Sunday, February 14, 2016

BROCKPORT FALLS TO BUFF STATE, CLINCHES PLAYOFF BERTH

The College at Brockport ice hockey team dropped a 7-3 decision to Buffalo State Saturday night in a State University of New York Athletic Conference game.  Seniors Chad Cummings, Chris Luker, Jonathan Demme, Jeremy DeFazio, Jesse Facchini, James Ryan, Jared Lockhurst and Chase Nieuwendyk were honored post game in their final regular season home game of their career.

Brockport (10-10-3 overall, 5-6-3 SUNYAC) jumped out to an early 2-0 lead midway through the first period.  James Ryan forced a turnover in the neutral zone and sent a cross ice pass to Jesse Facchini who scored top shelf for his sixth goal of the season.

Five minutes later Ryan sent a pass along the boards to Facchini who found Jake Taylor open near the right face off circle.  Taylor tucked the puck in the right side of the net to give Brockport a 2-0 lead.

Buffalo State (13-6-4 overall, 9-4-1 SUNYAC) would respond with two goals to knot the score at two headed into the first intermission.  The Bengal went on to score four goals in the second to take a commanding 6-2 lead.

The Golden Eagles took advantage of a power play in the 13th minute of the third period.  Chad Cummings sent a pass to Tim Kielich who found Aidan Verbeke open in front of the net.

The Bengals scored a power play goal in the final minute to make the score 7-3.  Buffalo State outshot Brockport 46-27 on the night.

Cole Burack
suffered his third loss of the season in net, stopping 17 shots in the last two periods.  Jared Lockhurst stopped 22 shots in the first period.

Despite the loss, Brockport clinched a SUNYAC post season berth for the second straight season due to Geneseo beating Fredonia.  The Golden Eagles head to the north country next weekend to take on Plattsburgh State Friday night and SUNY Potsdam Saturday night with both face offs set for 7 p.m.