Hockey: Falcons roar in 3rd, 4-2 victory over UConn

  • Published
  • By Dave Toller
  • U.S. Air Force Academy
STORRS, Conn. (AFPN) --  A big third period led Air Force to a 4-2 win over Connecticut in an Atlantic Hockey Association game here today at the Freitas Ice Forum. Goals by Josh Frider and Brian Reese and seven saves by Peter Foster paced the Falcons in the final 20 minutes.

Air Force improves to 9-7-3 overall and 6-2-3 in the AHA. UConn falls to 4-11-0 overall and 4-7 in the league. The Falcons extended their unbeaten streak (2-0-2) to four games, the longest since November 2004.

Air Force had two power plays in the first four minutes of the game, but was unable to score. The Falcons then got on the board on their third power play of the game as Josh Schaffer netted his fourth of the season. His wrister from the high slot was assisted by Brent Olson and Greg Flynn at the 9:18 mark.

UConn then took advantage of two power plays to take a 2-1 lead. After a Falcon line change, UConn quickly sent the puck up ice and Trevor Stewart put the Huskies on the board at the 13:02 mark. His goal on a two-on-one rush came from Cole Koidahl and Scott McDougal. Just 90 seconds later, the Huskies took a 2-1 lead. On the power play, Koidahl took the puck from behind his own net, skated out and scored his fifth of the season from Sean Erickson and Brian Burns.

The Falcons tied the score at the 17:05 mark as Eric Ehn, the nation's top goal scorer, netted his 16th of the season. His goal, on the rebound, came from Mike Phillipich and Andrew Ramsey. The Falcons out-shot the Huskies, 10-4, in the period.

In a penalty filled second period, neither team was able to score. Each team had three power plays and 13 shots in the second period.

Air Force came out roaring in the third period and out-shot UConn, 10-1, in the first five minutes of the period. Air Force took the lead at the 2:31 mark of the third period on Frider's fourth of the year. Freshman Jeff Hajner won a faceoff in the offensive zone and Matt Charbonneau pushed the puck to the bottom of the right circle. Less than three minutes later, the Falcons took a 4-2 lead on the power play. Phillipich took a shot from the bottom of the left circle that was saved, but Reese put back the rebound for his fourth goals of the season. Ramsey also assisted on the play.

"We don't give up easy ice to anyone and we did a good job of that tonight," head coach Frank Serratore said. "We pressured the puck in all three zones. Our power play was better tonight and the second power play goal was big as it kept things from getting hairy at the end. Foster had an outstanding performance tonight. He made a couple big stops for us."

The Falcons out-shot the Huskies 40-24, including a 17-7 advantage in the third period. Foster made 22 saves for the Falcons while Scott Tomes made 36 for UConn. AFA was 2-for-8 on the power play while UConn was 2-for-8.

The same two teams conclude the series here Friday, Dec. 8. After the game, Air Force is idle until Jan. 5-6 at Mercyhurst.

Comment on this story (include name, location, and rank if applicable)