Nick VanBelle’s overtime goal gave Brunswick a 2-1 win over visiting Hotchkiss at Hartong Rink on Monday evening. The win bumps the Bruins’ record to 7-5-1 on the season, while the Bearcats fall to 3-7-0.
Brunswick struck first, as co-captain Christian LeSueur netted his ninth goal of the season at the 4:39 mark of the second period. VanBelle collected his ninth assist on the 4-on-4 tally.
Following a tying goal by the Bearcats at 13:22 in the second period, the squads headed into the third period knotted at 1-1.
While both teams had scoring opportunities in the third period, VanBelle had a great chance to end the game in the final moments of regulation, but the co-captain’s doorstep put-back was stopped by the Bearcats’ goalie.
In the extra session, the Bruins took charge after winning the face-off. Following a shot by Brunswick’s Charles Shaffer, VanBelle collected the point-blank rebound and ended the game with his 13th goal of the season at the 1:31 mark.
Brunswick goalie Strauss Mann made 26 saves on the night.
The Bruins travel to Millbrook on Wednesday, January 11, looking to avenge a 2-1 setback by the Mustangs earlier in the season.