Tom Anderson and Christian Lewton scored a goal apiece to lead West Virginia University to a 2-0 victory over Pittsburgh in the Backyard Brawl on Ice, pitting the longtime rivals who are just 90 miles apart in a matchup of club hockey teams in South Charleston.
A crowd of more than 1,000 attended, including an appearance from Gov. Joe Manchin, at the SC Memorial Ice Arena. The Mountaineers lost to nationally ranked Ohio University 4-0 in last year's inaugural installment that drew about 750.
The atmosphere had the electricity that accompanies most WVU-Pitt athletic contests with a sea of blue and gold throughout the stands, and the action on the ice matched the intensity as the Mountaineers and Panthers briefly engaged in a fight in the second period and numerous hard checks against the boards.
"This was one of the best ones, actually it was the best, this year,'' said freshman Lewton, a Wheeling Park High School graduate, of the crowd. "Especially having everyone on your side.''
"The fan support was amazing,'' added third-year WVU coach Jeff Anderson. "It helps a little bit to get the first goal and get the crowd into it.''
Anderson, a 5-foot-8, 165-pound senior from Wilton, Conn., put WVU (16-7-3) ahead to stay with a goal in the second period at the 15:04 mark. He picked up the puck about mid-ice and outraced the Pitt defenders and put a move on the goalie.
The 5-10, 180-pound Lewton finished the scoring with a goal off an assist from sophomore defender Ken Bickel for a 2-0 advantage with 6:19 to go in the second period. Bickel sent a pass from near the boards to Lewton, who was alone in front of the goal.
WVU junior goalie Chris Wilder stopped 34 shots for the shutout.
"The number of people down here that want to come watch this level of hockey is just amazing,'' Anderson said. "I hope it grows more.''
Butch Buckley, the assistant director at the SC Memorial Ice Arena, said he received calls throughout Tuesday requesting about 1,000 more tickets. Because of fire regulations, Buckley said he was unable to fill those requests. Buckley said sponsors have already approached him about next year's event.
"They just do a great job down here at the rink,'' Anderson said. "The sponsors did a great job of supporting us and getting behind it. I just can't say enough about it. These guys that play at this level, it's not a scholarship deal.''
Briefly
Brickstreet Insurance and the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association presented each team a check for $1,000 before the game. The sponsors also picked up each squad's travel costs. ... South Charleston Mayor Frank Mullens dropped the ceremonial puck while his wife Sherry sang the national anthem. ... WVU edged Pitt 4-3 earlier this season. ... The Mountaineers compete in American College Hockey Association Division I, which is for schools without NCAA varsity programs. ... WVU entered play ranked No. 21 in the latest ACHA natonal rankings and the top 16 qualify for the playoffs. ... Each player pays between $1,500 and $2,500 for equipment. ... WVU's roster lists fives West Virginians - junior forward Brent Hart and sophomore forward Ryan Wise of Morgantown and Lewton and sophomore forwards Ryan Herron and Luke Sonnefeld of Wheeling.
