Hockey: Golden Griffins catch Air Force short-handed

  • Published
  • By Dave Toller
  • U.S. Air Force Academy
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AFPN) --  Canisius scored two short-handed goals in the second period en route to a 4-1 victory over Air Force in an Atlantic Hockey Association game here today at the Buffalo State Sports Arena.

The Golden Griffins scored three special teams goals in the game as the teams split the two-game series. AFA falls to 5-6-1 overall this season and 3-2-1 in the league. Canisius improves to 2-9 overall and 2-5 in the AHA.

Coming off a strong third period on Saturday, Air Force continued its momentum early in Sunday's game. Eric Ehn, who scored twice on Saturday, scored his national-leading 13th goal of the season at the 6:18 mark of the first period with the assist from Mike Phillipich.

Canisius tied the score two minutes later as Josh Heidinger scored unassisted with an even-strength goal. Heidinger scored his second of the series and fourth of the season at 8:15.

Midway through the second period, Air Force went on the power play. However, Canisius scored two short-handed goals on the same Falcon power play. Joey Coccimiglio scored at 8:44 and Chris Angelo scored at 9:23 for a 3-1 Canisius lead.

With 8:01 remaining in the third period, Scott Follett scored on the power play to give the Griffs a 4-1 lead. Michael Cohen and Spencer Churchill assisted on the play.

With 7:43 left in the third period, Canisius' Peter MacDougall was called for a major checking from behind penalty, giving the Falcons a five-minute power play. Air Force pulled its goalie from the net, giving the Falcons a two-man advantage for the full five minutes. Air Force took five shots that were saved and two others that were blocked by defense, but didn't score. After the penalty expired, the Falcons kept the extra skater on the ice, giving AFA a one-man advantage for the final 2:43. Canisius goalie Andrew Loewen made three saves and kept the Falcons off the board.

Air Force out-shot Canisius 28-20 in the game. Loewen made 27 saves for Canisius while Ian Harper made 16 for the Falcons. Special teams were the difference in the game as Canisius went 1-for-3 on the power play and had two short-handed goals. Air Force had eight power-play opportunities but failed to score.

The Falcons return home to host American International College Friday, Nov. 17, and Sunday, Nov. 19, at Cadet Ice Arena. Friday's faceoff is at 7:05 p.m. while Sunday's game starts at 5:05 p.m.