Tigers were able to tie the game with goals from Dustin Sproat and Patrick Neundorfer. After a power play goal gave Colgate a brief 3-2 lead, Princeton’s Mike Patton helped Princeton draw even once again at the end of the second period.

McKinnon gave Colgate a one-goal lead eight minutes into the third period, which is all sophomore goaltender Steve Silverthorn would need as he earned his first career ECAC victory while making 20 saves.

 Colgate hosts Yale Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.