Spartans look forward to success in playoffs
Looking ahead to Saturday, February 22, the Spartans aim to seal the victory in the first round of the ECAC East tournament.
Prior to winning their final regular season finale and senior game against Skidmore College Saturday 4-0, the Spartans were 1-1-2 in recent play. The two ties came from Babson and Norwich as the conference’s first and second seeds in the standings.
With the green locking down the fifth seed, Castleton will travel and play fourth seeded New England College.
NEC went 3-2-0 in their five most recent games before wrapping up their regular season this past weekend. One of those wins came over Conference powerhouse Norwich University.
Spartan defensemen and assistant captain Reid Lesswing feels good about playing on the road.
“It will be tough, but I think we can do it,” said Lesswing.
Castleton dropped both games to NEC during the regular season.
The Spartans lost 2-1 at home, despite four power-play chances in the first matchup against NEC. Cinotti started in goal recording 24 saves on 26 shots.
Thomas Shelley took over the starting goaltending spot in early January after an unfortunate ankle injury to Erick Cinotti during practice.
Later on in the season Castleton traveled to NEC for the second game, losing 3-1. Shelley saved 20 shots on 24 attempts.
Whether Shelley or Cinotti will get the start is unknown according to teammates. The Spartans are confident if back-up Shelley is their guy.
“Shelley has been playing really well lately. No areas of worry for our goaltending, “said Herzog.
However, the Spartans aren’t as concerned with who they will have to play in the first-round, putting more emphasis on themselves.
“[I’m] confident if we play our game, we will be okay,” said Spartan senior and Captain, Ross Herzog.
Regardless of the opponent, Head Coach Steve Moffat isn’t concerned with putting up huge offensive numbers for success in the playoffs.
“When you get into the tournament, defense wins championships,” said Moffat.
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