Springfield, Mass.—The Mercyhurst Men's Hockey team fell to AIC in the first game of the weekend series by a score of 5-4.
How it Happened
For the tenth time this season the Lakers opened the scoring. Dante Sheriff netted his fourth goal of the season as he took a low shot on the rush that beat the goalie on the far side.
AIC scored twice after the Lakers opened the scoring including one power play goal and an even strength goal at the 15:43 mark of the period.
The second period was a good ole' track meet as the teams combined for six goals. Just 1:41 into the middle frame AIC made their lead two.
Just over five minutes later, Kyler Head drove to the net and beat the netminder with a one handed back hand shot. Geoff Kitt and Paul Maust picked up assists on Head's second goal of the year.
At the midway point of the game Josh McDougall tied the game at three as the puck found its way by the Yellow Jacket goalie. In his first game in 2022 Carson Briere picked up an assist while Noah Kane also earned his eighth assist of the season.
AIC took their lead back less than a minute later, on a penalty shot.
The scoring in the middle frame wasn't done. Devon Daniels flipped the puck over the fore check and Steven Ipri beat a defender and drove to the net to tie the game at four.
Before the end of the period the Yellow Jackets scored once more to take the 5-4 lead.
After two periods, Hank Johnson had 20 saves as the Lakers were being outshot 24-11.
The third period was full of chances for both teams but neither team could score. The Lakers had a couple chances with Johnson pulled in the last 30 seconds but could not beat the netminder.
Johnson made 32 saves in the loss, it is his eighth time this season in which he made 30 or more saves.
The two teams will close out the weekend series tomorrow at 1:05 PM.
