ERIE, Pa. — The Mercyhurst men's ice hockey team fell to Bentley, 7-2, on Saturday at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. 

The game began with a quick strike from the visiting team, as Bentley scored just 31 seconds into the first period, putting the Green and Blue behind early. The Falcons capitalized on the momentum and added a second goal at 15:55 extending their advantage.

Mercyhurst attempted to respond, creating opportunities through shots by Lukas Klemm and Kaden Muir, but Bentley's defense and goaltending held firm. In the closing moments of the period, the Falcons increased their lead to 3-0. The Lakers entered the intermission trailing by three, with efforts to break through the Bentley defense yet to yield results.

The second period proved to be exciting as it included five penalties between both sides. Early in the period, the Falcons capitalized on a power-play opportunity after Brendan Lamb was sent to the box for boarding. The Green and Blue responded just minutes later with a power-play goal from Will Schumacher, marking his fourth of the season. He was assisted by Dominik Bartecko and Trent Sambrook, cutting the deficit to three goals.

Just seconds after he scored, Schumacher was booked on a five minute major for hitting from behind. Midway through the period, Christian Kocsis found a dangerous shot on net. The Falcons were called for a delay of game penalty as a skater prevented the puck from going in. Kocsis was awarded a penalty shot, scoring the first goal of his career and bringing the score to 5-2. However, Bentley regained control with another goal during a power play. The goal was quickly followed by an even-strength goal, closing the period at 6-2 in favor of Bentley. The Lakers ended the period down by four, looking to regroup for the final period.

The third period began with the Lakers winning the opening faceoff, but Bentley quickly applied pressure with multiple shots. Mercyhurst's defense responded effectively, with Salvatore Evola making several key saves, and Klemm and Sambrook blocking shots to maintain defensive stability.

Midway through the period, the Green and Blue went on a power play following a penalty on Bentley, but they were unable to capitalize, with their shots being saved by Bentley's goaltender. Despite continued efforts, Mercyhurst could not penetrate the opponent's defense.

In the closing seconds, Bentley extended their lead with a goal at even strength. The period concluded with Bentley leading 7-2.

Schumacher scored once on five shots. Kocsis found the back of the net, enhancing the team's offensive play. Bartecko recorded one assist and maintained a perfect faceoff percentage, winning his only attempt. Barrett Brooks led the team in blocked shots with four and posted a 60% success rate in faceoffs, winning three of five. Evola finished with 17 saves over two periods.

The Lakers will travel to RIT next week as they continue conference play.