Brown University wins the seventh annual Three Rivers Classic

Credit%3A+Three+Rivers+Classic

Credit: Three Rivers Classic

Jack O’Brien, Contributor

MOON TOWNSHIP— The Brown University Bears (5-7-3, 2-4-3 ECAC) took home the Confluence Cup after defeating the No. 14 Union College Dutchmen (10-5-4, 3-4-1 ECAC) 6-3 at PPG Paints Arena. The Bears were quick to start the scoring, unlike the previous night, when Tommy Marchin ripped one past Darion Hanson on the power-play early in the first frame.

Alex Brink then scored shorthanded and an even strength goal to distance the Bears from the Dutchmen. This was followed by a Zach Guittari score which enlarged the lead to 4-0 before Jack Adams was able to convert for Union on the power-play to give them some life before the end of he period.

The second period started like anyone expected it to, Union getting shot out of a cannon. The Dutchmen scored two goals to close the lead to one goal at 4-3. The goals came from Anthony Rinaldi and Lucas Breault to breath life into Union’s squad. The Dutchmen wouldn’t take that momentum into the locker room though. Before the period ended, Jack Gessert scored to keep the Dutchmen at a comfortable two-goal deficit.

The third frame was a stalemate with only an empty net goal by Marchin, his second of the game, to put it away at 6-3.

“I think we’re making good strides as a program this season,” said Brown’s head coach Brendan Whittet.

“We’re a very good defensive team…we knew it was gonna be a battle, even though you’re up four to nothing you want the guys to stay structured and not get loose,” Whittet said on his team holding the lead late.

Brown played a strong defensive third period when they needed to and came away with two very impressive victories. Brown came into this tournament with only three wins and a game high of five goals for the season; they leave Pittsburgh with two wins and a Three Rivers Classic championship for a young team.