NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Paced by a three-point performance by Ben Sokay and 30 saves from Brian Wilson, the Niagara men's hockey team skated to a 4-3 victory at Dwyer Arena. The Purple Eagles (11-17-3, 10-12-3 AHA), buoyed by a rowdy crowd, ended the nation's longest unbeaten streak, which the Falcons had run to 12 games since January 5.
 
Game Recap

• After a well-played opening period that saw Niagara outshoot Bentley, 14-8, the Purple Eagles opened the scoring midway through the second. Zac Herrmann got a shot past the goalie but hit the post, where Ben Sokay was waiting and pounded the rebound in for the game's first goal.
• 29 seconds later, Noah Delmas made it a 2-0 game after a turnover by the Falcons at their own blue line. Johnny Curran carried the puck down the left side, slipped a quick pass over to Delmas, who tapped it in for his 10th goal of the season.
• Tyler Hayes nearly had the Purple Eagles up by three just moments after, but saw his shot go off the crossbar and out of play.
• As the second period wound down, Niagara had a plethora of shots on a power play, including one by Stenlund that hit the metalwork and another by Cooley that was corralled by the goaltender.
• After being dragged down on a partial breakaway, Johnny Curran was awarded a penalty shot 3:34 into the third period. Curran shot glove side and was denied, keeping the score at 2-1 Niagara.
• Justin Kendall upped Niagara's lead by tipping a shot by Delmas top shelf with the team on the power play.
• After Bentley responded, the Falcons were whistled once again, and with the man advantage, Sokay struck for the second time to restore Niagara's two goal lead.

 
Beyond The Boxscore

• Niagara entered tonight's game 7-0-0 when leading after two periods. Leading 2-1 after 40 minutes, the Purple Eagles continued that trend by scoring on the power play twice in the final frame.

 
Up Next

• Niagara and Canisius will write chapters three and four in this season's Battle of the Bridge in another home-and-home series next Friday and Saturday. The Purple Eagles will travel for the match on February 22 before hosting the following evening. Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster or contact the Niagara University Ticket Office at 716-286-TIXX (8499).

 
 
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