Jan. 6, 2006

Box Score

West Point, N.Y. - Army scored three times in the second period and went on from there to defeat Mercyhurst 5-0 Friday night before 2,012 fans at Tate Rink and a national television audience. Mercyhurst dropped to 11-7-0 overall and to 10-3-0 in Atlantic Hockey while Army improved to 5-11-3 and 3-6-3 respectively. The Black Knights also snapped their six-game losing streak to Mercyhurst as they won for only the third time in 16 meetings all-time. Army hadn't defeated Mercyhurst since taking a 6-3 decision at home on February 22, 2003.

After a scoreless first period, Army erupted for two power play goals and converted a last-minute penalty shot, all in the middle frame, to break the game open. The Black Knights added two more goals in the third to finish the scoring. Five different players scored goals for Army.

Mercyhurst, idle for nearly a month, entered the game with the #1 offense in Division I (4.65) and the #2 power play (24.4%), but Army didn't follow the script. Although Mercyhurst outshot the Black Knights 36-32, including a 16-6 advantage in the third period, it couldn't solve Army senior netminder Brad Roberts. Meanwhile, Mercyhurst junior goaltender Mike Ella stopped 27 shots in losing for the first time in his last five decisions. Army cashed two of five power play chances while Mercyhurst failed in four attempts.

Mercyhurst head coach Rick Gotkin was disappointed to lose, but saw some positives; "First of all, Army, led by Brad Roberts, played great. I liked the effort our team gave. We just have to find a way to put some pucks in the net tomorrow night."

The shutout was Army's first-ever against Mercyhurst and the first against the Lakers since a 0-0 overtime tie at Robert Morris January 9 of last year.

Army is now 3-5-0 all-time against the Lakers at home as second-year head coach Brian Riley picked up his first win over Mercyhurst in four attempts. Army, however, is winless in Erie in eight contests.

The Lakers will look for a split Saturday when the two teams conclude the weekend set at 7:00pm.