NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
USAF Academy, C.O. — Despite a late push from the Niagara men’s hockey team, the Purple Eagles dropped their series finale at Air Force, 2-1. Justin Kendall pulled the squad within one with 4:23 remaining in the third period, but Niagara was stonewalled despite some excellent chances to tie the contest.
Game Recap
- With three minutes elapsed in the game, Justin Kendall stole the puck and had a couple steps on the trailing defender heading in on the Air Force net. Kendall managed to muscle a shot off before being caught and knocked down from behind.
- On their first penalty kill of the evening, Niagara found itself under duress. Air Force set up their offense well and punched a puck into the crease, where it was loose momentarily before being swept away and out to center ice. The Purple Eagles successfully killed off the infraction to keep it a one-goal game.
- Niagara opened the third period on the power play. About halfway through the man advantage, Dylan Mills dropped a pass to Jared Brandt who was just inside the blue line and ripped a one-timer that gave the Air Force goaltender fits, as he let the rebound go. Unfortunately the Purple Eagles couldn’t locate it before the Falcons gained possession.
- Down by two, Head coach Jason Lammers opted to bring Brian Wilson out with five minutes to play. With a faceoff deep in Air Force’s zone, Niagara retained possession and cycled well until Zac Herrmann fed Kendall from the blue line and the sophomore buried the one-timer to bring Niagara within one.
- With 3:35 remaining, Air Force dumped the puck at the open net and missed the score by mere inches.
- Ludwig Stenlund was called upon to take the draw for Niagara in the Falcons’ end with 18 seconds to go, and then again with 16 seconds to go. Stenlund won both faceoffs by immediately ripping shots on net. Both were saved. With three seconds to go, Stenlund had a third opportunity but gunned it high.
Up Next
- The final segment of this early season road swing will continue in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. The Purple Eagles will clash with Robert Morris on Friday, Nov. 2 and again on Saturday, Nov. 3. Both games will start at 7 p.m.