NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Despite a quick jump out of the gate, the Niagara men's hockey team couldn't build upon its own momentum in a 4-1 loss against RIT on Saturday night. The Purple Eagles scored inside the first minute of the first period, but were unable to add to the lead despite 26 saves from
Chad Veltri.
Game Recap
- The Purple Eagles got off to a roaring start, taking the lead 36 seconds into the game. Dylan Mills dragged the puck up the left wall and cut in front, where Ben Sokay was able to pop the puck through the goaltender for a cheeky opening goal.
- On the power play less than three minutes later, Zac Herrmann generated a shot on net that forced RIT's Logan Drackett to cover up and hold on for a faceoff.
- Pressuring early in the second, Ludwig Stenlund took a shot that was blocked. Eric Cooley located the loose puck and put in on goal, only to have it saved.
- On RIT's first power play, the Tigers took four total shot attempts. Niagara's penalty kill unit solidified the defensive end, with Chris Harpur and Jared Brandt blocking one shot each, and Veltri saving the lone puck that eked through to him.
- Harpur, Reed Robinson, and Ryan Cook forced RIT to stay on their toes as they swatted away at the puck from in tight. Drackett was forced into three successive saves, including two lightning-quick taps from Harpur on the doorstep.
- The early minutes of the third were controlled by Niagara, as the team took nine shot attempts in the opening 6:30.
Up Next
- The Battle of the Bridge commences on Friday, November 15 at HarborCenter. Puck drop between the Purple Eagles and Golden Griffins is slated for 7:35 p.m.
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