The Colonials Fall to the Rival Pioneers on the Ice

Entering the game with a slightly above average record of 10-6-1, the Pioneers had a lot to prove against their next door neighbors on Thursday night.

The Hart Center at Holy Cross was packed for what would inevitably become a beating for the Shrewsbury . Shrewsbury's chances had looked dim from the start, due to the absence of captain Steve Stanislawzyk, who was out with a concussion.

"It's tough to have to sit and watch a rivalry game like this, but I'm looking forward to getting healthy and finishing the season strong" said Stanislawzyk.

The Pioneers came out aggressive in the first period. However, Shrewsbury goaltender Jim DeZutter made several impressive saves despite several shots flying at him early.

With just over 6 minutes left in the first period, St. John's captain Keith Kelly was able to score shorthanded. In doing so, Kelly opened the floodgates for the rest of the night.

The next shot came off the stick of St. John's junior Jay Duquette and hit the crossbar. I'd say it was a lucky break for the Colonials, but 20 seconds later, senior Devin Smith found the back of the net, giving him 18 goals on the year.

The second period started with an early goal from St. John's senior Jordan Bennet. A few minutes later, junior Kevin Emmerling and sophomore Chris Walsh found themselves on a 2-0n-1 break. Emmerling was able to score that goal, as well as another goal, and four assists in this one.

With 5 minutes left in the second period, Jordan Bennet got his second goal with a blistering slap shot from the blue line. After that fifth goal, Shrewsbury coach John Binkowski pulled DeZutter from net for senior backup Andrew Gatzogiannis.

The first shot on goal with Gatzogiannis in net went off the post, only to be rebounded and eventually put in the net by Chris Walsh, making it 6 - 0 to end the second period.

The third period looked very similar to the first two. St. John's junior Zach Byczko scored, as well as sophomore defenseman Zach Zona, making the final score 8 - 0.

The Colonials will look to bounce back with two more games in the next six days.