The Quinnipiac men’s ice hockey team defeated Harvard University 3-2 Friday evening at the TD Bank Sports Center. Brayden Sherbinin, Cory Hibbeler and Jordan Samuels-Thomas each scored a goal in the win.

With a play under review with 26 seconds remaining, Quinnipiac was able to hold off Harvard in the third period.

“I think Harvard deserved to win that game,” Quinnipiac head coach Rand Pecknold said. “That’s the worst game we’ve played all year.”

Sherbinin scored his first career goal on his first career shot just 6:30 into the game. Tim Clifton picked up his first assist on the play.

Less than six minutes later, Hibbler tipped the puck into the net after a hard shot from Devon Toews.

With the second period underway, Harvard’s Luke Esposito took a shot on goal after the referee blew the whistle. Quinnipiac goalie Michael Garteig unexpectedly took the hit. Kellen Jones charged a Harvard player after the play. Jones received two penalties for facemasking and game misconduct, giving him five minutes in the penalty box.

Harvard’s Kyle Criscuolo seized the power play opportunity and scored an unassisted goal to close the scoring gap to 2-1.

Quinnipiac would extend its lead in the third period on a Jordan Samuels-Thomas goal after picking up a rebounded shot from Connor Jones. Sam Anas also assisted on the play helping to cushion the Bobcat lead to 3-1.

A Harvard goal late in the third period by Jimmy Vesey wouldn’t be enough for the Crimson to make a comeback.

“Any team in the ECAC is capable of winning games,” Garteig said. “Regardless of what their record shows…they can play, they’re a really good team.”

Quinnipiac and Harvard each had 33 shots on goal and Garteig had 31 saves in the win.

The Bobcats return to action tomorrow night when they face off against Dartmouth.