Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Lakers Men's Ice Hockey team faced the RPI Engineers on Saturday night.  Despite a strong start and a multi-point effort from Dominik Bartecko, the Lakers couldn't hold off RPI's late surge, falling 5-2. 

How It Happened: 

The Lakers opened the scoring early in the first period when Dominik Bartecko netted his fourth goal of the season at 2:06, assisted by Spencer Smith and Riley Fitzgerald. However, RPI tied the game at 4:01, with Jakob Lee scoring off assists from Rainers Rullers and Tyler Hotson. 

RPI took their first lead at 13:54 of the second period with an even-strength goal by Tyler Hotson, assisted by Brody Maguire and Jakob Lee. Mercyhurst responded on the power play at 17:11, as Bartecko tallied his second goal of the night, with assists from Steven Agriogianis and Dustin Geregach, tying the game at 2-2 heading into the final frame. 

In the third period, RPI regained the lead at 13:54 with a game-winning goal from Jack Brackett, assisted by Dovar Tinling and Felix Caron. The Engineers sealed the game with two empty-net goals, one by Brad McNeil at 17:39 and the other by Felix Caron at 18:17. 

Notable Performances: 

• Dominik Bartecko led the Lakers with two goals, bringing his season total to five. 

• Steven Agriogianis and Dustin Geregach each added assists on Bartecko's power-play goal. 

• Goaltender Michael Chambre made 39 saves in his first career start.   

• Jake Beaune, Jaryd Sych, and Dustin Geregach each blocked three shots. 

Up Next: 

Mercyhurst will be off until January 3rd and 4th when they travel to Minneapolis for a matchup with #1 Minnesota.  Puck drop for game one is set for 7:00 PM.