Connor Powell '20 had a pair of strong performances in Elmira's two ECAC West Conference battles at the Murray Athletic Center Ice Arena and finished with a team-leading three goals and a team-high-tying five points, which moved him into first on the team in both points (23) and goals (11) on the season.
In Friday's contest with the Stevenson University Mustangs, Powell guided Elmira back from a two-goal deficit. Down 3-1 in the second period, he earned an assist on a Tyler Theodoulou '18 power-play tally. Then, with just 1:07 remaining in regulation, Powell netted the game-tying goal to force overtime. The rookie center was posted in the right faceoff circle and was able to wrist the puck into the net after receiving a cross-ice pass from classmate Nick Ford '20.
The following evening, the product of Merrimack, New Hampshire, helped orchestrate a 7-1 victory over the Dutchmen of Lebanon Valley College with a team-high two goals to go along with one helper. After picking up an assist on the eventual game-winning power-play goal in the opening period, Powell scored EC's sixth and seventh goals. In the second, he ripped a shot from the left faceoff circle over the near shoulder of Lebanon Valley netminder Tyler Perhac. In the final two minutes of the third, Powell slapped home a rebound on a 3-on-2 rush to solidify the lopsided win.
Not only does the first-year forward lead the Soaring Eagles in points on the season, he's also sixth in the ECAC West in points per game at 1.21, a figure that ranks 11th nationally among all Division III freshmen.
Powell and the EC men will hit the road on Friday, February 3rd, for a 7:00 p.m. conference tilt with Utica College, before returning to the MAC on Saturday, February 4th, to host Nazareth College at 7:00 p.m., as part of the Elmira College's 35th Annual Athletics Alumni Weekend.
