Game Recap
Army West Point jumped out to a 4-0 lead over the Canisius College hockey program and held on for a 5-2 win Saturday night from Tate Rink in West Point, N.Y. Canisius freshman Nick Hutchison scored a game-high two goals, while fellow freshman Matt Stief recorded two assist, but is not enough however, as the Blue and Gold were swept by the Black Knights for the first time since the 2009-10 season. The loss moves Canisius to 4-7-1 overall and 3-2-1 in Atlantic Hockey action, while the Black Knights move to 6-3-1 overall and 6-2-0 in league play.
The Black Knights scored two goals in the first and second periods to gain the 4-0 lead, before Hutchison would add his first of the night at 4:43 of the second period, assisted by Stief and senior Geoff Fortman.
In the third period of play, Army would extend its lead to 5-1, with Hutchison scoring the final goal of the contest at 1:09.
Freshman Dominic Franco led the Black Knights attack with a goal and an assist, while freshman Michael Wilson and junior Mike Preston each added two assists.
Canisius senior goaltender Charles Williams received the loss, moving his record to 4-4-1 on the year, while Army goalkeeper Parker Gahagen moved to 6-3-1.
The Blue and Gold were 2-for-7 on the power-play, while Army went 0-for-4.
Head Coach Dave Smith's Postgame Comments
“We did a lot of things well tonight. We played with energy and just couldn't find the answer to winning tonight's game. Our penalty kill was excellent and we scored two power-play goals so we will start building again from there.
We will continue to push our own standard as high as possible. Improving every weekend is important. We took a step back in the win column but have identified energy as critical to our overall team success.”
Game Notes
• In 53 all-time meetings between the two schools, Army leads the series 25-23-5.
• Each of Hutchison's goals were scored on the power-play. All four of Hutchison's goals this season have come via the power-play.
• The Blue and Gold have held their opponents to zero power play goals in four consecutive games.
• Sophomore Jimmy Mazza recorded his second assist of the season on Hutchison's second goal.
• The Griffs outshot Army 34-29 in the loss.
• Williams was replaced by freshman Daniel Urbani to begin the second period of play. Urbani allowed three goals, while making 15 saves.
Up Next
The Griffs will look to bounce back next weekend when they host AIC from KeyBank Rink in HARBORCENTER. Puck drops set for 7:35 on Friday, with a 4:05 start time on Saturday.
