ERI celebrates its 3-2 win over Espresso Neat in the DYHA Squirt Championship game.
In a thrilling come-from behind victory, ERI Building & Design scored a 3-2 upset victory over the No. 1 seed, Espresso Neat, in the Squirt House Championships on Sunday at the Darien Ice Rink.
Espresso Neat jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first period, applying constant pressure and handily out shooting ERI. Brett Vrooman and Patrick Mauboussin each netted goals for Espresso Neat.
In the second period, ERI’s defense stiffened and the offense came alive. ERI’s first goal came from Jeffery Ricciardelli, who found on a loose puck in front of the net, the result of a barrage of shots, and found the back of the Espresso Neat net.
ERI managed to even up the game later in the second period on a power play goal by Jack Murphy, who received a beautiful pass from behind the net from Maddie Joyce.
The action was fast paced for much of the final stanza, with both goalies called upon for numerous big stops. Griffin Martens minded the net for Espresso Neat and Ryan Eppley stood between the pipes for ERI.
Moments after ERI successfully killed off an interference penalty, it broke the deadlock with excellent puck movement in the offensive zone, resulting in another Ricciardelli rebound goal for the 3-2 lead.
Espresson Neat called timeout to set its game plan for the final minute, but ERI was up to the challenge of holding them off with a relentless forecheck that pinned down EN in their defensive zone, thus securing the 3-2 victory and 2012 DYHA Squirt House Championship.
