Michael Pontarelli wasn't supposed to be on this year's team.
The former Cornwall Colts star, who led the Central Canada Hockey League with 107 points last season, was originally scheduled to join the Dutchmen for the 2014-2015 season.
He was only added to this year's roster after Josh Jooris gave up his senior year of eligibility and signed with the Calgary Flames in late July.
If early indications are anything, the 5-foot-7 forward stacks up just fine and will have a big impact over the next four years.
In Friday's season-opening 3-3 tie against Bowling Green, Pontarelli displayed a slick passing touch and picked up his first two collegiate assists.
On Saturday, Pontarelli scored his first two collegiate goals (both on the power play) to help lift the Dutchmen to their first win of the season, a 5-2 non-conference victory over Bowling Green.
Through two games, the 19-year-old is tied with Kevin Sullivan for the team lead in points with four.
"It's very exciting," Pontarelli said. "Every time you jump a level and get your first points, it's exciting. It's something brand new. But that's just bonus. Getting our first win of the season in that fashion is the most important thing."
Added Union head coach Rick Bennett, "Pontarelli feeds off offense. That's not a big secret if you see his stats coming from juniors. When he's on a roll, he's on a roll."
That roll doesn't look like it will end anytime soon.
INJURY UPDATES
Bennett said junior goaltender Colin Stevens remains "day-to-day" with the upper-body injury he sustained in Friday's game when Bowling Green's Bryce Williamson rammed into him at 6:12 of the first period.
Freshman Eli Lichtenwald, who scored his first collegiate goal on Friday, didn't play on Saturday. Bennett was mum on Lichtenwald's status, but the forward was spotted using crutches as he watched from the bleachers.
CARR RECORD WATCH
Senior forward Daniel Carr scored a power play goal on Saturday, the 58th goal of his Union career. He needs one more goal to tie Mario Valery-Trabucco for the program's Division I-era career goals record. Valery-Trabucco played for Union from 2006-2010.
FRESHMAN FIRSTS
Jeff Taylor recorded his first collegiate point on Saturday. The Clifton Park native and former Albany Academy defenseman assisted on Nick Cruice's second period goal.
Goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos picked up his first collegiate win on Saturday in place of the injured Stevens. He stopped 20-of-22 shots in the winning effort.
CARR RECORD WATCH
Senior forward Daniel Carr scored a power play goal on Saturday, the 58th goal of his Union career. He needs one more goal to tie Mario Valery-Trabucco for the program's Division I-era career goals record. Valery-Trabucco played for Union from 2006-2010.
FRESHMAN FIRSTS
Jeff Taylor recorded his first collegiate point on Saturday. The Clifton Park native and former Albany Academy defenseman assisted on Nick Cruice's second period goal.
Goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos picked up his first collegiate win on Saturday in place of the injured Stevens. He stopped 20-of-22 shots in the winning effort.
GIVING THEM A GOOD SHOW
With Philadelphia Flyers brass in attendance on Saturday, junior defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere put on a good show. The 20-year-old, who the Flyers drafted in the third round of the 2012 NHL draft, picked up three assists.
UP NEXT
Union hosts Lake Superior State for a two-game non-conference series next Friday and Saturday. The Lakers swept Robert Morris over the weekend, winning both games 3-1.
POSTGAME VIDEOS FROM SATURDAY
Pontarelli, later joined by Daniel Ciampini and Gostisbehere
Union head coach Rick Bennett
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