NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Niagara men’s hockey’s six game unbeaten streak came to an end against Army on Saturday evening. The Black Knights (7-7-1, 6-5-1 AHA) scored three power play goals en route to a 5-1 win over the Purple Eagles (7-6-1, 7-4-1 AHA). Despite the result, Niagara maintains its position atop the Atlantic Hockey standings.
Game Recap
- With Niagara shorthanded 8:06 into the game, Brian Wilson made a big save with the Black Knights swarming the crease. Colin Bilek planted himself in the paint and tried to deflect a shot from the point through Wilson’s legs, but the sophomore denied the chance by squeezing his pads and holding on for the whistle. Later in the power play, Army did get a shot through for a 1-0 lead.
- After the Black Knights doubled their lead 33 seconds into the second, Jared Brandt finally provided an answer for Niagara. Both teams exchanged shots and rushes for minutes on end before Brandt finally ended it with his third goal of the year 8:21 into the period.
- Three minutes before the break, Wilson and the defense kept it a one-goal game. Army got a shot away and put Wilson out of position. When the Black Knights tried a wraparound, several Purple Eagles got on the goal line to get the puck away. Army regrouped and got another shot away, but this time Wilson scooped it up with ease to get a faceoff.
- Army expanded its lead with two quick goals late in the second. Their third goal was under review and being discussed by the officials for several minutes for a potential high stick, but the call ultimately stood.
- Wilson made one of his best saves of the night on a long breakaway pass for the Black Knights. With 6:34 elapsed in the third, Brendan Soucie came streaking up Wilson’s right side uninterrupted. As Soucie tried to deke the netminder one way and take the puck across the crease, Wilson stayed with him the entire way, stuffing the chance and sending the puck into the corner.
Beyond The Boxscore
- Entering the weekend, Niagara had only surrendered six power play goals in 51 opportunities (.882 PK). In two games, Army stung them in four of their 10 chances (.600 PK).
Up Next
- The Purple Eagles’ next opponent will be the Western Michigan Broncos. Niagara will travel to Kalamazoo, Mich. for two 7 p.m. contests on Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1.
