Coborn's Third-Period Heroics Lead To Series Sweep

MOORHEAD, Minn. (2/09/13)—For the second straight game Concordia used a goal midway through the third period to make the difference in their game with Hamline. Tucker Coborn netted his second goal of the game at 12:23 of the final frame to help the Cobbers record a 3-2 win over the Pipers on Saturday.

The win gives Concordia the sweep in the two-game series and ups their conference record to 8-6-0 on the year. The eight MIAC wins is the most in a single season since the 2001-02 campaign. The victory also helps CC move into sole possession of fourth place in the conference standings. Concordia also evens their overall record at 11-11-1.

The first period went up and down the ice with the two teams combining for 17 shots but couldn't get a puck into the back of the net. Hamline would strike first when they scored a power play goal at 9:21 of the second period. Perhaps the biggest goal of the entire series came in the final four minutes of the middle frame. Cobber leading scorer Jordie Bancroft picked up a rebound in the middle of the net and went to his left to try and beat the goalie. He couldn't get off his first shot but collected the puck and calmly fired in a backhand after the Piper goalie stumbled to regain his balance after the initial shot. Bancroft's team-leading 11^th goal of the year at 16:24 was assisted by Coborn and Dan Hrabowych.

With the game tied at 1-1, Concordia started the third period with the better of the scoring chances. They would be rewarded less than four minutes into the period. Coborn collected the puck in neutral ice and then sped down the right wing. He skated into the Hamline end and just after he got to the top of the right face-off circle he snapped off a shot that went "bar down" on the right side of the net. His fourth goal of the year at 3:02 put CC up 2-1.

Coborn would not be finished with his big goals in the game. After the Pipers tied the game at 9:28, Coborn scored the game-winning goal on a power play at 12:23. It was the Cobbers' fourth power play goal in the last four games. Caleb Suderman and Charlie Aus were credited with the assists on the game winner. For Suderman it was his second assist of the game and fifth of the season.

Concordia was outshot 27-23 in the game. Cobber goalie Chris Neamonitis made 25 saves to pick up his 11^th win of the season. Neamonitis had seven career wins in his first two seasons in maroon and gold. Hamline netminder Matt Hemingway stopped 20 shots in the losing effort.

The Cobbers will now head south to Winona for the final regular-season series of the season. Concordia will square off against St. Mary's on Friday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and then on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. CC could still finish anywhere from first to sixth place in the final league standings.