Niagara University, NY - Niagara men's hockey fell just short in a 2-1 overtime loss to Air Force on Friday night at Dwyer Arena in Atlantic Hockey action.
The Purple Eagles fell to 8-17-1, 5-12-1 AHA, while the Falcons improved to 14-11-2, 10-8-1 AHA.
The opening frame was a defensive battle with both goaltenders standing tall. Niagara's Tomas Anderson faced early pressure, stopping all 14 Air Force shots in the period. The Purple Eagles managed seven shots of their own but couldn't solve Falcons netminder Dominik Wasik. Air Force had two power play opportunities in the first, but Niagara's penalty kill units held firm.
The Purple Eagles broke through in the middle frame with Noah Hackett finding the back of the net for his eighth of the year at the 6:56 mark finishing off a two on one with Andy Reist.
Anderson continued his strong performance, making all seven saves he faced as Air Force put 13 more shots on goal. The Purple Eagles generated seven shots but couldn't extend their lead against Wasik.
The Falcons knotted up the contest with six minutes remaining with Holt Oliphant beat Anderson with assists from Mason McCormick and Beau Janzig.
Niagara pulled out all the stops in the final minutes, earning a late power play with 1:37 remaining. The Purple Eagles fired six shots during the man advantage, including four in the final minute, but Wasik stood tall to force overtime.
The extra period lasted just 2:34 Nick Sajevic capitalized on a scoring opportunity, beating Anderson with assists from Chris Hedden and Sam Stitz to give the Falcons the 2-1 victory.
Anderson finished with 39 saves on 41 shots in the losing effort, while Wasik made 24 stops to earn the win.
Coaches Thoughts
Game Notes
Niagara is now 44-39-8 all-time against Air Force
The Purple Eagles won the face-off battle 46-34 against the Falcons
Hackett led the Purple and White with five shots on goal
Becker led Niagara with three blocked shotsÂ
Up Next
Niagara wraps up the home series against Air Force Saturday February 7 at 6 pm inside Dwyer Arena.
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