WEST POINT, N.Y. — The Holy Cross men's ice hockey team fell to Army, 5-2, in Atlantic Hockey Association action Friday night at Tate Rink.
Holy Cross moves to 10-16-3 (9-10-2 AHA), while the Black Knights improve to 11-14-4 (10-9-2 AHA).
THE GOALTENDERS:
- Crusaders: sophomore Thomas Gale –20 saves, 4 goals allowed, 31:16 minutes played; freshman Louden Hogg – 7 saves, 0 goals allowed, 25:40 minutes played.
- Black Knights: Justin Evenson –25 saves, 2 goals allowed, .944 save percentage.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Black Knights struck first halfway through the first period on a strike by Brett Abdelnour.
- Senior Nick Hale tied the game at 1-1 just under seven minutes later. After coincidental penalties put the teams in a 4-on-4 situation, freshman Devin Phillips instigated a breakout play from the defensive end. Passing to sophomore Liam McLinskey on the right-side boards, McLinskey found Hale streaking down the middle of the ice, where he was able to send the puck past Evenson.
- Penalties were the name of the game for Holy Cross, taking four through the first period, with two coming at the same time with 33 seconds remaining in the frame.
- Army scored one before the period ended, before opening the second period with a second to make the score 3-1.
- The Black Knights fourth goal came halfway through the second period on a strike by Michael Sacco. Hogg entered the game in relief following the goal.
- Junior Alec Cicero cut the Army lead to 4-2 with his first power play goal of the season. Cicero ripped a shot from the top of the right faceoff circle, sending the puck blocker side into the back of the net.
- Army cemented the win with an empty net goal with 50 seconds remaining in the contest.
BEYOND THE BOX:
- Army was 2-for-7 on the man-up advantage, while Holy Cross was 1-for-4.
- The Crusaders held the slight edge in faceoffs, 33-31.
- Junior Jake Higgins led the defense with four blocked shots.
UP NEXT:
- The two teams will face off again tomorrow, Saturday Feb. 11.
- Puck drop is set for 4 p.m.
FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS
Be sure to follow the Holy Cross men's ice hockey team — and all things Crusader Athletics — on social media!
Twitter - @HCrossMHockey | @goholycross
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