Easton, Mass. - Senior John Durkin (Scituate, Mass.) and junior Frank Amato (West Springfield, Mass.) combined for four goals in Stonehill's 8-5 victory over the Johnson & Wales Wildcats Thursday night at the Bridgewater Ice Arena.  The reigning Northeast-10 Champions, who were 1-6 at this point last season, improved to 2-4-1 with the win.

Skyhawk captain Brendan O'Brien (Braintree, Mass.) put Stonehill on the board with the lone marker of the first period.  The 1-0 advantage marked the first time this season Stonehill has scored first.  The lead would not last long, however.   

Less than one minute into the second period Wildcats' senior Matt McGilvray would score to even the game at one.  McGilvray's goal was joined by individual markers from Joe Simeone and Tyler Bickford to give Johnson & Wales a 3-1 advantage.

With less than four minutes remaining in the second period Stonehill's Chase Feole (Windham, N.H.) would find the back of the net to cut the deficit in half.  Seconds later the crowd erupted when Amato scored the game tying goal, his first of the evening.  The Skyhawks were not finished.  Paul Reissfelder (Plymouth, Mass.) blasted the go-ahead one timer assisted from Feole with only 21 seconds remaining to cap an improbable three-goal comeback.

Stonehill's momentum carried into the final period, scoring four goals to bury the Wildcats.  Durkin would score first on a penalty shot resulting from a holding call in front of the net.  He would match that score by brushing in a loose puck on Stonehill's next possession.  Anthony Zanetti's (Ludlow, Mass.) short handed score would extend the score to 7-4. Amato would add a his second marker of the night with six minutes remaining to punctuate the impressive victory.

In addition to his first period goal, O'Brien also contributed two assists.  The Skyhawks also received two assists each from Bill Ninteau (Litchfield, N.H.) and Ryan MacInnis (Simsbury, Conn.).

Freshman Justin Zegel (Ridgewood, N.J.) made 20 saves to record his first collegiate victory.  The Skyhawks outshot the Wildcats, 34-25.

Stonehill will be on the road next week at Plymouth State, Southern New Hampshire and Assumption.  The Skyhawks will return home Monday, December 10^th for their final game of the semester.