USAF ACADEMY, Colo. — Chris Hedden scored twice and Air Force built an early three-goal lead en route to a 4-2 victory over Niagara in Atlantic Hockey America action Saturday night.
 
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles (8-8-3, 7-4-2) saw their offense stifled in the opening period as Air Force struck three times, including Hedden's pair of goals at 5:38 and 18:54. Mason McCormick added another tally with just 21 seconds remaining in the first period to put the Falcons up 3-0.
 
Tyler Wallace finally got Niagara on the board 46 seconds into the second period, assisted by Grayson Dietrich, but Air Force's Andrew DeCarlo responded four minutes later to restore the three-goal advantage.
 
Spencer Young scored with 28 seconds remaining in the third period for Niagara, with assists from Nathan Oickle and Brett Roloson, but it proved too little too late.
 
Pierce Charleson made 23 saves for Niagara, which was out-shot 27-25. The Purple Eagles went 0-for-3 on the power play while successfully killing all three Air Force power play opportunities.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara is now 43-38-8 all-time against Air Force.
• The Purple Eagles are 1-6-2 when their opponent scores first and 0-5-2 when trailing after the first period.
• Niagara won the faceoff battle for the 12th time this season, moving to 4-6-2 in those contests.
• Wallace notched his sixth goal of the season and just his second even-strength goal.
• The penalty kill finished the weekend 6-for-6.
 
Up Next
Niagara will resume play after the Holiday season when it hosts Guelph for a 2 p.m. exhibition on Dec. 30