UTICA, N.Y. – Senior Colin Tracy of Concord scored his first goal of the year and goaltender Kalle Andersson (Taby, Sweden) made 30 saves, but #2 Utica University got past #9 Plymouth State University, 4-1, in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament at Adirondack Bank Center on Saturday night.

The Pioneers potted the lone goal of the opening period and converted a power play chance at the 6:37 mark of the second for a 2-0 lead. Tracy cut the lead in half with his first of the season on a wrist shot from the point and the Panthers nearly tied the game a minute later but a shot from freshman Patrick O’Connell deflected just wide and off the post.

Utica answered back to restore the two-goal margin less than three minutes later and the Pioneers closed out the win with the only goal of the third period.

“It starts with our captains,” said head coach Craig Russell. “The focus, determination, and fun they bring to the rink every day. These are the guys that set the tone every day. That’s what we ask our captains to do and that’s what we ask our seniors to do – to leave it better than they found it. This group of seniors was phenomenal at doing that. Around the room, just unbelievable character, and unbelievable human beings. I’m so proud to have had them put this sweater on and represent our university.”

Plymouth State ends its historic season with a 24-3-2 record, setting a new program record for wins for the second straight year while securing the program’s first NCAA Tournament win. Utica (23-2-3) advances to the Frozen Four and will face the winner of #12 Curry and #1 Hobart at the Koeppel Community Sports Center in Hartford, Conn. on Thursday (Mar. 21).

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