Falcons beat Calgary 4-2 in exhibition hockey

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  The U.S. Air Force Academy beat the University of Calgary 4-2 in an exhibition game Oct. 2 at the academy's Cadet Ice Arena here.

Senior Andrew Ramsey had a goal and an assist in the third period in the win.
 
The Air Force opened the scoring just 1:15 into the first period as Brian Reese scored from in front of the net. Theo Zacour won a faceoff in the offensive end and sent the puck behind the boards to freshman Matt Fairchild. Fairchild's centering pass was one-timed past Calgary goalie Scott Talbot.

Just more than a minute later, the Dinos answered as Brett O'Malley scored on the power play. Tyrel Lucas' pass was right on the tape to O'Malley, who scored from point-blank range at the 2:24 mark past Air Force goalie Peter Foster.

Midway through the second period, both teams changed goalies as freshman Andrew Volkening came in for the Falcons and Jordan McLaughlin for the Dinos.

Senior Jay Medenwaldt gave the Falcons a 2-1 lead at the 12:15 mark of the second period. Brent Olson fed Brian Gineo at the point, and Gineo fired a slap shot that was redirected by Medenwaldt at the top of the crease. The Dinos again answered as Lucas scored at the 17:26 mark. After a turnover in the neutral zone, Calgary's Travis Friedley found Lucas who scored from the high slot.

Air Force took control with a pair of power-play goals early in the third period. Sophomore Mike Phillipich netted the game-winner at the 1:24 mark. His shot from the slot came from Ramsey and freshman Jeff Hajner with 11 seconds remaining on the power play.

After back-to-back Dino penalties, the Falcons took advantage of a 5-on-3 opportunity. The Falcons patiently moved the puck around the perimeter before Michael Mayra fired a slap shot that hit the left post. The puck kicked out to the right side and Ramsey put back the rebound for a 4-2 lead.

In his collegiate debut between the pipes, Volkening kept the nets clean by stopping all 10 Dino shots in the final period.

"We have great depth and it showed tonight," head coach Frank Serratore said. "There is no drop-off in our forward lines or our defense. I was pleased with the goaltending as well. 

"We'll find out where we are on the food chain on Friday. (Colorado College) will have speed like we may not see the rest of the season. We look forward to the challenge," coach Serratore said. 

The Air Force out-shot Calgary, 49-22 in the game. The academy had a 20-5 advantage after one period. Foster made eight saves while allowing one goal in 30 minutes. Volkening made 12 stops while allowing one goal in 30 minutes. Talbot started the game for the Dinos, stopping 24 of the 25 shots he faced. McLaughlin had 21 saves and gave up three goals.

The Falcons were 2-for-8 on the power play while Calgary was 1-for-7.

The Air Force opens the 2006-2007 regular season against 15th-ranked Colorado College Oct. 6 at 7:05 p.m. in the Cadet Ice Arena. The Falcons then host Alabama-Huntsville Oct. 8 at 5:05 p.m.