Boston College Athletics
Boston College Defeats Merrimack
June 21, 1999 | Men's Hockey
Feb. 13, 1998
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. -- Freshman forward Brian Gionta registered his first collegiate hat trick, including the game-winning goal with 13 seconds remaining in the contest, to lift Boston College to a 4-3 HOCKEY EAST win over host Merrimack.
The game was tied 1-1 after one period, and 2-2 after two periods. Merrimack, which had twice battled back from one-goal deficits in the first two periods, took its first lead of the game on senior Ryan Guzior's goal at 1:18 of the final period.
Gionta, who netted his first goal of the night on the power-play in the second period, evened the score with another power-play tally at 2:15 of the third period.
Boston College had numerous opportunities to take the lead in the final period, including a two-minute, two-man advantage in the late minutes, but Merrimack netminder Tom Welby made 15 stops in the period to keep the game even.
Gionta, however, snapped the tie in the final seconds, with junior Marty Reasoner and freshman Rob Scuderi assisting on the decisive goal.
Gionta also added one assist to finish with four points. Reasoner had three assists on the night, while sophomore Mike Mottau contributed two assists. Junior captain Brendan Buckley tallied the Eagles' first goal at 1:03 of the opening period, his first goal of the season.
BC freshman netminder Scott Clemmensen made 35 saves.
Game Notes: Boston College had a season-high 48 shots on net against the Warriors, forcing the MC goalie to make 44 saves ... BC was playing without freshman defenseman Marty Hughes, who is still sidelined with a broken right ankle ... BC hosts Merrimack on Saturday, February 14 in Kelley Rink. Game time is 8 p.m. (one hour later than normal because of an afternoon men's basketball game vs. Rutgers).
