| 2/25/2006 9:53:58 PM

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ROCHESTER, NY – The class of 2006 started their final game at Ritter Arena and finished it off. In between the U.S. Under-18 squad defeated the Tigers 3-1. The Tigers end their inaugural Division I season with a 9-24-2 record.

Darren Doherty (Douro, ON/Cobourg Cougars) (Douro, ON), Marc Hyman (Thornhill, ON/Thornhill Rattlers) (Thornhill, ON), Tony Bifulco (Falmouh, ME/Tulsa Crude) (Falmouth, ME), Steve Farrer (Belle River, ON/Chatham Jr. Maroons) (Belle River, ON), Brian Payant (Anitoch, IL/Fairfield University) (Antioch, IL) and George Eliopoulos (Markham, ON/St. Michael's Buzzers) (Markham, ON) took the first and last shifts of the game to commemorate their last appearance in an RIT sweater.

It didn’t take long for the U.S. squad to get on the scoreboard. Just a minute into the contest Bill Sweatt one-timed a pass from James O’Brien and beat George Eliopoulos (Markham, ON/St. Michael's Buzzers) (Markham, ON), giving the U.S. a 1-0 lead.

RIT had just six shots on goal in the first period, while allowing nine by the U.S. team. Other than giving up an early tally Eliopoulos regrouped nicely, making eight saves in the opening period.

The Tigers tied the score at 8:27 of the second on a power play goal by Darrell Draper (Tigard, OR/Cowichon Capitals) (Tigard, OR). Tony Bifulco (Falmouh, ME/Tulsa Crude) fired a shot in from the point. Draper fought for the rebound in front and roofed a shot over Brett Bennett’s right shoulder.

The U.S. team took a 2-1 lead inside the final minute of play on a goal by Ryan Flynn. Blake Geoffrion and James VanRiemsdy had the assists on the play.

The Tigers controlled the bulk of the play in the opening portions of the third period but could not get the equalizing goal past Bennett.

Team U.S.A. put the game away at 14:28 of the third period on a power play goal by Michael Carman. Erik Johnson and James O’Brien had the assists on the play.

RIT was out shot by Team U.S.A. 30-24. Eliopoulos was outstanding in goal for the Tigers, making 27 saves. He finishes his career with 1,592 career saves and is second all time at RIT in save percentage. The Tigers went 1-for-8 on the power play, while holding Team U.S.A. to 1-for-9.