Friday night, the Profs dropped a big game to George Mason University (GMU) 9-3. The Brown and Gold took an early 1-0 lead in the first with a goal by forward Zachary Faust, his second of the season, assisted by Hunter Bello.

GMU answered with scoring two goals to end the first period. One of which was scored on a power play, which would be the downfall of the Profs night.   

Entering the second period with a 2-1 lead, GMU was able to put one in the net early on to bring the score to 3-1. With quick action, the Profs were able to respond with a goal by forward Hunter Bello, assisted by Lee McCarthy, closing in on GMU 3-2. 

Unfortunately, GMU’s strong offense was able to pull ahead after a costly mistake by a Profs defenseman which drew a game misconduct call, giving GMU five minutes of five on four play.

In those five minutes of power play action, GMU’s offense brought the power and dominated the Profs’ net with five consecutive goals to close out the second with a score of 8-2. 

Trying to get back into the action in the third, rookie forward Lee McCarthy was able to score one more for the Profs assisted by Zachary Faust, to bring the game to 8-3.

With one final blow, GMU was able to get one more in to bring an end to the game with a score of 9-3. 

With a quick turnaround, the DIII Profs were back in action at home the next night against Salisbury University (SU). With the previous night’s loss behind them, the Profs stepped into warmups ready to defend their ice. 

The first period was scoreless, although the Profs were able to put out double the amount of shots as SU.

Entering the second 0-0, SU grabbed the lead with a power play goal following a hooking call against the Profs. The remainder of the period was riddled with penalties against both teams.

With only half a second left on the clock, senior forward Anthony Gallicchio was able to find the back of the net for his ninth goal of the season, assisted by Lee McCarthy and Jack Conrad, to tie the game 1-1. 

Entering the third with their sticks hot, the Profs broke the tie with another early goal by Hunter Bello, assisted by John Callander to make it 2-1. SU followed up with another power play goal to tie the game once again.

Rowan forward Jack Conrad, assisted by forwards Nicholas Donnelly and John Callander, secured the game for the Profs bringing the final score to 3-2 Rowan. 

The Profs need to clean their game up, with nine of the goals against them this weekend being from power plays. Costly penalties and a heavy rookie presence is forcing the Profs to compensate with their communication and skill. 

The DIII Profs are back in action with another weekend of hockey. This time, Rowan takes on Northern Virginia Community College away Friday, and returns home on Saturday at Pennsauken Skatezone against California University of Pennsyvania.

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